Over the course of the first couple months of the season, one thing that sticks out in my mind is the number of opportunities the O's offense let slip away. I'm talking both in close games, and games when the O's are ahead. They just don't seem to have any killer instinct, becoming complacent when they are ahead, or not having the ability to win the close games b/c they don't make critical plays. I know the O's record stands at 9-8 in one run games, but having watched so many of their games this year, I just don't think that is an accurate reflection on their ability to win close games. When you make stupid base running errors, or commit errors on a routine plays, you typically don't win close games. Primarily b/c these errors, more often than not lead to the other team scoring unearned runs, or base running mistakes which translate into lost opportunities.
We need a more guys who are fighters, who truly hate to lose, in order to really turn this organization around. We need more (or ONE) Jake Arrieta's, which is why I can't wait to see him in an O's uni. This article in The Sun http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bal-sp.osminors22jun22,0,1396121.story speaks to the kind of player he is, and drives the point home that this isn't an attitude that many on the current O's roster possess. Perhaps it's there, but I don't hear it in interviews, and I just don't see it on the field, where it truly counts. Matt Hobgood, from everything I've read, also seems to have this make-up, and he couldn't get here soon enough.
McPhail and Trembley must insist the players and organization take on this mentality, or we are destined to repeat the last decade plus of losing.
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Shouldn't a team statistically be .500 in 1 run games? From what I have read the way to beat this is to have a premier closer who helps you win more of those 1 run games you are ahead in than the norm. 9-8 seems pretty good considering who is closing for the O's. I guess I don't buy the Killer Instinct Theory.
ReplyDeleteDoes that get me banned?
No Take for 6 days but something tells me we might get something today :-)
ReplyDeleteHere is what Ken Tremendous had to say about Tuesday's comeback, "I choose to think of tonight's events as simply the Sox going down -1 in run differential."
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I just need to get that laptop Alan, so when I am on the road, Earl's Take isn't far behind. I supose I really should have posted soemthing after the comeback, considering the day after, when WE were at Camden Yards, you Sox fans went home happy (and obnoxious, but that obnoxious isn't applicable to you:)
ReplyDeleteWell written Mr. Eiker! Pete S. gave me your blog info. and I am happy to hear what you have to say. I am mostly only a local sports fan except for the Ravens. I'm indifferent about them. Simply because they are not the Colts. I'm still kinda pissed about the Colts leaving.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure I would love the Guords. You have always had good taste in music.
Take care!
-erin