Ain't no lead large enough...

5th Place in AL East, 3-6

Probable Starters

4/12 Johnson (R) at BOS P. Martinez (R)
4/12 Lopez (R) at BOS Wakefield(R)
4/13 Daal (L) at BOS Lowe (R)
4/15 Helling (R) at CLE Davis (R)
4/16 Ponson (R) at CLE Westbrook (R)

Latest Team News

It's early in the season but there is already reason to worry. There doesn't seem to be any improvement from last years team that finished the season by going 4-32. Sloppy fielding (10 Errors), poor hitting (Team BA .239) and lackluster pitching (Team ERA 5.23) have all contributed to Baltimores continuous downward spiral. The Orioles can't even hold a lead and barely escaped a three game sweep at the hands of the perennial basement-dwelling Devil Rays. In this series alone the Orioles squandered away five leads. Sidney Ponson was the first starter to earn a win this year...in the eighth game of the season.

On the Mound

Rodrigo Lopez: After an impressive rookie season, Lopez has looked less than spectacular in his first two starts (0-1, 10.2 IP, 9 K, 8.44 ERA, 1.97 WHIP). These stats look bad but Rodrigo has great stuff and should get better as the season goes on.
Prediction: 12-14 W, 205 IP, 135 K, 4.00 ERA, 1.35 WHIP.

Omar Daal: Daal is a welcomed addition to the O's staff this season. Looked dominant early in his first start but then fell apart giving up 4 runs on 8 hits in 5 IP.
Prediction: 11 W, 200 IP, 120 K, 4.40 ERA, 1.38 WHIP.

Jason Johnson: Looked fearless in his first start, outpitching Pedro Martinez. He gave up one hit over 6 2/3 IP....earning a no decision after closer, Jorge Julio, walked in the tying run in the ninth. Don't expect these outings from Johnson on a regular basis.
Prediction: 9 W, 185 IP, 120 K, 4.20 ERA, 1.42 WHIP.

Sidney Ponson: After a horrendous first start, Ponson settled down and earned his first win of the season. He pitched 7 solid innings, giving up 3 runs on 8 hits while K'ing 5.
Prediction: 10 W, 180 IP, 120 K, 4.60 ERA, 1.36 WHIP.

Rick Helling: After battling Pat Hentgen for the fifth spot in the rotation, Helling still hasn't shown that he deserved it. In his first start he was mediocre...6ip, 3 runs on 3 hits, 3 bb, 3 k. In his second start he was just flat out pathetic...5ip, 7 runs, 7 hits, 2 bb, 6 k and blowing two leads.
Prediction: 6 W, 135 IP, 90 K, 4.80 ERA, 1.44 WHIP.

Jorge Julio: Julio blew his first two save opportunities of the season but finally nailed down his first save against Tampa. This was his first save in 44 games dating back to last year.
Prediction: 4 W, 25 SV, 70 IP, 60 K, 2.50 ERA, 1.25 WHIP.

At the plate

Who's Heating Up :

Tony Batista: .333 BA, 3 HR, 7 RBI, 7 R, 4 BB
As usual, Batista has been one of the very few bright spots in the O's lineup so far.
Prediction: .255 BA, 30 HR, 90 RBI, 90 R, 50 BB

Jay Gibbons: .256 BA, 2 HR, 7 RBI, 6 R, 2 BB
He had 15 home runs over half a season in 2001 and 28 home runs last year despite having two leftover sutures pressing against a nerve in his right wrist. The O's expect big things from him.
Prediction: .260 BA, 29 HR, 82 RBI, 76 R, 45 BB.

Jerry Hairston: .270, 0 HR, 1 RBI, 4 R, 5 BB, 3 SB
He's leading off and has 3 SB already. If you are in need of speed, Hairston could help you out.
Predicition: .270 BA, 7 HR, 42 RBI, 55 R, 40 BB, 30 SB.

Check out the Orioles Minor League player profiles here