This much is clear: The Orioles, who bring a five-game losing streak back to town tonight, need to find a new cliche.

Throughout the clubhouse during their first homestand earlier this month, we heard players trying not to bask in their good fortunes. As so many athletes had said before them, the Orioles players reminded us over and over, "It's not a sprint; it's a marathon."

Well, two weeks into the season, we now know that the Orioles are lousy at marathons. And that's not my assessment. It's what players say.

David Laurila from Baseball Prospectus was in the clubhouse early yesterday and what he found should have Orioles fans wishing that the season was more like a sprint. As is Patriot Day custom in Boston, yesterday's morning start coincided with the Boston Marathon. Here's the not-so-shocking truth Laurila uncovered about Orioles and marathons:

[Matt] Albers on if he could imagine himself running a marathon: “No, I couldn’t. I do a little running in the offseason, but three or four miles at the most. So no, I couldn’t imagine running 26 miles, or even what it’s like.”

Albers on which Orioles teammate he could see running a marathon: “I think that if anybody were to do it, maybe Jeremy Guthrie. He’d be a guy who would possibly challenge himself to run that far. I don’t know many baseball players who would try to do it.”

Aubrey Huff on if he could imagine himself running a marathon: “No, not at all. Honestly, I get tired driving 26 miles. I couldn’t imagine running it.”

Huff on which Orioles teammate he could see running a marathon: “Nobody. It’s insane. Baseball players aren’t runners. But maybe one of our pitchers. Our pitchers run quite a bit around here.”

Ty Wigginton on if he could imagine himself running a marathon: “No. No interest at all. I mean, I don’t mind running, but I don’t see myself wanting to get up early in the morning to go run 26 miles, or whatever the heck it is.”

Wigginton on which Orioles teammate he could see running a marathon: “Luke Scott. But I’m just saying that because he’s standing right there.”

Photos: Associated Press