It’s Orioles’ Poor Attitude, Says Palmer

LAS VEGAS —  Jim Palmer, the former Baltimore pitcher, says the attitude of the team’s players has contributed as much as anything to the Oriole’s terrible start.

“When I saw them in spring training, I wondered about their attitude then,” said Palmer. “I think their self-image is very poor. I honestly felt after losing 95 games last year, they’d be a better ballclub. But they haven’t given any indication of it.” Palmer said the club’s problems go far beyond poor hitting by Cal Ripken Jr. and Eddie Murray, and a porous pitching staff.

“Eddie just doesn’t lead by example,” he said. “I think they all though that he would. I don’t think they know what their ability level is.”

Palmer, making an endorsement appearance at a local department store, blamed poor personnel moves by the Oriole front office with allowing the team to reach the level it is at today.

Palmer, a three-time Cy Young Award winner for Baltimore, said it will be difficult for the Orioles to regain respectability this year.

“The bottom line is that it’s just more difficult to be competitive when you have a lesser team, especially when you such a dismal start, like they have.”