Baltimore Orioles Offense – A Position by Position Review

Aug 19, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Baltimore Orioles designated hitter Delmon Young (27) hits a RBI single against the Chicago White Sox during the sixth inning at U.S Cellular Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

LEFT FIELD (+2 = Definitely Improved)

Eight different players saw time in left field for the Baltimore Orioles in 2013, though about 80% of the games and at-bats were recorded by Nate McLouth – who would sign in the offseason to join with the Washington Nationals.

As spring training approached, the probable starter in left field was presumed to be David Lough – obtained in a trade of Danny Valencia to the Royals. But then the Orioles also signed free agents Nelson Cruz and Delmon Young, as Nolan Reimold did not appear to be genuinely ready to return to full health.

Cruz has especially contributed to a serious upgrade of production from this position. While the average and OBP are about 15 points higher each, the 2013 numbers of home runs and RBIs has been far surpassed already.

Altogether this has been a big win for the Orioles, and I’ll give it a plus two on the grading scale as a definitive upgrade.