Five Reasons the O's Will Finish Last (Again)

After barely being able to watch this weekend's clean sweep by the Rays I've come to the hard realization that this season will end like so many before it - in the basement.

I, like many of you tried to buy into the hype and take a "leap of faith" that the Orioles would improve under the all-knowing Buck. But as we slowly move into May we see the many problems that this team will have being able to compete.

1) The Starting Pitching Isn't Good Enough

I'll start with the positives. Zach Britton looks like the real deal and Jake Arrietta has proven to be a battler who may just become a professional pitcher. Jeremy Guthrie had also been very reliable but has had a few starts where his doors have been blow off. In the end he'll still be servicable.

So where does that leave the rest of the rotation? Chris Tillman doesn't throw enough strikes and Brad Bergesen had his early successes zapped by a Billy Butler line drive years ago. He doesn't change speeds besides the fact he can't/won't throw a curveball. Brian Matusz's injury didn't help matters either but he may be back by the end of May.

Hopefully the Orioles don't fall too far behind the rest of the East for his return to mean very little. At this point the options are limited but maybe both Matusz and the return of Alfredo Simon could lead to a shake up among the five. What else could they do anyway?

Is it safe to mention that the Justin Duchsherer signing was a failure yet? It would have helped to have a functioning innings eater vet presence to count on while the kids learn.

2) The Lineup is "Boom or Bust"

More bust than boom at this point. But you'd have to expect things to get better considering the veterans that are found throughout the lineup. Right? Let's hope because it can't get any worse.

Actually the current sorry state of affairs offensively shouldn't be that much of a surprise. Additions Lee and Reynolds aren't making much contact but then again neither are longtime O's Roberts and Markakis. Top to bottom the offense has been anemic with not a single .300 in the bunch.

Considering the way the roster was constructed you don't have any other chance of scoring runs other than just hitting out of your slumps. The O's don't steal bases (an understatement) and only have marginal speed as a team. Most hitters don't bunt. (Plus giving up outs when you are struggling to score makes little sense) Most hitters don't have the ability to make contact to put on a hit and run. So you're stuck with what you've got

3) The Orioles Can't Shake their Old Image

They tried early on with a sweep of the Rays but after watching Tampa get revenge in fairly easy fashion this weekend the team feels like they are back where they started.

The frustration is starting to mount among the players and it's starting to feel like business as usual around here.  I've heard the talk that everyone is pressing and trying to do too much at the plate. But they still don't do the little things to win ball games. They don't hit behind runners. They don't hit with runners in scoring position. They don't work the count. And on and on.

It almost felt like that horrible late inning meltdown against the Yankees reversed any momenum they had in making progress.

The overall baseball IQ seems low. For example the Orioles threaten against the Rays young pitcher on Saturday and with the bases loaded Robert Andino is over-aggressive instead of taking at least a strike. The O's need to play the game right.

4) Bullpen Issues

For as much as we like to talk about starting pitching the bullpen has been even worse.

Consistency is key and the only thing you can count on is that this bullpen consistently makes it interesting. Only Kevin Gregg (yes that Kevin Gregg) and Koji Uehara have been able to get hitters out keeping opponents batting under .220 against them. The rest is up for grabs. Accardo and Johnson have been decent but nothing spectacular.

Then there is Michael Gonzalez. Has he finally found the right formula? Who knows? But he's another example of a relief pitcher that has been paid A LOT of money and hasn't produced enough. (Side note: Why is it the Orioles seem freer to throw money on Relief pitcher but not Starters or position players?)

I also hate the idea of having a 12 or 13 player bullpen which shortens your bench.

5) There Isn't Much Showalter Can Do

The shine has worn off of Buck's halo for sure. Fans are expecting a lineup shakeup and considering it's been over a month I'd welcome a few changes. Move Jones to 2nd, Slide Markakis to 3rd, Move Wieters up and Lee down in order. Sounds good.

But what's it really going to do? As a group they still don't get on base enough and as I said before they are primarily a station to station club. It's either hit better or go home. They don't have any options on the farm right now either. So at least for now we are status quo.

This is my first Fan Post so I welcome comments from anyone who can help talk me down here.