DAN, I suggest they are feeding off each others performance right now and getting just enough offense..I also hope it is a natural progression of very talented young pitching, and lastly Wieters is so greatly improved handling the catching and game calling, perhaps at the temporary expense of his offense.. Buck has instilled some of his confidence and pride into them.. We all know we are a couple of pieces short so enjoy it while we can... I am still hoping for a FIELDER deal he is only 26..

I think it's because everyone knows they are playing for their job and that this particular manager has no ties to any player whatsoever. Trembley and Samuel (to an extent) were not strict enough w/their players. They are now realizing that if they don't perform, they don't belong in the majors and he will send any player down, regardless of whether they were a #1 overall draft pick or 3rd round pick.

I believe with Showalter as manager, the Orioles could have been a contending club, certainly one that exceeded .500 baseball this year.

Since Buck took over the job the O's are 16-10...and that is .615 baseball. The two top teams in all of the major leagues are Tampa and the Yankees...with .615 winning percentages.

If the O's pick up a #1 ace starter and a bonafide big bat in his prime 2011 could be interesting.

Almost as interesting as the next 31 games.

Dan,

I don't think Showalter came in and taught them all how to pitch. He does allow his starters to go longer and pitch out of trouble- which usually translates to a better bullpen- less appearances not overworked. The biggest difference is in attitude. The focus of the whole team is different. The change is simple- they now play to win instead of "not to lose" - Pitchers who make it tot the bigs have to strust thier stuff and let it go. I think earlier in the year there were trying to be too careful, knowing if they got int otrouble they were likely out of the game early. Now they let are "letting it rip" and realizing why they are i nthe bigs to begin with. It's all in the focus- do you want to be the next pitcher to win or the next one to not lose?

They are pitching better because they know if thery give a quality start, Buck will let them pitch deeper into the game. And that has happened alot in August. Not so with Trembley, who had his 7th, 8th, and 9th inning pitchers lined up in the bullpen ready to take over and blow the game.

The difference between Trembley and Buck is how the bullpen is managed, and Buck has outclassed DT by a wide margin.

It's a lot of things. The potential was always there. Like someone else said, they are all playing for their jobs. Maybe they have matured and learned from their mistakes earlier in the season. Maybe Buck is just that darn insprirational. Don't discount plain old luck either.

Divine Intervention? LOL

I think it is because Buck has told the pitchers what he expects , and what is necessary for them to be major league pitchers. Firstly the pitchers are responsible for their performance. Buck expects them to pitch deep into games, he expects them to be able to pitch, and think their way out of jams. They are not on an arbitrary 100 pitch count.
Buck makes much better use of the bullpen, so they are not worried as much about pitching well, and then watching the parade of relievers eventually reliquish the lead. The O's defense has been much better, and the team as a whole has played better under Buck (This is a big reason.)

The main thing that Buck brought to the team was his constant mentioning of the word "winning". For the last decade we have heard endless talk of playing hard, playing well, improving, and other non-offensive words that you can't argue with.

Buck talks about winning ballgames. Period. Fans and players were sick to death of hearing excuses and euphemisms for poor play.

Give players a goal of winning as the goal and they'll respond. They're professionals and want to be challenged, not pampered and "excused".

Hush!!! Don't jinks this!

Single biggest factor?

Wieters is learning how to call a good game. He's gained the confidence of his staff.

During the first couple weeks of "Buck," he was constantly pulling Matt aside to discuss the previous inning, and whatever they were talking about has made a world of difference. Matt just looks like he believes in his ability to call a game. That wasn't the case a couple months ago.

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I think Buck has gotten more out of the pitchers by simply demanding it and by doing so he has increased their confidence. Part of that though seems to be that he has that trusting their stuff and challenging hitters. It seems that his biggest influence may be on Kranitz who appears to be more active. It also seems guys are not getting beat on their third best pitch which happened too often with Trembley.

However, I don't think it is all Buck - Weiters seems to be calling better games (there were some terrible pitch choices earlier), hmm maybe that is Buck? Also, for Bergeson at least, he's healthy for the first time.

Finally, and perhaps most important these O's play defense. 1. Roberts is back (or was) and that takes away a hit or two a game (yesterday's first hit off Guthrie was an easy ground ball for BRob but wiggy couldn't get to it); 2. Tejada's is gone which is another 2 base runners per game; 3. I never thought I'd say it, but Wiggy is getting better at first, and the fact that he's not at 2nd or 3rd helps and 4. Pie is getting better in the outfield. If you watched Friday's game you saw 4 or 5 plays behind Bergeson that the 1st half O's don't make, which probaly costs Brad 3 runs or more and the outcome is different.

Andy said that with young pitchers he would emphasize defense, but that didn't happen. Now it is starting to show.

The only thing that immediately seemed different to me (and I can no longer remember which starter, though it was one of the young ones) is that Buck immediately made it clear that they were going to be expected to work out of their own 4th- and 5th inning jams, and not get the quick hook that Trembley and Samuel constantly gave. Truthfully, that had been driving me crazy all year, and if Buck's done nothing else, THAT'S the one thing that might have made some difference ... putting some pride of ownership (of the game) back into the starters and restoring some semblance of normalcy to the bullpen.

i think part of it comes down to preparation. i think the pitchers/catchers are being held much more accountable than under Trembley or Samuel. Buck's influence stems from the fact that he has succeeded at the major league level and the pitchers know that he will not tolerate poor preparation.

The only thing that immediately seemed different to me (and I can no longer remember which starter, though it was one of the young ones) is that Buck immediately made it clear that they were going to be expected to work out of their own 4th- and 5th inning jams, and not get the quick hook that Trembley and Samuel constantly gave. Truthfully, that had been driving me crazy all year, and if Buck's done nothing else, THAT'S the one thing that might have made some difference ... putting some pride of ownership (of the game) back into the starters and restoring some semblance of normalcy to the bullpen.

I think they are finally settling in. Everyone thought that this group could be pretty solid this year, now they are approaching the expectations. However, I think Buck is allowing these starters to get out of their own jams. Trembley wouldn't let Arrieta or Matusz get the final out in the 6th inning with 2 runners on after they gave up 1 or 2 runs the first 5 2/3 innings. Instead, he'd bring in Matt Albers or some other pitcher to serve up a 3 run homer or 2 run double. I would be very interested to see what the ERA of the starters are if you take away the inherited runs that eventually scored on the bullpen. Berken's ERA looks as good as it does because most of the runs he allowed were charged to starters. Imagine Albers' ERA if he were charged with those runners.

I think these starters like that they won't be pulled if they make a mistake and it makes them work harder and stronger in the 6-8th inning stretch that the O's have lost so many games this year.

I think the starters (especially the young guys) are pitching better, because they don't feel like they'll necessarily be pulled at the first sign of trouble. The early hooks that both Trembley and Samuel exhibited with the pitchers likely added to their mental overload of "I've got to make the perfect pitch right here" whenever things started to get even a little tight. Knowing they aren't likely to be pulled in the fifth inning because the first two runners reached base with no outs, etc, lets them focus on trying to make a good pitch rather than trying for a spectacular one that they can't really do.

Showalter has shown more faith in his pitchers, has given them time to fix things when they struggle rather than taking them out after one bad inning. Going into a start knowing the manager is expecting you to perform well affects the pitchers' confidence. Trembley and Samuel were a bit quick with the hooks.

I think one reason they are pitching better is that Showalter is demonstrating that he believes in their ability. Trembley or Samuel might well have pulled Guthrie after 6 or 7 with the game so close, but Showalter, as he has on previous occasions, has a willingness to stick with a pitcher who is getting outs without slavish regard to pitch counts or hitting matchups. I think the staff feeds off that--if the skipper thinks I can do this, then I can do it.

A. The way our pitchers seem to be in command of their pitches, I'd say they are all uniquely healthy at the same time.

B. Weiters is in the second half of his second season. Sometimes I think he is a little too laid back (just his approach on the outside, probably a lights competitor on the inside), but he is/is going to be a stud battery mate, you can see it starting show, and it's probably starting to show in the pitchers. Next year will be the real tell on Weiters, and I think we're going to like the results.

C. When you're as bad as we were early, as a professional you have to keep working at it. If you and everyone around you cares, you are going to get better.

D. The defense has been on fire. They are taking runs off the board, rather than putting them up.

I believe the difference lies in hoping to win and expecting to win. I know it isn't that simple, but sometimes a change in thinking can change the course in this case of a season.

Hey, you travel with the club and make a living writing sports. How about stepping up yourself instead of building your response stats by abdicating the question?

I agree with those who say the O's starters are pitching better because they know that now they won't get pulled at the first sign of trouble. It's got to be helping to build up their confidence in their stuff. Since their manager shows confidence in them, it removes any doubt of their own.

The relievers know now that when they are removed from the game, it's either because they're having problems getting people out or that their manager wants a specific match-up. They won't get removed just because it's time for the 7th, 8th or 9th inning guy.

Hey joe c: I don't know about you, but I don't go to a bar to listen to the bartender pontificate. I go to a bar to get drunk and argue (not really argue... more like discuss things in a loud, slurred voice!) with the other customers. The barkeep is there to keep the drinks coming and to be a referee, if one's needed...

When Tim K. spoke about Buck coming to Birdland he said that there was noone more prepared and noone more observant than Buck. He sees things that most people don't see. He brings a level of respect that hasn't been here since Davey Johnson. The whole team can sense this and acts and reacts accordingly. It's obvious the pitchers feel this way as evidenced by the comments that precede my coments here. But it has translated to the whole squad. It's Felix Pie tagging up and going from first to second on a fly ball to right center, It's jake Fox sliding into first base, it's Tatum getting a key hit, It's Corey hustling every second he's on the field. The Pitchers are feeding off the energy of the rest of the team, and the rest of the team is feeding off the pitchers. I think it's a resurgence of the, uh, Oriole Way. Somewhere up there Cal Sr. is smiling is butt off.

We're all seeing what a good experienced manager can bring to a ballclub. Let's get this man some real talent in the offseason and watch him take off. Just my two cents

Buck is letting his instincts and experience in managing major league pitching staffs work for him. Trembley never had that experience handling big league players so with the young pitchers he depended on pitch count and the old ones he under managed. He also over-used his bullpen. He never would have pulled the Gonzalez-Uehara switch that Buck pulled yesterday.

I'm a bit puzzled by your last question: "not sure how much better you can handle starters and get them to pitch longer,"
Well, you get them to pitch longer by leaving them in the game longer. Trembley and Samuel regularly pulled the starters when they got close to 100 pitches or were in the slightest bit of trouble. Buck allows them to work out of jams and leaves them in until they are no longer effective. That has to give them all some confidence, and it takes a load off the pen which makes them more effective too.
Much has been made of the "threat" Showalter represents, but I think way too much is being made out of fear as a motivator. These guys didn't make it to the big leagues without being pretty strongly self-motivated. I think what he has done for the club in general is not just expect the players to perform, though he certainly does that, but more importantly show them that if they do perform, they'll be rewarded with playing time. For too long, how well you played had little or no impact on your playing time, place in the batting order, etc. In short the club is now being managed like a professional organization and the players are responding like professionals.

I HAVE AN IDEA - KRANITZ DID LITTLE PRIOR TO BUCK SHOWING UP - I BELIEVE KRANNIE WAS IN A BAG BEFORE BUCK - NOW HE IS ALLOWED TO DO HIS JOB . .

From everything we hear about Showalter's preparation, is it possible he's helping to develop pitching plans against opponent hitters? I’m guessing that’s really more the pitcher and pitching coach’s job, but from what I’ve read about his sometimes overbearing micro-managing, is it possible he’s in the weeds on this as well? Has the “stuff” from these pitchers been better, or has it just been an improved approach?

Showalter sacrificed his daughter to Artemis.

People always say that the manager can only take the team so far. I learned differently in little league. Managers can make a HUGE difference. Showalter is a GREAT manager. Can't say the same about Girardi.

I remember the scene from Bull Durham when the skipper was complaining to Crash Davis about how to motivate his ball payers. Crash said, "they're kids. Scare them." So Skip stomps into the shower after another pitiful performance with an armful of bats, throws them and:

Skip: You guys. You lollygag the ball around the infield. You lollygag your way down to first. You lollygag in and out of the dugout. You know what that makes you? Larry!

Larry: Lollygaggers!

Skip: Lollygaggers.

And like magic, they start playing better. I cannot see how this is different, except maybe he doesn't have a star pitcher with moldy shower shoes.

Showalter is giving the pitchers a lot more confidence than Trembley & Samuel ever did combined. They are allowed to work longer outings. No more stinkin' pitch counts or situational pitching. Relievers can now work more than one inning instead of just facing one batter only. The bullpen is much better rested, which should come in very handy in September/October.Quite simply, Showalter is putting his pitchers in situations to succeed.

In order of importance:
1. They haven't played AL East teams
2. Young pitchers have shown some maturity; bullpen has gotten some rest
3. Old pitchers, hitters have regained health
4. Showalter's hands-on approach has definitely something to do with it; he has made good pitching moves and hasn't overplayed his hand
5. They've played outstanding defence
6. Guthrie has regained his form

Showalter is a major league manager. Trembley was a minor league manager. Trying to do a job that he wasn't qualified to do

The Orioles are 16-10 under Buck because they have only played 3 games TOTAL against the combined forces of the Yankees, Rays, Red Sox and Blue Jays. Let's see how they run that gauntlet before we buy 2011 playoff tickets.

I think it's very insulting to put Trembley name in the same sentence as Showalter. Trembley is an incompetent minor league manager. I can't believe some people are still making excuses for him.

Just a lucky month. Things will return to NORMAL in September. What the O's need is a NEW OWNER and a GM who knows how to judge talent.
Bob
Sarasota, FL
9:19 p.m August 30

Dan;
Let's digest this. No more talk about Fielder, Pena. They 're overrated, salary and OBP. Matt Cain, Broxton, would fit nicely next year. Call-ups Ryan Adams (Look at his extra base hits.) Also Guzman, Mahoney, Reimold, Pitchers Tillman, Surfate, Patton. Future Stars in 2 years, Hoes, Avery and my sleeper, Tyler Townsend beautiful swing and he hits lefties.

it's been awesome to win , almost easily, in some of these games.

Let's hope they shut down the AL East in similar fashion and we can all look forward to next spring .. seriously look forward to it.

Actual performance results from a combination of skill and distracting variables. The latter include team morale associated with perceived competence of the manager. Though they liked him as a person, the Oriole players knew deep down that Trembley was over-matched as a strategist. This had an unsettling effect on everyone, which showed up in the critical plays that decide a game. With Showalter running the team, the pitchers have relaxed, and can now perform near their optimal ability. They will continue to impress for the rest of the season.

Good stuff. Lot of great comments and fewer crazy ones than normal, it seems. Nothing new to add, but I'll echo the points of: leadership changing the mindset; growth of Wieters; experience of Matusz; health of Bergesen; favorable break in the schedule; improved defense behind the pitchers.

We have a professional Major League Manager....period.

I think it is a matter of different expectations with the new manager. It seems Showalter tells the SPs he expects 6-7 innings per start from them, even if they go over 100 pitches. The prior managers held them to no more than 100 pitches regardless of the number of innings they pitched. That's why Showalter is getting the results

Um, maybe the young guys are just growing up. If I hadn't been reading blog comments all year, I'd be astonished at how many of us give Showalter most if not all the credit (and hence give Trembley all the blame). Young pitchers usually struggle, and the good ones get better eventually. I think Showalter is great, but I also think that his success is coincidental with the young guns' natural maturation.

Hey Bpb from Sarasota, do you work for WNST? That is if that station still exists.