Rejoice. We are finally .500. It is refreshing to be .500 almost by Memorial Day weekend. Good times in Birdland. Now time to figure out why we are mediocre (in a good way). Stars have struggled: Luke Scott, Brian Roberts, Nick Markakis, Mark Reynolds, Brad Bergesen, the entire bullpen. And we have sustained injuries: Brian Roberts, JJ Hardy, Brian Matusz, Justin Duchscherer. Now I want to poll birdland, which player has exceeded expectations the most AND gone unnoticed. Obviously there has been a lot of hoopla around Zach Britton and yes he has exceeded any and all expectations. I am specifically looking for an unsung hero type of vote.

stats before today

Adam Jones: 25 runs, 6 homers, 28 RBI's, 5 SB's, .306 AVG, 12 BB, 31 K's

Jake Arrieta: surprising stat I read on ESPN, 8 quality starts, only 8 starters have more this season. 61 IP/11 starts ERA 4.57, 9 HR allowed K:BB 56:27 WHIP 1.31.

Jim Johnson (my boy) 22 appearances WHIP 1.11 ERA 3.21 K:BB 23:5 3HR allowed.

Jeremy always solid Guthrie 60 IP 10 starts (1 bs relief appearance) ERA 3.45 WHIP 1.13 K:BB 36:10

The Showalter effect- good managing=wins?

Zach Britton 65 IP 10 Starts ERA 2.35 WHIP 1.12 K:BB 35/21

Please vote. And let's celebrate mediocrity. WOOO.

This is birdland.