Bob Haynie: The Orioles Are Alright, So Far
The first week of the 2012 MLB season has been an eventful one for the Baltimore Orioles. Things started great with a three-game sweep of the Minnesota Twins at Camden Yards. That series featured outstanding starting pitching efforts from Jake Arrieta, Tommy Hunter and Jason Hammel. In Hammel's case, he tossed a no-hitter through seven innings as he won his Baltimore debut.
Then the Yankees came to town.
As we all know, New York has dominated the Birds in recent years. And when they come to town, they bring a lot of noisy fans with them. Well, things held true to form as the Bronx Bombers swept the series at "Yankee Stadium South".
There were some positives to come from the loses, however. The Orioles lost two of the games in extra innings. Games they should have won, actually. They did not quit and certainly did not seem to be intimidated by the defending AL East champs. Arrieta pitched well again and lefty Wei-Yin Chen, after a shaky beginning, settled down and looked like a major league pitcher.
Of course, there are some concerns. SP Brian Matusz was ineffective in his outing. He really needs to be a positive factor for the Orioles in 2012. 3B Mark Reynolds has been bad with both the bat and glove and, as a team, Baltimore is not doing the job hitting with runners in scoring position.
This weekend, the Birds are in Toronto taking on the Blue Jays. They have been kicking some Oriole tail, as well. So, the season is only a week old and we have seen some good and some bad.
So far, I think the Orioles are alright.
BH
