Bob Haynie: It's Great To Be In A Pennant Race
For the first time since 1997, the Baltimore Orioles are playing games in September that mean something.
To them.
No longer spoilers, the Birds a are team in control of their own destiny.
Baltimore went 5-2 over the last seven games against the division-leading Chicago White Sox and New York Yankees.
After a three-game set in Toronto against the fading Blue Jays, the Orioles come back to Camden Yards for a massive four-game series against the Yanks.
Let's be honest, the Yankees have been bitten by the injury bug and are not exactly the powerhouse team they have been in the past.
But they are in first place and they have owned the Orioles for more than a decade. To win all three series in the Bronx this year has been quite an accomplishment for manager Buck Showalter and his team.
Now it's on the Birds to defend their home turf.
After New York, the Tampa Bay Rays visit for a big three-game tilt. Then it's off to Oakland to take on the wild-card leading A's.
Saying the A's are hot, would be an understatement.
I have been on the airwaves of Baltimore since late 1998. I have never covered a winning Orioles team. Much less one that is in pennant contention.
This season has been great, to say the least.
However, there is still plenty of work to be done before we can make playoff plans.
I don't know about you, but I am looking forward to every pitch in September.
It's been a long time since I've been able to say that.
BH
