Baltimore Orioles and the beast that is the AL East

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Apr 24, 2017; Baltimore, MD, USA; Tampa Bay Rays outfielder Corey Dickerson (10) hits a home run in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Evan Habeeb-USA TODAY Sports /

Tampa Bay Rays: Fourth place in AL East, 29-30

Tampa Bay has received good starting pitching, and the back end of the bullpen has been effective. But, the big surprise has been the offense. Corey Dickerson has rediscovered himself at the plate. Steven Souza Jr. is showing why he was once a top prospect. Logan Morrison is near the top in home runs. The offense has come alive for Tampa, their consistent issue each season. And, Wilson Ramos is getting ready to start rehab assignments, which will add offense from the catcher position.

Causes for concern: Can the offense keep it going? Morrison and Souza aren’t exactly guys with track records for success. The rotation also isn’t standing out. Chris Archer continues to strike people out but also leave up runs at a high rate for someone who is supposed to be an ace.

They also have only mainly had three starters, and have pieced together the back end of the rotation thanks to injuries and effectiveness. Heralded prospect Blake Snell continues to underwhelm. If your rotation is different each week, eventually that is going to affect the team’s ability to win.

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