It's a distinction that hasn't been required very often, but as the Orioles were thumped in comprehensive fashion during a 10-0 loss to the Cleveland Indians on Sunday at Progressive Field that featured a shutout from Indians starter Shane Bieber, the difference was made clear.
Lose valiantly, the way they did in Wednesday's doubleheader sweep against the New York Yankees and Saturday to a dominant pitching performance, and a team as limited as the Orioles can live with it and move on.
To play and pitch as poorly as they did both Sunday and in the series-opening 14-7 loss here in Cleveland, and the goodwill built up by promises of a player-development machine and a perennial contender years down the line starts melting away.