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.