Baltimore Orioles: Hot Start Isn't a Mirage

As we approach the 50-game mark in the 2012 MLB season, the Baltimore Orioles find themselves in first place of the American League East, 2.5 games ahead of the Yankees, and a healthy 5.5 games ahead of the Red Sox.

This, of course, has led many experts to heap burning coals of doubt and skepticism on the validity of the Orioles’ season—and who can blame them?

For starters, this has happened before, at least in a mini-version (see 2011). And we are talking about the Orioles here, remember? The same Orioles who haven’t had a winning season since 1998, and yes, the same Orioles who serve as annual punching bags for the likes of the Rays, Yankees and Red Sox.

But maybe these Orioles aren’t the same old Orioles.

The season began with the Orioles changing back to their old logo, a switch that was intended to resurrect the past glory days of the storied franchise. Trivial, perhaps, but it at least signaled a revitalized organization that was willing to try anything to return to its winning ways.

Then, there is the curious case of Buck Showalter. Let’s examine the change between Year 1 and Year 2  (full seasons) of Showalter-managed ball clubs:

Yankees: Year 1: 76-86
                Year 2: 88-74

Diamondbacks: Year 1: 65-97
                          Year 2: 100-62

Rangers: Year 1: 71-91
                Year 2: 89-73

Orioles: Year 1: 69-93
              Year 2: ??

On top of that, the Orioles' lineup is no longer filled with the easy outs of the past, as they have been packing a solid power punch. The Orioles currently rank No. 2 in MLB in home runs per game, No.1 in isolated power and No. 2 in percentage of extra-base hits.

While many might think that these stats are due simply to ridiculous production from superstar-in-the-making Adam Jones, the numbers might surprise you. Sure, Jones has his 14 HR and 31 RBI, but let’s not forget about the equally talented Matt Wieters (8 HR, 22 RBI).

Tack on the supporting cast of shortstop J.J. Hardy (10 HR, 24 RBI), outfielder Nick Markakis (8 HR, 26 RBI), utility man Wilson Betemit (7 HR, 22 RBI) and the resurgent Chris Davis (8 HR, 21 RBI) and suddenly you are looking at a lineup that starting pitchers can no longer ignore.

And let’s not forget the coming returns of promising prospect Nolan Reimold and massive power hitter Mark Reynolds. Reimold had already clubbed his way to 5 HR and 10 RBI while sporting a .313 batting average in a mere 67 AB in the early going. 

Reynolds, on the other hand, has crushed 28-plus home runs in each of the last four seasons. Adding both Reynolds and Reimold to an already powerful lineup can only mean the Orioles' hitting numbers will only increase.

Finally, let’s turn to the pitching. It all starts with Jason Hammel. The promising yet oft-injured starter was acquired from the Colorado Rockies in the offseason, and the move is already paying dividend. The Hammel sports a 6-1 record with a sparkling 2.78 ERA to go along with a 1.13 WHIP while striking out nearly a batter per inning.

Naturally, the positive news doesn’t stop there. Young guns Brian Matusz and Jake Arrieta finally seem to be on track to harnessing their massive potential. Newly Acquired Wei-Yin Chen has posted five quality starts on his way to a 4-1 record, while Tommy Hunter has rounded out the staff with adequate, if unspectacular performance.

And if it all starts with Hammel, it most certainly all ends with Jim Johnson. The 6'6" closer has given up a mere two runs in 21.2 innings pitched, which leaves him with a tidy 0.84 ERA. More importantly, he has been rock solid at the end of the bullpen, converting a perfect 16 of 16 save chances and proving himself as one of the most reliable closers in the game.

So there you have it. As we approach the 50-game mark of the MLB season, the Baltimore Orioles sit atop the AL East. While many skeptics are quick to call them a fluke, a logo change, historically successful manager, retooled lineup, promising staff and lockdown closer have them primed to show the world that these aren’t the same old Baltimore Orioles.