The Orioles' run of futility could finally come to an end, from an unlikely source.
The overall fate of the Orioles has changed a lot since the Dark Days (c. 1997-2011). And the overall fate is what really matters, of course. The Orioles have posted three straight above-.500 seasons, with two playoff appearances, and that's pretty cool (unlike the Royals, who are Not Cool). But while the team has developed a stable offensive and defensive presence and shown a real knack for bullpen acquisition and management, one thing has not changed: The franchise as a whole is still abysmal at developing starting pitchers.