Balance can add up to production
The big topic of debate with the many passionate Orioles fans this offseason has been the desire to add a "Power Bat" to the middle of the O's lineup for the 2010 season.
While I agree with the benefits that type of hitter would bring to Baltimore, the Orioles lineup this season will bring something just as effective in winning games. And that is balance on the mound, in the field, and at the plate.
Let's start with the lineup and agree a "bopper" is a player with at least 30 home runs. Last season in the American League there were just 15 hitters with at least 30 home runs. Only five players hit at least 35 homers. Carlos Pena and Mark Teixeira tied for the league lead with 39. Luke Scott led the O's last season with 25 home runs. The bottom line is scoring more runs and winning more games. A team can do that with balance.
Let's use the 1998 Yankees as an example. The Yankees set a franchise record with 114 wins on their way to a World Series title. New York did not have one player hit 30 home runs that season. Not one "bopper". New York did however have incredible balance in four players with at least 24 home runs and 8 players with at least 17 home runs.
The Yankees had a team ERA in 1998 of 3.82, but David Cone was their only 20-game winner. Again, it's about balance, as each of their regular five starters that season won at least 12-games. Jeremy Guthrie led the O's last season with 10 wins.
As I look at the Orioles' potential 2010 lineup I see six everyday players with 20-home run potential in Matt Wieters, Garrett Atkins, Nolan Reimold, Adam Jones, Nick Markakis, and Luke Scott. Quite possibly with healthy seasons, any or several of that group could top 25 home runs. Brian Roberts hit 16 home runs last season while also leading the AL in doubles and is always consistent. The O's will add one more player with at least 15-home run potential, giving the lineup a look of consistency and balance.
The Orioles' team pitching last season struggled through growing pains and inconsistency, leading to an AL-high 5.15 ERA. Everyone in the organization knows that has to improve. The 2010 staff is expected to be much more consistent. Kevin Millwood brings a veteran presence and will be so valuable talking with the talented young pitchers. The O's have quality depth with their pitching prospects. Brad Bergesen, Brian Matusz and Chris Tillman are the first wave already in the big leagues, and they've gained valuable experience. Guthrie is likely to have a rebound season pitching lower in the rotation and the bullpen is expected to be more effective with the addition of Mike Gonzalez.
Winning is easier with balance and depth. The Orioles are deeper and more balanced for 2010 and fully expect to improve.
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Categories (click for archive)Jim Hunter | MASNblogs |
Jim, Hi, I have been an Orioles fan since 1983 our last championship over the Philies. And Jim one thing that I would like to see the Orioles do for a change is for Andy to go out and acquire alot of good players veterans that can help our team the youngsters on this team out in so many ways. We do have alot of talent on this team as it stands right now. With Brian, Nick, Adam, Matt, and Kevin Millwood one of the new additions to the team for this season, Garrett Atkins, and Mike Hernandez who can I am sure help our bullpen to be the very best in the American League. But what Andy needs to realize is that he needs to I believe to move away somewhat from his plan of waiting for these youngsters mostly pitchers to come around. I mean that could still take some time. And how about Oriole fans everywhere not just in Baltimore but across this great country of ours. See Jim, I, have been watching baseball for some 50+ years now. And I know that Andy wants to do things the right way which is fine, but sometimes always waiting to the right thing at the right time, can hurt a ball club too. See I would like to see some more new players added to this year's team. Give Dave Trembley what he needs to get the Orioles out of the cellar in the American League East. Let the Toronto Blue Jays or Devil Rays go back there once again and show Oriole fans everywhere that Andy wants to bring ballplayers who can help the Orioles back to the Playoffs and World Series once again where we belong. And to get big name players who want to come and play in Baltimore. Not always going to the Red Sox, Yankess who I can't stand, and come to Baltimore to make a statement in their coming to Baltimore. This is what is needed for us to succeed sooner than later. Please be sure that Andy sees this email if you would please. I would love to talk with him on the phone, but we know how difficult that can be. And by the way Jim you do a great job announcing Orioles games. And please say hi to Jim Palmer, for me if you would please.
Hello Jim, very good article about balance. thats what the Orioles have not had on this team. IF our pitching can come around this year we will be fine we already a very good line-up and should see a much better hitting team than we have had in a while.