Orioles 2013 season review
The Baltimore Orioles missed the playoffs but finished the season with a winning record. The Al East was tough this year with four out of five teams competing for a playoff spot. The Orioles finished with an 85-77 record
Lets look at some of the highs.
Chris Davis’ season, one of the best an Orioles player has ever had. I did a full story on Davis’ season that can be found here. It was truly great, his first half of the season was historical and he ended up breaking the Orioles home run record. Davis was also one of the best fielding first baseman.
Magic Manny showing off at third base. Manny Machado hit doubles everywhere and put on a show at third base. Many old Orioles fans said he reminded them of Brooks Robinson. Remember this play when Machado stole the show against the New York Yankees.
Chris Tillman also became the Orioles ace recording 16 wins and should have had a lot more than that. Tillman’s final era was 3.71.
Tommy Hunter also emerged as a late inning close down power pitcher and pitched in 68 games.
Now on to some of the lows.
Jim Johnson giving up way too many blown saves and had eight loses. Johnson’s blown saves were the difference between the Orioles going to the playoffs. Johnson was simply overused this year and last season. That said Johnson did have another 50 save season and a 2.94 era.
Nick Markakis’ power drought out of no where… he only had ten home runs and 24 doubles. Markakis’ average also had a drop and he finished the season with only a .271 average. Markakis is a great baseball player and even Cal Ripken Jr. had bad seasons, I expect Markakis to turn it around next season.
Jason Hammel trying to pitch threw injuries and doing so badly. Hammel was the Orioles ace last season and the Orioles opening day starter, he finished with a 4.97 era which is just not good.
The Michael Morse trade… Orioles gave up Xavier Avery for Morse who did not even hit a home run for the Orioles. Morse only had three hits, I think Avery could have done that.
Overall: It was a great season but like I said here the Orioles stars were simply overused and tired. I would rather take a season like this over 15 plus years of losing any day.
