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In the grueling grind of the MLB season, who and what you are will expose itself eventually. 162 games is a long time to cover up any deficiencies or hide any weaknesses. After a recent surge of superb baseball, the Baltimore Orioles are showing their true colors as contenders in the AL East. Baltimore has won seven of its last eight games and 18 of 23 contests to move into a tie for first place with the Tampa Bay Rays. The Orioles are starting to hit their stride as we approach July, and the rest of the division better take notice.
Baltimore is atop the AL East standings for the first time since April 19 after sweeping the Cleveland Indians in a doubleheader yesterday. The Orioles outscored the Tribe 12-0 in both games, and was the franchise’s first doubleheader sweep since 1974. Baltimore showed a little bit of everything in the two contests; hitting five home runs, receiving excellent starting pitching and playing solid defense throughout the day and night. Camden Yards provided an electric atmosphere for the Orioles’ powerful performance.
The 2015 Orioles are following a strangely similar script as last season, when Baltimore blew away the competition and won the division by 12 games. The 2014 O’s were 40-35 at this point last year — one game below where this year’s team currently stands. Starting pitching was key to last year’s success, as Baltimore accumulated a 3.43 team ERA that ranked third in the American League. The Orioles are currently in fifth place with a 3.67 ERA in 2015, but solid consecutive outings from Ubaldo Jimenez and Chris Tillman last night showed signs of promise and improvement heading forward.
The AL East race has been competitive all season, with four teams currently above .500 and within a game of each other. Each team has its weaknesses, but the Orioles are the most well-rounded club. The Toronto Blue Jays have a ferocious offense but lack quality starting pitching. The Rays have a great starting rotation but lack offensive firepower, and the New York Yankees also have pitching issues and durability concerns with some of its older players. Each team will likely need to make a move at the trade deadline in order to have a shot at the division title. The Orioles would be wise to stay put and allow for injured players like Jonathan Schoop and Kevin Gausman to return and give the team an extra boost down the stretch.
Baltimore is returning to last year’s form with its recent run of success and is emerging as the favorite to win the AL East once again. While it may be a tighter race than last year, the Orioles are poised to defend their division title in 2015.
Ben Linton is an MLB writer for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter @Ben_Linton91, or add him to your network on Google.
