It was not a good day for the Orioles as they got smashed by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, 11-2.
The Orioles – who saw their 4-game win streak snapped – they could not do much against Jered Weaver who won his 18th game and the Angels’ offense, led by Erick Aybar (of all players). Aybar had two home runs and five runs scored in the rout of Baltimore.
The Orioles could not diminish the Angels’ playoff hopes any further as Alfredo Simon was again ineffective on Sunday, going five innings and giving up six runs.
Right now, I just see a pitcher on the mound who is woefully inconsistent. The Orioles would not have won anyway on Sunday; however, the most successful pitchers in the sport (even those less than gifted) are the ones who can go out and perform will each and every time out.
Simon has not done that yet. Granted, he has had a lot of personal stuff happen to him this year and is still facing some potential fallout with a criminal case in his home country. Then again, he has been pitching for most of the summer with the Baltimore, and it has just been a see-saw ride.
It is just frustrating to watch Simon at times, as he obviously has the tools, but can not put it all together in consecutive starts.
After his last start, where he was brilliant – he struggled. I mused last week that I’m not sure if Simon is a long guy at the moment, a starter, or a just another arm in the bullpen.
I see him getting another shot in Spring Training to start; however, I do also believe that the Orioles will bring some help to the starting rotation next year with a free agent pitcher – or two. They need the depth.
Finally, the Orioles play the Red Sox starting this afternoon as they play four games in three days.
As we know, the Red Sox are tanking and are ahead in the Wild Card race only two games ahead of the Rays, who have surged in the month of September.
We shall see if the Orioles can play spoiler as they face yet another contender for a playoff spot. Despite Boston’s firepower and a strong lineup, their pitching can not stay healthy. In addition, they’ve had several players suffer with down years.
It is unbelievable that Boston is struggling. Seriously, the Red Sox seemed to be well on their way to winning 100 games and the division earlier in the summer.
