Baltimore Orioles 2008 Midseason Update

The Baltimore Orioles are looking to redefine their team identity and rise to former prominence in the AL East.

Baltimore Orioles: Season Overview
General Manager Andy MacPhail and the Baltimore Orioles understood that 2008 would be a rebuilding season. The 2008 season would mark Dave Trembley’s first full season as manager of the Baltimore Orioles. After the Baltimore Orioles traded away stars such as Miguel Tejada and ace Erik Bedard for prospects Adam Jones and left-handed pitcher George Sherrill, baseball pundits all over wrote the Baltimore Orioles off as the worst team in the AL East. On the offensive strengths of young players like Nick Markakis and newcomers such as Luke Scott, the Baltimore Orioles started the 2008 season off strong and are on pace for a strong season as they hover around .500.

Baltimore Orioles: Offense
The youth movement in Baltimore has added significantly to the Baltimore Orioles’ overall success, but it is the proven players that have made all the difference at the plate. Nick Markakis, Brian Roberts and Luke Scott lead the Baltimore Orioles’ streaky but potent offensive charge. As evidence of the balanced Baltimore Orioles batting lineup there are five players on the team with over 10 home runs, led by Aubrey Huff who is the third Baltimore Orioles player to hit for the cycle and the first to do so at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Brian Roberts adds to the attack by leading the Baltimore Orioles in most offensive statistical categories including hits, runs, doubles, triples and stolen bases. Nick Markakis is an intelligent hitter that leads the team in batting average. From top to bottom the Baltimore Orioles lineup presents a challenge for pitchers around Major League Baseball.
                                                      
Baltimore Orioles: Defense
Offseason wheeling and dealing landed the Baltimore Orioles a youthful and talented pitching staff. Unfortunately youth and talent often add up to careless mistakes and unfamiliarity with the nuances of the game. Night in and night out the Baltimore Orioles pitchers face some of the best hitters in baseball in their AL East opponents. Unbelievingly the Baltimore Orioles have held their own against the big hitters. With help from a talented cast of outfielders the Baltimore Orioles have a formidable defensive team that has a 0.985 fielding percentage. According to Major League Baseball’s Defensive Efficiency Rating (DER) the Baltimore Orioles are the third best defensive team in the American League.

Baltimore Orioles: Season Standings
Unfortunately for the Baltimore Orioles and their fans the American League East is one of the best divisions in baseball and is currently crowded at the top. A record of 45-48 at the All-Star break is good for 5th place behind the surging Tampa Bay Rays, the World Series Champion Boston Red Sox, the talent-laden New York Yankees, and the Toronto Blue Jays. Though the Baltimore Orioles are within striking distance of the AL East leaders, it is unlikely that they will make any big moves in the second half of the season. Still the youthful and confident Baltimore Orioles are confident in their chances at making the playoffs. Not content to rest on the fact that they have done better than expected, the Baltimore Orioles hope to make some noise late in the season, but this is extremely unlikely. 

Baltimore Orioles: Standout Players
Nick Markakis is the most potent offensive player on the Baltimore Orioles roster. In addition to his offensive production Nick Markakis is an excellent defender owing to his athleticism, speed, and power. Through the first half of the season, Nick Markakis has only committed one error and has a .995 fielding percentage.

After a couple of years working in the minor leagues Jeremy Guthrie was picked up by the Baltimore Orioles and the young right hander had a breakout season in 2007. Jeremy Guthrie returns as a starting pitcher for the Baltimore Orioles. In his rookie season Jeremy Guthrie surprised fans and critics alike with a dazzling record and a solid ERA.

Baltimore Orioles: 2nd Half Outlook
The Baltimore Orioles deserve credit for performing against all odds. On a positive note the Baltimore Orioles are making a valiant effort, and succeeding, to do away with the culture of losing. Taking the risk of building up their farm system and maturing young talent has paid off for the Baltimore Orioles this season. A pennant might be out of the question, but the Baltimore Orioles are talented and will cause problems for teams in the AL East hoping to make it to the playoffs. Confidence comes with experience so fans at Camden Yards should rest assured that their Baltimore Orioles will be competitive for years to come.