Orioles West

I second this emotion! Really needed that!

I’m going with nine wins. Strangely, I still feel like they have a hot streak left in them somewhere — certainly almost out of time for it. I liked the effort last night in Boston after they got stomped the night before. A little fire left in there, maybe in time for the post-season.

I think if the Orioles make the playoffs in consecutive seasons, that’s a success. And I absolutely understand all or nothing take with the ALCS or the WS. I had no idea when the O’s won in it 1983 that it would be it for four decades now. However, the trauma of all those losing seasons in between, has created a different mindset. I’m grateful they are competitive. We were the horrific White Sox we’re playing, just a minute ago or so it seems. I want the hardware. I want the parade (which I will fly home for to celebrate with my people). However, and I don’t know where my newfound patience is coming from, I’m good this season if they get their foot in the door again. As long as we’re not done building and trying to improve from here, I like winning more than losing during the very long season.

I hope so. This is only the third trip for the O's to Denver, and they lost both previous series. As one of the O's fans in the stand each trip, who is married to a Rockies fan -- this series is bigger than it appears. At least here at O's West HQ.

Ah yes, the infamous humidor! Installed in 2002 (so both previous trips the O’s made, they utilized humidor stored baseballs). I have not done the research, but I’m not sure I can tell the humidor has made a big difference. Maybe if the Rox developed pitchers or invested in pitchers better I could tell. But yeah, it is very, very dry — tough to get used to no matter how many years here. Also, cavernous is a good call, Coors Field has the most expansive outfield in the game. The key isn’t home runs, it’s singles and doubles that bury pitchers out here.

In 2004, it took a Brian Robert’s grand slam in the top of the 9th to avoid a 3-game sweep, (4-2 win — Jackson Holliday’s dad had a RBI for the Rox) — so much fun to run into O’s fans leaving that game! 2019 team had some tough moments for sure, although in that same game with the Broxton homer, John Means getting to bat and being a bit fired up drawing a walk to get on base — his reaction was memorable at least. He pitched well to start, and then the wheels came off.

No worries. Quite the opposite reaction for me, I was simply bummed that mine isn’t a first edition! It was one of my first baseball books, and while it has been a minute since I last read it, my copy is well read. Some fascinating stuff in that small, but informative book.

Yes sir — although my copy is NOT a first edition.

Robert K. Adair is the physicist - it was his book I was referencing regarding the ball travels about 10 percent farther than sea level and breaking balls don’t break as well.

Well — city of Denver versus doubling the altitude in the mountains (from 5,000 feet in Denver into the Rocky Mountains ranging 10-14,000 feet) — that is definitely a much bigger adjustment. My aunt on a visit here got altitude sickness, but up in the mountains.

Fair enough. Although there are some statisticians who have presented numbers that show the Rockies historical struggles are due to adjusting back and forth to the altitude. I think it’s more about ownership and incomplete rosters. However, like most clubs, they generally play better at home. I think the O’s, despite recent struggles, should be able to grab the series and win at least two game here this weekend.

I did say it depends — but I’m pretty sure I left out the word impossible. How about this, most athletes do well at altitude, unless they have pre-existing conditions (like asthma). I think I can safely conclude, in hopes of avoiding the aforementioned thread police, the Orioles will probably be okay out at nearly one mile above sea level. The field itself is slightly below as the mile high level is marked by the row of purple seats in the top deck of the stadium.

I am looking forward to the series. The Rockies have actually been playing better, but their bullpen is far worse than usual. I’d like to see the O’s offense wake up in time to take advantage of the altitude.

I’ve been to all the O’s v. Rox games in Denver, and it’s not a big sample size. 2004 and 2019 The O’s won one game in each series and are 2-4 in Denver. The Rox have the all time series lead 11- 10, Baltimore holds an 8-7 edge at home.

As a Maryland Native who has lived in Colorado a long time — I can answer, it depends on the person and their level of health. Some people are more affected by the thinner air than others. The O’s have done fine in their previous visits to Coors Field. They’ll get the same advantages and disadvantages as the host Rox. The ball will travel about 10 percent farther on average and breaking balls will not break as well as they do at sea level. I’ve seen a couple NFL players have difficulty adjusting and need sideline oxygen, but most do fine after being in Denver a day or two.