The recent trade of Trey Mancini—coupled with a disappointing series in Cincinnati—has injected a somber sense of reality into what has otherwise been a season full of elation for Birdland. While the Wild Card is still very much in reach, these are solid reminders that some tempering of expectations is still necessary for this team. The O’s are ahead of schedule, but still have some glaring holes that need to be filled before they can genuinely lay claim to contender status.
If you were to poll Birdland on what remains the biggest hole in this Orioles team, the answer would be near unanimous: starting pitching.