A Team Full Of All Stars

With the All Star ballots announced today, it got me to thinking which Orioles might make it. Last season we had three All Stars in Jim Johnson, Adam Jones, and Matt Wieters, the most the Orioles had in seven seasons. With a different MVP every game, there are numerous names being bandied around.

A Fan’s Worst Nightmare: Walks!

How frustrating is it to watch walks? I can’t be the only fan who hates them. I can’t imagine how a manager or even fielders must feel watching your pitcher give up the game because of walks.

Sunday’s game was a mess with Jake Arrieta walking five and hitting one batter. Although he only gave up two hits, his inaccuracy (and that is putting it mildly) caused the Orioles to blow an early lead and fall to the Dodgers 7-4. He pitched 91 pitches and only lasted four innings. This early call to the bullpen came at an inopportune time in the Orioles schedule as they were at the early part of a 20-straight game stretch with no days off.

Bright Side Of The O’s

What a game last night! A walk off grand slam by Matt Wieters! Couldn’t have asked for anything better myself!

As promised, I will take a look at the positions/areas that are of great strength to the 2013 Orioles. The first thing that sticks out to me is the defense. After all, we had three Gold Glove winners in 2012 in Hardy, Jones, and Wieters. Wieters is one of the best catchers in baseball and so far in 2013 has thrown out 7 out of 9 runners attempting to steal; almost a sure throw out everytime!

Apply Within: Postions That Need To Be Filled

As much of an Orioles fan that I am, I cannot overlook a few areas that need improvement in 2013. In some cases, just practice and more game time would help; in other situations, some guys need to be demoted.

One of the most obvious positions that needs to be filled is second base. Ryan Flaherty has to go. He is batting with a .071 average, with only 2 hits this season- almost a sure out every time he gets up to the plate. And it isn’t like he is a rookie. Last season he batted .216 in 153 at bats, with 33 hits and 43 strikeouts. That’s right, 43 strikeouts. He might be a decent fielder, but he is not good enough defensively to make up for his poor performance at the plate. That leaves the Orioles with Alexi Casilla, who hasn’t lit the world on fire with his batting average in the past (.241 with the Twins in 2012), but already has 3 hits in his 11 at bats in 2013. Might as well give him a chance to play!

2013 Season- A Recap So Far

As I am writing this, the Orioles are standing in 3rd place in the AL East with a 6-6 record. That about sums up the early part of the 2013 season- some great highs, and some pretty bad lows that make for an average start. Chris Davis’ grand slam in the home opener at Camden Yards had me standing up cheering. The Adam Jones’ error in center field had me covering my eyes in disgust. Many fans, including me, are wondering which Orioles team will show up in 2013. The BuckleUp Birds from 2012 that took the MLB by surprise or the basement dwellers from the previous 14 seasons.

Welcome!

Welcome to my first ever blog! Please visit my About page to find information about me!

I am starting this site to blog about the Baltimore Orioles and other sports new. Bear with me as I am a rookie blogger!

I will focus on covering Orioles stories, but if I have an interesting article or opinion to share on another sports story, I might post that as well. Please feel free to leave comments or questions and I will try my best to respond to them all. Enjoy reading!