This is Progress

[TonySoprano]

We're supposed to measure that we're headed in the right direction, but the question is how?

By the standings? Nope, don't look there. We shouldn't expect any incremental improvement there on the way to the promised land. Not only did everyone assume this would be a rough season, but they also assumed we'd be six games behind the pace at this point last year. When it comes together, it will all be in one year, like it was for the Rays. All the cosmic tumblers will then fall into place.

By the statistics? uh-uh, wrong-o. For example, our starting pitching is ranked where it was at the end of last season; last in baseball.

By our expectations for things on the horizon? This is where the pro-MacPhail camp make their most fervent arguments, on things where the crystal ball gets used most heavily. Let's hope the "big three" live up to their press reports. Let's hope we find a long-term solution at both first and third base.

[soxhotcorner14]

No, but you point is that our team should have beaten a pitcher like Chen, and my point (while I agree with you) is that the Royals should be able to beat Rich Hill too. Both teams cant win so.....

Rich Hill pitched 2.1 innings and left with the O's chasing by one... Chen pitched 5.0 innings..both gave up the same amount of runs in 3...

It was 3-2 KC when Hill left... so Hill really didn't kill the game for the O's. Their bats did...

[soxhotcorner14]

Well, since you decided to use Evan Longoria as the model for how all young players should start their careers, why not use the Rays as the model for going from doormat to contender...now?

What does that have to do with being patient and showing progression towards 2010 when the O's are supposed to be competitive..

Don't start another argument when we haven't finished this one..

[BaltimoreTerp]

We're supposed to measure that we're headed in the right direction, but the question is how?

By the standings? Nope, don't look there. We shouldn't expect any incremental improvement there on the way to the promised land. Not only did everyone assume this would be a rough season, but they also assumed we'd be six games behind the pace at this point last year. When it comes together, it will all be in one year, like it was for the Rays. All the cosmic tumblers will then fall into place.

By the statistics? uh-uh, wrong-o. For example, our starting pitching is ranked where it was at the end of last season; last in baseball.

By our expectations for things on the horizon? This is where the pro-MacPhail camp make their most fervent arguments, on things where the crystal ball gets used most heavily. Let's hope the "big three" live up to their press reports. Let's hope we find a long-term solution at both first and third base.

What's wrong with any of that?

The whole purpose of what the front office is trying to do with the team is build the core from the minors. Well, part of that core is not here yet, and the part that is here is going though the normal growing pains of young players.

Do you believe that the plan we are following is incorrect?

[BaltimoreTerp]

What does that have to do with being patient and showing progression towards 2010 when the O's are supposed to be competitive..

Don't start another argument when we haven't finished this one..

It's all part of your unrealistic expectations that derive from your lack of patience established lo all those many posts ago.

[soxhotcorner14]

It's all part of your unrealistic expectations that derive from your lack of patience established lo all those many posts ago.

How are my expectations unrealistic when MacPhail said the O's will be competitive in 2010? How about MacPhail might be a little unrealistic.. not the fans that see through the BS.

[bsebllfan4life]

We're supposed to measure that we're headed in the right direction, but the question is how?

By the standings? Nope, don't look there. We shouldn't expect any incremental improvement there on the way to the promised land. Not only did everyone assume this would be a rough season, but they also assumed we'd be six games behind the pace at this point last year. When it comes together, it will all be in one year, like it was for the Rays. All the cosmic tumblers will then fall into place.

By the statistics? uh-uh, wrong-o. For example, our starting pitching is ranked where it was at the end of last season; last in baseball.

By our expectations for things on the horizon? This is where the pro-MacPhail camp make their most fervent arguments, on things where the crystal ball gets used most heavily. Let's hope the "big three" live up to their press reports. Let's hope we find a long-term solution at both first and third base.

I don't think there is an easy answer as to how (which is what I expected you to want to hear). For me, its to see better players on the field with a hope that they continue to improve into really good players. My hope if that after Friday we could have some more long term solutions for corner infielders, and into September when the rosters expand to see if maybe we can have a small stretch of games that might be a better picture of what the team will look like next season.

Even though it would be a hollow victory, aren't we only like 5 gms behind the Jays.

[RenegadeOsFan]

How are my expectations unrealistic when MacPhail said the O's will be competitive in 2010? How about MacPhail might be a little unrealistic.. not the fans that see through the BS.

Not trying to stir the pot here, I am just curious when MacPhail said the O's would be competitive in 2010. I don't recall ever hearing or reading that...but I may be way off.

[bsebllfan4life]

How are my expectations unrealistic when MacPhail said the O's will be competitive in 2010? How about MacPhail might be a little unrealistic.. not the fans that see through the BS.

Last I checked it's still 2009, maybe AM has a better view of his team then you?

[soxhotcorner14]

It's all part of your unrealistic expectations that derive from your lack of patience established lo all those many posts ago.

Answer me this, and this will end this whole debate.....

Do you realistically think that in 2010 the Orioles will be competitive?? As MacPhail has touted when he assumed the job to run the O's FO?

[soxhotcorner14]

Last I checked it's still 2009, maybe AM has a better view of his team then you?

Really? I guess there are more people like me that have the same view.. all you have to do is look at the empty seats bud.

[BaltimoreTerp]

Answer me this, and this will end this whole debate.....

Do you realistically think that in 2010 the Orioles will be competitive?? As MacPhail has touted when he assumed the job to run the O's FO?

Realistically? Absolutely.

Guaranteed? Of course not.

These are young players whose development is impossible to predict with any certainty, though you feel they should all come up and star like Evan Longoria. Again, unrealistic expectations. It doesn't matter how many times you say "Nuh-uh!"

And I would like to see that source for 2010, as well.

[RenegadeOsFan]

Answer me this, and this will end this whole debate.....

Do you realistically think that in 2010 the Orioles will be competitive?? As MacPhail has touted when he assumed the job to run the O's FO?

Again...when has MacPhail stated that the Orioles will be competitive in 2010? Did he actually say this, or are you implying this through various statements made by AM?

[bsebllfan4life]

Really? I guess there are more people like me that have the same view.. all you have to do is look at the empty seats bud.

To be fair, even when we being competitive for most of 1st half even in 1st till the break just a few seasons ago, the stands were still empty, bad excuse...

[BaltimoreTerp]

Again...when has MacPhail stated that the Orioles will be competitive in 2010? Did he actually say this, or are you implying this through various statements made by AM?

Well, to be fair to him, he's proof that it's very easy to imply the obvious through one's statements.

However, I don't think you can get any kind of absolute timetable even implied from MacPhail's comments, and won't believe otherwise until it is shown to me.