Baltimore Orioles search for answers and optimism: 4/29/18
The Orioles attempted to weather the storm tonight in Baltimore but realized quickly that it will take more than just a Herculean effort from the likes of Manny Machado. Baltimore was feeling good about a 6-0 victory Friday night, but were cautiously optimistic heading into tonight’s game with Detroit, amidst the weather that was in the forecast for the game. When things were all said and done however, the Baltimore Orioles were left with more questions than answers and more reasons to be pessimistic than optimistic. If Danny Valencia can not fill the void until Tim Beckham comes back, then who will? If Craig Gentry can not do the one thing he was brought in to do and that is play defense, then who? If Andrew Cashner the number two in the rotation pitches like this then who will step up to produce for the rotation? Who will step up aside from the star players? The team does not have the depth it has had in years past, so it will take contributions from any and every Oriole player that steps out onto the field.
Despite all of these questions that were brought about after the game, the Orioles still have a reason to be somewhat optimistic and still have an opportunity to make a run.
The offense showed signs of life in the 7th inning. They have a chance to take the rubber match against Detroit, as well as a chance to end the homestand on a positive note before heading to the west coast, with help right around the corner coming from the return of Mark Trumbo and Jonathan Schoop.
Talking to Tom Davis from “Wall-to-Wall Baseball” on MASN, I asked him about the state of the Orioles and he gave me an interesting stat during the game, he said “the Orioles are 1-13 in games that they give up five or more runs”. After tonight’s game 1-14 when giving up 5 or more runs. It is difficult to have faith in this team after about a month’s worth of games (7-20 record), but there is a lot of baseball to be played in Charm City and anything can happen.
