The All-Star Game was played last night, and this is as good a time as any to look back on the first half of the year, even though it has been a little bit more than half. Based on the fact that they traded away their best hitter (Tejada) and their best pitcher (Bedard) in the off-season, one can assume that the Orioles are pretty solidified in the cellar of the AL East, right? I mean with the emergence of the Rays and the steadfast Yankees and Red Sox in that division, there's just no way the Orioles can compete for any more than the first week. Right?
Wrong.
The Orioles have exceeded expectations in the first half simply by winning only a small margin under half their games. And up until a recent 1-5 trip, they were over .500, and in fourth place. For much of the season, they have been within striking distance of the Bronx Bombers. If this is supposed to be the year they are rebuilding and they lose 100 games, I sure can't wait until a few years from now when they are supposed to actually have a winning season for the first time in over a decade.
Here are a few thoughts on each position, and a grade for each.
In the infield...
Catcher: Ramon Hernandez and Guillermo Quiroz
Ramon is the starter behind the plate. He hasn't had his best swing this season, but he has had some nice stretches recently. Defensively, though, he is somewhat of a liability. Teams have been running all over him this season. Jacoby Ellsbury stole seven bases in one series against him. He has made several errors, on pass balls and throwing, and seems to no longer be stable at all defensively. Quiroz has been better behind the plate, but at the plate is a major drop-off. He is a nice back-up though. Whomever plays, they are only doing so until Andy McPhail decides its time for Matt Wieters to take the reigns. But for this season, I give them a: D, because defense has to be the top priority of a Catcher, especially with the young rotation the O's have.
1st Base: Kevin Millar
Kevin has hit in the clean-up spot for the Orioles many times, and while he is not many teams first choice when it comes to that, he hasn't been horrible. He can get streaky at times. Defensively, he is very solid, but he isn't going to win any Gold Gloves over there. He also is fairly slow with his feet, but he has made some nice picks this year, and he gets the job done on the field. Millar's real value though, is in the clubhouse. He has long been known for his antics off the field, and he is one of the most outspoken players in the league. He always lightens the mood, and is a great veteran presence. His grade is a: B, he hasn't done anything extraordinary, but he gets the job done. His presence in the clubhouse is invaluable.
2nd Base: Brian Roberts
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