Here's Hoping the O's Series Is the Perfect Remedy for Getting Swept by the Blue Jays

If we've learned anything about Phillies' homestands this year, it's that we can't underestimate any team playing in our park. For whatever reason, the Phils just plain suck at home this year. No need to look any further than the past three days to see that, with a good ol' fashioned ass-whooping directly in our rearview mirror. 

Now, that's not to say we're not a little happy to see a last-place team coming to town. The Orioles have been somewhat predictably bad for most of this season, and they're currently the only team in the AL East with a losing record (which is still light years better than the worst team in the NL East, their neighbors in DC). However, we have the O's to thank for the Phillies still having a 3-game lead in the division, as they've just won consecutive series against the Braves and the Mets, respectively. In short, they're not a team to be taken lightly right now, as was unfortunately also the case with the Blue Jays, only the Phils didn't get that particular memo. Hopefully Meat gave it to 'em good before this series. 

It's Redemption Song night for Antonio Bastardo, the kid who torched the Padres and Dodgers in his first two starts but was picked apart by the Red Sox to the tune of four earned runs in one inning of work his last turn. He should be plenty rested after the early hook, and motivated to show the team he deserves a spot in the rotation. Hopefully Charlie will get at least six, preferably seven innings out of him, because the bullpen needs a light weekend. 
The O's will counter with Rich Hill, a four-year veteran out of Michigan who throws a lot of K's but has nearly as many walks this season. You hear me, Phillies lineup? I say, he has nearly as many walks. Take some pitches and see if he can't hurt himself (figuratively, although with Hill, the literal possibility is certainly there). 
The kid we'll be watching and Wheels will no doubt give you a primer on is Matt Wieters. The catcher had been touted as the best hitting prospect in baseball before his callup a few weeks ago—a Mauer with Power, they said. (Incidentally, Mauer's power numbers are siiiiick so far this season.) Wieters has come along a little slowly since joining the team, but he's showing some pop lately, hitting his first homer against the Mets and collecting 10 hits in his last seven games. Still he has just two RBI, both coming on his home run. 
Elsewhere in the O's lineup, Adam (not Pacman) Jones is having a great season, ensuring that the Mariners' asking price for Erik Bedard will remain high despite another injury (Jones was part of the package that sent Bedard west). Ditto Nick Markakis, who is quietly having a decent season and is probably poised for a mid-summer power showing. Finally, here's hoping Brian Roberts (14 steals) doesn't get a walk and then swipe second and third. 
After a flat series against Toronto, let's see some fight from these Fightins.