Baltimore Orioles Showing Off Speed, Baserunning This Spring

Spring training is spring training but fans of the Baltimore Orioles should be excited with how the team has played thus far. With a new regime leading the way, it’s clear the focus is on manufacturing runs rather than waiting for a bomb from Chris Davis or Mark Trumbo.

The O’s are using their legs effectively through 23 spring training games, adding another layer to an offense that’s also been able to hit consistently. Going into their game on Sunday, they’re among the Top 10 in team batting average, a surprising stat, but what’s more impressive are their rankings in the speed categories: sacrifice flies (No. 2), stolen bases (No. 3), and extra-base hits (No. 6).

In addition to the categories listed above, the O’s have grounded into just 12 double plays, tied for the sixth-least, while scoring the fourth-most runs; both categories definitely require sound baserunning and plus speed.

Last year, by comparison, the Orioles ranked 25th in sacrifice flies and 27th in extra-base hits. And, had Jonathan Villar not come along and stole 21 bases in the final third of the year, they’d have ranked near the bottom of the league in steals during the 2018 season. Besides Villar, only two guys stole more than 10 bases in ’18 (Peterson, 13; Gentry, 12).

Villar, of course, is spearheading the speed movement in the Charm City right now, though others have proved he’s not alone. Outfielder Cedric Mullins, likely Baltimore’s leadoff hitter this year in front of Villar, has swiped four bags already this spring, tied for a team-high with prospect Jack Reinheimer. Veteran utilitymen Eric Young Jr. and Jace Peterson have both hit well, combining for a .290 BA, while also stealing multiple bases apiece. Their spot on the Orioles Opening Day roster is less likely but they’ve absolutely played (and ran) themselves into the conversation.

Baltimore won’t make the playoffs this year; it’s a rebuild and that’s firm. But, they’re going to be easier to watch than last year’s rendition, I can almost guarantee it.

Featured Image: Keith Allison [CC BY-SA 2.0],