The Orioles’ 6-1 start was surprising to fans and media alike. Even more surprising, though, may be the team’s current seven-game losing streak.
During the seven-game streak, the Birds haven’t been hitting very much. Worse than the hitting has been the pitching.
After starting the season with brilliance, the starting staff has struggled to get deep in to games. As the starting pitching falters, the bullpen then becomes overused making the pitching staff very average.
The question that I have at this point in the season would be was the O’s hot start an aberration or is the losing streak an aberration? The other option is that they’re somewhere in the middle.
When the season started, I thought the Birds wouldn’t get off to the start that they did, but I also didn’t envision a prolonged losing streak. It brings me back to my original conclusion that the Birds will win anywhere between 78 and 82 games.
This team isn’t going to the playoffs. It is an average team that has to continue to cultivate its young talent. Baltimore will have a better team next year based on the development of Brian Matusz (when healthy), Zach Britton and Adam Jones, but right now it’s a mix of veterans and players still finding their way.
I would say not to panic and to just let the season play out.
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