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Okay, so as the Orioles have plummeted down the standings, our bubble of contender-hood seems to have burst. As sessh has said several times in the past, this team just can't seem to get everything going at once. The situational hitting has improved, but fallen short. The pitching staff is very much under construction. (The most maddening, saddening, and frustrating thing, in my opinion, is the fact that) It doesn't seem like the O's could fill over half of Camden Yards if they were playing a game against the All-Century team, and had a $20 bill waiting in each seat (Baltimore, I say this to your shame). But, dagnabbit, I'm still optimistic. I no longer feel like the offense falls short due to uncoachable incompetence...they're just inconsistent. They'll get there. I no longer feel like our pitching would have a better future if we just set a tee up at the plate...there are a lot of youngsters to look forward to, and we're just working out who is destined to wind up in what role. We're trying to make them Major League-caliber pitchers...then we'll decide if they're long, middle, short relievers, setup men, spot starters, etc. Everyone who knew the O's weren't exactly October-bound when they were in 1st and 2nd should know that the sky ain't falling just yet, even though they're in last. They're competitive, they stay in games (for the most part), they get themselves back in games. This was not always so. We're not losing because we just can't win anymore. These lumps have a purpose, and they will bear fruit. Orioles fans must maintain both enthusiasm and patience. This is not a one-and-done project. It will take time. We might not see the light at the end of the tunnel just yet, but we at least can see the other side. This team will get there. I truly believe that, and I'm fairly sure I'm not a fool. Perhaps I'm biased in that regard. Time will tell.
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