Baltimore Orioles 3-Year Analysis: Position by Position

Oct 5, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Baltimore Orioles second baseman Jonathan Schoop (6) at bat against the Detroit Tigers during game three of the 2014 ALDS baseball playoff game at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Second Base

One of the weak spots of the 2013 team was the situation at second base. Clearly Brian Roberts was not the player we remembered from the past. Ryan Flaherty played nearly as much and had an equal number of at-bats with his characteristically low average and OBP. Alexi Casilla also added another 101 at-bats to the total. And there were efforts from Yamaico Navarro.

Altogether, it appeared really weak and almost like a hole in the lineup. Something needed to improve.

We can say that with Jonathan Schoop playing regularly at second base, the defense improved. He helped to improve the home run total at the position by hitting 16 long balls. But his .209 average pulled the overall production down a notch from even what it was in 2013.

Looking back rating – “-1” – marginally worse.

Looking ahead rating – “+1” – marginally better.

We tend to forget how very young Schoop is. There is no doubt that he has the skills; and with a year in the big leagues under his belt, it is reasonable to hope for some serious improvements – perhaps to a .250 average with 20+ homers?  That would be a bonus.

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