ChrisBunting.com

I’ve been following the Orioles games over the past few weeks, tuning in occassionally to see if they’ve regained that spark that they had throughout the first part of the season, and I’ve been extremely disappointed in what I’ve seen. The O’s are a completely different team now, struggling to compete with any team they play, even against teams that are struggling in their division. So I had to make a list (to let out my frustration) of why the Orioles are doing so poorly, and why they won’t make it to the postseason:

The team’s pitching is horribly inconsistent

I probably could have ended at “horrible,” but there have been times lately where the O’s pitching staff have pitched some excellent games, only to watch the lackluster offense fail to provide any run support, ending in a loss. But when they aren’t pitching well, they aren’t pitching well, usually giving up 4 or more runs in the first few innings, which makes it ever so easy for the opposing team to get the win. The most frustrating thing that has become a theme with all of the O’s pitchers are the free passes that are handed out to opposing hitters, when the pitcher can’t seem to find the damn strike zone. More importantly, a high percentage of these walks that are given out end up coming in to score. When you’re giving up free runs, you’re rarely going to win.

Live by the home run, die by the home run

That especially holds true when you fail to hit home runs. The O’s seemed to be able to produce the round-tripper early in the season, but have faltered as of late. The offense needs to focus more on getting base hits, instead of everyone trying to pound the ball out of the ball park. I’ve seen more fly balls lately that result in stranded base runners, and if you’re not hitting home runs, and you’re not getting hits when runners are on base, exactly how do you plan on scoring? You just don’t.

Mazilli lacks intensity

When a team goes into a slump, it’s usually helpful if you have a player or a manager that can light a fire under everyone and build a desire to turn things around. Tejada, without a doubt, has been that fire for the Orioles this year. Unfortunately, one man can only carry the torch for so long, especially if he starts slumping some himself. In that case, I would expect the manager to step up and start demanding more of his ballclub, or at least give the team the push it needs so they at least start acting like they care that they keep losing. There seems to be a very complacent attitude in the clubhouse and the feeling that things will just turn around eventually. Um, no. I don’t care if it takes these guys getting angry, but at least show some life, some desire, some passion, something! The only ones that can turn the Orioles around are the Orioles, and time’s a wastin’.

The biggest job is reducing the LOB

A perfect example of this point actually occurred in tonight’s game. The Orioles were playing the Texas Rangers, and were in desperate need of starting another winning streak. Thanks to an untimely collapse by Bruce Chen, the Rangers were able to get back into the game, and eventually take a one-run lead. Miguel Tejada came to bat three times with the bases loaded and two outs. Three times! Normally, he’s the one we would want in that position. Not last night, though. Tejada flew out twice and struck out once, failing to push a tying (or later in the game) or winning run across. The Rangers capitalized on that, with a 3-run home run in the 11th to win the game. The Orioles have left numerous runners on base since their collapse following the All-Star break, and many of these games have been decided by one run. The offense has simply fallen flat on its face…

The bullpen is atrocious

If there’s anything that frustrates me more then the lack of hitting, it’s a bullpen that can’t close out games when handed a lead. Even our dominant closer, B.J. Ryan, failed to secure a win in one of the first games after the break, when the Twins were able to score two runs in the ninth to win the game. And don’t get me started on that lunatic Steve Kline! Left-handed specialist my ass! Even worse is the fact that he looks like he’s about to go ballistic on someone everytime he gives up a hit or a run late in the game (which he does often). He is nothing but a liability, and the O’s need to send him on his way.

Trading positive prospects, holding onto poor performers

All this talk about trading Larry Bigbie or one of our young pitching talents is really irking me. I can’t see any upside or benefit to the team from any of the trade rumors that have surfaced thus far. Especially when the trades don’t have anything to do with pitching. Our offense is potent. At least, it can be and will be again. Our pitching, on the other hand, has always been flaky. The Orioles really need some aces on the staff to give the team a better chance at winning games, especially when they’re not scoring many runs. Why are we holding onto Kline? I believe he has a no-trade clause, but I’d rather just dump him or send him down then allow him to keep giving up late inning runs whenever he pitches.

Fun while it lasted?

I know it’s easy to start kicking a team when it’s down, but I had to get that off my chest. The O’s had played so well in the first half, and I know they are a postseason contender with the talent that they have. There have got to be some changes made, and I feel like the above list illustrates some fairly obvious ones. I hope to see the O’s back atop the AL East this season, where they should be.