Comparing the Orioles in April 2012 and 2013

Now that the calendar has turned to May, we can take a look back at April and make some comparisons to where the Orioles were at this point last year. As for the bottom line, they went 14-9 (.609) in April 2012 and were in second place at that point, one game out. At the end of this April, they are 16-11 (.593) and two and a half games out in third place. The Orioles have hit better in April 2013, and they pitched better in April 2012 in looking at several stats. Here is the comparison of the offense from both Aprils: 2012: .249 average, .305 OBP, .426 slugging, 30 homers, .731 OPS, 4.2 runs per game 2013: .265 average, .328 OBP, .429 slugging, 32 homers, .757 OPS, 5.1 runs per game Some batting averages from April, 2012: .333 - Adam Jones .313 - Nolan Reimold .311 - Robert Andino .310 - Chris Davis .184 - J.J. Hardy .143 - Mark Reynolds Some batting averages from April 2013: .348 - Chris Davis .346 - Nate McLouth .327 - Adam Jones .304 - Manny Machado .227 - Matt Wieters .202 - J.J. Hardy If you are a believer in a batter's strikeout and walk rates as an indicator of plate discipline, this year's team has made some gains there. The 2012 club struck out 7.4 times a game and walked 2.4 times per contest last April. This club has fanned 7.0 and walked 3.2 times per game. As for the pitching, the team ERA and WHIP was 3.03 and 1.23 then and is 3.81 and 1.28 now. The starters need to start pitching more innings we know, as the Orioles have gotten just one start all year of seven innings or more. Can we reach any conclusions? You can form opinions, at least and I think the club has had a decent start and shown signs that it will be around as a contender all year capable of 90 plus wins and provided a summer of fun watching baseball in these parts. What is your take on the O's April and what it might mean for the rest of the season?