Road Ready

Written by: Peter Coolbaugh

So far on a ten game road trip the Orioles stand at 5-2.  Winning three of four in Chicago was an awesome sight as the home run barrage continues.

Currently we stand in first place in the American League East.  Team ERA is 3.60, good for 5th in the American League and we rank second in the majors in home runs hit with 21.  Where is the offense coming from?

Of course, there are still areas for improvement.  Getting strikeouts down, cutting back on errors, getting Nick Johnson and J.J. Hardy revved up, and getting the RISP percentage up would be awesome.

Overall, I do not think most of us fans would complain right now.  We look competitive.  Even the games we do lose are not blowouts.  And while most sportswriters think this will be another lost season, so far, I have to say I like what I see.  Matusz still has time to turn it around.  After all, it is only April.

Big time appreciation has to go the the bullpen.  Wonderful job thus far for a team that was horrendous last year in this department.  Jim Johnson is 6 for 6 in saves, and although he gives us some pulse-pounding moments out there, he is quickly rising in the ranks among the best closers in the league.

Three more on the road until the Birds come back home.  Anaheim will pose a threat with a good pitching staff and a potent lineup.  Let us keep this great start rolling boys.