There isn't anyone who saw this coming. The Orioles' slow start is shocking and disappointing. The team that broke spring training was expected to be competitive - and still can be. But the players have to take stock and step it up in all phases of the game, especially with their approach. Physical mistakes are part of the game and happen to every team. But the Orioles have hurt themselves in this early part of the season with too many mental mistakes. It's time to refocus and increase...

Harrisburg Senators pitcher Jeff Mandel is looking to follow up an impressive performance in the Arizona Fall League with a step up to Double-A this season and the results are starting to show even this early in the season. Mandel bounced back from a tough first outing for a spectacular second start April 13th at Bowie. Jeff pitched 5 and 1/3rd innings, allowing 3 hits, no earned runs, 2 walks and 3 strikeouts. He dropped his ERA from 8.31 to 3.72 in one start. Mandel says pitching coach...

How many times has a late inning error and a quick deficit deflated the Nats the last two seasons? That is what happens to 100-loss teams everyday and twice on Sunday. Not this year. After Milwaukee went ahead 3-2 in the 8th on a throwing error charged to Alberto Gonzalez (because Cristian Guzman short armed the throw at first base), the Nats attacked the Brewers bullpen for three runs in the bottom of the 8th inning to take the lead 5-3. What!!!??!!! And they did it with the...

The excellent pitching to start the year by O's minor league clubs came to a halt tonight as Norfolk allowed 14 runs and Delmarva gave up 15. Durham had 20 hits in a 14-7 win over the Tides, who fall to 4-5. Norfolk starter Troy Patton lasted just one-third of an inning and 28 pitches. He gave up six hits and six runs, including two homers. Norfolk began the night with an ERA this year of 2.97 by its starters. Rhyne Hughes had a triple in four at bats to extend his batting streak to eight...

Any O's fan could probably recite the numbers. The Orioles are hitting just .135 this year (10 for 74) when batting with runners in scoring position. They are hitting just .028 (1 for 36) with runners in scoring positon and two outs. Here's the RISP stat breakdown by game and player: Game 1 at TB: 1 for 12, 10 left on base Game 2 at TB: 2 for 9, 7 left on base Game 3 at TB: 3 for 11, 8 left on base Game 4 vs. Tor: 2 for 8, 7 left on base Game 5 vs. Tor: 0 for 6, 7 left on base Game 6...

Anyone want to bat leadoff? The Orioles' decision to put Felix Pie on the disabled list this afternoon with a strained muscle in his upper back leaves them without two leadoff hitters. Pie joins second baseman Brian Roberts, who's supposed to fill that role on a full-time basis. I'd draw straws, except that's also the method I'd use to write out the entire lineup. Not very original. Adam Jones gets the call tonight, and it won't be the last time. If I'm Jones, I'd be a little...

For the Orioles: Adam Jones CF Nick Markakis RF Miguel Tejada 3B Matt Wieters C Nolan Reimold DH Luke Scott LF Garrett Atkins 1B Ty Wigginton 2B Cesar Izturis SS Kevin Millwood RHP For the Athletics Rajai Davis CF Daric Barton 1B Ryan Sweeney RF Kevin Kouzmanoff 3B Eric Chavez DH Jake Fox C Gabe Gross LF Adam Rosales 2B Cliff Pennington SS Dallas Braden LHP

Nationals pitcher Scott Olsen pitched fairly well against the Phils in his first game in the majors since July 10th of last year. Olsen threw 91 pitches with 57 for strikes, went 5 2/3rd innings, allowed 5 hits, 4 earned runs, 3 walks and struck out 5 Phillies. Olsen told me he debuted a new pitch, the sinker, in that game, and had success throwing it. He says he feels comfortable with the grip and is excited to add it to his repertoire. Syracuse Chiefs pitching coach Greg Booker helped...

The Orioles four minor league affiliates are off to a combined 21 and 10 start. That is tied with Cleveland for the best combined minor league record in baseball right now. Norfolk: The Tides are 4-4 and have scored 15 runs in winning two in a row. Troy Patton pitches tonight at Durham. Josh Bell is hitting .214 and Brandon Snyder is at .200. Rhyne Hughes is 10 for 25 during a seven-game hitting streak. He's batting .400, 4th best in the league. Norfolk starters ERA is 2.97. Tides...

I recently had a chance to sit down with right-hander Brad Bergesen to talk about how his experiences from last season have translated to the mound this year and how looking back at a poor outing can help prepare Brad for his next start. We also touched on the overall success of the O's starting rotation, despite the team's struggles so far this season. Finally, watch the interview with Bergesen below to hear how the young Oriole knows which pitches will work best for him from one outing...