With their losses the past two nights, 6-5 and 11-6, the Orioles have now dropped 5 straight games, all at home. They'll go into today's game looking to snap not only that 5 game losing streak, but a 15 game Sunday-losing streak that ties a major league record.
And unfortunately, all this late July losing feels very familiar. It seems like the Orioles always play worse in the second half of the season, and so far, 2008 has been no different. The Orioles are 3-7 since the break, and take into consideration that this is all during the teams season-long 11 game homestand. They'll face another All-Star today in Ervin Santana, and Garrett Olson goes for the Birds.
While the starting pitching has been dreadful lately (minus Jeremy Guthrie), it is nice to see the offense hasn't completely fallen off the table. Aubrey Huff hit his 20th homer last night, which leads the team. Huff is a name that should be talked about a lot in these last 4 days before the deadline. Ramon Hernandez has played much better in June and July, and it should be interesting to see if teams have interest in him as well. Also look for lots of rumors on Kevin Millar, Jay Payton, and Chad Bradford.
The name you'll hear talked about the most this week from the O's though, is their lone All-Star representative, closer George Sherrill. His name has been mentioned in lots of trade rumors recently, and the Orioles are sure to listen to all offers until the deadline on the 31st.
I was lucky enough to get to talk to George's older brother Sid, who answered all questions from how tough it is to deal with the trade rumors, to George's time in the independent leagues. I'll post that interview with Sid either late tonight or early tomorrow, and it is really some good stuff. So look out for that.
Keywords: Baltimore Orioles
