AL East Round Up: A Quick Look at the Numbers

Jun 13, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles left fielder

(9) and center fielder

(10) and right fielder

(14) celebrate on the field after defeating the New York Yankees 9-4 at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Baltimore Orioles

Remember the Orioles? They’ve been awfully quiet this year. Yet, they sit just 2 games back of the division lead. They’re doing it without Nick Markakis and Nelson Cruz. With the loss of these guys, it wasn’t exactly clear just how this team would be able to replicate recent success. And yet, here we are. 

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The offense hasn’t really missed a beat. They are 5th in the AL with 262 runs 4th in HR (70), 4th in average (.259). It is no surprise to see that Adam Jones is leading the way. He’s putting up some numbers that would garner him some early MVP consideration. He’s hitting .306/.345/.504 with 10 HR, 33 RBI and 71 hits. As well, the Orioles are benefiting from a healthy Manny Machado. The oft injured third baseman is having himself a good season also. He has the 2nd most hits on the club (67) for 11 HR and 30 RBI and a .285 avg. As well, a clean Chris Davis is contributing with 13 HR and 37 RBI. Though his average could use a little enhancing at .231.

The pitching staff hasn’t actually been that bad. Their ERA is good for 7th in the AL at 3.79. Yet, they are the recipient of just 26 quality starts, which is good for 11th. Opponents are hitting .244 against them. Like just about every other team in the AL East, the Orioles have a pitching staff that is average. This isn’t due to injury issues, either as the O’s have had 4 starters chip in 12 starts. Bud Norris has made just 8. But, when Ubaldo Jimenez has become your most consistent starter, putting up an ERA of 3.19 and 66 strike outs, can your rotation really be called anything but average? That said, they’re sitting just 2 games back and haven’t really had to deal with much in the way of injuries.

Given what seems to be the theme in the AL East: pitching that is good enough is carried by strong offensive production, the Orioles stand a good chance of competing.

Next: The Woeful Red Sox