This just in: Orioles games have become difficult to watch and some fans are tuning out early. How can that not be true of a team that is 17-46 over its last 63 games and played what sure looked like very uninspired baseball over the weekend? Today, I am going to take a shot at some reasons to continue to watch the Orioles and retain interest in the games. It is not the easiest exercise, but there are some things still worth watching and tracking. Here is my list: * Can Adam Jones finish...

Stephen Strasburg is scheduled to pitch four innings and a maximum of 65 pitches tonight for Single-A Hagerstown Suns in his fourth rehab start. Strasburg pitched at Hagerstown's Municipal Stadium on Wednesday and gave up five runs on 49 pitches in 1 2/3 innings. He said he liked his velocity but knew his breaking stuff wasn't hitting the spots he intended. Strasburg said he understood the decision to keep his work down after a rough first inning. "I didn't want them to pull me out (in...

Probably the best thing that could be said about today's Orioles game is that it's over. In a game that featured a season-high four errors, shaky starting pitching, mental mistakes and overall lackluster play,the Los Angeles Angels beat the Orioles 7-1 to complete a three-game sweep. The Orioles have now allowed 38 runs during a five-game losing streak and fall to 47-77 on the year. They are 17-46 for a winning percentage of just .270 since June 10. Brian Matusz talks to Jim Hunter about...

If you're a fan of the Seattle Seahawks, this tweet yesterday from ESPN's John Clayton (@claytonESPN) should send chills down your spine: "Tavaris Jackson remains the Seahawks starting QB, but Charlie Whitehurst is closing the gap" See you in the Super Bowl. In the darkest of seasons, fans usually can find a sliver of light. I'm just not sure what the Orioles have done this season to brighten your days. They're on pace for more than 100 losses, but at least ... I've got nothing. A...

Brian Matusz should have stayed in the team hotel or boarded the charter for Minnesota around noon. Making his second start since being recalled from Triple-A Norfolk, Matusz needed 50 pitches to get through the first two innings because the defense kept him on the mound. The Orioles had three errors in three innings, none by new first baseman Matt Wieters, who was supposed to be the weak link in the field. Blake Davis misplayed two bouncers at third and catcher Craig Tatum fired the ball...

The reporters with the Orioles in Anaheim, Calif., are indicating that Ryan Adams is expected to return to the club for the series in Minnesota. If Adams does rejoin the Orioles, I hope they plan to use him more this time. From May 20 to June 17, Adams was with the club for his first stay in the majors. He had just six starts in the 25 games he was with the club and only 23 at-bats. He went 5-for-23 with one RBI. It has become more than clear that Buck Showalter is a real Robert Andino fan...

You knew it would happen. Blake Davis is making his first major league appearance at third base today. The first ball put in play was a sharp bouncer to Davis. The baseball gods have a wicked sense of humor. The ball took a big hop and caromed off Davis' chest for an error, allowing Maicer Izturis to reach first base. He was erased at second on a force, but Howie Kendrick singled into right field to put runners on the corners against Orioles left-hander Brian Matusz. Matusz struck out the...

Reliever Jason Berken will undergo an MRA on his right elbow tomorrow in Baltimore while the Orioles' road trip continues in Minnesota. Berken is unavailable to pitch because of soreness in his elbow and he'll go on the disabled list to make room for Zach Britton, who will be activated tomorrow and start against the Twins. Berken is 1-2 with a 5.80 ERA in 35 games. He's been optioned twice to Triple-A Norfolk. The right-hander has made one appearance since Aug. 11, going one-third of an...

It sounds like the Orioles are leaning toward sending their first-round draft pick, pitcher Dylan Bundy, to the Arizona Fall League, although a final decision has not been made. The AFL season runs from Oct. 4 through Nov. 17. If the Orioles make that move with Bundy, I would guess he would not throw many innings there. As they plan the next year for this young talent, they have to work off one fact: He pitched just 71 innings during his high school schedule this season in Oklahoma and did...

Call off the search. Felix Pie is in today's lineup. Pie is starting in left field, his first appearance since Aug. 13. Matt Wieters is making his first career start at first base. Mark Reynolds twisted his ankle last night in a collision in the 12th inning. I'm not sure whether Wieters is allowed to wear his mask and chest protector. Also, Blake Davis is starting at third base. Josh Bell takes a seat on the bench. Robert Andino is batting sixth. I wouldn't have predicted it back in...