Takes on Davis, Schoop, Lough and the O's against AL East

Here are a few impressions after the Orioles scored 21 runs the last two nights in back-to-back wins over Toronto, which gave them their first winning road trip since last July 19-25. * The Orioles just completed a 15-game stretch of games against American League East opponents in which they went 9-6, winning three series, losing one and tying one series. That is impressive anytime in this division, but even moreso considering the O's played all that stretch without Manny Machado and six of those games (going 3-3) without J.J. Hardy as well. They had just five quality starts over that stretch. They blew a game in Boston. They had a three-game series at home against Toronto where they scored just five runs. Yet, they played .600 ball in that stretch of games. That bodes well for the rest of the year. Playing somewhat shorthanded, and with some shaky starting pitching, they still more than held their own within the division. That tells me the Orioles have a good chance to contend in the East all year. * To me, it was a good sign to see Chris Davis take a few singles to left field to drive in runs last night. He went 4-for-10 with four RBIs the last two nights and his bat is starting to percolate. When I see Davis comfortable enough to go the other way with the pitch, that's a good sign for his swing and usually some homers soon follow. * David Lough had his best game as an Oriole last night. He went 3-for-4. He bunted for a hit. He stole two bases. He made a great catch. He got an outfield assist. Pretty much showed a whole package of the skills he can bring to this team. The speed he brings is needed on this team. The defense just adds to what is already here. Lough was hitting just .140 before the game, but we got a glimpse last night of what the O's had in mind when they traded for him in December. * Jonathan Schoop hit his second homer and he put quite a swing on a Drew Hutchison pitch to give the O's their first run. He also made a diving stop at second base. I think Schoop will be a good fielding third baseman down the road if he winds up there, but for now he is clearly both more experienced and comfortable at second. I would guess when Machado returns, Schoop has a good chance to stay as the everyday second sacker. He has shown enough skills for me to stick on the team and stay in the lineup. He showed some serious bat speed on that homer last night. To some extent, just like with Machado, Schoop is putting up better numbers in the majors than he did in the high minors. That duo never stopped working to develop and improve their games and we are seeing some of the fruits of their labors. By the way Machado is 21 and won't turn 22 until July 6 and Schoop will play this entire season at age 22. Speaking of Machado, I'll be in Frederick tonight as he begins his rehab assignment with the Keys. It should be quite a night in Frederick so check back here and follow me on Twitter for updates through the afternoon and game tonight from Harry Grove Stadium.