Bob Haynie: Orioles Are Showing Offensive Versatility
The Baltimore Orioles are off to a 6-0 start for the first time ever. Given the rich history of this franchise, that is no small feat.
Early in 2016, they have beaten teams in different ways. The starting pitching has been solid and the bullpen has been strong. Although they have committed four errors, the Orioles are still a very good defensive team.
On offense, the Birds have not been just a one-trick pony. They have shown more versatility than we have seen over the past four seasons, so far.
Even though the walk totals aren't spectacular--17 as a team heading into Tuesday--the Orioles seem to be more patient at the plate. Pitchers are being forced to work deeper into counts.
The Orioles have only one stolen base as a club, but they have been aggressive on the base paths. Hustling from first to third has not been a rarity through six games. Manny Machado scored an insurance run in Sunday's 5-3 win over the Tampa Bay Rays by streaking home on a wild pitch.
The reason Machado was on third in the first place is because Chris Davis moved him over from second base with a productive ground out.
The Orioles have a .347 team on-base percentage and are hitting .319 with runners in scoring position. Of course, as they showed on Monday afternoon at Fenway Park, they can bludgeon opponents into submission.
Davis and Mark Trumbo both blasted long three-run homers as the Birds out-slugged the Red Sox 9-7 to spoil Boston's home opener.
We know the Orioles are going to hit a lot of home runs. For the first time in a while, they also look like a team that doesn't need the long ball to score.
