The Baltimore Orioles Thread (merged)

[JDPNYY]

If the Yanks don't win it, I will root for Baltimore since their fans and city are more loyal than the ungrateful Tampa fans who hardly come out to see them unless they are playing New York or Boston.

Have you had a chance to take notice of the Orioles attendance?

[MelmoandMiggy]

Attendance has actually been decent for a team coming off 14 straight losing seasons (averaging 24k) and was right around that level for a few weeks leading up to this past home series against Chicago, when it was practically impossible to park or drive near Camden Yards due to set up for the Baltimore Grand Prix. Place will absolutely be packed down the stretch as the Orioles stay in it. 30k minimum from here on out, assuming they're still within a game or two of the playoffs, is my guess.

[Snatch Catch]

I have absolutely zero concern about the Orioles. None. They're on a cute run here, but that's about it.

[NelsonMuntz]

I have absolutely zero concern about the Orioles. None. They're on a cute run here, but that's about it.

I don't know Snatch. Even the SABR community is starting to take them seriously:
http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/...oing-anywheree
http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index...g-expectation/

Even if their season has been an extended "fluke" up to this point, they've put themselves in a good position to make the postseason given how poorly the Yankees have been playing recently.

[Snatch Catch]

Even if their season has been an extended "fluke" up to this point, they've put themselves in a good position to make the postseason given how poorly the Yankees have been playing recently.

This part I don't disagree with. I'm certainly concerned about what the Yankees are doing/going to do.

I'm just not concerned with the Orioles at all.

[Yankee Fan in Boston]

I don't know Snatch. Even the SABR community is starting to take them seriously:
http://www.grantland.com/story/_/id/...oing-anywheree
http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index...g-expectation/

Even if their season has been an extended "fluke" up to this point, they've put themselves in a good position to make the postseason given how poorly the Yankees have been playing recently.

Regardless of how the Yankees are doing, they are in a good position to make the playoffs. The Yankees have just given them a shot at the division. Even if they make and lose the one game playoff, it's a good year for them. I just don't like their chances next year if they don't improve -- I think they'll have a hard time repeating that combination of record and run differential.

[NelsonMuntz]

Regardless of how the Yankees are doing, they are in a good position to make the playoffs. The Yankees have just given them a shot at the division. Even if they make and lose the one game playoff, it's a good year for them. I just don't like their chances next year if they don't improve -- I think they'll have a hard time repeating that combination of record and run differential.

Agreed -- the Orioles are a safe bet to regress next year (all things being equal), but I can no longer dismiss them as a fluke for the remainder of the 2012 season. They have a legitimate shot at making the playoffs.

[Mr Coffee]

The O's still have a west coast trip to make. 9 games with the A's and M's, both who are playing well lately.

They also have six left against Tampa, including the last three games of the season.

I don't think they'll be able to sustain it through all that. Of course, I didn't think they'd still be in the hunt this late to begin with, so what do I know.

[b-ball-lunachick]

The O's still have a west coast trip to make. 9 games with the A's and M's, both who are playing well lately.

They also have six left against Tampa, including the last three games of the season.

I don't think they'll be able to sustain it through all that. Of course, I didn't think they'd still be in the hunt this late to begin with, so what do I know.

good points..

but what do we know..they are up 9-0 - seems like they are making some sort of statement or something...

[b-ball-lunachick]

Check that 11-0 - dang.

[GordonGecko]

Check that 11-0 - dang.

bobby jr is having a Buck Showalter themed orgy party right about now

[hongchihkuo]

anyone else rooting for Showalter? Let's go O's!

[Stick Michael]

anyone else rooting for Showalter? Let's go O's!

That will be an unpopular opinion on this site but, personally speaking, I'll always appreciate what Showalter did to bring the Yankees back to prominence after the team was the laughing stock of baseball between 1990-1991. That doesn't mean I'm rooting for his team (nothing personal) but it's not coincidence that Baltimore ditched the 'losing mentality' shortly after he arrived and is now in contention.

[b-ball-lunachick]

So does this mean that post is not viewed as baiting?

[Stick Michael]

So does this mean that post is not viewed as baiting?

His posting history speaks for itself. He apparently roots for the Mets and Orioles...and he was rooting for the Orioles back in April - long before they were thought to have a shot at the division. None of his comments about the Yankees have been incendiary in nature. He has also made fair commentary on other sports. I don't see a problem. Find someone that's here to piss people off and he'll be shown the door, but someone's fan allegiance doesn't make him/her a troll.

[GordonGecko]

Yeah it's all good, I'm happy for long suffering Orioles fans. But the Yankees have bottomed early and the reverse for the Orioles. I don't see this trend holding up for another month

[Blazer]

Better managerial signing

Buck S. or Bobby V.

[sweet_lou_14]

Better managerial signing

Buck S. or Bobby V.

That's a no-brainer.

However -- and trust me, I can't stand Bobby V. who is a first-class douche -- it is worth mentioning that Showalter has exactly the kind of roster Valentine wishes he had. Not a single overpaid, pampered veteran on that entire team. Showalter has been able to implement his philosophy however he likes without risking a clubhouse revolt from a bunch of primadonnas.

Bobby V. would have been a better fit for the O's than he's been for Boston, but Showalter is still a better fit for the O's than Valentine.

[Blazer]

That's a no-brainer.

However -- and trust me, I can't stand Bobby V. who is a first-class douche -- it is worth mentioning that Showalter has exactly the kind of roster Valentine wishes he had. Not a single overpaid, pampered veteran on that entire team. Showalter has been able to implement his philosophy however he likes without risking a clubhouse revolt from a bunch of primadonnas.

Bobby V. would have been a better fit for the O's than he's been for Boston, but Showalter is still a better fit for the O's than Valentine.

Thanks for a very well put response.

[ojo]

....i grew up in CT in the 70s and into the mid 80s..always been a Yankee fan. folks moved us to FL where i went to HS and college...i moved to Maryland with my then fiance...in part because Baltimore is an AL East city...and if i couldn't go back to CT at that time, at least i'd get my Yankees several times a year....

i moved here in '98.

this is the first time this town could give two craps about the Ravens' upcoming season. i mean, they still care about it, but it truly is a baseball-first town. i do feel good for them though. honestly.

i try to not mention it for fear of sounding patronizing though.

but yeah...last night's drubbing of a 3.20 ERA pitcher last night...if that wasn't a statement win..then i don't know what is.

[Mr Coffee]

anyone else rooting for Showalter? Let's go O's!

I'm pretty sure you guys weren't rooting for Mussina when he was here, so no.

[Jersey Yankee]

I'm pretty sure you guys weren't rooting for Mussina when he was here, so no.

Moose and Jeffrey Maier were likely their biggest pet peeves about the Yankees way back then.

The Yanks won and the O's lost, soooooooooooooo ... who's #1?!!!

[NerfBall55]

I have absolutely zero concern about the Orioles. None. They're on a cute run here, but that's about it.

I'm glad you posted this. I've felt the same way all along.

If I'm wrong, that's fine, but I just haven't found myself being concnerned. I'd love it if they were the WC and we won the division.

[4bronxbombers]

I agree. I'm not worried about the O's. There are other teams I'm more worried about.

[NelsonMuntz]

I'm glad you posted this. I've felt the same way all along.

If I'm wrong, that's fine, but I just haven't found myself being concnerned. I'd love it if they were the WC and we won the division.

The thing is, their lineup was always respectable and their bullpen is a legitimate strength. It's their starting pitching that was extremely suspect, but Chen has given them a legitimate #1 starter and Britton and Gonzalez seem to be blossoming at just the right time. I don't want it to be true but I really do not think this Orioles team is going to fade this year, especially when you factor in the surprising production they are getting from guys like Reynolds and McLouth.