Can a whole series be a reverse lock?
On paper, it certainly doesn't look like September is going to go well for the Orioles, who face another apparently mismatch today when Brian Burres faces Tampa's James Shields in the finale of the three-game series against the Rays, then head to Boston to open the month at Fenway Park.
I'm already over today's game, and it hasn't even started yet. The Orioles have lost six of the last seven games that Burres has pitched in, so what exactly are we supposed to expect when he faces the team with the best record in the American League on the road. If you have to watch, at least bring some reading material.
The O's have lost nine of their last 11 and, with four of the six games remaining on this road trip, I'm guessing you wouldn't get even money if you bet they'd win one of them. They're going into the notoriously hitter-friendly Fenway with a starting rotation of Garrett Olson, Radhames Liz and what appears to be a tired Jeremy Guthrie.
Guess I'll have to go with my old friend Jim Henneman, who loves to pick the underdog when absolutely everything points in the other direction. I'm picking the O's to win two of three in Boston.
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Comments
No questioning the team's spirit but, as you said, it's going to be a very long Sept. How can you stay competitive when the starters put you in a hole by the second inning every night? Even if they brought up some prospects, they are still rookies that figure to be in over their heads initially. And if they don't bring them up after the playoffs, it'll end up being a staff of relievers with no true starters, short of Guthrie. Not a very
promising situation but at least they'll get a better draft pick.
Posted by: Jim | August 31, 2008 2:43 PM
You get points for looking at the glass half full Pete. However, watching this team reminds me of Bill Murray in "Groundhog Day".
I'm always excited anytime we go to Fenway, especially this year with our ability to score runs. Markakis and Huff just won't let up. With Jones returning, I would love to see he, Montanez, and Salazar in the lineup on a regular basis. Run out of patience with Millar and Payton.
Posted by: Ray | August 31, 2008 3:00 PM
Burres is an absolute joke as a pitcher. I'll bet he is a really nice guy who is doing his best. But it is so hard to look at the O's seriously when they keep throwing him out there as a starter? he shows absolutely no signs of ever being able to be a Major league pitcher...it is a guaranteed awful start every time - the blame here goes to Mcphail...and if the record is supposed to be a benchmark on the managers performance and a new contract - I would severely question McPhail's ability to lead this team out of the basement on the AL East. trembley has done a great job - but when all you do is provide him with slow pitch softball pitchers the last half of the year - NOBODY is winning with that!
Posted by: Gary | August 31, 2008 4:09 PM
"The Orioles have lost six of the last seven games that Burres has pitched in..."
Yes, BUT, the O's were tied before they took the field.
Brian probably is a really nice guy, even a great guy. Hope that he has a college degree...for his sake & Kranitz' sake.
Posted by: dave | August 31, 2008 6:17 PM