Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the MLB. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Orioles fans and fans across the country.
The Orioles have finally done it. They’re back up to a .500 record thanks to last night’s late-night home run robbery by Colton Cowser that turned what would have been a walkoff loss into the win that got them to 69-69, a .500 record for the first time since April 30. It’s been a while!
After that, the Orioles sit a half-game behind the Guardians for the third wild card spot. They are one game ahead of the Blue Jays and Rangers, the other two teams who seem to still be in the hunt as well. The rest of the competition has, barring a big winning streak to turn it around, fallen out of the picture. They have a real chance to do this thing, right around 1 in 4 based on this morning’s projections. Their chances will get better if they can keep beating the Rockies, and better still if the Blue Jays beat the Guardians over the coming days.
It’s not a smooth road. The Orioles are still going to have to overcome problems that they have had as this season has gone along in order to make it. Some of those problems have been ongoing even while the team ended up winning recent games against the Athletics and Rockies.
For our poll this week, I’m curious what you think will be the biggest problem area for the team as they try to get into, and stay in, a wild card spot over the remaining 24 games. Vote here:
You can let us know what you think in the comments below as well. Results will be shared later in the week, and of course you can also check in the Feed and see how the voting is going.
Maybe you’re worried about the rotation, with people who haven’t put up big innings numbers possibly tiring as the season wanes. The Orioles seem to be worried about this, and that’s why they called up Cade Povich yesterday to push everyone else back a day. Maybe you’re worried about the bullpen. That one speaks for itself. Really, so do worries about the offense and the defense, which have had periodic issues all through the year. It’s a wonder this team is .500!
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