Let's face it, the Orioles didn't reach the post-season because of an explosive offense. Sure, they hit a lot of home runs over the course of the season, but it was their stellar bullpen that normally feathered their nest. So, it comes as no surprise they exit their first post-season in fifteen years for lack of base hits.
Will the O's challenge again next year? They were missing one of their few stars, Nick Markakis, for the last month of the season and the entire post-season. They got career years from a few others. They have a fine young third baseman in Manny Machado, who is just beginning his career. They have an savvy manager in Buck Showalter. Still, they have a lot of holes to fill and need good follow-up years from Chris Davis, Wei-Yin Chen and Jim Johnson in particular.
Meanwhile, 35 miles to the south the Washington Nationals blew their chance with an outright collapse in game five against the Cardinals. The Nats had everything going for them in this. Their Cy Young candidate, Gio Gonzalez was on the mound. They took at 6-0 lead after three innings. They were playing at home before a post-season starved audience. And, unfortunately, they were playing St. Louis, whose recent post-season magic is second to none.
So, no Baltimore-Washington Parkway Series, folks. A true baseball fan would still be keenly interested in the games to be played. I guess I am not a true fan. I will say this: I hope Detroit wins it all.
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