The Orioles are a bad team. But unlike the Devil Rays, who have some exciting young players, or the Royals, who are historically awful, they’re also dull. Their pitching is somehwere between nonedescript (tonight’s starter Kris Benson) and awful (the re-pumpkinized Bruce Chen). Their best pitchers are young relievers, which won’t get them anywhere. As for their hitting, it’s the same old story, stop Tejada and Mora and you’re in good shape. The only interesting story here is that Corey Patterson is thriving as their starting centerfielder, hitting .291/.342/.496 with a whopping 21 steals in 22 tries.

Oops.

Jaret Wright opposes Benson tonight looking to build on his strong May (3-1, 3.25 ERA).

Baltimore Orioles

2006 Record: 25-29 (.463)
2006 Pythagorean Record: 24-30 (.435)

Manager: Sam Perlozzo
General Manager: Mike Flanagan

Home Ballpark (2005 Park Factors): Oriole Park at Camden Yards (94/95)

Who’s Replaced Whom?

• Brandon Fahey replaces Chris Gomez (DL)
• Luis Matos (DL) replaces Luis Terrero (minors)
• John Halama replaces Daniel Cabrera (DL) in the rotation and is replaced by Adam Loewen in the bullpen
• Todd Williams (DL) replaces Jim Brower
• Kurt Birkins replaces Eddy Rodriguez

Current Roster

1B – Kevin Millar (R)
2B – Brian Roberts (S)
SS – Miguel Tejada (R)
3B – Melvin Mora (R)
C – Ramon Hernandez (R)
RF – Jay Gibbons (L)
CF – Corey Patterson (L)
LF – Nick Markakis (L)
DH – Javy Lopez (R)

Bench:

R – Jeff Conine (1B/OF)
R – Luis Matos (OF)
L – Brandon Fahey (IF)
R – Raul Chavez (C)

Rotation:

R – Rodrigo Lopez
L – Bruce Chen
L – Erik Bedard
R – Kris Benson
L – John Halama

Bullpen:

R – Chris Ray
R – LaTroy Hawkins
R – Todd Williams
R – Sendy Rleal
R – Chris Britton
L – Kurt Birkins
L – Adam Loewen

15-day DL: R – Daniel Cabrera, L – John Parrish, R – Hayden Penn
60-day DL: R – Aaron Rakers, L – Tim Byrdak, UT – David Newhan (L), R – Chris Gomez (IF)

Typical Lineup

S – Brian Roberts (2B)
R – Melvin Mora (3B)
R – Miguel Tejada (SS)
L – Jay Gibbons (RF)
R – Ramon Hernandez (C)
R – Javy Lopez (DH)
L – Corey Patterson (CF)
R – Kevin Millar (1B)
L – Nick Markakis (LF)