BLOG: 82 Wins For The Orioles? Not This Year
Prior to the 2011 Major League Baseball season, I predicted the Orioles would win 82 games. Looking at the roster with a nice mix of young players and proven vets, I thought that was a reachable total. When the Birds got off to a fast 6-1 start, I was thinking 82 wins might be a little on the low side.
Unfortunately, since that fine start, Baltimore's season has spiraled out of control. After Tuesday night's 4-2 loss to the defending American League Champion Texas Rangers, the Orioles are now a season-high 11 games under .500. The reasons for the poor record are plentiful. Injuries, poor pitching, the inabililty to hit in key situations and shaky defense are all contributing factors to the team's last place performance.
With the exception of rookie Zach Britton and veteran Jeremy Guthrie, the starting pitching has been dreadful. Brian Matusz was considered to be one of the top young left-handed pitchers in baseball. After missing the first two months of the season with an intercostal muscle strain, Matusz returned to the rotation and was horrible. Minus a few miles on his fastball, Matusz was knocked around so severely, he was sent to minors. Same goes for Chris Tillman.
Off-season free agent acquisitions DH Vladimir Guerrero and 1B Derrek Lee have been big disappointments. 3B Mark Reynolds and SS J.J. Hardy were acquired via trade and have performed admirably for Baltimore. Reynolds, who leads the team in HR's, also leads the majors in errors.
Brian Roberts continues to miss time with a concussion. The two-time AL All-Star second baseman has been beset by injuries for the last two seasons. His return to the Oriole lineup in not expected anytime soon. Pitcher Justin Duchscherer was signed prior to spring training to add depth to the rotation. Because of hip problems, he has yet to throw a pitch for the team.
There have been some bright spots for the Orioles. Catcher Matt Wieters made his first All-Star team. CF Adam Jones has blossomed into the team's best player and , after a slow start, Nick Markakis has started to hit like he is expected to.
The Orioles came into this season with higher expectations than they have had in years. After 13 straight losing seasons, this was going to be the year the Birds get back to respectability. After watching Baltimore for 83 games in 2011, I don't expect 82 wins any more. I expect yet another losing record and last place finish.
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