Orioles Midseason Awards

In an up-and-down first half full of disappointing losses, but many exciting wins (as Brad mentioned in his latest post), the Orioles ended up with a 40-48 record. This record stands out, though, because it is the best of the last-place teams in the majors, which is saying something in the AL East. Let's hope the Orioles don't make an August-September downhill dive, which has become commonplace in recent years. Here are my first-half Orioles awards, which I'm sure everyone has been waiting for with baited breath:


Orioles' First-Half MVP: Luke Scott

Who thought at the All-Star break Luke Scott would be leading the team in home runs, on-base percentage (of people with over 100 AB's), and slugging percentage (of people with over 100 AB's)? This could be Scott's career season, his numbers resembling Aubrey Huff's of last season. As long as he keeps it up, Scott could hit 35 homers, with over 100 RBI's, and have a batting average over .300. Right now, he's batting .305, with 18 homers, and 51 RBI's. No doubt this guy is the MVP of the first half. Even with a stint on the DL, he's put up these great numbers. Plus, he hasn't had a major slump, which it seems like every Oriole hitter has had once or twice here in the first half. What a great first half for LUUUUUUKE. Hopefully he can keep it up. At 31 years old, I hope he does not get traded before the deadline, for he could help us out at DH for years to come.
Sorry to: Brad Bergesen, George Sherrill, Adam Jones

Orioles' First-Half Pleasant Surprise: Brad Bergesen

This guy kind of fell off the radar for a lot of Orioles fans before the season, considering other, bigger names were getting all the publicity, like Chris Tillman, Brian Matusz, and Jake Arrieta. But there is no doubt this guy has had a huge impact on this team. After starting off relatively shaky, he has become the Orioles most consistent pitcher, and is the definite ace on this revamped pitching staff. In his last nine starts, eight have been quality starts. Overall this season he is tied for the team lead in wins with six, with an ERA of 3.54 and a team-best 104.1 innings pitched. This rookie looks like he has a bright future ahead of him. Great season for this little-known rookie prior to his call-up.
Sorry to: Adam Jones, Nolan Reimold, Robert Andino, Mark Hendrickson (out of the bullpen), Danys Baez

Orioles' First-Half Disappointment: Jeremy Guthrie

The team's "ace" has not pitched like one all season long so far. Granted he has not had enough experience in the majors to really be a team's ace, but he has never pitched this poorly in the majors. He can still eat up innings like the best of them, but he has given up a major league leading (i could be wrong about that) 20 home runs. His stats for the first-half are not stellar, either: 6-8, with a 5.35 ERA. We've seen how good Guthrie can be in past seasons, so here's hoping he can turn it around in the second half. As for now, though, it's looking like it could be a long second half.
You're welcome to: Koji Uehara, Chris Ray, Jamie Walker, Rich Hill, Melvin Mora

Orioles' Rookie of the First-Half: Nolan Reimold

Yes, I think Brad Bergesen actually deserves this honor, but because Reimold kept a good streak going up until recently, and Bergesen got the first-half surprise award, we'll give Reimold this prestigious award. Before his recent slump, Reimold was consistently hitting above .280. He has hit nine home runs, most among rookies, and has a solid 23 RBI's since being called up. He has been a major surprise. He was doing great at AAA Norfolk, and his success there immediately translated to the majors. His homers have always been exciting, whether their coming off of Mariano Rivera or winning a ball game in the twelfth inning. He has been exciting to watch, and completes the trio of a great future outfield in Reimold, Jones, and Markakis.
Sorry to: Bergesen, Matt Wieters

So, there are my first-half awards. Hope you agree. If you don't, well, you're probably wrong.

Best Games of the First Half

In this supposed 'rebuilding' year for the O's, there have been a handful of thrilling games with spectacular performances from the young guys and veterans. While their record was 36-45 at the half-way mark, the majority of fans agree that this team is on the right track. Here is a list of the 5 most memorable games from the first half.

Opening Day, April 6th. Orioles 10 vs. Yankees 5.

The Orioles kicked their season off on the right foot by beating the Yankees and their prized off season acquisitions. Mark Teixiera was properly greeted by tens of thousands boos hollered by bitter O's fans. C.C. Sabathia allowed six runs as Roberts, Jones, and Markakis combined for 8 hits and 7 runs between the three of them. This game was more than just a win but rather a benchmark for where this team was fostering hope for the future.

Reimold's Heroics, May 27th. Orioles 12 vs. Blue Jays 10 in 11 innings.

Nothing was in the Orioles favor for this game. For one, it was a day game, they were facing the American League's best pitcher at the time in Roy Halladay, and it was the final game of a series in which they won the first two games. Despite all of those pieces in the Blue Jays favor, Orioles Magic returned to Birdland. Halladay was bumped from the game after 7 solid innings and the O's had there chance. The Orioles were down by 5 runs entering the 8th but battled back with a merry-go-round of hits to tie the ballgame. In the top of the 12th however, Danys Baez gave up a two run homer to Aaron Hill to break up the tie. In the bottom half of the inning, up stepped Nolan Reimold playing in just his 13th career major league ballgame. With the score 10-9 and two runners on base, the rookie jacked the 1-1 pitch over the left field fence, game over, O's win 12-10!

Wieter's Debut, May 29th. Orioles 7 vs. Tigers 2.

This potentially historic game drew national attention as the #1 prospect in baseball was called up. However, Matt Wieters' debut in front of a packed house at the Yard was overshadowed by Luke Scott's two home run performance and Bergesen's gem. Luke's grand slam onto the flag court and Brad Bergesen's 8 strong innings helped the O's win their 7th game in 8 days.

Roberts Silences Citizens Bank Park, June 20th. Orioles 6 @ Phillies 5.

In the midst of interleague play, the Orioles stunned 40,000 Phillies fans at Citizens Bank Park by taking the lead after trailing by two entering the top of the ninth. After a Ryan Howard bomb off Danys Baez in the 7th to give the Phils a two-run lead, the O's used a Gregg Zaun solo shot and a Brian Roberts two out, two strike, two-run home run to overcome the Phils. The Orioles went on to sweep the World Champions the following day.

Historic Comeback, June 30th. Orioles 11 vs. Red Sox 10.

What really is there to say about this one? Wow! Everyone who was at or watched this historic game was speechless. This is perhaps the most memorable game of the past decade for the O's. The Birds overcame a nine run deficit, yes a NINE RUN deficit, to beat the first place Red Sox. With five runs in the 7th and five more in the 8th, the Orioles set a franchise record for largest comeback in team history. This win is a testament to the team's heart and persistence regardless of the situation, the two qualities winning teams must have in order to succeed. Unfortunately, Orioles fans will always remember the 4-run lead the Orioles blew in the 9th the following day. That's baseball.

Honorable Mentions

Battle of the Beltways part 1, May 22 @ Nationals. 4-2 in 12 innings.

The Orioles kicked off their interleague schedule by taking a trip down 95 to play in the 'Battle of the Beltways' versus the Nats. This was a very well played game by both teams and it took a fluke play to split the 2-2 tie. In the top of the 12th, Danys Baez was forced to hit because the O's ran out of bench players. He swung at the second pitch he saw and the ball dribbled down the left field line as Baez reached first safely to keep the inning alive. Roberts and Jones followed with consecutive doubles as Baez scored what ended up being the game winning run. Take that, 12-29 Nats!

K-Rod's Collapse, June 18 vs. Mets. 5-4.

Trailing 4-3 entering the bottom of the 9th, the O's were in line to add another loss to their 0-34 record when trailing after 8 innings. With arguably the best closer in the majors on the mound primed to record another save, the Orioles stood no chance right? Nope, the O's defied the odds and scored two runs of Francisco Rodriguez, aided by a game winning single by Aubrey Huff, to win the series against the Mets.