Nowadays, we live in a short-attention-span society, so it’s easy to jump from one thought to the next. Over the years, I’ve had posts I used to create called “Reetaisms,” a post that compiled a bunch of random but relevant thoughts. I decided to make a sports version of these thoughts, “Reeta’s Sportsisms.” A bunch of random, yet relevant thoughts in the world of Baltimore and major league sports. Here are my random thoughts for this week:
The Orioles Need to Start Soul Searching
The Orioles are in a lot of trouble, and it’s not even May. After Sunday’s 24-2 loss to the Cincinnati Reds, the organization found themselves looking for answers. The last time they got whupped this bad was in 2007 when the Texas Rangers scored 30 runs against them. You read that right — THIRTY! The difference? The 2007 team was on their 10th consecutive losing season, while this 2025 team has been to the playoffs the last two seasons. The biggest issue is that the front office thought that gambling with a very old vet in Charlie Morton to help deal with the Corbin Burnes loss was foolish, and I’m being nice. With Grayson Rodriguez having another setback along with Zach Eflin’s injury, this team has no depth in the starting rotation or the bullpen. This is going to be a long season for people — myself included — who thought this team would contend for a third consecutive year.
While the Pitching is Struggling, the Offense Isn’t Helping
The Orioles have a plethora of problems, but another big issue is the offense continuing its inconsistent hitting since after the All-Star Break last year. As I am writing this, the Orioles rank 16th in batting average (AVG), 22nd in on-base percentage (OBP), and 11th in on-base plus slugging percentage (OPS). While they’re still top 10 in homeruns (6th), they are 15th in RBIs, so if they don’t homer it’s essentially a crapshoot in scoring. For a team with playoff aspirations, this is mediocre. Basura. Trash. At times they look lethargic and even checked out. The season is still very early but the offensive output has been disappointing, thus far.
Oh, and One More Thing…..
One of the things that could be responsible for the offensive inconsistencies is the lack of consistency in the lineup. Jackson Holliday, the team’s former #1 prospect, has not been in the lineup regularly, as well as some other young talent like Heston Kjerstad (aka Silent J). The Orioles rely heavily on analytics, and as a result have had the young guys sit out. Analytics will have you believe that the likes of Gary Sanchez (boy, has this signing stunk so far), Ramón Laureano and Jorge Mateo should be in the lineup vs left-handed pitchers. Yet, as I am writing this, they’re currently batting .000, .077 and .091 against left-handed pitchers, disrespectfully. They’re taking away critical at-bats for Holliday and Kjerstad, simply because analytics says so. While there’s value in using analytics, the human element should ultimately be the final say.
The Mark Andrews Mystery Continues
When asked if he expects Andrews to be on the team in 2025, Ravens GM Eric DeCosta was non-committal, saying, “I never know what’s going to happen, but I can tell you this, Mark Andrews is a warrior.” Well, thank you for the Gladiator updates, DeCosta, but that didn’t answer the question. Not that I actually expected you to. The Ravens did exercise his $4 million option bonus this offseason, but that doesn’t mean he’s a lock for being on the 2025 roster. My guess? They’re looking for suitors during NFL Draft weekend, most likely for a 3rd day pick (4th round and higher). While I’d hate to see Andrews not get the chance to make up for his last game, in which he fumbled and dropped a tying 2-point conversion, it is what it is and the game is the game.
Ravens Draft Dark Horse: Interior Defensive Line
The Ravens are a solid team overall, but they still have priorities for this year’s draft. Pass rush, offensive line, linebacker and secondary are all positions that could be upgraded after this weekend. One position that we’re not having enough conversation about is the interior defensive line. Michael Pierce decided to retire this offseason, leaving just Nnamdi Madubuike, Travis Jones, and Broderick Washington at interior line. Madubuike is more versatile than people think, being able to move outside to get added pressure. If the Ravens were to use Madubuike in more outside pressure situations, this means the only interior line guys would be Washington, who’s been a bit disappointing since signing his extension two seasons ago, and Jones, who is still on his rookie deal. Something to look at as we get closer to the NFL Draft.
Nico Iamaleava, NIL and the NCAA
If you’ve been following college football, you may be aware of the Nico Iamaleava story. The former Tennessee-now-UCLA QB ended his time with the Vols with Tennessee allegeding that Nico’s camp asked for too much money regarding his Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) deal. Nico’s camp claims that he left the program due to the offense, although rumors have surfaced about his father being the culprit for Nico’s departure for asking for too much. While there’s a conversation to be had about the way Nico and/or his family have handled this, the bigger issue here is the NCAA. However you may feel about NIL and collegiate sports, former NCAA President Mark Emmert and co are the main reason why we are here today. The NCAA had an opportunity to accept and regulate NIL, yet refused to allow players to receive compensation and get a piece of the pie that they so rightfully deserve. It wasn’t until states passed legislation that players were allowed to get paid. The toothpaste is now out the tube, with the transfer portal fueling the state of NIL. Is NIL out of control? Yes. Does it need to be regulated? Absolutely. Does this fall on the NCAA? 1000%. Multiple things can be true. So before we blame Nico for allegedly “knowing his worth,” blame the NCAA for allowing this to be the clown show that it has become.
NBA Playoffs
This weekend, I watched an NBA playoff game end with a 50+ margin between the Memphis Grizzlies and the Oklahoma City Thunder. This is as nasty as it gets. I have no further comment on that matter.
Let Me Get This Off My Chest
This has been on my mind for a while now and I feel like now is the right time to get this off. Espresso martinis are the Yankees hats of drinks. Trendy, popular, convenient and bandwagonish. Yeah I said it. You’re a bandwagon drinker. I bet you’re sitting somewhere, reading this right now, Yankees hat on your head with an espresso martini in your hand and you’re nowhere near the city or state of New York. Sorry to tell you this but you’re no different than a Duke fan from Maryland or a Cowboys fan from DC when it comes to your drink selection. Do better. Be better. Drink better.