The fun aspect of being a fan is the ability to ride a roller coaster of emotions through every game, series and season.
Of course, when you have become accustomed to hard losing, winning seems so out of the norm, fans become what we like to call, fanatics.
Being a fan of the Baltimore Orioles has had its fair share of roller coaster rides, from the 70s dynasty, the 1983 World Series victory (the last appearance as well), 0-21 starts, the streak, the Jeffrey Maier catch, the Delmon Young double and the rebuild.
Through it all, Birdland has embraced the roller coaster of emotions. We know what it’s like to have elation and heartbreak. We have experienced disappointment and excitement while white-knuckling the arms of our seats.
So why should the final couple weeks of the season be one of any difference?
Let’s take a look as to why panic should be avoided at this time.
RELIEF IS ON THE WAY
Ironically, relief is one of the big areas that is set to offer, well, relief. Along with relief to the bullpen, the infield and possibly outfield are set to receive boosts as well.
These players are expected to return by the end of September at the latest, just in time for the postseason:
- LHP Danny Coulombe
- RHP Jacob Webb
- RHP Grayson Rodriguez
- INF Jordan Westburg
- INF Ramón Urías
- 1B Ryan Mountcastle
- OF Heston Kjerstad
The help in the bullpen looks to be the biggest boost, as it will return two reliable veterans who can pitch middle and back-end relief for the O’s.
Getting Westburg and/or Urías back would be a boost, as both would provide a massive upgrade to the infield, offensively and defensively.
Nothing against Jackson Holliday or Coby Mayo, but they were forced into action in the middle of a pennett race, adding more pressure to succeed while also adjusting to big league life.
Ryan Mountcastle, who looks to be the biggest question mark at this time, would provide the second half of the “Ryan Platoon” at first base, where Ryan O’Hearn has been exposed as a non-everyday player.
Perhaps another huge boost will be Rodriguez returning from a lat strain, rested and fresh for a playoff run. Once again, another rookie, Cade Povich, has been thrown into a pennett race while adjusting to major league hitters because of the injury to G-Rod.
The pressure to succeed is intensified, forcing these young players to press and overreact. Each of the players returning, with the exception of Kjerstad, was part of a pennant race last season, including the sweep in the playoffs, which leads us to our next point.
EXPERIENCE
I know Birdland will see that word and think, “What does that mean?”
Well, experience matters when it comes time for the postseason. Yes, the Orioles were swept in three ALDS games last season, but it was an experience for many of the players who have been instrumental to the rebuild and its success.
Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, Yennier Canó and Jordan Westburg were either rookies or in their second seasons in the majors at that point in time.
The lights and the stage of the postseason are massive compared to a 162-game seasonal grind. In the postseason, everything is magnified and scrutinized under a microscope.
The pressure to succeed and not make mistakes is exasperated to the point that it can cause “deer in the headlights” moments.
The young Birds, and even the veterans of last year’s team, experienced something they had not before, and it threw them not only off their game but created the superficial “needed hero” to come out.
Though the Birds were swept out of the postseason, that experience was one of learning. It not only educated the players and team as a whole, but it gave them a feel for the experience, the pressure and the preparation needed going into October.
IN CONCLUSION
As frustrating as it has been over the last couple of months, the Birds are still in pretty good shape. While most of the playoff-bound teams in the AL have been struggling since the All-Star break, it was the Orioles’ first-half surge that has put them in this position.
Yes, injuries are a part of the game, but when it decimates your roster, forces rookies into pressurized situations and the manager to find harmony and balance, the road can get a bit bumpy.
The reality is that the Birds have been good enough not to fall into that deep slide, which is a testament to the moxy this team has.
It’s easy to panic as a fan, but when you look at the big picture, the cards are falling into place to make the postseason a little more interesting and exciting for our Orioles.
What are your thoughts on the Birds slump and chances in the postseason? Let us know in the comments below! Make sure to follow The Baltimore Battery on Facebook, Twitter (X) and TikTok, and use the hashtag #baltimorebattery when sharing our content!
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