Tillman's take: Right-hander provides his thoughts on O's improved pitching

This is quite a good trend for Orioles pitching. The staff ERA has improved during each month this year. The ERA went from 4.49 in March/April to 4.00 in May to 3.46 in June to 2.96 in July. That July mark was the fourth-best team ERA in the majors for the month and best July ERA by an O's pitching staff since the 1976 team posted a 2.90 ERA. It was the best ERA in a full month (minimum 20 games) by any O's squad since the 2.90 mark from May 1981. For the season, the Orioles' 3.69 team ERA ranks sixth in the American League, but they are only five points out of third. Tampa Bay and Kansas City are tied for third with ERAs of 3.64. When I asked Chris Tillman for his take on the pitching improvement during the year, he cited two factors - one expected and one a bit surprising. Of course, he threw some props at new pitching coach Dave Wallace and new bullpen coach Dom Chiti. But he also said O's pitchers often help each other. If they see something at any time that could help a teammate, they speak up. "We've been a pretty tight-knit group and we know what makes each other click," Tillman said. "When a guy is out there pitching, all the rest are sitting there watching. If something is going wrong, you come back in the dugout and they are on you right away, 'This is what I see.' It's been working and it's going to get better." Tillman said the pitchers help each other daily and not just when a guy is pitching in the game. "All the time. During a start, non-start, in the bullpen, a side session, all the time," he said. As for Wallace and Chiti, Tillmak said there's no doubt they've had a real positive impact on the staff. "I think you are seeing it right now," Tillman said. "The results are there. These guys are solid on and off the field. They have all the respect of everyone in the clubhouse. I think the world of both of them." Tillman said, as promised when they were hired over the winter, Wallace and Chiti came in with an easy approach. They didn't ask pitchers to make any changes right away and they took the time to get know each pitcher. Now they've clearly gained the trust of each pitcher on the staff. "They've been around a long time and they've been great with all of us. Speaking for the group, everyone is ranting and raving about them. It's good to see," Tillman said. Pitchers helping pitchers and coaches helping pitchers. Since June 9, it has produced a 3.05 rotation ERA that ranks fourth in the majors, and a record of 30-17 for the first-place Orioles.