It seems like it just wasn’t meant to be. On a Saturday night in Boston, Massachusetts, the Orioles put their most successful starter, Brian Matusz on the mound. Matusz was the only Orioles pitcher to win a game so far this year. In fact he started both wins. To add some pop to their lethargic offense, they called up their hottest hitter in the minors, Ryan Hughes who got hits his first two times at bat. Luke Scott who hasn’t hit a lick got three hits. Ty Wigginton smacked four hits including a home run.
Going into the bottom of the 7th inning, the O’s had a 3-1 lead. Matusz tired putting two runners on base including the potential tying run. Good enough, he took his team into the 7th inning with the lead. It was time for the bullpen to do its job. Matt Albers came in and not only allowed two runs inherited to score but coughing up the long ball yielded three runs of his own. His ERA now stands at 9.35. Kam Mickolio entered the game, gave up the gopher ball, allowing the remaining runners to score. The Orioles did it again giving up a six run inning, and were down 7-3. Albers lost three games all in relief, games the Orioles could have won. Mickolio has not been effective either. On offense, dare we point out that the Orioles left 11 runners on base?
Could they possibly redeem themselves? Alberto Castillo shut down the Sox in the eighth striking out two. The Orioles rallied to score three runs in the ninth, but that would be one run short of tying the game, another loss. The team now stands at 2-16 losing their last five games.
Tonight’s game was one they should have won. The right elements were in place, but beneath what would look like an improved performance was more evidence of lackadaisical play – a team of nine professionals that just does not gel as a team where lapses of concentration and effort bear bad results.
Given the Orioles cleaned house and now have the players they developed or obtained via trade to be the nucleus of a winning team for the future, these losses are especially disconcerting. They are part of and subjects of a toxic team climate where the right habits and routines to create winners do not exist.
While truly an exceptional player whose leadership and intensity is rare in all of professional sports, there is little evidence of any leadership at all in the Orioles' clubhouse -- not players and more importantly, not coaches. The Orioles need players who can learn from the example Ray Lewis sets across the parking lot for the Ravens. They need to get in each others’ faces, talk winning, refuse to accept defeat, and know what’s expected of them on game day.
Dave Trembley is spent. If he had a motivational speech that would work on this team, he’s already given it. It’s sad to see a fellow who’s a decent chap look so overwhelmed by the situation he’s still charged with running. He has the look of anticipated doom any time he is caught by the television camera. Aside from some brief frustration after a bad at bat or play in the field, the players appear so nonchalant so unaffected. They are so serene they look like someone needs to build a fire under their butts.
The Baltimore Orioles have one more game on their current road trip at Boston’s Fenway Park. Their record for Sunday afternoon games the last several years is laughable and David Hernandez is the least effective starter they currently have available. How will they sneak into town unnoticed to avoid showing their shame in public? Monday is an off day for the team. They will not have another day off until May 10th.
Not sneaking into town but proudly marching in like Vikings into Valhalla will be Yankees fans for three days, from Tuesday through Thursday, then the Red Sox come to town for the weekend series with the Red Sox "nation" in tow. Not having a moment to tend to their wounds, the Orioles then set out for Yankee Stadium and then travel to be the bull’s eye at Target Field, the Twins’ new happy home.
We can make it a forgone conclusion that in these four upcoming series, the Orioles will at best win one game in a series but being swept in any of these would seem more likely. In their present form and disposition, their next fourteen games look hopeless.
Beyond that, they play the Mariners who just swept them. We’ll have to go forward to May 14th when they play three games against Cleveland then two against Kansas City in Camden Yards for any possible relief. What ever happens in those games could be a well kept secret because until the team starts showing some life, why would anyone buy a ticket to such a painful experience. Nobody will be in the stands to witness the slaughter. More records for low attendance are likely to be set.
Right now it doesn’t seem likely from what the buzz about town is, but the one thing that could make the future look brighter would be a gathering of reporters in the Camden Yards press room with Andy McPhail at the podium, owner Peter Angelos at his side, maybe a couple of famous Orioles alum to help establish their was winning tradition in this town. A new manager will be announced as he is given his jersey and puts on an Orioles cap.
The Orioles are not fighting a slump. They’re fighting a culture. The culture of losing has become the new "Orioles Way." The structure of this team is broken. Tales of their winning ways is now ancient lore. There are only a small sprinkling of aging veterans in the majors who were playing when the O's were still winners. There might be help but no miracles in Norfolk or Bowie. While it is not an envious task, a new manager will make a difference.
While it might be comforting to think of some former Oriole as that person, the team needs a proven motivator. Cal Ripken will not be the team’s field boss nor will that person be Jim Palmer. Many speak of Rick Dempsey, but he has no major league experience and it would be an even greater devastation if he were hired and failed. The harder thing to accept is that potential managers with proven major league experience might refuse to accept a bid from the Orioles knowing they could be walking into a buzz saw. It's not fair to all concerned to continue to have Dave Trembley twisting in the breeze. Likewise, the fans need tangible evidence someone is accountable for the Orioles's dreadful play. The downward spiral is devastating given what happened last September and to see it get even worse now.
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