Throughout the season, the O's have been compared to the 1988 team that infamously lost its first 21 games. The 2018 team went 6-15 in its first 21 games. And now, after 89 games, the 2018 team is not only behind the slow pace of the 1988 squad but is losing more ground:
1988 Orioles: 29-60 after 89 games
2018 Orioles: 24-65 after 89 games
The comparisons to the 1988 team, which finished 54-107, won't stop. At some point, the 1988 team could be the ones who are embarrassed by the comparisons. Two of the worst teams in recent baseball history, the 1962 Mets (40-120, .250 win pct.) and the 2003 Tigers (43-119, .265 win pct.), could be within the Orioles' sights.
Right now, the O's winning percentage (.270) would be the worst of any team in the franchise's history (including some truly terrible St. Louis Browns teams). The closest would be the 1939 Browns, with a .279 winning percentage. The 1988 Orioles had a winning percentage of .335.Winless road trip. Lost finale 10-1 in Minneapolis. Could have been worse. COULD have been a 10 game trip!!— Joe Angel (@WaveItByeBye) July 8, 2018
To make things worse, there's almost nothing to feel good about individually with this team (non-Manny Machado division). Even bad teams have strong performances, and the Orioles have seen some now and then from their younger players (Dylan Bundy, Kevin Gausman, a few relievers, Chance Sisco, etc.). But besides the hope that some upcoming trades will infuse this organization with some much-needed talent and believing in a few players on Triple-A Norfolk's roster and a handful of players who are another season or more away, there's very little else.
Jon noted in early May that this is the abyss, and he wasn't wrong. We knew that it was deep. That doesn't mean we were truly prepared for it. Maybe no one can be.
8 comments:
I'm concerned that they can't keep up this pace and will eventually lose the first pick to the Royals. Hopefully trading anyone another team will take will help them put a stranglehold on that first pick, but some of the young guys they bring up might actually try to win some baseball games and tank the whole season.
On the plus size, the Os can go and sign as many crappy qualified free agents they want without losing their pick.
What is the likeyhood that Chris Davis would be in contention for the worst season in MLB History? How about the horrifically slow starts for Schoop and Manchini, two of the most important bats in the lineup? Tim Beckham and the catcher platoon batting sub .200 for most of the year? Zero contribution from Austin Hays or any other prospect?
We knew the O's would struggle with their rotation prior to the season, but I don't think anyone predicted this level of destruction offensively. How much do we contribute this pathetic display of baseball to an aberration? From a metrical standpoint, weren't the O's more likely to be above .500 at this point than be one of the worst clubs in team history?
Aaron, PECOTA had them at 69-93 in February, so I don't think the fall off is as bad as you think.
Benjamin, do you really think the top 5 pick matters that much? The O's will at the very least be picking top 5. Is there a clear cut number one pick in next years draft?
I meant to say 'do you really think the top pick matters'.
Hahah, about 90% of my comment was tongue in cheek. If there is a clear cut top pick then I am certain the Orioles wouldn't take him even if they had the first pick.
Gotta save money somewhere :/
ALL IS NOT LOST!!!
The O's only have to go 53-12 for the rest of the season to get to .500.
That would be .815 baseball over the last 3 months.
t
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