It would be hard to imagine a team having a more schizophrenic season than the one the Orioles went through in 2005. They were in first place in the American League East for more than two months in the first half, yet had the worst winning percentage over their final 92 games (.348) of any team since 1900 that had a .600 winning percentage in its first 70 games.
On top of the flameout was the scandal surrounding Rafael Palmeiro's suspension after testing positive for steroids, which came two weeks after he got his 3,000th hit. His downfall pulled down an already volatile clubhouse. Sammy Sosa wasn't suspended, but he was a major bust, batting .221 with 14 home runs. Neither player finished the season with the team, as both rehabbed injuries on their own.
The offense was led by second baseman Brian Roberts, who batted .314 with 18 home runs before he sustained a season-ending elbow injury in August. The best performances on the pitching staff came from starter Rodrigo Lopez, who won 15 games, and closer B.J. Ryan, who saved 36. Even on the pitching staff, though, controversy and injuries took a toll, as Sidney Ponson's contract was terminated after he was arrested for the third time in nine months.
The disastrous second half brought changes in the dugout, with Sam Perlozzo taking over for Lee Mazzilli, and the front office, with Jim Beattie getting forced out and Mike Flanagan taking over sole general manager duties. But the Orioles weren't able to make significant changes on the field, with Ryan departing and few other players coming to Baltimore to turn things around. |
