Well, the second “half” of the baseball season is upon us (actually we passed the halfway point a few weeks ago, but why argue?) We could refer to it, since about 60% of the season in behind us, as the “back 40”….but “second half” sounds better.
Since everyone is into prognostication, I may as well throw my hat into the ring. Here are some of my predictions (not limited to just Oriole predictions) for the second half of the baseball season:
Manny Machado
The MLB single season doubles record is coming to Baltimore….sorry Earl Webb, but that record will be Manny’s this season. I started with this because it’s, seemingly, the most obvious. Manny is already more than halfway to the record at this moment, and there hasn’t been a change in his approach at the plate all season, that I have noticed. Plus, not only does he hit the ball to all fields, but he doesn’t have to hit the ball to the wall to get a double because of his speed, and he doesn’t have enough speed to try and turn some of them into triples.
Chris Davis
Crush will lead the league in home runs, preventing a second Triple Crown for Miguel Cabrera, BUT he will not reach his magic figure of 62. There are a couple of reasons why I think this. First, he’s not going to get as many pitches to hit; he’s the guy that other teams will not want to beat them. And second, he’s been starting to expand his strike zone over the past few weeks, swinging at breaking balls and sliders in the dirt. As long as he hits number 51 I’ll be happy, as I’ve never been very comfortable with Brady Anderson as the Orioles single season record holder.
The Atlanta Braves
They may have to change their name to something starting with a “K” at the rate that they’ve been striking out this season. The single season record is 1,529 set by the 2010 Arizona Diamondbacks, and Atlanta is sitting at 826. The Upton brothers alone, BJ and Justin, are already approaching 200 combined this season. So, if you’re in Atlanta in the next few months and you feel a stiff breeze, see if you’re close to Turner Field.
There will be a dogfight for the AL Wildcard spots
With only two spots available, and six teams possibly in play (O’s, Rays, Rangers, A’s, Red Sox, Yankees), the second half is going to be stressful for fans, but also fun to watch. The run to the playoffs, and playoffs spots themselves, may be decided by the non-waiver trade deadline (July 31st) or by the waiver deadline (August 31st). You remember the waiver deadline, when the Orioles picked up Joe Saunders last season….and could possibly pick him up again this season.
My prognostications may or may not happen, but that’s part of the fun. The only thing that is for sure is that from today until the end of the regular season may be some of the best, and most fun, baseball to watch that we’ve seen in years. And the reason is, the Orioles are part of it.
