Is this Orioles team unlovable? | MAILBAG

Question: Lots of negativity has been heaped on the 2026 Orioles. I’ve read complaints about individual players, the team as a whole, management, coaches, the front office, and the owner. Despite all the negativity, with a couple of days until September, the Orioles are just a game back from the last wild-card slot. I can’t remember a playoff-contending Orioles team that was as unloved as this one. Can you? From: Rich in Sarasota

Answer: Rich, I think you’re correct. That’s because the team hasn’t played consistently well, and is still under .500. I think it’s hard to get excited about a contending team that has such a poor record.

In the past, the Orioles were fighting for first place or the top wild-card spot. This time, they’re only trying for the final wild-card spot, and that hasn’t seemed to capture fans’ imagination.

The team does have some admirable new players. Blaze Alexander and Pete Alonso are positive players who are fun to deal with.

Perhaps the next homestand will draw larger than expected — crowds enthusiastic about the team’s improvement.

Question: I have still been watching Christian Franklin since he came to the Orioles. I know they want a right-handed hitter. But he is no hitter. He looks very suspect at bat. He needs more seasoning in the minors. Why?

Answer: Gene, you’re correct that Franklin, who replaced Taylor Ward on the roster, is with the team because he is a right-handed hitting outfielder. The Orioles don’t have another right-handed hitting outfielder at Norfolk who’s major league ready.

Perhaps the Orioles will pick up another right-handed hitter off the waiver wire on Monday. If they do that, he’d be eligible for the postseason. Otherwise, it looks like it’s Franklin.

Most weekdays, I’ll be answering at least one Orioles question. If you’d like to submit a question, send it to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com. Questions may be edited for clarity, length and style.