How could anyone not be thrilled with the Orioles at the All-Star break? They are 45-40, just the 2nd time this century they’ve been over .500 going into the break. If the season, ended today, they’d be in the playoffs. That said, it’s a little hard to figure how they are doing it. 3/5 of the starting rotation has been demoted to the minor league, they have the worst defense in the league, and they don’t have a single player on the team hitting over .500. The line-up is littered with players who started the year in the minors.

However, they continue to figure out ways to win. The bullpen has been phenomenal! The Orioles have more extra inning wins than any team in baseball. Adam Jones is having a career year, Hammel and Chen have ben very pleasant surprises, Wieters is one of the best catchers in baseball, and role players like Betemit, Pearce and Tolleson have often delivered in the clutch. I am not sure if they continue, but enjoy it while it lasts.