Saturday Bird Droppings: The Orioles are a June juggernaut

Good morning, Birdland!

Turns out winning baseball games is a lot more fun than losing them. Who would have thought? The Orioles’ current three-game run is the longest active streak in the AL East, and it is tied for the second-longest active streak in all of MLB. Thanks to another dip in form from the Arizona Diamondbacks, the O’s have lifted from the absolute bottom of the league standings. They are now only the second-worst team in baseball. Huzzah!

The Twins, Pirates, Rangers, and Rockies are officially on notice. Once these O’s go streaking, you may never see them in the bottom five again!

OK, perhaps that is a slight overreaction, and the reality is that the Orioles are going to get another high draft pick in 2022. But the sentiment is somewhat valid.

Yes, the Orioles are a bad team. Good teams do not lose 14 games consecutively. Good teams do not routinely place a hitter like Freddy Galvis in the clean-up spot (OK, well the Yankees kind of do this, but they are weird). But are they the worst? Over 162 games, will they actually win fewer games than the Pirates or the Tigers?

They might. The AL East is a beast, after all. But it sure feels like there is enough upside on this Orioles roster (not to mention the upper minors) to believe their best baseball is ahead of them. Granted, that could simply mean they avoid 100 losses over a full season for the first time since 2017. I know, I know. We’re dreaming big here!

Links

After promotion to Aberdeen, Orioles prospect Jordan Westburg excited for future, more competitions with Gunnar Henderson | The Baltimore Sun
Jordan Westburg had a first-round draft projection heading into last year’s draft. The Orioles were able to nab him in the Competitive Balance round and may have gotten themselves something of a steal if he continues to grow at his current rate. One month into the minor league season he has already earned himself a promotion to Aberdeen, and there is a chance he spends time in Double-A Bowie before the year is over.

Orioles Make Several Roster Moves | MLB Trade Rumors
In case you missed the flurry of moves the O’s made yesterday, here is a recap. It’s unfortunate that Shawn Armstrong struggled so much this season. Perhaps he sticks around in the organization or gets a chance to join another 40-man roster.

Notes on Armstrong, Harvey, Hays and more | School of Roch
The return of Hunter Harvey could be huge. His talent is obvious, and when he is “on” he may be the most dominant pitcher on the Orioles roster. But there is constant injury concern with him, and Brandon Hyde will have to be extra cautious with him as a result.

Orioles birthdays

Is it your birthday? Happy birthday!

• Russ Ortiz turns 47 today. The right-handed pitcher had a 12-year in the big leagues, most of which was spent with the Giants. But he did have a 20-game stint with the 2006 Orioles, when he accumulated an 8.48 ERA over 40.1 innings.

This day in history

2008 - The Orioles select Brian Matusz out of the University of San Diego with the fourth overall pick in the amateur draft. Matusz is the first college pitcher taken at the event. Other players still available include Florida State catcher Buster Posey, high school outfielder Aaron Hicks, and high school pitcher Gerrit Cole.