This seems like a good day for a general DSL check-in.
The DSL Orioles Orange team lost today but is 14-7 overall. Going into today's play, they were in first place in the DSL Northwest Division and had the 5th best record of any DSL team. They were 15th of 51 DSL team at 6.20 runs per game, and 14th in fewest runs allowed per game at 4.80. So, nicely above average in both respects.
DSL Orioles Black won today to raise their record to 8-12. They are a micron ahead of Orange a
I was not saying this will happen, or predicting this to happen. It is very much not likely to happen as you pointed out- and we agree on that. But just because they haven't gone 4-14 so far this year, doesnt mean its not a possibility.
In the last 18, for example, they are 8-10 as you have pointed out.
Of those 8 wins, 5 of them came against three of the worst teams in baseball- Rockies/White Sox/Rays (5-4). We dont have teams like that left on the schedule. Do we get to 8 wins out of 18 without playing half of the games against three of the worst teams in baseball? Maybe, maybe not.
Another 2 of the wins came in the Astros series which took a heroic grand slam, and an unlikely pinch hit 3 run double from Holliday. Both of those hits came on the backs of Astros defensive miscues, and both of those hits came in games that we were otherwise lifeless/hapless like we have been for the majority of the last 70+ games. We were very fortunate to come away with two wins during that series.
Again, I am not saying that we are going to go 4-14 to finish the season, and crazily enough 4-14 could still be enough to get into the playoffs even if it DID happen. If we went 4-14, the Red Sox/Mariners would have to go 14-4 over that same stretch to pass us, or the TIgers would have to go 13-5 (if they take the tie breaker). Its just something that seemed impossible 3 days ago, and now it may end up being something to monitor.
This team needs the obvious jolt and the timing for the injured cavalry coming back is hopefully soon but time is short and we need wins. I have to think Kimbrel at this point is viewed as "washed" by his teammates and just adds to this negative karma that exists even when they see him in the dugout and not even pitching. Time for addition by subtraction now for both him and Smith. We are at the point of definition of insanity territory by hanging onto both.
My hot take is that we are at adjustment time. The Orioles figured out an approach that was working. They weren’t walking as much but were putting up a ton of runs. Other teams adjusted to the approach. The question now is whether the Orioles can adjust back. So far, not so good.
Yep, this is my theory. The back is enough of an annoyance so he unconsciously changes things. That’s why I agree with this to give him an IL stint to rest up. It’s all about the playoffs at this point. Get people healthy.
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Posted by Frobby,
Good update
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