Analysis of Baltimore Orioles for month of April

Record for Month of April: 14-9

Analysis for hitting: The offensively tenacious Orioles started off the season with an impressive walk rate. However, the O's only have 68 BB for the month of April, which ranks 22^nd in the MLB.  It was a nice surprise to see the O’s rank in the bottom half of the MLB in SO (17^th, 185).  Despite this, the O’s are ranked 8^th in OBP and 9^th in runs scored.  Unsurprisingly, they are ranked third in the MLB in HR and SLG.  Overall, not a bad start to the season. If O’s can rediscover their patience at the plate, they can develop into one of the most versatile offenses in the MLB.

Analysis for starting pitching: Between the eye test and overall metrics, the Orioles starting rotation is not pitching nearly enough innings as they rank 24^th in the MLB in innings pitched for starters. However they rank in the top 10 in WHIP.  Slightly above average strikeout rate as they are ranked 14^th in MLB.  Also nice to see limited number of walks allowed as they rank in the bottom half at 17^th in MLB.  While the pitching hasn’t been bad, the starters have to do a better job of extending themselves rather than relying on their lock down bullpen.  If they can be more aggressive at attacking the strike zone and garner more quality starts (as they have done in the last few games), they will effectively compliment an already dominant bullpen.

Analysis for relief pitching: Aside from the meltdown during the last game of April, the performance of the bullpen as been nothing short of impressive. Darren O’Day continues to be one of the most dominant relief pitchers in the majors and closer Zach Britton continues to baffle opportunistic hitters with his killer sinker.  Mychal Givens has gotten better and better as a converted infielder turned relief pitcher. His deception has been the catalyst for his intriguing development.  Dylan Bundy has had a solid month in relief and definitely has the look of a solid starter down the road. Although Brian Matusz has gotten off to a rough start since coming of the DL, he seemed to have noticeably better command of his pitches on the last day of the month, especially with his off speed offerings.  Overall, this bullpen has been as great as advertised despite incurring more IP than they should have to deal with. O's manager Buck Showalter made a wise decision to stack the bullpen with several capable long relievers along with his already proven single inning assassins. Finally, Brad Brach…simply awe-inspiring. He has faced the second most batters behind Givens and yet has an ERA of 1.28 and a BAA 0.170.  Brach has been and will hopefully continue to be the unsung hero of this Orioles bullpen.