Orioles Weekly Wrap: April 15th - April 21st

Standings

The Birds are 9-9, 1.5 games behind the Yankees in the AL East.

Results

The Orioles went 3-2 in a week that was shortened by rain. They beat Tampa Bay on Wednesday to at least take the series. Then they traveled to Boston where they won on Friday night, dropped close games on Saturday and Sunday, and won a close game on Monday.

Run Differential

+5: 25 scored, 20 allowed.

Predicted Record

81-81. When you're a .500 talent team with a .500 record ... you have nowhere to go but .500.

Best Hitter / Worst Hitter

Adam Jones made pitchers pay this week with a 208 wRC+ (.476/.500/.571). He didn't homer at all but hit eight singles, two doubles, and walked twice. He also stole two bases.

J.J. Hardy, battling injuries, was this week's worst hitter with a -6 wRC+ (.200/.188/.200). O's fans hope he returns to health sooner rather than later.

Best Pitcher / Worst Pitcher

No one pitcher truly stood out this week, but Miguel Gonzalez did the best. He pitched only 5 innings in his start and walked three, but he struck out six and gave up only three hits. He did not allow a run.

The worst pitcher was Darren O'Day. He wasn't terrible but just happened to have a mediocre week. He pitched only two innings but faced 11 batters. He gave up three hits, including a home run, and didn't strike out a batter. He also walked one.

Adam Jones "The Power and the Patience" Update

Jones did not homer this week but did walk once, bringing his walk rate to a robust (for him) 5.6%.

Davis's Dingers Update

Chris Davis still has only one homer for the season. It's worth mentioning that his walk rate has picked up and now is an elite 15.6% for the season. His OBP is an impressive .390. That's helping to keep his wRC+ above 100 (it currently stands at 116) while we wait for his power stroke to return. Eduardo Encina of the Baltimore Sun talked with Davis a little bit about the wait.

Team Steve!

Steve Clevenger doubled for his only hit of the week. Steve Lombardozzi slapped a few singles for a 50 wRC+ (.278/.278/.278) line. Steve Pearce did not play.

Upcoming Week

The Orioles travel to Toronto for a three-game set then return home for three against the Royals and a quickie two-game series against the Pirates.

Your Moment of Zen

MLB won't let me embed the video, so just click here and exhale.