On the Orioles

The Baltimore Orioles are 4-1 and stand atop the AL after Week 1 of regular season competition. How can this be?

The O's had the fewest At Bats (158) and the fewest Hits (43) in the AL in Week 1. They also struck out the least (26), drew the 5th most walks (21) , stole the most bases (7) and scored the 6th most runs (27). They clearly squeezed all the blood out of that stone.

O's pitching walked 3.4 per 9 IP in Week 1 compared with 4.4 per 9 IP in 2007. The bullpen allowed 2 runs in 18 1/3 IP and those 2 runs were given up when the O's had a 5 run lead.

The O's have come from behind to win 3 games.

Lastly, it appears that right now may be the best time all season to be playing Seattle. The Mariners are in a funk. J.J. Putz is out. Erik Bedard missed his turn in the rotation with an inflamed hip. The defense played awful and the Mariner bullpen has started fires and then thrown gas on them.

Daniel Cabrera starts on the mound for the Orioles today. The enigmatic flame thrower had what has become a typical performance in his season debut going 4 innings and surrendering 5 walks, 6 hits and 6 runs. He is tough when he throws strikes. Maybe he'll throw strikes today and the 2008 Week 1 fantasy can continue.