One of these nights

For the Baltimore Orioles, now in their 12th consecutive year of futility, it is difficult to see the light amid the gloom of loss after crushing loss. But I'm here to praise the Orioles, not to bury them. This team is close, very close, to being competitive for the playoffs in the hyper-competitive AL East. Now, before you recommend I undergo a thorough neurological work up, let me explain why my optimism is founded.
1. Markakis, Jones, and Reimold are all young and talented. This group is already among the best of any outfield in the American League. As they gain experience they'll get better.
2. The farm system is no longer barren. For the first time in 2 decades, the team has some highly touted pitchers coming up through the system. It is my belief that several of these pitchers are the 'real deal' although many an 'ace' in the minors becomes an afterthought once he is challenged by major league hitters.
3. The team dynamics are changing. O's GM Andy McPhail is not just looking for young, talented players, he is looking for a mindset. It's a winning mindset - and he's beginning to find it.
4. There is consistency with the scouts, coaches and managers throughout the Oriole system. Many years ago there was a saying 'the Oriole way'. The Oriole way involved developing talent throughout the minor leagues with consistent teaching techniques so that the players would all be 'major league' ready when they were ready for promotion. McPhail is trying to reinstill the Oriole way. Evidence of this can be found in the pitchers - who are showing the proper poise even as they try to find their way through a major league lineup.
Despite the losing - which never seems to take a holiday - this team is much closer to being a playoff contender than ever before. There are two major hurdles remaining: one - the young players are still a bit green and experience is the best teacher of all; two - the team doesn't yet BELIEVE it can win. This is a big psychological hurdle and will be the last significant obstacle to success. They need to have success in order to succeed. I don't know exactly what that catalyst will be, or when it might occur, but it's coming, it's surely coming.