masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgHow much emphasis should the Orioles place on winning games over these last three weeks?

Is there an actual goal for number of victories?

Is that basically the same question?

Let’s go with No. 2:

“It depends on whether you’re talking to me or Joe Jordan,” manager Buck Showalter said jokingly, referring to the Orioles’ director of scouting.

“We were kidding about it. That has never come up. We’re going to try to win as many games as we can and also satisfy the looks that we have to…How much emphasis should the Orioles place on winning games over these last three weeks?

Is there an actual goal for number of victories?

Is that basically the same question?

Let’s go with No. 2:

“It depends on whether you’re talking to me or Joe Jordan,” manager Buck Showalter said jokingly, referring to the Orioles’ director of scouting.

“We were kidding about it. That has never come up. We’re going to try to win as many games as we can and also satisfy the looks that we have to get. There’s a lot of different things to satisfy, especially when you’re playing New York and Tampa. And also trying to do what’s best for the organization.

“Like I said many times, the tiebreaker is always going to be what’s best for us. That may sound selfish, but that’s what we’re going to do. Where that takes us at the end of the year…

“I look at it. I certainly look at it privately from a pride standpoint. But it’s a very short look.”

Is there a stigma attached to 100 losses?

Is it a total Showalter would like to avoid, simply for his players’ psyche?

“I think their psyche might be our fans,” Showalter said. “I do concern myself with that. But how much of a subject matter will be it be next year at spring training? There’s a lot of ways to look at it.

“I haven’t gotten that deep into it, about what’s gone on in the past. I told you quite a few times it’s about moving forward.”

Let’s fast-forward to Saturday, when the Orioles, Oriole Advocates and Legg Mason hold the annual Cardboard to Leather Collection before the game against the Yankees.

Volunteers at each gate of the ballpark will accept donations of new and gently used baseball and softball equipment. Monetary donations will also be accepted. Those contributing to the collection will receive an autographed Luke Scott player card.

A silent auction will also be held inside Gate D on the main concourse. The auction will begin when gates open and will conclude at 8 p.m., and it will feature memorabilia from current Orioles including Nick Markakis, Brian Roberts and Matt Wieters.