Wednesday Bird Droppings: The Orioles offense is struggling with consistency

Good morning Birdland,

This Orioles offense sure does ebb and flow, doesn’t it? Over the last six games, they have scored one or fewer runs five times. The one time they scored more, was on Monday when they crossed the plate 14 times. A little more consistency would probably result in more wins.

It’s not entirely surprising. Anthony Santander’s bat is missing. Rio Ruiz and Hanser Alberto have cooled off since hot starts to the season. Austin Hays is still trying to find his feet after returning from injury. And guys like Ryan Mountcastle and DJ Stewart aren’t going to be able to hit every single night.

These are the growing pains of a young team. In general, it is still more good than bad, and it remains a lot of fun to see what happens next.

Links & Notes

Something in water? Bowie fuels O’s revivals - MLB.com
The lack of a minor league season is a blow to player development as a whole, but the Orioles do seem to be making the most of it. That gives some hope that players like Adley Rutschman are getting better even without “real” games to play.

Hyde on Mullins’ defense, Mountcastle at first base and more - School of Roch
Cedric Mullins has been really impressive since being recalled in mid-August. It’s not entirely surprising. After all, he did show flashes of this when he debuted in the big leagues at the end of the 2018 season. But he has sustained it for a month at this point, and he just might be the favorite to start in center field on Opening Day 2021.

Hays excited about Orioles’ homegrown talent, says there’s more on the way - Baltimore Baseball
Many of the Orioles “elite” prospects, like Rutschman, D.L. Hall, Grayson Rodriguez and Heston Kjerstad are still a little while from making their big league debuts. But that doesn’t mean the organization is barren in the upper minors. Next season is setting up to be a lot of fun, with quite a few intriguing youngsters making their way to the Charm City.

Orioles birthday

Is it your birthday? Happy birthday!

Paul Shuey turns the big 5-0 today. The former pitcher wrapped up his 11-season big league career with a 25-game stint as a member of the 2007 Orioles. Across 25.2 innings the righty had a 9.82 ERA, 48 ERA+ and 2.104 WHIP.

It is the 59th birthday of Mark Parent. From 1992-93 and then again in ‘96, Parent served as an occasional catcher for the Orioles. In total, Parent played in 57 games for the O’s, posted a 94 OPS+ and 0.4 bWAR.

Mickey Tettleton celebrates his 60th birthday. After signing with the Orioles as a free agent prior to the 1988 season, Tettleton would stick around from 88-90, compiling a .245/.363/.438 batting line and earning a trip to the 1989 All-Star Game.

Finally, happy 61st birthday to Hall of Fame outfielder Tim Raines. His Cooperstown credentials were made as a member of the Montreal Expos, but he did have a brief pitstop in Baltimore at the end of his career. Raines suited up for four games with the 2001 Orioles, giving him the chance to play alongside his son, Tim Jr., in the O’s outfield.

Orioles history

1985 - The Orioles use six home runs to beat the Tigers 14-7. At one point, Cal Ripken Jr., Eddie Murray and Fred Lynn hit back-to-back-to-back home runs to set an Orioles franchise record for consecutive round trippers.

1997 - O’s pitcher Jimmy Key breaks a run of bad luck at Camden Yards. After going 0-7 over his last nine starts at home, he finally gets a win, topping the Cleveland Indians 7-2.

2000 - The Orioles get beaten by Mariners pitcher Jamie Moyer for the 11th straight time. In total, Moyer is 11-1 in his career against the O’s.

2012 - The Orioles clinch a winning season for the first time since 1997, beating the Athletics 9-5. Matt Wieters leads the offense with two home runs off of A’s hurler Dan Straily.

2014 - For the first time since 1997, the Orioles are AL East champions. They beat the Blue Jays 8-2.