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Up next: Orioles

By MARC TOPKIN

© St. Petersburg Times,
published July 31, 2001

7:05 tonight, 7:05 Wednesday, 3:05 Thursday

SCOUTING REPORT: The Orioles were projected to be one of the worst teams in the league. And after three months of solid play, they are living down to expectations. The Orioles are 6-20 in July, even worse than the Rays. The starting pitching has crumbled and the defense is being described in local papers as destructive. With Brady Anderson having an abysmal season and David Segui hurt, their most productive player has been Jeff Conine, and he may be traded by today's deadline. Cal Ripken's farewell tour has been about their only positive, and even that turned ugly when Anaheim fans booed Tony Batista for playing third Saturday in place of the Iron Man.

THE PAST WEEK: The Orioles went 2-5 on a road trip to Texas and Anaheim, then spent Sunday night flying back to play a makeup game Monday against the Rangers, a 6-4 loss in 11.

CONNECTION: Jason Johnson, he of the 3.14 ERA that is second in the AL to Pedro Martinez, was traded from the Rays for forgettable outfielder Danny Clyburn.

ALL-TIME SERIES: The Rays and Orioles played 13 times in the first 34 games but haven't met since May 10. The Orioles hold an 8-5 advantage this season and 26-24 all-time. At Camden Yards, the Rays are 3-4 this season, 12-23 overall.

WHO'S HOT: Ripken seems destined to go out in style, hitting .334 with six homers and 19 RBI in his past 33 games.

WHO'S NOT: Since injuring his right shoulder in late June, Anderson is 7-for-54.

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