| 17 July 2009
The second half of the season for the Baltimore Orioles kicks off today as they head out to the Windy City to face the White Sox, but right now, we are in the All-Star break.
That being said, the Orioles are 40-48, and miles away from contending. As fans, what do we expect from Baltimore in the second half? Another second half swoon? Who stays, who goes? Who do you want to see come up from the minors (Tillman, Arrieta)? Does Trembley stick around for 2010?
Finally, do you like the job Andy MacPhail has done so far? Well, in my opinion, the Orioles are exactly where they should be; however, some guys have been pulling their weight, and some have really not.
I'm still all for Andy MacPhail's plan -- the organization is a lot better from the top of the bottom, the young talent are finally getting their due, and the Orioles are staying away from costly motakes (big contracts to guys over the hill) that would cripple them for years to come.
We start the second half off away from the comfy confines of Camden Yards against the White Sox, then the Yankees, and the road trip ends in Baltimore's personal hell -- Boston. How the Orioles finish this trip will say a lot about how the team will finish in 2008 and should tell us if reinforcements are needed from the farm. So, far with the Orioles there a some positives, and negatives.
Positives: Right now, Adam Jones is having himself a solid year (although I think he's regressed some from his blistering start), Luke Scott is hitting like an All-Star at the plate, Bergesen is getting guys out, and the duo of Jim Johnson along with George Sherrill are closing out games.
Negatives: Honestly, there a lot of guys on this team not doing their jobs. Huff is hitting, but perhaps only at a slightly above average clip, Mora is close to the end of the road, Markakis is a tad underwhelming and Matt Wieters along with Nolan Reimold are running to into struggles as everyday players. In addition, the biggest disappointment with the offense may be Roberts, who seemingly has been mired in a month long slump (and while he's hit the ball hard at times) -- our second baseman may not be playing up to his abilities, much less his contract. One has to wonder if Chris Ray will find his way again, and if the bullpen will hold up in the brutal Mid-Atlantic summer.
As well, some guys have made the habit of running the Orioles out of innings, and are woefully inefficient with men-in-scoring position.
The pitching has been a big let down, as Guthrie has been up and all this season, Koji Uehara is on the shelf along with Alfredo Simon (who is out for the season). As we know, Adam Eaton is gone and still grabbing a hefty pay check from the Phillies, and Mark Hendrickson is thriving in the bullpen; however, out of the struggles this year from Baltimore may come the 'calvary' from the farm system.
There's talk of Chris Tillman coming up soon -- perhaps as early as the end of the month -- but, the team also has Jake Arrieta, Brian Matusz, and some other reinforcements coming up. While the Orioles may still struggle, we've got some young arms on the way, and Thank God no retreads.
Do I see Baltimore finishing above .500 this season, no; I see them winning about 75 games (while playing a tad better in the second half) and the bats will pick up.
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