Quick Hits - Fast O's News & the Rundown...

The Baltimore Orioles open up a three game series against the Toronto Blue Jays this evening at Camden Yards.

Projected Starters and Matchups:

• Friday Night: A.J. Burnett (1-1, 7.07 ERA) vs. Daniel Cabrera (1-1, 3.66 ERA)
• Saturday Night: Josh Towers (1-1, 2.03 ERA) vs. Adam Loewen (1-0, 3.95 ERA)
• Sunday Afternoon: Gustavo Chacin (2-0, 3.57 ERA) vs. Steve Trachsel (0-1, 5.39 ERA)

My Thoughts:

The Orioles have won 5 out of their last 6 games, as they played the Royals and Devil Rays, perhaps two of the youngest and weakest teams in the American League. The bullpen has been magnificent, and everyone has contributed to the success of the team so far.

The Blue Jays and the Orioles have the same record right now, as both teams are 8-7. Right now, I’d say we have the edge in pitching, as A.J. Burnett has been inconsistent, but Josh Towers and Gustavo Chacin have been decent so far.

The offense for the Blue Jays has struggled, as Frank Thomas is only hitting .204, Lyle Overbay is only hitting .232, Vernon Wells is hitting .246 (though he has 3 homers).

The hot bats in the lineup are Alex Rios (.281, 3, 10), and Aaron Hill who is batting .327.

I’d venture to say we could possibly take 2 out of 3 from the Blue Jays.

Troy Glaus and B.J. Ryan are on the shelf, so the team is weakened without those two in the lineup.

This is the time to take advantage...

Upcoming:

Business is about to pick up.

After the Jays roll in, the A’s and Red Sox come into town. Thereafter, we finish the month with the Tigers and the Indians.

I’d say, if we can finish over .500 this month, the team is in good shape. We don’t finish the month with cupcakes, as every opponent is tough, so the Orioles will need to keep up what they are doing and it’s vital they stay in games, plus not let them get out of hand.

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Right now, it looks like team chemistry is higher than ever, and many of the players spent the off-season and little of spring training trying to get acquainted. As well, it looks like everyone on the team is getting along, and hanging out together after games. In the article, “Birds of a Feather”, Baltimore Sun writer looks at team chemistry and how well some members of the Orioles have meshed and gotten to know one another.

It looks like Jay Payton will finally suit for the Orioles for the first time this season tonight against the Blue Jays.

The bullpen has been an area of great strength for the team, and has kept us in ballgames, as well held leads. Right now, the millions heaped on the members of the Orioles bullpen seemed to be money very well spent (right now), and was an area of the team that sorely needed to be fixed in the off-season.

To compliment the free agent signings for the bullpen, pitchers John Parrish (who is coming back after being injured for well over a year plus) and Jeremy Guthrie have also come up big in key situations.

Dawn Klemish of the orioles.com notes on how much of a difference that the revamped bullpen has made.

The Baltimore Sun has a question for closer Chris Ray…