Good points Bill. Pretty sad state of affairs when all the O's have to play for is 4th place. I've been an O's fan since the age of 10-over 40 years now and the last 10 have obviously been the low point. Even the optimism this year has been tempered by the slump and regression of our starters and numeorus injuries to the pitchers, especially Lowen whose career may be over.
I've been to OPCY a few times and even back when Cal was winding down, there wasn't the real buzz in the park and things have slowed down even more since. It's a real shame because it's still one of the best parks but without fan interest, something is definitely missing. You can't blame the fans I suppose-most want a winning team or at least some signs of a turnaround in the near future. I'm not sure I see a competitive team any time soon. We have far too many holes to fill-for example-at least 3 starters, SS, 1B, corner OF and a bench...Ironically, our 'strong point' is the 'pen, '07's achilles heal but these guys are already burned out from the starters going 5 Innings or less.
Does't look like the Ravens are going to be that good either but at least they've had some recent success.
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Terry,
It's tough for the fans to do but they have to focus on what happens off the field for the Orioles as much as on. As far as the Ravens are concerned, they are lucky that there's no dominant team in their division and they have the edge of scheduling.
-- Bill O.

Nobody likes to be in the cellar. Its no t fun. We have been through this for too many years, with an occassional tease of good ball playing. However, it does appear that they are firmly committed to rebuilding a team the right way. If you take a trip to the farm system, they have some very bright spots. That is something that has hurt. Their farm was trash and they were putting major league rejects into their AAA club, just trying to compete. All we can do is wait and hope the Angelos family leave Andy allow to stay on his plan.
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Capt.,
You're right ... the hard thing to do is to ask these fans to show even more patience. But that's exactly what's needed.
-- Bill O.

I have no problem being patient. Even though that's what's been asked of us for about a decade. But a beer is $7 win, lose, or lose miserably. Win or lose is ok and generally worth the investment of time and money. Losing miserably, however, is not worth a minute or a penny. And losing miserably has been the Orioles late-summer MO for quite a while. I am pretty satisfied with the way this season has unfolded, especially given the pre-season predictions. However the only thing that will make me believe, as it has come to this, that this team is capable of playing competitively July thru Sept. is actually playing competitively July thru Sept.
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Alex,
You deserve credit for even knowing how much a beer costs at these games. You're right, the proof is in the performance.
-- Bill O.

I have to say as a long time Orioles fan that I like what has happened off the field as much as on. We started the year with a difficult decision to cut Jay Gibbons which we as a team did. This paved the way and cut the ribbon on this effort. Along the way we've found a few gems and had a few set backs. I'm a 13 game plan holder and we have a dugout club kid in the family - We've really gotten into the club - But I have to admit the Purple storm from Westminster does distract. I'm planning on going the rest of the season on my plan - I also plan on buying tickets for the last game of the season to show support for this effort - Good blog article - lots of good input
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Jack,
Thanks for the kind words.
-- Bill O.

Why does Angelos so tenaciously hang on to this team?
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Bobbi,
Owners do that.
-- Bill O.

Sorry, O, I meant to add the sentence: "Why doesn't he do the RIGHT thing (meaning give it up for the sake of the greater good already)?
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Bobbi,
I answered your first note before I saw this one. Right now, I think most Orioles fans are hoping that the owner allows MacPhail to do his job.
-- Bill O.

OK, Bill what's you point ? The O's ARE playing better ... pitching better (for the most part) .. give them a break !! Did you ever play any sport or just try to write zoning meeting articles ... 8^(
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Thom,
I did a fair number of homicide articles. Seriously, though, I think I did make the point that the team was considerably ahead of preseason projections.
-- Bill O.