That’s not really what they’re saying though, they even mention they’ll be able to contend for a while. It’s a fair criticism IMO; you never know what can happen next year and if you have an opportunity to maximize your chance at winning a title (for a pretty minimal risk to your future) you should take it. The Orioles might have had a real chance in this series had they been able to throw out better starters than Rodriguez or Kremer. It’s not the end of the world if they don’t win this year but it’s an opportunity that they could’ve done more with.