37 replies to this topic

[BSLChrisStoner]

If Hammel and Chen can continue to be sub 4 ERA pitcher and one of Arrieta or BMat does the same, this team is totally different in terms of their expectations.

But those are big ifs and we just need to see more of everyone.

Health also needs to be on our side..obviously.

Right, health and the rotation are the real keys.

[BSLChrisStoner]

The O's are now 9-3-1 in all series.

[BSLChrisStoner]

Camden Depot: Orioles 2005 and 2012 seasons: Apple and Oranges? (Pt I)
http://camdendepot.b...-apple-and.html

[BSLChrisStoner]

Camden Crazies: How For Real are The Orioles?
http://www.camdencra...he-orioles.html

Camden Crazies: How For Real are The Orioles Pitchers?
http://www.camdencra...s-pitchers.html

[BSLChrisStoner]

Dempsey's Army: Is it 2005 all over again?
http://dempseysarmy....over-again.html

[BSLChrisStoner]

The magic number for the 2nd Wild Card is probably around 89 wins.

As of today, the O's are 26-14. To finish with 89 wins, the O's will have to go 63-59 the rest of the way.

That is looking increasingly reachable.

[You Play to Win the Game]

Hammel and Chen continuing to pitch well, even though it's highly unlikely they'll be as great as they have been, will go a long way. The other key is one of Matusz/Arrieta stepping up, and Britton being productive upon his return. Lastly, the defense will need to be much better, and I think it could be if Buck plays it right. Just one game, but Betemit and Davis did well holding the corners down last night.

I think these next 40 games should be interesting. We passed the first 40 in flying colors, against very tough competition. In this next 40, we play Boston twice, the Angels, and a couple other tough opponents, but by and large, on paper, it is much more favorable then the first 40. Of course, in baseball, it all comes down to how well the opposing pitcher is performing at that time, so we'll see what these next 40 have in store. For now, let's get out of D.C. with at least one out of these next two.

[BSLChrisStoner]

The magic number for the 2nd Wild Card is probably around 89 wins.

As of today, the O's are 26-14. To finish with 89 wins, the O's will have to go 63-59 the rest of the way.

That is looking increasingly reachable.

27-14.

62-59, now what is needed to finish with 89 wins.

[JeffLong]

Interesting piece from Paul Swydan via ESPN:

http://insider.espn.... ... record-mlb

What are your thoughts on Swydan's analysis?

[BSLChrisStoner]

Interesting piece from Paul Swydan via ESPN:

http://insider.espn.... ... record-mlb

What are your thoughts on Swydan's analysis?

I don't see the point of any discussion that begins with can the O's maintain their current .628 winning %? Of course they can not.

The interesting question to me, is what are the chances the O's can now finish with 81 to 89 wins?

The O's are now 27-16.
To finish .500 the O's have to go 54-65 the rest of the way.
To win 89, the O's have to go 62-57.

[Oriole85]

Not sure how much longer we can keep it up, when we are seeing most pitchers in the rotation have a ceiling of 6 innings and 7 if we are lucky. Last night was the first game I can recall where the 'pen gave him a lead of significance albeit the game wasn't over by any measure. The ''pen is going to be overtaxed in no time. Really need Matusz to go 7 tonight.

[BSLChrisStoner]

Not sure how much longer we can keep it up, when we are seeing most pitchers in the rotation have a ceiling of 6 innings and 7 if we are lucky. Last night was the first game I can recall where the 'pen gave him a lead of significance albeit the game wasn't over by any measure. The ''pen is going to be overtaxed in no time. Really need Matusz to go 7 tonight.

Off-days this Thursday, and next Thursday will help. O's starters are not going deep, but they are going deeper than last year.

As far as most of the guys having 'a ceiling of 6, and 7 if we are lucky', I believe the average start across baseball is within that range.

If you get Britton back in the next few weeks, and he replaces Hunter, with Hunter going to the pen; that should help as well.

[JeffLong]

I think we're really starting to miss Teagarden. When Wieters rests there is a noticeable decline in offense, defense and game calling.

Perfect example - Exposito called nearly 50% offspeed stuff for Chen against the Nats. Chen's FB is by far his best pitch, so why use it barely half the time?

[Oriole85]

Not sure how much longer we can keep it up, when we are seeing most pitchers in the rotation have a ceiling of 6 innings and 7 if we are lucky. Last night was the first game I can recall where the 'pen gave him a lead of significance albeit the game wasn't over by any measure. The ''pen is going to be overtaxed in no time. Really need Matusz to go 7 tonight.

Off-days this Thursday, and next Thursday will help. O's starters are not going deep, but they are going deeper than last year.

As far as most of the guys having 'a ceiling of 6, and 7 if we are lucky', I believe the average start across baseball is within that range.

If you get Britton back in the next few weeks, and he replaces Hunter, with Hunter going to the pen; that should help as well.

I was originally defending the starters as they were pitching deeper than they were expected. I believe they are still in the bottom 1/3 of the league in terms of IPs. Guess my expectations have been raised with the good start? And as you alluded to about the average start, I guess it's ok if you want to be an "average" team. In addition, I believe this team has played the most innings in baseball so they need to rely on the relievers more than most.

I agree with you on the off-days helping, they've had one postponement during this marathon stretch and have played a 15 and 17 inning games

In terms of Britton helping sure it helps, but you have to take into consideration, does everyone else stay healthy? A big if. Luke Jackson suggested on Twitter when Britton comes back that Hammel could be given some "rest." I think it's a possibility if he comes back sooner than later.

[BSLChrisStoner]

Baltimore Sports Report: How far can the 2012 Orioles go?
http://baltimorespor...s-go-28373.html

[bblontz]

I'd love to get everyone's take on our recent piece at Call to the Pen on the Orioles surprising start to the 2012 season. While the 'pen and other bats have certainly contributed, our staff writer, Doug Wachter, believes the O's success in 2012 and beyond is tied to Wieters and Jones.

http://calltothepen....hype-breakouts/

[BSLChrisStoner]

Baseball Reflections: The Orioles are flying high, but how long before their wings are clipped?
http://baseballrefle...gs-get-clipped/

[You Play to Win the Game]

Baseball Reflections: The Orioles are flying high, but how long before their wings are clipped?
http://baseballrefle...gs-get-clipped/

Not a bad write up, but they should have at least mentioned that we have sort of an unknown in Britton coming up soon. He's very talented, but he's also inexperienced. If things go well for him, he could really help stabilize this rotation.

Furthermore, no mention of the issues around Hammel's knee, and Chen's first summer here in Baltimore. His general point is correct, there rotation is worrisome, but there is some potential with this group. We'll see.