O’s Win Series vs. Blue Jays (2-1)

Around the Diamond

Why so quiet, Bird’s Eye View? Where are my game recaps? Sorry folks, but we were starting to get some serious carpal tunnel syndrome.  Just how many times can a person write “our starters aren’t going deep enough” or “our bullpen is tres amazing” or “would it kill them to get some offensive production out of second base?” We’ve enjoyed our game recaps, but don’t want to flood you, dear reader. We’re going to scale AtD to a look back at each series. We hope that will provide a little more perspective (unless, of course, knee jerk reactions are your thing), and give us a better look on how the O’s are doing, and where their season is heading.

Without further ado, let’s take a look at the April 22-24 Blue Jays series.

First Base

The O’s made a series of roster moves to bolster the pitching staff this week. Saturday’s double-header necessitated a spot start on Wednesday, and the starting staff’s inability to go deep into games created the need for bullpen support. Alex Burnett came in to provide insurance in the pen, and gave way to Josh Stinson, who made the (rough) start on Wednesday. Shortly thereafter, Stinson was sent back to Norfolk, and Zach Britton was promoted to the big club – to start Wednesday’s game, if he’s not needed in relief before then.

Got all that? Someone has to, I suppose.

The Orioles used every ounce of their 40-man roster last year, and appear to  be prepared to do it again in 2013. The bottom line is that, until the starting rotation provides some consistent innings, the pitching staff as a whole will be a merry-go-round of whoever isn’t burned out (yet).

Second Base

Did anyone else catch this beauty from Deadspin this week?

Some guy brings “Massive Dumps” sign to Camden Yards.

Who is the man behind the sign? What is he hoping to achieve?  What could possibly have been written on the other side? What are the massive dumps to which he refers?!?! I need answers. His face is hidden by the Massive Dumps sign. If  you know this person, or you were in the stadium to get the story, please let us know. I can only imagine what signage this might inspire – I both fear and gleefully anticipate the escalation.

Additionally, why are we finding out about this from Toronto’s video feed? You can’t tell me that MASN didn’t get a glimpse of the Mr. Dumps. You’re on notice, MASN: don’t disappoint me again.

Third Base

Oh my God, Jim Johnson is mortal after all. The Pretender came in for the 10th inning of Wednesday’s series finale, and when team failed to score in the bottom frame, he returned to work the 11th. That inning was trouble.  Johnson allowed two singles, hit a batter, and then walked in the go-ahead (and ultimately winning) run.

These things are bound to happen, I suppose. The earned run was Johnson’s first of the season, and there will probably be more to come. Still, for a guy who has been so dependable, it was tough to watch as he unraveled, blowing a game that the O’s had fought hard to get back into. Fear not, the Jim Johnson man crush here at Bird’s Eye View will continue. Nothing but love for The Pretender.

Home Plate

I’m trying to avoid talking about Jake Arrieta, I feel like a broken record. Let me say this: with a little time to look back and consider (see, no knee-jerk reactions!), I realize that part of the reason I’m so irritated with Arrieta is that he could be great. And we need him – something that becomes even more clear when you watch the rest of the starters struggle. His trade value may be a negative integer, but remember that there are 29 other major league teams that would love to have Arrieta in their organization.  I hope that he can get himself straight in the minors, because I would love to see him mow down major league hitters in meaningful Orioles games.

C’mon, Jake. Get it together. You’re killing me, smalls.

Back to the Dugout

This series is another example that the Orioles living and dying by the one-run game. This team is starting to resemble last year’s “Buck Not Luck” squad. Taking a series from the reigning off-season champs was a great end cap to the home stand. The Orioles won each series while going 6-3 at Camden Yards. Heading out to the West Coast, the O’s have to be sure to set their bats back 3 hours. They have struggled against Oakland and Los Angeles in the past.