Spring Sweeps

With the birds on the verge of an elusive four game road series sweep (knock on wood), I find myself having to give them props (Do people still use that word? Just white people? Great.).  This weekends games featured good starting and relief pitching and, most surprisingly, the return of timely hitting. So many hits with two outs and men on late in the game it almost warmed my cold, shriveled little heart.

The O's have always been a team that played for the big inning and lately (read: the last 13 years) we just haven't been able to get it on a consistent basis. Personally, I've always found their reliance on the big inning to be a bit disturbing based on their inability to manufacture a run or two when times got tough. There are going to be games when you've got to play a little small ball and I'm not sure they're there yet. The guys aren't hitting situationally on a consistent basis but at least they're hitting. Don't get me wrong, I'll take a double to the left centerfield gap with a man on first and second anytime I can get it. Combined with their renewed emphasis on stolen bases  (or more appropriately any emphasis) and working the base path, I think things are turning around. Hopefully they can keep it going.

Speaking of base running, I've got to mention how much better the base running has been this year. I can remember times in the not-so-distant past where it looked like little-leaguer's running around out there. I swear they had no idea what they were doing. But this year I can't think of a blatant base-running error. Andino has been especially impressive (much like the rest of his game lately).

So, let me conclude with this: I'm actually excited to watch tonight's game. Sure, it's against a slumping team, but they've got players on the White Sox. It wouldn't surprise me if they went on a run sometime soon and started to turn things around. I don't think anyone believes the other Sox are going to finish the season 56-106. They'll start hitting and pitching sooner rather than later. So let's just hope they don't start tonight and we can hold them down for one more game.

P.S. After going off the gushing deep end, I do have one thing to say: Derek, if you could get a couple hits with runners in scoring position, that would be great. I gave you a pass for April as it was basically your spring training. But it's May now and it's time to get going. Full disclosure: My fantasy team would appreciate it.