Bob Haynie: Orioles Thoughts After Week 2
Through 12 games, the Baltimore Orioles sit at 6-6. A .500 record does not speak of brilliance, but, after two weeks, the Birds certainly have been interesting.
After dropping two of three games to the Yankees in New York, the Orioles finally return home to Camden Yards for a nine-game stretch.
Baltimore has played nine road contests already and are sporting a respectable 5-4 record. Getting some home cooking against the Rays, Dodgers and Blue Jays will, hopefully, be a good thing for manager Buck Showalter and his road warriors.
Adam Jones made a crucial error in last Friday's 5-2 loss to the Yankees. A lot has been made of the supposed fact that Jones distracts himself by blowing bubbles as he is in the midst of a play. I don't see that being the case. Although it was surprising to see a two-time Gold Glove winning center fielder drop a relatively easy fly ball, stuff does happen.
He screwed up. Move on. I'm sure he will.
Friday night's game also saw the Orioles hit into a 4-6-5-6-5-3-4 triple play. Not a traditional turn for sure. But after the dropped fly ball, it was a giant indication that this wasn't to be Baltimore's night.
I'm predicting a 6-3 record for the Orioles during the home stand. The Rays are offensively challenged. The Dodgers just lost pitcher Zach Greinke and two of three from Arizona. Let's not forget the Blue Jays who have limped out of the gate and have lost SS Jose Reyes until maybe July.
It'll be interesting to see how many people make it out to Camden Yards as the Birds take on three potential playoff teams.
I would hope that the fans are still pumped about the prospects for this season's Baltimore Orioles. Pumped enough to show up.
