Why the Baltimore Orioles are baseball’s most interesting team

The Baltimore Orioles: A New Era Begins

The MLB has not had a more intriguing team than the Baltimore Orioles. The reigning AL East Champs are coming off a 101-win season. The Orioles have yet to win 100 games since 1980. So, we ask the question: why the Baltimore Orioles are baseball’s most interesting team.

It starts with the changes in the front office with the hiring of General Manager Mike Elias and ownership change from the Angelos family to billionaires David Rubenstein and Mike Arougheti. A franchise that once had the characteristics of being cheap is now being run by owners who brought Orioles fans a round of beers on opening day. What could be better than that to start opening day?

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Keeping The Streak Alive

The Orioles are number two in the American League East behind the New York Yankees.

Baltimore captured their first season sweep against the Boston Red Sox and extended their streak of not being swept since Adley Rutschman was called up to the big leagues.

The Orioles’ streak of not being swept has extended to 96 games. They salvaged a tough series where Milwaukee scored 11 runs in back-to-back games. Corbin Burnes was significant at keeping the Orioles in the series last game with the Milwaukee Brewers. Burnes contributed five innings against his former team,  striking three runs, six hits, and two walks.

The Orioles’ streak of avoiding sweeps since Adley Rutschman’s call-up to the big leagues has extended to an astounding 96 games, and despite facing formidable opponents like the Milwaukee Brewers, the Orioles managed to salvage a tough series, thanks in part to standout performances from players like Corbin Burnes.

Burnes delivered a stellar performance in facing his former team, contributing five innings and striking out three runs while allowing only six hits and two walks. His presence on the mound was crucial in keeping the Orioles competitive and preserving their streak.

New Additions to Birdland

However, that is different with the new additions of a Cy-Young winner, Burnes, the new ace, and Craig Kimbrel, the Orioles’ Kimb.

The Orioles being introduced to Corbin Burnes’ insatiable desire to catch Pop-ups. 😂 pic.twitter.com/4rZFMQg6GB

— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 9, 2024

In addition, Colton Cowser leads the team in batting average, home runs, doubles, and RBIs with a .441 average. Despite his struggles last season, some argue he is already a strong candidate for AL East Rookie of The Year. If the bullpen can live out to the hype and the bats are swinging,

We can expect the Orioles to make a deep run in the playoffs; although it’s early, the kings of Camden yards have a lot of star power and talent in their arsenal this year.

In addition to the emergence of Colton Cowser as a strong candidate for AL East Rookie of The Year, the Orioles have seen significant contributions from their new acquisitions.

Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes has quickly established himself as the team’s new ace, while veteran closer Craig Kimbrel brings experience and reliability to the bullpen. With Cowser leading the team in various offensive categories and a lineup featuring talents like Ryan O’Hearn, Cedric Mullins, and Adley Rutschman, the Orioles are poised for success this season. If their bullpen lives up to the hype and their bats remain hot, the Orioles have the potential to make a deep playoff run.

Emergence of Jackson Holliday

Speaking of star power, How could I not remember the calling up of Jackson Holliday to the big leagues? Holliday got his first hit in the Oriole’s last contest and is coming into his own at second base.

Holliday, Matt Holliday’s son, will look to put his full talents on display. In addition to continuing, Jackson Holliday was the #1 overall pick in the 2022 draft out of Stillwater High School.

He will also continue with the legacy of wearing the number 7. The number that Cal Ripken Senior wore. Holliday will be the first player since senior to wear the number. The Holliday family even sought permission from the Ripkens to wear the number.

Jackson Holliday has his first career hit in the big leagues 👏

(via @Orioles, @masnOrioles) pic.twitter.com/iND7z1rRYD

— ESPN (@espn) April 14, 2024

The recent call-up of Jackson Holliday to the big leagues has added excitement to Birdland. Holliday, the #1 overall pick in the 2022 draft, made an immediate impact with his first hit in the Orioles’ last contest.

As he continues to find his footing at second base, Holliday is poised to carry on the legacy of wearing the number 7, previously worn by Cal Ripken Senior. Seeking permission from the Ripken family to wear the number, the Holliday family aims to honor the Orioles’ rich history while paving the way for Holliday’s legacy on the field.

Great Expectations

The recent additions to the Orioles’ roster, including Cy Young winner Corbin Burnes and veteran closer Craig Kimbrel, have injected a new level of talent and experience into the team.

Meanwhile, rookie sensation Colton Cowser has been lighting up the field, leading the team in batting average, home runs, doubles, and RBIs with an impressive .441 average.

With a lineup boasting names like Ryan O’Hearn, Cedric Mullins, Adley Rutschman, and Gunner Henderson, the Orioles are primed for success this season. If their bullpen lives up to expectations and the bats remain hot, the Orioles could make a deep playoff run.