Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports
Despite not getting nearly as much attention as some of the other American League contenders, the Baltimore Orioles stand just 1.5 games back of a wild card spot, in addition to being 5.5 out of the division, which is not an unattainable goal. It isn’t hard to see how they’ve gotten to wear they are, either.
Sure, the Orioles are one of the better clubs in the league offensively. Between the power of Chris Davis and Adam Jones and the doubles of Manny Machado, this club mashes. At the same time, though, it’s what they do collectively with the glove that has them standing as one of the better clubs in the American League.
We know about Machado’s defensive prowess. He has a terrific glove and an absolute cannon for an arm. He’s the second coming of Brooks Robinson, no doubt about it. But while Machado is the one gaining all the highlights, seemingly on a nightly basis, he’s far from the only one starring in the field.
In fact, the Orioles are on a record setting pace as far as their defense is concerned. Statistically, they’re the best defensive club in the league. Their .992 fielding percentage leads the league, and their 34 errors are obviously the fewest, with the second best team in the league committing 40 so far this season.
They’re on pace for a season total for errors under 50. That’s simply absurd. You’re talking about a team that could potentially have as many as five Gold Glovers, including the likes of Machado and Jones, in addition to J.J. Hardy, Matt Wieters, and maybe even Chris Davis.
If this team isn’t going to be making a postseason appearance, it’ll most likely be the fault of the pitching. We know this team can kill the ball, and combine that with the defense they play, which is the true mark of this team, and you have a pretty serious contender on your hands. If they could pitch, of course.
