The next 9 games are going to be a challenge

[Baltimorecuse]

43 minutes ago, PeregrineT said:

The next 18 games are the opportunity.  If the team is going to make the playoffs, it almost surely has to happen in the next 18 games(and not be lost in the remaining ones).  You have 9 games against absolute bottom teams, and then a bunch of games against the Blue Jays.  At a minimum you need a 12-6 run, but its really an opportunity for something ridiculous like 14-4 if you are going to make it.

Those bottom teams all have at least one pitcher who can shut you down.  Detroit sweeping us is still painful.  We're 1-3 with Oakland.  Nothing is certain so you play them one at a time, and count your money when it's over.

I looked at the August schedule and thought 500 would be great and we went, I believe, 629.  

I hope the team gets some decent turnouts for the homestand.  They deserve it.  

 

Edited September 2, 2022 by Baltimorecuse
spelling

[Beeracuda]

2 hours ago, Baltimorecuse said:

Those bottom teams all have at least one pitcher who can shut you down.  Detroit sweeping us is still painful.  We're 1-3 with Oakland.  Nothing is certain so you play them one at a time, and count your money when it's over.

I looked at the August schedule and thought 500 would be great and we went, I believe, 629.  

I hope the team gets some decent turnouts for the homestand.  They deserve it.  

 

They absolutely deserve fans in the stands.  They've been one of the best teams in baseball since July 3rd, going 34-17 during that stretch.  And we haven't only been playing bottom feeders either.  Success against Toronto, Tampa, Houston, and Cleveland HAS to make the league stand up and take notice.  Even in games we lose, we're rarely ever out of the game.  While I'd be remiss in not mentioning the lack of consistent hitting recently, our pitching has been so good that we're always set up late in games to string a few hits together for a walk-off victory.  They're a fun team to watch, and you can tell the players truly like each other and are excited to play together.  I'd MUCH rather watch and root for a team like this than grumble every time a high priced veteran strikes out or pops out when we need him to produce the most.

Can't wait to see how this season plays out!  Even if we don't make the playoffs, I consider this season to be a huge success and makes me excited for the future of this team over the next few years!

[jdwilde1]

How about a 17-1 stretch like in 1982?  

[JR Oriole]

We are 6-17 against Oakland since 2018.  I don't take anything for granted against that team.  They usually have a cadre of total nobodies who come up with big hits against us.  So I would be very happy with taking 2 of 3.

[Moshagge3]

1 hour ago, JR Oriole said:

We are 6-17 against Oakland since 2018.  I don't take anything for granted against that team.  They usually have a cadre of total nobodies who come up with big hits against us.  So I would be very happy with taking 2 of 3.

They're starting a guy tonight who previously this year threw five shutout innings against the Orioles in a win.

[Baltimorecuse]

6 hours ago, JR Oriole said:

We are 6-17 against Oakland since 2018.  I don't take anything for granted against that team.  They usually have a cadre of total nobodies who come up with big hits against us.  So I would be very happy with taking 2 of 3.

The Athletics turn into the 61  Yankees every time they see us.  It's weird.

[rm5678]

9 hours ago, JR Oriole said:

We are 6-17 against Oakland since 2018.  I don't take anything for granted against that team.  They usually have a cadre of total nobodies who come up with big hits against us.  So I would be very happy with taking 2 of 3.

You're correct about their nobodies. I looked at their lineup for tonight and more than half are complete unknowns (Langeliers, Machin, Garcia, Bride, Stevenson).

[SteveA]

9 minutes ago, rm5678 said:

You're correct about their nobodies. I looked at their lineup for tonight and more than half are complete unknowns (Langeliers, Machin, Garcia, Bride, Stevenson).

Langaliers is a top catching prospect.   But their regular catcher Murphy is having a very good year so I guess he is DHing tonight.