Now what

In case you haven't looked at the baseball standings this Monday morning you might see something unusual.  The Orioles have the best record in the big leagues and lead the very tough A-L East by a half game over the Rays.  The Birds have won 5 straight games.  They took 2 of 3 from the Yankees last week and then  over the weekend swept the Red Sox in Fenway for the first time in 18 seasons.  How are they doing it?  With good old fashion pitching.  The team's ERA is 2.78 and that is over a half a run better than any other team in the American League.  Combine this with a bullpen which has been lights out and viola winning baseball.  The big question is can they continue to do this over the remaining 134 games.  I don't expect that to happen but once again things are getting exciting for Orioles fans.

Another baseball observation from yesterday.  Phils lefty Cole Hamels did a pretty bush league thing yesterday.  In the 1st inning of the finale with the Nationals Hamels plunked Washington's phenom Bryce Harper in the back with a pitch.  After the game Hamels admitted he hit the 19 year old on purpose saying that was his welcome to baseball moment.  Really!  Come on Cole I thought you were better than that.  This kid is just trying to make it in the bigs...just like you did just a few short years ago.  Harper wasn't hurt and then got his revenge a few innings later when he stroked a single off Hamels and when he got to third after another hit stole home when Hamels threw to first.  Good for Harper.  Hamels may not like him because he is cocky and hasn't paid his dues but you have to respect the talent.  I suspect the Phillies will be dealing with Harper for a long time.  He will probably stay with the team for the remainder of the season after Nats Rightfielder Jayson Werth broke his wrist in last night's game.  Harper could be a fixture in outfield in Washington for awhile.