Orioles Starters: Last 15 Games

The last fifteen games have been a bit rocky for the Orioles, who have gone 6-9 in that span, playing the Royals, Pirates, Indians, Brewers, and Astros. While the hitting and pitching hasn’t seemed to get in synch during that stretch.

The Orioles have been averaging just 3.1 runs per game, while being shut out three times. Opponents have averaged 5.8. Seems like a recipe for success, right? As frustrating as it is to see Nelson Cruz try to drag eight other guys through a ballgame, what has become even more troubling is the starters’ inability to go deep into games. And more specifically, to keep runs off the board.

In the last 15 games, the Orioles starters have thrown just four quality starts, while giving up 5+ earned runs six times.

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I wish there were some silver lining here. Or there was something about the trends that could lead me to tell you that the Orioles are going to be OK. There’s always the cliche that a team is never as good as they look in the best times, nor as bad as they look in the worst times.

Tonight, the Orioles turn to Miguel Gonzales, who has turned in half of those four quality starts. After being briefly pushed into the bullpen, he might be the closest thing the club has to a marginally effective starter.

It’s early still, and the Orioles have plenty of time to get their season in gear. They trail the AL East leading Blue Jays (yuck) by 4.5 games. Lay off the panic button, Birdland.

I don’t know about you, but I’d like to see something better out of the next fifteen games.