Bob Haynie: The Orioles Look To Beat Up On N.Y.
A week ago, the New York Yankees came to Camden Yards for a three-game series and got swept by the Baltimore Orioles.
With the sweep, Baltimore improved to 6-3 on the year against New York. Granted, these are not the Yankees of days gone by, but it is still an accomplishment to handle your business against them.
Since the two clubs last met, the Orioles dropped two of three to the White Sox in Chicago. The series finale was a tough one for Baltimore, as reliever Tommy Hunter served up a walk-off home run to Chicago's Adam Dunn.
The Yankees straightened themselves out by sweeping a four-game series from the Twins in Minnesota. Prior to breaking out the brooms against the Twins, the Yanks had lost five-straight.
On Friday night, Baltimore and New York will renew acquaintances at Yankee Stadium.
Both teams are still chasing the Boston Red Sox in the AL East. The Orioles, however, maintain a 1.5 game lead over the Yankees not only in the division, but also in the Wild Card standings.
With the acquisition of RHP Scott Feldman on Tuesday, the Orioles seemed to shore up their starting rotation. LHP Wei-Yin Chen is expected back shortly, as well.
Feldman, by the way, pitched well in his Baltimore debut this past Wednesday night.
I have said since spring training that the Orioles were the most balanced team in their division. With the team returning to full health, it's time for them to start proving my prediction correct.
Hopefully, they'll start proving it this weekend in New York.
