Thirteen games of Orioles baseball so far this season have gone more or less as expected, and as such, the opening weekend sweep of the Boston Red Sox feels like a lot more than 10 games ago.
In the interim, the Orioles have struggled badly at times in every phase of the game, shading out the bright spots that do exist. Losing six of seven in the first homestand will do that.
But for whatever this season lacks in widespread inspiration, it makes up for in individual and team developmental goals, veterans trying to find it again, and young players at a crossroads.