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Baltimore Orioles: Jonathan Schoop Soars in AL East Second Base Rankings

By Nate Wardle

Sep 21, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia (15) cannot catch the ball to make the force out on Baltimore Orioles second baseman Jonathan Schoop (6) in the third inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 21, 2016; Baltimore, MD, USA; Boston Red Sox second baseman Dustin Pedroia (15) cannot catch the ball to make the force out on Baltimore Orioles second baseman Jonathan Schoop (6) in the third inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jonathan Schoop
Sep 30, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; Baltimore Orioles second baseman Jonathan Schoop (6) hits a 2-RBI double during the fourth inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Baltimore Orioles – Jonathan Schoop

Preseason prediction: 4th, Schoop, Ryan Flaherty, Jimmy Paredes, Steve Tolleson

I had said before the year started that I wanted to put Baltimore Orioles, Jonathan Schoop, higher, and if healthy, he would be a breakout player.

I predicted a healthy Schoop would surpass his numbers from 2015, and continue to be a strong defender. However, my concern was the issues behind Schoop if he did not stay healthy. I remarked “If Schoop plays in 135 or more games, the Baltimore Orioles won’t finish fourth on this list, write it down.)

Well, Schoop played all but three INNINGS at the position, leading the majors in games played. Baltimore Orioles Schoop hit .267/.298/.454 with 25 HRs, 38 2Bs, 82 RBIs, 82 runs and 137 strike outs. Yes, Schoop often strikes out and does not walk much (21 walks). But, that is kind of the Baltimore Orioles’ approach at this point.

The power from Schoop is undeniable.  When he got a hold of the ball, it was just a question of how far it went. Schoop’s oWAR was 2.2, likely dragged down by his lack of patience.

But part of what makes Schoop such a good talent is his defense. Schoop only made eight errors, and had positive metrics across the board, ranking as one of the top second basemen. He was first in assists by 2B in the AL, and second in double plays turned, likely due to his cannon of an arm.

Will I be tempted to rank Schoop number one heading into 2017? Yes, I will. If he could just become a little more patient, Schoop could be just as good as his teammate and best friend, Baltimore Orioles third baseman Manny Machado. However, it will be hard to supplant the king of AL East second basemen, and the gold standard for the position in the American League.

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