The 2008 Baltimore Orioles are not supposed to be very competitive. Most pre-season predictions suggest the O’s rebuild project will bring more defeats than victories for a year or two, and that’s understandable. So, what are we supposed to make of the team’s surprisingly good play to start the season? It has the players pumped up, the fans excited and the media….skeptical. What a bunch of wet blankets we are, those of us in the media! Why can’t we just be positive and be uplifted by the Orioles unexpected early success? Why? Because that’s not our role- and least not those of us who chose to maintain some semblance of objectivity and credibility in our jobs.

The role of the reporter and commentator needs to be reviewed here. I say that because some veteran O’s players have reacted angrily to continued suggestions by the media that despite a good start, the team remains destined for a losing season. Let me illustrate with an analogy.

Let’s say we all agree that we’d like for the weather in Baltimore to be warm and sunny tomorrow. But, WJZ meteorologist Bob Turk has studied the computer models and his read on the atmospheric conditions has led him to fashion a forecast for clouds and rain. Is Bob being negative? No, he’s dutifully applying his knowledge to the best of his ability to put his most educated guess toward what may occur in the weather. He’s reporting, or forecasting, what he sees likely.

I hope that analogy helps. If I still think the Orioles are likely to lose more games than they win (despite a good early record), I’m basing my opinion on current conditions as they lend themselves to a likely outcome. If it’s sunny in the morning, and the weather man says it’s likely to rain in the afternoon, he’s not trying to ruin your day- he’s just spelling out a likely occurrence. Can the weather man be wrong? Of course he can. And, can the “negative” media be forced to eat crow if the O’s continue on a miracle path for 162 games? Of course they can. Let’s allow the season to play out, but while so doing- let’s all know our roles.

Posted on Wednesday, April 9th, 2008 at 7:48 pm.
Categories: Opinion.
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