Question: I know the O’s have faltered in both pitching and hitting but has the offense been the greatest culprit? Seems like we’ve had too many games scoring three runs or less. From: Robert Stier
Answer: Bob, I’m going to blame the offense a bit more than pitching. The Orioles are just 6-14 in one-run games, and that’s not good. They’ve scored three runs or fewer in 41 games and won just seven of them. If their offense ticks up some between now and the August 3rd trade deadline, I think that could make a big difference.
Including Sunday’s loss, they’ve dropped eight of their last 10 one-run games. If you can win half of those games, you’re in much better shape.
Question: Do you think the Orioles will pursue a top-of-the-line centerfielder either at the trade deadline or in the offseason? Preferably a switch-hitter or a right-handed hitter. Colton Cowser is not doing a bad job in centerf ield, in my opinion, but I believe he is much better suited for right field. From: Ricky Templeton
Answer: Ricky, the Orioles need more offense from their outfield. However, Cowser has been playing an outstanding center field in recent weeks, making outstanding play after outstanding play.
The Orioles need more punch in both right field and center field, and while Cowser is only 1-for-13 in his last five games and hasn’t produced enough, Dylan Beavers is just 1-for-14 since he returned from his oblique injury.
I think the Orioles will try to get another right-handed hitting outfielder at the trade deadline, and I think they’ll try to get more right-handed hitting outfielders in the offseason.
Most weekdays, I’ll be answering at least one Orioles question. If you’d like to submit a question, send it to: [email protected]. Questions may be edited for clarity, length and style.