The most disappointing part of the 2009 O’s season, is not this pathetic losing-streak to end the year; but playing September ball without their full roster.
There is no way that the Birds go through this type of complete collapse if Jones, Reimold, Bergesen, Mickolio, and Matusz had been able to end the year.
I am not arguing they would have even had a winning September, just stating I believe they would have been competitive.
Watching the O’s get their brains beat in every-night, is hard to take.
On the other-hand, Mora is not going to be the 3rd-baseman next year, Fiorentino, Aubrey, and Montanez will compete for the bench, and will not be starting with any regularity.
Berken and Hernandez will not be in the rotation, beyond the end of next April. Meaning they will both be available to help the bullpen, along with Uehara.
I said all season that the O’s should improve as the season progresses. For the players that will be the core going-forward, that basically did occur.
Finish-out this horrible string of games, and get to the off-season. Get healthy, extend Jones long-term, and make the run at Lackey. He does not deserve the AJ Burnett money he is seeking, but combined with Matusz, Tillman, Bergesen, and Guthrie; would give the O’s a capable rotation.
Nothing has changed my mind on what 2010 will be for the Orioles. The O’s will go to Spring Training 2010, with 81-85 wins as a legitimate, obtainable goal.
Owner
Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.