I've completely jumped on the Orioles bandwagon. (The Yankees bandwagon is full and why would you want to be on their bandwagon anyway?) Will I cheer for them after this season, no probably not. But for this season, they are a fun, scrappy team to follow. Looking at their roster, they do have good players, there's no name that screams superstar. (At least the Blue Jays have Jose Bautista.) Nick Markakis is on the verge of being a superstar, too bad he's missing time due to injury. The ageless one, Jim Thome, should be back soon. The Orioles continue to get by on guile and timely hitting.
The Orioles have been on an amazing streak in extra-inning games. They've won 14 straight extra-inning games, including their victory last night. Although they had to go 18 innings last night to get that win. With the Yankees rained out last night, the Orioles and Yankees are virtually tied for the AL East lead. I hope the Blue Jays can derail the Yankees at least once in the double header they are playing today.
The Orioles are enjoying one of their best seasons from the last several years. They already assured themselves that they finish above .500. In fact right now they are 20 games above .500 for the first time since the last game of the 1997 season. They are closing in on making the playoffs, also the last time they did that was in 1997. If they make the playoffs, the Orioles should be happy with that. It would be a big step forward. Unless something amazing happens I doubt they'll be winning the World Series.
One of the things I love most about the AL East is the Orioles could win that division. But so could the Yankees. Also both teams could get in the playoffs courtesy of the AL Wild Card or possibly neither team could even make the playoffs. Thus Baltimore winning that 18 inning marathon last night was so crucial for their playoff hopes.
In fact, I'm disappointed tonight's game ESPN is broadcasting is Rangers-Angels. Yawn! Maybe MLB Network will have the Orioles game.
Meanwhile the Bobby Valentine and Daisuke Matsuzaka (1-5 record) goodbye tour continues. The Red Sox have woke up from their mid-season swoon and have won 4 of their last 5 games. They've virtually knocked the Rays out of the playoff picture. According to espn.com, the Rays are down to a 3.3% chance of making the playoffs. I hope the Red Sox continue thwarting teams heading for the playoffs. Boston goes to New York for the final 3 games of the regular season. I'll never root against the Red Sox, but I do hope they are nice to the Orioles for their final 6 games they play this season.
Go Orioles!
themusicaddict
Go Orioles!
themusicaddict
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