Wednesday night gamethread: vs Royals, 7:05

By this point, I think we have all come to grips with what this Orioles team is. They have a lot of flaws. The starting pitching isn't any better than they were in 2017. The offense struggles to score runs on a daily basis. The bullpen can't hold the few leads they have been given. And the fielding, at times, is minor league quality. Basically, they aren't a good baseball team.

But you aren't an Orioles fan because they have always produced the best quality of baseball. We all know that hasn't be true for decades.

No, you're an Orioles fan because this team represents your city. Or maybe you're a fan because Cal Ripken Jr. was your favorite player growing up. Perhaps Earl Weaver's legendary temper tantrums made you smile. Maybe you just like the color orange, or you think they have a cool logo. This year's team doesn't change anything about that. This is still your team and you'll still be a fan after this nightmare is over.

Not to mention, there is still plenty to like about these guys. This is the beginning of what could be an awesome career for players like Trey Mancini or Chance Sisco. Adam Jones and Manny Machado are team legends that could be entering their final months as part of the organization. The roster is filled to the brim with names that you will one day churn up with the question "You remember that guy?"

Fanhood is burned into someone during down years like this. It teaches us the ability to endure the tough times based on the promise of better things to come. It may be a hollow promise, but you won't know unless you stick it out.