23 replies to this topic

[Mike B]

True enough. It is pretty damn cool, to be at the end of July, and a potential .500 season to be the silver lining. Especially since we entered this season, with Vegas setting the over/under for wins at 69.5.

The Orioles have made it to Ravens training camp and are still relevant. It does not sound like much but it is an accomplishment based on the last 14 years.

[DJ MC]

The Orioles have made it to Ravens training camp and are still relevant. It does not sound like much but it is an accomplishment based on the last 14 years.

When does training camp start again?

Oh wait...who the hell cares!

[Nuclear Dish]

First of all, I object to the premise of the topic. Why countdown to 81 and not to 82? I am not interested in a non-losing season. I am interested in a winning season.

Only 5 days ago, you all would have been quite happy to discuss 81 as a legitimate goal. 5 games and everyone is back on the bandwagon?

Not me. Sorry. I retain my hope that this season will be something special, and I am thoroughly enjoying how special it's been to this point. But I just don't think this team is all that likely to get to 87-89 wins.

At 51-44 right now, just maintaining the current pace for the rest of the season puts us at 87 wins. The schedule the rest of the way is a lot harder than MIN and CLE.

I have maintained all season that this team's true talent level is that of a 75-win team that played over its head for the first couple months. If we were to play at that level (.463) the rest of the way, we'd end up with 82 wins.

So I think that that's my goal right now. 82 wins makes this a very successful season. Anything else is gravy.

[Oriole85]

Yeah, I can't get on board with a countdown to 81. I mean I understand it's significance to O's fans, but to be quite blunt, it's a loser mentality for this to be some kind of goal. I can honestly say that if we end up winning 80 games vs 81 it's not going to make any difference to me.

81>80, that being said if we reverted back to ~70 win teams all you would hear is the Orioles fielded losing teams in all but one year over the past ___ years. Just doesn't allow the media to use the word consecutive anymore.