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12 reasons why the Orioles might actually win the World Series [Pictures]

After what has been one of the most surprising, bizarre and improbable baseball seasons, the Baltimore Orioles have clinched a spot in the playoffs for the first time since 1997. And what a ride it's been. Here's a team with plenty of talent, but also its fair share of surprise contributions from unseasoned players and league retreads -- and they've passed the 90-win mark. It was the rebirth of Orioles Magic, in the form of so many wins eked out in one-run ballgames and extra innings. This year has been utterly crazy, and anyone outside of the Orioles clubhouse who says they saw it coming all along is full of it. But in keeping with the feel-good optimism of this playoff berth, we have 12 reasons why the craziness could extend all the way through October. Let's be clear: this is not a guarantee. But to borrow the mantra from the 1989 squad, a team that similarly defied expectations but fell just short of the postseason: Why Not? -- Brandon Weigel

After what has been one of the most surprising, bizarre and improbable baseball seasons, the Baltimore Orioles have clinched a spot in the playoffs for the first time since 1997.

And what a ride it’s been. Here’s a team with plenty of talent, but also its fair share of surprise contributions from unseasoned players and league retreads -- and they’ve passed the 90-win mark.

It was the rebirth of Orioles Magic, in the form of so many wins eked out in one-run ballgames and extra innings. This year has been utterly crazy, and anyone outside of the Orioles clubhouse who says they saw it coming all along is full of it.

But in keeping with the feel-good optimism of this playoff berth, we have 12 reasons why the craziness could extend all the way through October. Let’s be clear: this is not a guarantee. But to borrow the mantra from the 1989 squad, a team that similarly defied expectations but fell just short of the postseason: Why Not? -- Brandon Weigel  (Algerina Perna/Baltimore Sun)

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12 reasons why the Orioles might actually win the World Series ... You read that right. There’s no guarantee, of course. But there’s reason to believe Orioles magic can continue through October.

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4. Mark Reynolds is due for a hot streak

Anybody who has followed this team for the last two seasons knows first baseman Mark Reynolds (No. 12, above) can look like an MVP candidate one week and then look completely lost the next.

His numbers have greatly improved in the second half (.826 OPS after the All-Star Break vs. a .718 OPS before it), but he’s currently in one of his ruts, with a slash line of .160/.250/.320 over the last seven days. But we know he’s bound to get hot again, and there’s no better time to do so.  (Lloyd Fox/Baltimore Sun)

7. They've defied expectations all year

Columnists and stat heads have continuously been baffled by the way the Orioles have performed, and few gave them a chance to keep pace. But here we are, and the team’s hunger to win, and formula for doing so, can no longer be written off as a fluke. The 37-18 record in August and September says more than the team’s run differential.  (Gene Sweeney Jr./Baltimore Sun)

10. Nick Markakis could return

Most of September was spent without the services of Markakis, who was having a torrid second half before breaking his left thumb, the result of being hit by a CC Sabathia pitch.

After surgery, Markakis said he aimed to be back for the playoffs. Sure, the team has played well with him gone. But there’s no doubt everyone in that clubhouse would welcome back his hot bat and slick defense.  (Gene Sweeney Jr./Baltimore Sun)

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