The Orioles won the AL East in 2014 with an offense that dominated the home run category. They did not get on base that well, but the home runs moved the runners that managed to find their way on a long distance. Baltimore is off to a 6-0 start after winning a slugfest with the Red Sox Monday 9-7. The did hit two home runs in the game, three-run shots by Mark Trumbo and Chris Davis, Davis giving the Baltimore their final lead.
This offense, so far, is much better than that 2014 model. They are hitting for average at .291. They are getting on base at a strong .347 clip. With 10 home runs in six games, the team is slugging an impressive .505. They have been good at extending innings, with a .302/.380/.571 line with two outs (71 plate appearances). I suspect that split will come down a bit as time goes on.
Rookie Joey Rickard played well so far, with a .400 OBP (due to two sacrifice flies, his BA is .409). He did a great job getting on base in the minors, and being a mature rookie (seasonal age 25), he should give Baltimore a solid lead-off hitter for the season.
So far, the Orioles offense still smashes the ball, but bring other dimensions to the offense. Once again, Buck Showalter and Dan Duquette are getting a lot from a little.
from baseballmusings.com http://ift.tt/1TOC3sL
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