Os in first

[Corvus Corax]

1. Here's some stats the Sun MAY have overlooked (I don't read the articles on a regular basis):

Since they lost 2 of 3 to Oakland at home (31-30 at that point), the O's have gone 21-12, their team ERA has dropped from 4.28 to 3.83 (45 points), and they have played 10 series (33 games) ................... with a series record of 8-1-1 * (win-lost-tie). THAT is truly noteworthy!

(* if you treat the three recent games with Washington as one series)

2. After the all-star break, they are about to embark on a VERY challenging, West coast, 10-game road trip (Oakland, Angels, Mariners). If they manage to go 6-4 it will be proof positive that they CAN achieve success in the playoffs - if they make it there, and stay healthy.

3. I personally believe that they have to finish 'turning the tables' on the Yankees if they want to reach a World Series. Because of the HUGE revenue maintaining their abundant talent in reserve, NYY will always hang around as a contender - until a team in the AL East knocks them out of contention. The Orioles cannot afford to lose another season series to them - especially when they play four straight in the Bronx in late September. As the last two seasons illustrate, the Yankees will not go away by themselves no matter how many starters they lose. The best way to accomplish it is NOT to lose a series against them at home. That is why the rain-shortened, Sunday night game on ESPN was so important.

4. Thank you (again) Dan Duquette for: Nelson Cruz AND Steve Pearce, not to mention Ryan Webb.

5. Concerns for remainder of regular season:
(a) run production at home
(b) surviving an inevitable slump
(c) avoiding critical injuries