Rob Long: After All Of That, Orioles In AL East Race
The Baltimore Orioles have taken their fans on an emotional roller coaster during the 2013 season. They've witnessed blown saves, losing streaks, cold bats and players on the disabled list.
The American League East is seemingly the toughest division in baseball and consistency is critical. It's tough to look at the O's as being consistent if you've lived through what's going on in Birdland, but the standings suggest it's true. The O's, unlike everyone else in the East, haven't gone on a long winning streak yet. They've managed to grind it out to be where they are right now and that's in striking distance of first place in the division.
You can look at the schedule and concern yourself with how tough it is or you can get excited knowing this team is due for an extremely hot streak while playing the teams they need to beat to return to the play-offs.
Three weeks ago, fans were concerned that the return of Brian Roberts was messing with the chemistry of the team. Today, B-Rob has proven to be a boost in the line-up and a steady force in the field.
It seems like yesterday we were complaining about Adam Jones' plate discipline. Since that time, he's been more patient at the plate and the productivity is evident of that.
The starting pitching has been better than just decent lately. That's going to be important as they get ready to take on the American League East.
The three game sweep of the Texas Rangers was huge coming out of the All-Star break and with the a four game series in Kansas City against the Royals, the Birds can really take care of their own business.
