For more than a decade, the Baltimore Orioles have been a punch line in baseball circles for a perceived incompetence. So as we inch closer to the midway point of the 2012 season, it seems like a good time to pull out the magnifiying glass and examine how the Orioles have managed to construct a team that has quietly emerged as one of baseball’s best stories.
For purposes of this story, we won’t spend time giving credit (or blame) to any particular GM or executive. The focus will remain on the team, in general.
The collection of moves that brought this team together is arguably one of the most under-rated and remarkable stories in baseball.
Adam Jones:
Acquired when the Orioles traded their one-time staff ace Eric Bedard to Seattle. Jones has since emerged as one of the best 5-tool outfielders in the game.
Jason Hammel:
Acquired before the season in a deal that sent Jeremy Guthrie to Colorado. Hammel has been one of the best starters in the league (7-2 record with a sparkling 2.87 ERA) while taking no-hitters into the 7th inning twice. Meanwhile, Guthrie has struggled.
JJ Hardy:
Acquired by the Orioles in a 2011 trade with the Twins. The Orioles dealt a couple low level minor leaguers in the deal. Hardy has since become a premier A.L. shortstop with more HR’s than any player at his position (30 in 2011).
Chris Davis:
Acquired last year in a trade with the Rangers. The Orioles sent Koji Uehara to Texas. So far this season, Davis has hit 12 HR’s while his average hovers around .300 as an everyday player (the Orioles also received starting pitcher Tommy Hunter in the deal). Meanwhile, Uehara is on the DL in Texas.
Wei-Yin Chen:
As the rest of baseball was obsessed with fellow Asian sensation Yu Darvish, the Orioles quietly targeted an unknown Taiwanese pitcher. It’s no secret that several big league GM’s poked fun of the O’s for the move, but the Baltimore Brass has enjoyed a last laugh with Chen’s 7-2 record to go with a 3.36 ERA.
Pedro Strop:
One the best set-up men in baseball so far in 2012, Strop was “the player to be named later” in a deal with the Rangers that sent Mike Gonzalez to Texas. In 31 innings, Strop has pitched to a 1.42 era.
Darren O’Day:
Another one of the games top relievers in 2012, O’Day has pitched to a 1.72 era in 31 innings. He was claimed off waivers by, who else? The Rangers.
Jim Johnson:
A homegrown Oriole (drafted in the 5th round of the 2001 draft) Johnson is arguably the top closer in the game this season, having converted 20 of 21 save opportunities to go with his 1.21 era.
Matt Wieters:
Drafted by the Orioles in 2007. Homegrown into a Gold Glove winning All-Star.
Nick Markakis:
Drafted by the Orioles in 2003, homegrown into last year’s Gold Glove winning rightfielder.
Buck Showalter:
Not sure if managers are considered acquisitions, but luring Buck away from the broadcast booth during the 2010 season may prove to be the most savvy of all their moves.
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JJ Hardy, Adam Jones and Matt Wieters are among several players making Oriole Execs look like geniuses.
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