At the start of the 2016 season, no analyst would have predicted that by the end of June, the Baltimore Orioles would be in first place by 5.5 games. The one thing that analysts could predict is that the Orioles' offense would be one of the most dangerous in the game. Every player has the capability of hitting home runs, and the majority have the ability to hit 20 or above. It is this offense that is the primary factor behind their current position in first place, but most people still don't think it will be enough to keep the Orioles successful.
One of the major reasons people are still doubting the long-term success of the Orioles is their lackluster starting pitching. Coming into the season, there were very little certainties of success, and even half-way through the season, there are still some question marks. Chris Tillman, the obvious ace, is pitching as well as any other pitcher in the American League, but even he is starting to show some weaknesses. Kevin Gausman, the promising upstart, only recently earned his first win. Tyler Wilson, Yovani Gallardo, Ubaldo Jimenez, and Mike Wright (recently sent to the minors) have all been hit or miss. The questionable starting pitching has been saved by a stellar bullpen, but the bullpen has been seen to fall apart if overused. Despite the inconsistent starting rotation, and the overused bullpen, the Orioles have still been able to maintain their place at the top of the standings throughout the 2016 season.
Even though many predicted the strength of the Orioles offense, no one expected them to be this good. Mark Trumbo, an off-season acquisition considered to be a poor man's Chris Davis, is currently leading the team and the league in home runs. Trumbo recently hit his 23 home run of the season, surpassing his 2015 season total. An acquisition seen as mediocre is now making Dan Duquette look like a genius, which is hard to do. Trumbo is not the only red hot player. If the All-Stars were only decided based on their performance in June almost the entire Orioles lineup deserves a spot. Adam Jones, hitting in the lead off spot, is playing better than ever, Manny Machado is proving to be one of the best players in the game, Jonathan Schoop is showing his maturity and his power, Matt Wieters has returned as a crucial addition to the offense, Hyun Soo Kim is proving to be a dangerous bat after a slow Spring Training, and Chris Davis is starting to heat up after a relatively slow start. With all of these weapons, it is no wonder that the Orioles are currently tied with the record for most home runs in the month of June (still have a chance to break this after article is written).
I never like to predict anything when it comes to the Orioles, especially if it is a positive prediction. The Orioles always play better when they have something to prove, so I will let them continue to play that way. The Orioles starting pitching may be inconsistent, but it is worthy enough to keep their dangerous offense in the games. What the Orioles lack in stellar starting pitching they make up for in almost flawless defense, power from 1-9 in the lineup, a shut down bullpen, and by far the best manager in the game right now. We will have to see if the Orioles' early season success can continue!
