So it's been a while since I have posted, but now I am back at it and the first topic I come back too has to be the Orioles. I can't tell you how awesome it has been to watch this team throughout the summer. As we stand right now the team is one game ahead of the Yankees in the ALEast on September 12th. And as we all know this is the first time we have had a lead in the division this late in the year since 1997. It seems we can't go a day without being reminded how long it has been but who cares because this year is just different. As a fan who has struggled with the team through the last 14 years I can tell you that at many times this year I have expected the slide to begin but this team is different.
In my mind it all starts with Buck Showalter and Dan Duquette of course that isn't too hard to see. With basically the same team as last year ( a team that won 69 games) Buck Showalter has managed this team in a way that has changed these player's mindsets. As one could imagine playing so long for a bad organization could change someones outlook on what they could accomplish in this game. But somehow Buck showed these guys that it didn't matter what happened in the past all that matters is what you do now and the players are responding. Not only has he reinvigorated players like Nick Markakis but he has also dealt with a revolving door in the rotation with only one holdover from the opening day staff in the current rotation. It seems like every move he makes ends up working and we haven't had a manager with the feeling for the game like he does in a long time.
As for Dan Duquette, I remember some criticizing the team when they hired Dan and many thought that with his time away from the game he would not have the knowledge of the current players to help the organization get better. And just as with Buck he has shown an uncanny ability to pick up players that produce and at some points carry this team. His accomplishments must not go unnoticed, such as bringing in Nate McClouth or trading for Jason Hammell. Even though I have questioned some of his moves he has shown that he knows what this team needs and he knows how to go get it.
As I am writing this the O's are tied with Rays in the bottom of the sixth inning in a huge game with playoff implications at Camden Yards and it has been a long, long time since I have been able to say that during football season. I hope to be writing much more about how well the Orioles are doing in the near future. And for now I am going to enjoy every game we left because this is the team I have wanted to see in Baltimore and I know they won't let us down. Let's Go O's!
No comments:
Post a Comment