Baltimore is 7-19 since the All Star break, a season high 20 games under .500, and hasn’t won a series since before the break.

It’s been sloppy, tough to watch, and my only question is “why?” What is going on in Birdland?

Brian Roberts is a double machine. He leads the American league in doubles with 40 and is 5 for 12 (.333 average) in his last 14 games.

Image Courtesy of the Baltimore Sun

Nick Markakis had three hits in yesterday’s game, raising his average to .303. Kakes looks like he can’t miss. He leads the AL in outfield assists and has reached base in 33 straight games, which is the longest active streak in the majors.

Aubrey Huff hit his 13th homer of the season yesterday. He entered the break in a slump, but now has at least one RBI in 9 of his last 14 contests.

Cesar Izturis is hitting .303 with two doubles, a triple, a homer, five runs scored, and five RBI since the break.

Nolan Reimold is also hitting .303 with six doubles, a homer, 13 walks, and nine RBI since the break. He also started stealing bases, he’s got four of those in the last 22 games. Reimold is fourth in the AL with a .429 OBP and he leads rookies in homeruns (10) and is second in RBI (32).

The Orioles infield has committed just one error in their last 25 games.

So what’s wrong in Birdland? Granted the pitching has been bad. The Orioles lead the AL in homeruns allowed with 144 and their team ERA is over five on the current homestand.

They aren’t hitting well with runners in scoring position, .163 over the last five games, but the numbers still favor them winning.

In their 26 games since the break they have held the lead in 15 of those games.

So to answer my question, I have no idea what’s wrong in Birdland.

Are they lacking that killer instinct?
Could they use a winning veteran to mentor these young guys?
Is Baltimore under performing?

Sorry, I don’t have an answer for you.