O's Lose in Oaktown, 2-1 in Ten; What About The Offense: The Rundown?

The O’s are now back at .500 as they lost to the A’s in Oaktown, 2-1. The loss is their third in a row; however, we should take some positives from the loss. After a devastating series loss to the Angels out in sunny California, they once again lost in a painful fashion.

First, Garrett Olson went a little more than six shutout innings, and looked nothing like the wide-eyed kid who could not keep his pitches in the strike zone last year. It’s too bad he didn’t get the decision; however, the A’s starter, Dana Eveland was just as good on the mound as he threw seven shutout innings and allowed only three hits.

Emil Brown had three hits, including the game-winning single with two outs in the bottom of the 10th inning, to decide the game. Rajai Davis drove in the other run for Oakland on the night with a bases loaded infield single off Jamie Walker. The Orioles fought back in the ninth and tied the score thanks to a Ramon Hernandez RBI. Jim Johnson took the loss in the tenth; however, he’s been nothing but exceptional, and the law of averages caught up with him.

I actually stayed up and watched most of the game, and let’s just say the offense needs to get into gear — real quick. I really didn’t see much there and it’s just disheartening to see a good pitching effort wasted by a youngster because the bats went quiet.

What should we do about it? I’m going to take this issue game by game, but it was no secret to any of us here that the bats would be a problem (although we suspected the pitching might be just as bad, which is now anything but the case). I still think we need more pitching depth, but the lack of hits and runs crossing the plate is becoming a huge issue.

Like I said, I’m not going to care about wins and losses in 2008; however, a hit here and a run there (especially after what I saw on Sunday), the Orioles could be several games over .500; the floor is open — what do you think? What should be done with the offense?

As well, with what I am seeing with the young rotation, Trachsel’s time in Baltimore could be in it’s final hours unless he finds himself. Well, then again, he should at least get one more start according to the Orioles MLB writer Spencer Fordin.

Finally, why I am hoping to see Freddie Bynum again in an Oriole uniform despite his numbers so far in his career?

There's been a lot of concern over Adam Loewen; however, the news is good with him as after seeing renowned orthopedic surgeon, Dr. James Andrews, his arm is structurally fine. At this point, I say just let him comeback slowly, and he should not force himself to comeback, unless he's absolutely healthy.

Kevin Millar has been struggling, and considering where he bats in the lineup, they need him to come around very soon.