Despite the fact the Baltimore Orioles’ opening-day payroll of $78.5 million was the third-highest in the major leagues, they have the second worst record in the American League at 17-28.

And manager Ray Miller’s job is in jeopardy.

But Winterport’s Mike Bordick, the Orioles shortstop and former University of Maine star, said don’t count his team out yet.

“We’ve played a lot better the last couple of weeks. We’ve gotten more innings out of our starting pitchers. Fortunately, nobody in the division has pulled away and there’s a long way to go,” said Bordick, who feels bad for Miller and the scrutiny he has been under.

Bordick said the Orioles definitely can make a playoff run.

“To have Will Clark and Cal Ripken back is a big help. Losing them at the same time (due to injury) was tough on us,” said the 33-year-old Bordick, who has been one of the few bright spots.

Bordick, a career .255 hitter, is hitting .281 with 12 doubles, a triple, two homers, 17 RBIs and 28 runs scored.

“It feels good to finally get off to a good start. I felt good all spring and, fortunately, that has carried over,” said Bordick, who has focused his attention on using the whole field instead of just being an opposite-field hitter.

“If you hit to one place, they try to pitch you another way. But I’ve been getting better plate coverage and have been able to look for a certain pitch in a specific situation and hit it where it’s pitched,” explained Bordick, who has been hitting second instead of his usual ninth spot.

“It’s fun. You get right into the ballgame right away and you get more opportunities to do something,” said Bordick.

Bordick, whose wife Monica is expecting their fourth child in November, said the trip to Cuba for an exhibition game was a “good experience.

“It was real depressed and run-down. But the baseball game was great. The people really support the game and they were all excited about it,” said Bordick.