The Friday night Orioles game thread: at Tigers, 7:08

Why do the games have the scheduled time of 7:08? That is the great mystery. Is there some deep reason behind it? Perhaps they're just being honest. Hardly any Camden Yards games actually start at 7:05. It's nearly always 7:06 or 7:07 and nobody really cares.

The second half begins. That's actually not a true statement because if we're getting technical, the second half began after the Orioles played 81 games. Whatever, don't split hairs, alright. The All-Star Break divides the first and second half of the season. That's the way it is and probably always will be. Both the Orioles and their opponent tonight, the Tigers, come into the game with 44-44 records, looking to get things started right in the second half with a win.

Things that would be good: Well, pretty much get back to something other than near-complete failure with RISP. The O's average with RISP cratered 27 points from the beginning of July to the All-Star Break, which is actually kind of astounding. Also it would be good for Ubaldo Jimenez to crank out a good start, and maybe people can hit a bunch of home runs off Anibal Sanchez and/or the Tigers bullpen, both of which have largely struggled this year? I'm not trying to ask too much here, mind you.

Nine games doesn't represent much of a baseball season, but tonight begins a nine-game road stretch that will take the team nearly to the non-waiver trade deadline. The Orioles have been bad on the road this year. Orioles - you know what must be done.