Baltimore Orioles 2015 Pitching Preview and Predictions
Mar 13, 2015; Dunedin, FL, USA; Baltimore Orioles starting pitcher
Ubaldo Jimenez(31) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Florida Auto Exchange Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
With only three days until the real games begin, it is high time for the annual Baltimore Orioles season preview and predictions. I have to say that it is one of the highlights of the year and among my favorite of the 400 or so baseball articles I compose each season. And it is great fun to look back after the season is over and bask in the “I told you so” items that were correct, while also laughing at myself for those predictions that were just a bit … insane.
So here is the strategy for this season’s bold predictions – I’m going to space it over three days. Today I’ll take on the pitchers, both starters and relievers. Tomorrow I’ll go after the offense by looking at infielders, outfielders, and catchers. And then Sunday’s article will feature overall predictions for the Baltimore Orioles as a team and within the AL East and American League.
Look for the Orioles pitching to again be among the three to four best staffs in the AL
Simply stated, if the Orioles pitching staff can repeat their 2014 performance, it is pretty certain that the O’s can win the AL East and be in position to do damage in the playoffs. It is not as if there is no room for improvement, for there is. But 2014 was a very fine year for the Birds’ hurlers, especially from the beginning of June through the end of the season.
As a reminder of the successes of 2014, here are some statistics about where the Orioles placed in the American League …
ERA – 3rd – 3.43
Runs Allowed Per Game – 3rd – 3.66
Saves – Tied for 1st – 53
WHIP – 6th – 1.241
So click through the two following pages for bold predictions on the O’s starters and relievers …
Next: Will the rotation be as good as in 2014?