FanNation

The last time the Baltimore Orioles started the season 6-1 was back in 1998, which, if i'm not mistaken, was the year after the Orioles were defeated in Game 6 of the ALCS against Cleveland.  Also, former Manager of the Year Davey Johnson was fired, even though he took the Orioles to 2 consecutive ALCS appearances, because of his hostile relationship with Peter "Don't Wake Me" Angelos.  By the end of the year, the Orioles finished up with a disappointing 79-83 record, after losing several players to injuries and being poorly managed by former Pitching Coach Ray Miller.

The most important thing to note though, is that the Orioles have started 6-1 two other times in the last 50 years.  I don't know those years off hand, since I saw this during a Sportscenter channel surf, but the point was very clear:  in those seasons, we made the playoffs. 

Can it be done this season after such a great start?  If you look at any Orioles websites such as OriolesHangout.com or BaltimoreOrioles.com, you will see analysts saying how great the team is  doing and that the fans should enjoy it while it lasts.

That's it?  While it lasts?

How about we give these guy s some credit?  MLB rankings all over the sports world had the Orioles as the worst team in baseball, because there are no big names to highlight the lineup and they are in the middle of a full rebuilding of the team.  Yet, after losing on Opening Day, the Orioles came back to sweep an above-average Seattle team in 4 games.  Players are already saying that the clubhouse is much more fun that it has ever been and that winning is becoming contagious.  Every player is going out to the field and giving 120% at all times.  A great example of this is Aubrey Huff.  After a few rough years and an even rougher offseason (you Baltimore fans know what I'm talking about), Huff has been on an absolute tear at the plate so far.  Even though he was booed loudly on Opening Day, he has not stopped hitting since, taking it all in stride.  There is no greater example that can be set by a veteran for the younger players of the team.  Even in the face of adversity, whether it be from fans or media, always play your hardest because it's about baseball, not self-image.  

Now that I have that off of my chest, I am going to begin a bi-weekly segment of my personal thoughs on "Who's Hot" and "Who's Not" on the Orioles.  Don't worry, I will backup all opinions with facts so you know what they are based on.  Also, the "Who's Not" section will not be used to berate any member of the team.  Its sole purpose is to show who is having a bad week and what they could do to get back into the "Who's Hot" section.  If you have any questions or comments, please do not be afraid to email me.  I love talking about baseball, and would enjoy talking to anyone who shares the same feelings.  

Who's Hot

Luke Scott (LF) --  Luke has started the year off with a bang.  As of today, he leads the American League with a .500 AVG, and hit his first HR of the year (to the opposite field) in yesterday's game against the Texas Rangers.  Coach Dave Trembley has him hitting more to the opposite field since he has had trouble hitting against left-handed pitchers throughout his short career.  If he can keep this up, expect Scott to be hitting well over .300 by the All-Star Break and becoming our permanent cleanup hitter.

The Orioles' Bullpen -- Who would have thought that our bullpen would be THIS good?  Not just good, but outstanding.  Our young relievers like Dennis Sarfate and Matt Albers are being complemented by veterans such as Jamie Walker and Chad Bradford.  In terms of overall pitching stats, the Orioles are #1 in all of baseball as of today.  Go ahead, check the ESPN stats here  .  Trust me, I couldn't believe it either.  If we stay consistent, this could remain the best bullpen in baseball.

Who's Not

No sense in putting anyone down here right now, because I don't want to ruin something that is going so well.  I can't help that I'm superstitious.  But man do these underwear smell...