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O’s Outfielders Have Flashed the Leather in 2015

Adam Jones makes a catch in spring training
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For all the hate and criticism the Orioles’ outfield has received for their lack of a “true” right and left fielder, the troop has posted the 3rd highest Ultimate Zone Rating (UZR) – which quantifies players’ ability to save runs with their defense – in the MLB at 10.4.

The O’s outfield also leads the league in outfield assists with 20, led by the shared MLB outfield assist leader, Delmon Young (8). Adam Jones (5) and Travis “Lunchbox” Snider (4) have also made some big plays in the outfield, which was evident in last night’s game against Boston when the outfield put on a SHOW in the top of the second inning.

Purely looking at the numbers, one could argue that the Orioles have one of the best defensive outfields in all of baseball – headlined by 4x All-Star and Gold Glover, and one of the premier players in the game today, @SimplyAJ10. If you have not seen the play Jones made in the top of the fifth inning in last night’s game then you need to, now.

Ever since Buck Showalter has taken over the organization, the Baltimore Orioles have prided themselves on defensive perfection. Yes, errors happen, but the goal has always been to keep a “goose egg” (0) in the “E” category of the box score. That, and also supporting their pitching staff with a “we got your back” kind of mentality. This mindset is not only evident through their play, but also in Showalter’s and players’ off-the-field comments.

In a post-game interview after the game in which he made SportsCenter’s number one play, Jones responded to a question about the importance of defense to the Baltimore Orioles, “We have been one of the top defensive teams in baseball the last few years, so it’s of the utmost importance.” (Kevin Richardson/Baltimore Sun video)

However, while the O’s outfield’s defense has been impressive, their bats have come and gone. Jones is truly the only reliable offensive threat among the Orioles’ group of outfielders, including David Lough, Travis Snider, Delmon Young, Steve Pearce, and Nolan Reimold. Although, admittedly all of the Orioles’ outfielders not named David Lough have provided waves of offensive production periodically through the first few months of a very young season (looking at those of you who are ready to push the eject button on the 2015 season).

Lets hope that the combination of the exit of Alejandro De Aza via trade and the recent call up of Reimold is enough of a wake-up call to provide a much needed spark in the bats of the Orioles’ outfielders. For if I was them, I’d fear the demonstrated short rope and the heating up of the O’s number five prospect, Dariel Alvarez, who is hitting .429 (12 for 28) with seven RBI and only two K in his last eight games. But hey, that’s just me.

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