At this point, Orioles fans may have both reasons for hope and to doubt

As the trade deadline approaches on Friday afternoon, the Orioles are on their second-longest win streak of the season. They've won five in a row after last night's victory over the Atlanta Braves. The Orioles swept that series.

Right now, the team may sending its own fans some mixed messages. There appear to be both reasons for hope and reasons to doubt this team.

Reasons for hope: The Orioles' starting pitchers, led by Chris Tillman, may be poised for a strong second half. During the win streak, the O's pitchers have allowed seven total runs. Over the past six games, O's starters are 4-0 with an ERA of 1.25. The starters' ERA in the Atlanta series was 0.77.

A return to form by Tillman could be huge for the Orioles. He has a 1.09 ERA his last six starts. Kevin Gausman, now finally pitching every fifth day, has put together two scoreless starts his last four outings. Add that pair to Wei-Yin Chen, Miguel Gonzalez and Ubaldo Jimenez, and the rotation may be in better shape than at any point this year.

Other reasons for hope include Chris Davis' recent hot streak, the dependable bullpen, great defense and the O's moving within one game of a wild card berth. Plus, add the fact they still have six games left with American League East-leading New York.

Reasons to doubt:

The offense. The Orioles have won just four games all year when scoring two runs or less, and we just saw two of them in the Braves series. Over their last 22 games, the Orioles have scored three runs or less 16 times. They are 8-37 this year when scoring three or less.

The schedule. The Orioles have a tough one the rest of the way. They start a nine-game west coast road trip Monday. They have seven games remaining against Kansas City, who has the best record in the AL. They play at Washington in September.

The New York series. The O's last series at Yankee Stadium was a real disappointing one for the Orioles and their fans. While they lost two close games, they still got swept in the biggest series of the year. While the club has rebounded to win five in a row, they have come against a struggling Tampa Bay team and an Atlanta team with a losing record.

A win is still a win, but the Orioles have not fared well against some good teams this year. There are currently five teams playing over .500 ball in the AL besides the Orioles. Against those five clubs - the Yankees, Royals, Twins, Astros and Angels - the Orioles are 9-17. So, will they have what it takes against a tough remaining schedule?

After last night, the Orioles have played 100 games with 62 still to go. In the clubhouse, they don't seem ready to concede their title of AL East champions just yet. They have players in there that know what it took to win 96 games last season.

It should be a fascinating last two months of this season. Right now, the 2015 Orioles have provided Birdland both reasons for hope and to doubt.