Leading Off Scott is on assignment, so Friend of the Program, Zach Wilt, sits in as a guest host. Jake seems to be recording from the bottom of a tin can, but the conversation was a blast, nonetheless. Drink of the Week Join us for the Drink of the Week, and let us know how you’re consoling yourself as you watch the O’s. Find us on Untappd * magn8606 * jakee4025 This Week on the Twitters On this date in 1998, Cal Ripken Jr. took himself out of the lineup, ending his streak at 2,632 consecutive games played. pic.twitter.com/Ik60z9ZFQo— PressBox (@PressBoxOnline) September 20, 2023 h2O's pic.twitter.com/4YPo7Qi29a— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles) September 20, 2023 Heston Kjerstad’s exit velocity over his 1st 13 ABs: 104.5 104.7 98.3 107.6 94.6 96.3 96.4 101.2. Hits the ball hard.— Orioles Fan Therapy (@OsFanTherapy) September 20, 2023 LOOK AT THE TOP OF THE AL WESTThis is the 1st time that 3 teams in the same division were all within half a game or fewer of first place with all having 10 games or fewer left to play, since divisions began (1969)h/t @EliasSports pic.twitter.com/b7PqtEk63R— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) September 20, 2023 Around the Bases First Base: State of the Pitching The starters have been going way to short, and the relievers have been going too long. We discuss each of the starters, and whether or not things are likely to get better (or… could it be worse?). Second Base: Weathering the Storm It might be more accurate to say that Orioles fans, rather than the team itself, have weathered the storm after a disappointing Cardinals series and frightening start to the Rays series. But after having survived that stretch of games, it’s possible that the fans will be a bit more “battle tested,” so they don’t destroy one another during the playoffs. Third Base: NL-style management Brandon Hyde had some late-game theatrics over the last week, with some inventive bullpen management including a series of double-switches. The manager’s National League roots (and access to Fredi Gonzalez) really came in handy. Hopefully pitching performances don’t necessitate NL-style management too much for the remainder of the season. But for now, it’s nice to know it’s a muscle he can flex. Home Plate: Soak it in. | Meh. The Orioles’ marketing team has had so few misses this season, but Jake is not a fan of the “Soak it in” campaign. Maybe it will grow on him, but this is no “We Won’t Stop.” a href="https://i0.wp.com/www.birdseyeviewbaltimore.