Don't count Buck Showalter among those that will view the 2012 season a success for the Orioles after a playoff appearance.

During an interview with Bob Haynie and Mark Zinno of 105.7 The Fan this afternoon, the Orioles manager said: "It's not just about the playoffs. You're trying to win a world championship. You're trying to be the last team standing. Crazier things have happened in people's minds, so why not?"

"Why Not?" is the phrase popularized during the 1989 season, when the Orioles were in contention for the American League East crown until the last week of the season. It's been used frequently in regard to the 2012 season as well, as the Orioles are coming off 14 straight losing seasons, but have been in the hunt for the playoffs all season. Currently, they hold the second wild-card spot behind the Rays, an AL East foe.

The Orioles are in the hunt and talking openly about the World Series now. It's an interesting move and one that many would have scoffed at back in April. Although the O's still have to fight their way into the postseason, no one's laughing at Baltimore anymore.

Posted Aug. 21, 2012