Yankee Smackdown & The Rundown

After the 12-2 drubbing of the Yankees on Tuesday, the Orioles were riding high and looking forward to taking on the youngster, Darrell Rasner; however, the same Birds that whooped up on the Bombers last night would be listless.

Baltimore lost to New York 8-0, and there was not much that came of this game at all. Olson, who has been solid since his call-up had nothing as he gave up six runs in 2 2/3 innings. Perhaps he did not have his stuff, or he just was intimidated, but he looked awful.

Of course, Alex Rodriguez, needless to say is back -- he hit a homer, and was robbed of a second home run by the umpires (it hit the yellow stairs, but the officials called it a ground rule double).

Not that the home mattered in the final score, but there needs to be some version of instant replay instituted. Anyhow, there's not much more to add from last night's game -- the Orioles were horrible, and the Yankees took advantage.

Speaking of the Yankees 12-2 drubbing, the Baltimore Orioles are one of the biggest surprises in baseball and Craig Heist of Pressbox takes a look at how Andy MacPhail, Dave Trembley and the moves made have helped to improve the product on the field. When it comes down to it, this is Dave Trembley's team, and he should be (and deservedly so) get the credit; however, I think the guy who has made the most difference is Rick Kranitz and his work with Daniel Cabrera and the young pitchers.

Jim Henneman of Press Box Online has a glowing piece on Dave Trembley, Peter Schmuck mentions the role reversal of the Yankees and O's, & Stan Charles of Pressbox sees a parallel between the hiring of Dave Trembley versus the Yankee's Joe Girardi.

I'm going to hold my optimism for now. Well, right now, we should focus on seeing the team improve and building up a core of young talent both at the major and minor league level, not focusing on wins and losses. I cannot see Baltimore sustaining their success as summer goes along -- they are just too thin on the bench, and as well with their everyday starting lineup.

The pitching staff looks fine, but I'd concerned about the younger guys and if they wilt (like Burres did last year over) a 162 game season.

However, with the Orioles good play, the new Oriole Magic video that has been aired at the ballpark and plastered on the internet, as well a few players who are actually likable, Baltimore's future looks bright; however, fans should see the forest from the trees -- the Orioles will not compete for the pennant this year, or much less make the playoffs.

But, it looks like the culture of the past decade has started to change and that's a good thing.

Alas, the season has been real fun so far.