Leading Off

We provide a quick update on What the Heck Is Going On With the Baltimore Orioles?

The Adam Jones pie celebrations are at an end (again). Or are they?!?!

The Orioles are keeping themselves within striking distance – that makes for meaningful games in September. Buckle up, folks, and enjoy a few Drinks of the Week.

The Medical Wing

Jake has some surprisingly strong feelings about the loss of Craig Gentry.

This Week on the Twitters

https://twitter.com/JackieTHarty/status/904455038621319170

#Elite pic.twitter.com/yHVqN33jtu

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) September 3, 2017

The Orioles are suddenly very frustrating.

— Lila Shapiro-Cyr (@lilasc) September 3, 2017

It's not a question of if the Orioles are better than the Dodgers, but rather exactly how much better the Orioles are.

— Céspedes Family BBQ (@CespedesBBQ) August 30, 2017

That is really the crux. How far do you push it? What are the reasons for pushing it? What do you get out of it?

— Camden Depot (@CamdenDepot) August 30, 2017

Steve Pearce has done exactly what the Blue Jays brought him in to do. A nice piece to take into 2018.

— Zombie-P Toronto (@BProToronto) September 4, 2017

Bullpen Construction

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What is Buck Showalter to do with this collection of relievers?

The three (because Jake forgot about Asher) “extra” arms with expanded rosters come down to:

Richard Rodriguez
Jimmy Yacabonis
Gabriel Ynoa
Alec Asher

And really, you don’t know what you’re going to get from them in any appearance. I mean, there’s a reason that these guys were in the minors all season. And the Orioles’ system is not one that produces talent that is primed to be dropped into the middle of a playoff hunt. These are extras, and should be treated as such.

The guys goes back and forth on how to use the bullpen.

Around the Bases

We go Around the Bases in this week’s happenings in Orioles Baseball:

First Base – PieGate 2.0

Second Base – Offense in Playoff Form?

Third Base – Jonathan Schoop’s MVP case

Home Plate – Game day activities/traditions

Fantasy Boss

Scott tightens the score to 5-4-2, with a win this week. His pick, Manny Machado (12) out hit Jake’s pick, Adam Jones (9). Just like the Orioles, the close score ensures meaningful contests in September.

This week’s category is K-BB%.

Scott went Miguel Castro

Jake selected Darren O’Day

Remember our Wild Card – which player will hit the next 450+ ft home run. Jake went with Jonathan Schoop and Scott took Manny Machado.

Who will own it?

Blowing the Save

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Most podcasts try to end on a high note – the perfect coda to a quality program. That’s just not our style. Each week, we’ll end on a weak note, blowing the save with an item that didn’t quite fit into the episode, or something they simply need to get off their chests. It’s our version of taking the ball and pulling a Kevin Gregg.