This evening, the Orioles open up a three-game set with the New York Yankees in the Big Apple.
I think over the next three days, we will see what the Birds are made of.
Despite the Rangers taking two out of three from the Orioles (aside from the second game on Saturday), the starting pitching has been fairly good and has done its job.
They held their own – for the most part – against the Rangers, so now they have do it against the Evil Empire.
The Bronx – a tough and gritty place by nature, despite the new glitzy Yankee Stadium – has always given the Orioles problems.
I will contend the Yankees are surely not as a good or fearsome as they used to be; however, they still have Alex Rodriguez, Mark Teixeira, Nick Swisher and Robinson Cano in their lineup.
There’s also Derek Jeter – who might be aging rapidly in front of our eyes – but seeing him in person over the years, I will never count him out.
Over the next three games, Chris Tillman, a struggling Brad Bergesen, and Jake Arrieta – who got lit up in his last start – get thrown into the lion’s den in the Bronx.
I don’t think the Orioles will sweep the series, but stranger things have happened. If the young pitching can perform well and neutralize a tough Yankee lineup, perhaps the Orioles are far better than anyone thought they were.
Right now, the young pitchers can’t go out there intimidated; however, I do think that Buck Showalter has everyone prepared.
Speaking of Showalter, I can imagine he’ll get a Bronx cheer. Ok, a lot of boos.
As well, the offense really has to pick it up and make the most of their scoring opportunities. There’s no way around it. I don’t think Oriole pitching will be throwing many shut-outs this week, so everyone from the top to bottom need to have productive-at-bats, get a few hits, and score when they can.
They face A.J. Burnett tonight. Despite his struggles last year, he still does pretty well against the Birds.
Let’s hope Baltimore can take the series. They have a very hot and resurgent Indians team to play against over the weekend.
