It's such a crazy stat that it needs to be highlighted.
The Orioles have allowed a total of 11 runs in the eighth and nine innings of their six games this season.
They have allowed 16 runs in the other seven innings combined in 2010.
There are obvious conclusions to be made from this.
The first one is closer Michael Gonzalez's implosion, but he is only responsible for four of those runs. So Gonzalez aside, the Orioles have to do a better job in late-game situations.
If you want a silver lining, it's that the Orioles' starters have pitched relatively well so far in this early going.
But am I the only one with the sinking feeling that this could be another season in which one facet of the team does well, while the others suffer? And there never seems be a protracted period when the club runs on all cylinders simultaneously?
If so, that's the sign of a club that's not quite ready to be competitive throughout a long season. Not that it's news to you.