Uncustomed Heroes of 2015: Orioles

It's looking like the Orioles may be headed back to being a middle-of-the-road team, and that's pretty sad, because there's a ton of talent in that roster, a lot of fight, too. I really hope they can at least do something next season.

Zach Britton is still one of the toughest closers in baseball, though, and I love how far he's come.

Jonathan Schoop had a less-productive but still awesome sophomore season at 2nd base, proving he can play the position consistently, and giving O's fans hope for life after Brian Roberts.

Caleb Joseph, in Matt Wieters' absence, was the main catcher in Baltimore this year, and he definitely did not disappoint, hitting well, playing nice defensive ball, and saddling Wieters to a backup role after his return (basically).

Ubaldo Jimenez came off a notoriously terrible 2014 to become one of the top arms for the Orioles, pitching big games and taking the place of Chris Tillman as the reliable veteran. Hopefully he'll keep it up.

Steve Pearce took an everyday outfield position, and didn't disappoint, playing well, hitting well, and probably going back to a starting job next year.

Gerardo Parra was a midseason trade that DEFINITELY worked out for the O's, as Parra broke big in a way he hasn't in a while, and even dwarfed his stats with the Brewers earlier this year.

Coming Tomorrow- Well...at least the Padres tried.

Uncustomed Heroes of Baseball: Orioles

It was a hell of a year to be an Orioles fan, wasn't it?

These guys were inches away from a World Series, and I was pulling for them to make it. I guess the Royals were playing a little better at the end there, but that doesn't detract from the fact that the O's had a kickass year.

The guy above will be playing for the Mariners next year, but he was the O's' best offensive producer in 2014.

The reigning champion of Baltimore's First Annual game of Musical Catchers, Caleb Joseph was a nice replacement at backstop for an injured Matt Wieters, and while he didn't produce as much as Wieters usually does, he was still a nice enough addition to the roster.

Alejandro De Aza was a late-season roster addition, plucked from the depths of the White Sox lineup. De Aza was a really nice defensive and offensive outfielder, and will likely be a nice player next season, now that Nick Markakis is gone.

Zach Britton was the Orioles' closer this season, and had a nice season of it, making me forget about how awful Jim Johnson was.

David Lough was a nice utilityman addition to the lineup, and did well in the DH spot occasionally.

Wei-Yin Chen had another nice season, and is still one of the better starters on the Orioles.

After being less-than-perfect in 2013, Bud Norris had a nice comeback with the Orioles, pitching nicely into the postseason.

Ryan Flaherty was one of the two guys they tried at 2nd base, and he did pretty well for himself.

In my opinion, Jonathan Schoop was the better of the two, because he played the most games, and made some nice strides during his rookie season. I hope I see him a lot next season.

Coming Tomorrow- I might post a bunch, as it's Christmas and all, but look for the Padres to start it off.