Well, it’s a little over one month into the 09 baseball season, and I figured it’s about time I write something about the my observations of the Baltimore Orioles. Of course, it’s all opinion and we all know what opinions are like.
I look at the standings and the Orioles are perched in last place…and, according to the Orioles’ management, we’ve got everyone else in our sights. Unfortunately, that sight is far, far above us.
Can’t blame to top 3 batters…Roberts, Jones and Markakis are doing what they’re supposed to be doing…getting on base and “setting the table” for the power portion of the lineup. But, that’s not happening…is it the usual early season slump for some of the batters relied upon for the power in 2009? Maybe…but it’s is something, I think, inherent with the Orioles for the last couple of years…there’s no one in this lineup that other teams are “afraid” of…or leery of facing.
There’s no Manny, no A-Rod, no Pujols, no Howard, no Lee, no Chipper…in other words, no “Bopper.” Remember when it was Frank, Boog, Gus, Lee, Eddie, Cal or even Albert Belle for that matter, which you never wanted up with runners on base? Now, the Orioles have nothing like that, and, opposing pitchers, while still wary of the O’s 4, 5 & 6 batters, are not “shaking in their shoes” like they do against other lineups around the American League. The O’s 4, 5 & 6 batters are the guys who surround a Manny or Chipper so opposing teams cannot “pitch around” them.
Hopefully, Matt Weiters can fill that role in the next couple of years. Or maybe, we can develop enough in the minors, to have extra talent to trade for someone like this?
I know it’s only a month into the season, but if April was any indication, we’re in for a long season. Don’t give up, O’s fans; there is some light at the end of this decade-plus drought of a winner in Baltimore.
