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Coming back after a successful year is always tough. It’s like that dreaded sophomore album, and we have to produce it without the help of fan favorite Nick Markakis and power-hitting Nelson Cruz.
But Orioles fans have a ton of reasons to be excited for 2015, including injured players getting healthy, some promising newbies coming on board, and tons of depth in the minor leagues. Not to mention we’ve still got skipper Buck Showalter and team leader Adam Jones in the dugout. So let’s make like every April, don our orange-colored glasses, and put our faith in Birdland. Here are five sure-fire keys to success.
1.
Return to Form
Despite our successful run to the playoffs, last season was riddled with injuries (and one very untimely suspension). The team is hoping for more out of Chris Davis, Manny Machado, and Matt Wieters, who, if they return to full capacity, could bring the team back to another division title. Machado will be playing on a surgically repaired right knee—and at times has looked a little shaky in spring training—but the third baseman is still only 22 and his return solidifies an already good Orioles defense. Wieters elbow injury is still a question mark, and it’s being reported that he could be out for a month, but having his arm (and his bat) back at full capacity would make a huge difference. Then there is Davis, who still has one more game to ride out on his 25-game suspension from last year. But if he can come around and have another standout season, the team will get a huge boost in run-scoring potential. Our offensive power really hinges on Davis this season.
2.
Spread their Wings
Last season we got a glimpse at several players whose roles Buck will undoubtedly expand this year. First, there is Alejandro De Aza who was only in Baltimore for a brief time last year after his trade from the White Sox, but managed to bat .293 in 20 games. After losing Nelson Cruz and Nick Markakis (sob, sob), De Aza will have a chance to prove himself in the outfield and batting leadoff. Jimmy Parades was brought up at the end of August and the switch-hitter earned a .302 average in 53 at-bats and he’s been impressive in spring training. While his role on the field is a question mark, he’ll likely play a legitimate part as a DH. Steve Pearce hustled his way in the minors for seven disjointed seasons before impressing us last year with 21 home runs, 26 doubles, and 49 driven in. This season, he will finally be given the chance to show what he can do at the plate in a full 162-game season.
3.
Brand New Birds
Like with any new season, there is optimism surrounding the arrival of new players. There’s Travis Snider, a first-round pick for the Blue Jays in 2006, whole hit 13 homers for the Pirates last year. If he hits and plays good defense, chances are he’ll be given the right field job to replace Markakis. There’s also Evereth Cabrera, who is coming off of a performance-enhancing-drug scandal for which he was fined and did community service. But the former All Star has potential to hit, steal bases, and add infield depth (especially needed since J.J. Hardy is starting the season on the DL). Another exciting addition is Wesley Wright, a left-handed reliever, who is a bit of a question mark since he hasn’t appeared in the American League that much. But if his situational game is strong, he could add depth to the bullpen in the absence of Andrew Miller.
4.
Strong Arms
Orioles starting pitchers had the fourth-best ERA in the American League last year. And the O’s are returning all of their starting pitchers this season so common sense would tell you, if we can do it like last year, we should be in good shape. There’s a real chance that Chris Tillman, Wei-Yin Chen, Bud Norris, and Miguel Gonzalez (who all had an ERA of 3.65 or lower and 10 or more wins) can perform to that potential again. Another bright light is Ubaldo Jiminez, who has looked more like “New”baldo in spring training, as he’s had 11 strikeouts and just two walks over his past four starts. Kevin Gausman may not begin the season in the starting rotation, but he could play a crucial bullpen role and it will be nice to have that depth.
5.
Minor Keys
Any baseball fan knows that your team is more than just the guys who show up to the stadium on Opening Day. And thanks to Dan “Depth” Duquette, the Orioles have tons of players to rely on during the marathon regular season. The O’s have always been good at using a variety of players and this season we’ll have plenty in our Crayola box to choose from, including utility infielder Ryan Flaherty, outfielders Nolan Reimold and Dariel Alvarez, the aforementioned DH Paredes, backup to the backup catcher Steve Clevenger, defensive stronghold David Lough, and pitch-hitting-best-moment-of-2014 Delmond Young. Nothing helps you through 162 grueling games like knowing you have a safety net.
We may not be
quite as optimistic as Dan Deacon’s 161-1, World Series prediction, but we’ve got hope that our O’s will make this year just as exciting as the last.