A series win in Houston, Frazier likes his clutch reputation and Flaherty is in the bullpen
Good morning, Birdland!
Just a few days ago, there was a sense of panic among the Orioles faithful. The team had lost four straight, the offense had hit a wall of sorts, and the AL East lead was gone. But that feels like a distant memory now.
Last night’s 9-5 victory over the defending champion Astros secured their fourth straight triumph, including two series-saving victories over the Rays and now two satisfying results in Houston. The offense also ran well during this time, scoring a total of 30 runs in four days. This brings the division lead back to 2.5 games and the team also secured the direct tiebreaker against the second-place Rays. What a difference a few days make.
There is still a lot to do in these last eleven games. Of course there is the division and therefore the top seed in the AL. The Orioles have the overview there, but they have to follow through.
But beyond that, there’s still a chance at the absolute best record in baseball to think about. Right now it belongs to the Atlanta Braves. With a record of 97-54, they are currently two full games better than the O’s with the same number of games remaining on the schedule. The Dodgers, with a record of 93-57 and a current five-game winning streak, are just behind the Orioles’ record of 95-56.
This only comes into play if the Orioles make it to the World Series. The team with the better regular season record receives home advantage in the series. Of course, regular-season record isn’t a guarantee of a World Series appearance — as the Phillies proved in 2022 — so this whole conversation shouldn’t matter much in a month.
In my opinion, the best strategy is this: The Orioles should continue to win as many baseball games as possible and then continue that approach into the postseason. If they can do that, they will win the World Series. And yes, I am open and available for all major league managerial jobs.
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Adam Frazier takes on role of Orioles clutch hitter as postseason approaches: ‘This is what I live for’ | The Baltimore Sun
Frazier always appears calm and cool when it matters most. You can be sure that Brandon Hyde will rely on him, Aaron Hicks and James McCann for their postseason experience.
Orioles move Jack Flaherty to bullpen | MLB trade rumors
This had to happen. Flaherty has struggled as a starter and the Orioles have to figure out whether John Means or Kyle Gibson gets the final spot in their postseason rotation. And if Flaherty does well in this new role, it could also change the makeup of the relief group.
Leftovers for breakfast | Smelled Kubatko
Flaherty’s post-conversion quotes of relief are certainly encouraging. I mean, what else is he supposed to say? But he threw a good pitch and then radiated good humor in the follow-up game. That’s all we want as the postseason approaches.
How clutch are the Baltimore Orioles? And what does this mean for their World Series hopes? | USA today
The clutch hits — and therefore the close games — are why it took all season for the masses to get to the Orioles. Was it smoke and mirrors or are they just that good? When you do that for a whole season, I think you’re just good, and there’s no denying that at this point.
Orioles birthdays
Is it your birthday? Happy Birthday!
- Steve Lombardozzi turns 35. The Maryland native spent 20 games as a utility option for the O’s in 2014.
- Dave Gallagher is 63 years old today. He played 23 games in the Orioles’ outfield during the 1990 season.
- Roric Harrison celebrates his 77th birthday. His big league career began in 1972, a season in which he appeared in 39 games – mostly out of the bullpen – for the Orioles.
This day in the story of O
1958 – Orioles’ knuckleballer Hoyt Wilhelm fails to score in a 1-0 win for the Yankees.
1998 – Cal Ripken Jr.’s streak of consecutive games comes to an end more than 16 years after it began.
2002 – Mike Bordick plays his 102nd consecutive game at shortstop without committing an error, a new major league record.
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