The Orioles' Second Half Swoon Begins....

We all knew it was coming, it was just a matter of when. I'm worried that the slide has begun, a month earlier than usual. The inconsistent offense, the struggling and depleted starting rotation along with a recently faulty bullpen will combine to hurt this young team heading into the rough months of August and September.

You may be wondering why I am so quick to proclaim that this team is doomed. Well hear this: The O's are currently embarking on a 40 game stretch with only one off-day, yes, only one, thrown somewhere in the middle. 7 of the 12 series the Orioles play during the stretch are against teams with a record over .500. I've heard 'baseball experts' explain how this stretch is arguably the hardest stretch for any team in all of baseball during the entire season.

Since the All-Star break, the O's are 2-7. In addition, they've only one two games on the road in the AL East. However, there will be things to cheer about as the birds enter the home stretch. Chris Tillman's major league debut, projected for Wednesday at home vs. the Royals, is fast approaching. I have to assume that Jake Arrieta will be the next O's prospect to get the call sometime in the next month or two.