The Losing Continues; O's Fall to the Rays, 9-7, The Rundown...

Could the worst possibly be yet to come?

Well, things have seemingly gone from bad to horrific as Baltimore lost to Tampa Bay, 9-7 last night.

Kurt Birkins tried to vain to make an impact as a starter, but the Tampa offense was too much.

Furthermore, the bullpen once again blew another game wide open, and the events of last night showed why Jim Hoey is not ready for the majors yet and how Brian Buress is continuously wilting in front of our eyes. However, Rocky Cherry was impressive as he struck out four in two innings of work.

The Orioles had the lead 4-0 until the third inning and it was downhill from there.

Patterson came through with 2 runs driven in, and Ramon Hernandez hit a 3-run homer in the ninth inning; however, it was too little, too late.

Birkins was not terrible, but not great either, although he kept the Orioles in the game on Monday in his first MLB start.

It looks like the Orioles have long waved the white flag on the season, and are playing their youngsters in hope of finding lightning in a bottle for 2008; alas, honestly though, do you see any of the young call-ups even on the roster for next season?

It’s too early to tell, but from what I am not liking what I see.

At this stage; however, we might as well see what have from the lower levels that can help out.

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The Baltimore Sun has a recap of the game, as does the Examiner, Orioles MLB site, Washington Post and Orioles Hangout.

Roch Kubatko has his thoughts from last night, especially the Carlos Pena home run.

Amazing Erik Bedard wants to pitch again in 2007; however, if he’s injured, let him rest and keep his eye on 2008.

As we are towards the end of 2007 season, even more call-ups can be expected by the Orioles and Jaret Wright might make a cameo; however, that will probably not be the case, and even if he does come back, he will not be starting…