This train is heading in the wrong direction, and regrettably, it may be the case that there ain't no stopping this train we on.
At least if the train derailed, it would stop going in the wrong direction, although that would result in a fiery inferno, which is also not so ideal. Metaphors are getting a little confused here. It's bad. That's the point. It's real bad right now. Two runs off of Juan Nicasio is bad.
What horror will they perpetuate against Chad Bettis, appearing in his fourth-ever MLB game, tonight? Will the 5-9 hitters manage to muster a base hit before the ninth inning? Ryan Flaherty was originally in the lineup as the designated hitter, batting eighth. That may be the biggest illustration of what's wrong with the Orioles lineup right now. The other big problem is the fifth-place hitter is Nick Markakis, who is slugging .369. J.J. Hardy is out for the game and is day-to-day with back spasms.
The good news is Bettis is not left-handed, nor is he soft-tossing.
At least Markakis isn't batting third. More at-bats for Chris Davis and Adam Jones is a good thing. Markakis should be even lower than that. Two extra-base hits since June 25 is not going to cut it. His last extra-base hit was a double on July 19. That is nearly one month ago. Two more games without an extra-base hit and it will be a full month. That is not a bat that belongs at the top of the order or in the middle of the order.
What will Bud Norris' latest start in Camden Yards bring? He gives up a lot of home runs and the Rockies hit several last night. It doesn't matter if they are old or young. They will hit home runs. The Orioles give up tons of home runs. Everybody gives up home runs.
They also hit home runs. Maybe one of these days they will hit some home runs with men on base. Maybe tonight they will get men on base in ways other than walking and hitting singles and home runs. All kinds of crazy things are possible.