While 2010 has been one of the roughest in Birdland to date, I personally feel that the 2010 Orioles have served an important purpose and taught us a valuable lesson. From the outset, we thought that this year would come roaring in like a Lion. Instead, it began with a thud to the tune of 2-16. They say that you don't necessarily win a penant in April, but you can lose one. While the Orioles didn't have penant expectations going into the season, the 2-16 start slammed the door on that (be it the result of injuries or anything else). However let us not forget that this team endured a lot, as did the fans. There were close games which we felt that the Orioles could win, yet somehow the other team's moxie was always stronger when it counted. I suspect that opposing players almost smiled when they trailed the O's going into the ninth inning, because somehow they knew that luck was probably on their side.
Dave Trembley was relieved of his duties in June, however most of the same trends continued under Juan Samuel. We did see a surge just prior to the all-star break when they swept the Rangers in Texas, however things were back to normal come the second half. Things began to change with the return of Brian Roberts in late July, and of course the arrival of Buck Showalter in August. And here we are now, with just over a week to play in the season. This is a reflective time for me, and not just in a baseball sense. This marks the end of a six-month cycle where I follow the Orioles on a daily basis. Don't get me wrong, my status as a columnist mandates that I still follow them, but after next weekend there won't be another game about which to write until opening day of spring training. So this is a time where I can look at where I've been in the last six months as well. Much like the Orioles, I've made some mistakes and I've had some successes. That aside, this season came in with a whimper, but is going out with a bang.
And that brings me to the lesson that this team has taught in 2010; never say die. While I might not have admitted this back then, the season was probably over and done with at 2-16. In fact, one might argue that it was over the minute Michael Gonzalez blew the save on opening night in Tampa. However this team could have continued the trend in the second half, humbling the city and the fans along with it. Instead, they surged under the steady hand of Buck Showalter, and ended up having a win percentage of 63% in the second half (to date). So this should be a lesson to all people in all walks of life. Furthermore, the night is always darkest before the dawn. GO GET 'EM 2011 ORIOLES!!!
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