To all my readers out there (what is it, like 2 people now?) I would like to welcome you to a new feature, frequent updates on why O's fans should be optimistic this season. Reason numbers 1 and 2:
• Only the Twins (35-21) had a better record in the AL than the Orioles' 34-23 after Showalter took over. His 34 wins in 57 games were more than previous managers Dave Trembley and Juan Samuel (32) compiled in 105 games. (Yes, its true folks, the Buck Showalter, Showalter has been more successful then our last 3 managers combined in terms of gathering wins early on. Id say, with the depth in the AL, particularly in the AL East and with the new lineup additions, this trend should continue into the 2011 season, and it all starts with pitching, which leads me to reason number 2....)
• The pitching staff's ERA pre-Showalter was over 5.50, but fell to 3.54 in the last 57 games. Just the A's (3.23) and Angels (3.40) were better. In Showalter's 57 games, the Orioles got 36 quality starts from their pitchers. (This is what we've been WAITING for people!, we've had a stable of young arms for the last few seasons that couldn't handle the strenuous 162-game big league season. My sense is that this will change in 2011. With the way Bucky has been coaching these young arms, expect a vast improvement this season. Could we get to .500? maybe compete for a wild card spot? Who knows, but are chances are as good as they've ever been this decade)
Stay tuned for more reasons as we approach this new and exciting season in Baltimore.
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