Baltimore Orioles: Three Up, Three Down As Spring Camp Continues

Who hasn’t been living up to expectations for the Baltimore Orioles this spring?

We haven’t seen many disaster stories come out of camp, so far. Unless you were one of the very few out there who honestly believed Chris Davis was going to come mashing and showing off all of his new adjustments and changes at the plate, he has performed pretty much as expected. Much of concern has centered around pitching, specifically 2018 Opening Day starter Dylan Bundy.

The stat line for Cedric Mullins isn’t impressive (.138/.265/.310) but he has impressed in the outfield and has been successful on the base paths, going a perfect 4-4 in steal attempts as Brandon Hyde incorporates his new aggressive approach on the bases. I’m not concerned about Mullins’ ability and have loved every interview he has given in camp. I’ve said it numerous times and will repeat myself again, Cedric Mullins will be a bright spot in 2019.

So, which performances are a cause for concern?

OF Trey Mancini– During a game broadcast immediately after Trey Mancini returned to the lineup after suffering a pinky injury, it was stated, before the injury, Mancini felt as if he was ready for Opening Day. The new leader for the Orioles, Mancini has struggled at the plate this spring.

Mancini is 2-15 at the plate, both singles, with seven strikeouts. I’m not putting him on this list because of his stat line, before you start screaming about how spring stats are meaningless (though they shouldn’t be completely or as quickly dismissed). The missed time from his pinky injury has obviously interrupted his flow, but I just don’t like what I see from Mancini’s at-bats.

He finished 2018 with a -0.2 fWAR and is expected to step up as a new leader for the Orioles. Call it strictly a gut feeling, not backed by statistical analysis, but Trey Mancini worries me heading into 2019.

RHP Dylan Bundy- In 6.2 innings, Dylan Bundy has given up 10 earned runs on 15 hits, including three home runs. Opponents are hitting .469 against him and his fastball looks, let’s say less than inspiring. The slider still looks fantastic and is missing bats, but the fastball isn’t and without that pitch, Bundy is doomed to repeat 2018.

We have seen slight improvements made by a number of pitchers, who have all credited the increased emphasis on analytics and the helpful addition it has been while preparing for the regular season, but we haven’t seen this from Bundy. An improved year could lead to a higher return in a midseason trade or even confidence in keeping Bundy as a rotation piece for the future, however, he has a lot to prove in 2019.

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LHP Tanner Scott– Without question, Tanner Scott has the best stuff among all of the relief pitchers in camp for the Baltimore Orioles. His electric fastball/slider combo has been a huge draw for fans over the past few years. While his 2018 FIP shows that his 2018 season wasn’t as bad as his baseline numbers suggest, he has struggled this spring.

Scott has given up seven earned runs on eight hits in five innings, while walking three. He has just three strikeouts to his name, after averaging nearly 13 K/9 in 2018.

The Orioles will need Scott and Mychal Givens to turn things on in two weeks, otherwise, the 2019 season may seem longer than anticipated.

Who has impressed you this spring? Who gives for cause for concern? Let us know below!