Orioles: 19 wins and counting

Forget the number “19,” as in the number of wins the Orioles had entering the week.

Forget the number “10,” as in the Orioles’ ranking in runs entering the week, or “.255” as in the team’s batting average, good for 11th in baseball. The team’s .316 on-base percentage is a nice number, but I’m not focusing on that right now.

Here’s the number I care about right now: 73.6.

It’s the percent of teams who entered May 7 with the best – or tied for best – record in baseball since 1996 that have gone on to make the playoffs. That’s right – 14 of the 19 teams that had the best record or were tied for the best record two days after Cinco de Mayo went on to make the playoffs.

This year’s candidate: The Orioles, who were 19-9 after a 17-inning win in Boston to complete the team’s first three-game sweep in Boston since 1994.

Who cares they needed Chris Davis to finish off the Red Sox in the first major league game since 1925 in which both teams put a position player on the mound. Davis went 0 for 8 at the plate, but put up two “0s” on the scoreboard to become the first position player to get a win since Rocky Colavito in 1968. He also became the first player to go hitless in eight at-bats and get the win as a pitcher since some dude named Rube Waddell in 1905.

Why is this important?

Because the next time you’re in a sports bar outside Baltimore and you want to bet a drink on a trivia question, go with that one. You know it’s money.

You know what else it money? My neighbor, Chris.

He bleeds Oriole Orange. OK, maybe his blood allegedly is red, but considering he went to the Orioles Blood Drive this past weekend so he could get two tickets to Thursday’s game, who am I to argue?

And guess who he’s taking? Yours truly.

How awesome is it that he had to sit through all the discomfort of watching his blood fill a bag and I get to go to the game when all I did at the same time was watch TV in the comfort of my basement?

But I’m not a total jerk. I’ll buy him a soda. And maybe a pretzel. Hell, I might even ofter to drive.

But you what’s even better than going to the game with one of your buds for free? Getting a free T-shirt for going to the game with one of your buds for free! I’m going to get a 20th Anniversary Orioles Park T-shirt for being obviously being such a cool neighbor that Chris wants to hang out with me.

Yes, I’m that cool. Or he’s that stupid for wanting to hang out with me.

Either way, I’m going to the game.

Now, back to the Orioles. I know it’s early.

I know the Cleveland Indians had the best record in baseball on May 7, 2011 and finished 80-82. But that’s moot because it’s the Indians who represent Cleveland and we all know the city of Cleveland never wins anything, which is why LeBron James told the city that supposedly rocks “Later, dogs,” on ESPN when he bolted to South Beach.

Baltimore isn’t Cleveland. After all, we stole their football team. And the last time I checked, Baltimore has won a World Series a lot more recently than a city that’s so brown it inspired the name of its football team.

When I look in the standings, I see a larger number in the Orioles’ win column (19) than the Indians’ (16).

But don’t worry Cleveland, it could be worse: The Orioles could sign some guy named Joe Flacco.

Yes, that Joe Flacco – the Ravens’ quarterback.

You know, the guy who Cleveland has never beaten in eight tries.

Jon Gallo

Jon Gallo is an award-winning journalist and editor with 19 years of experience, including stints as a staff writer at The Washington Post and sports editor at The Baltimore Examiner. He also believes the government should declare federal holidays in honor of the following: the Round of 64 of the NCAA men’s basketball tournament; the Friday of the Sweet 16; the Monday after the Super Bowl; and of course, the day after the release of the latest Madden NFL video game.