Post by Commissioner Erick on Apr 8, 2021 17:17:28 GMT -5
Baltimore Orioles vs Toronto Blue Jays
The Toronto Blue Jays are in a familiar place having just knocked off the Kansas City Royals from the playoffs. The Baltimore Orioles are in completely uncharted territory, winning more than 84 games for the first time in their history. Last year’s champions take on this year’s best club in an AL East ALDS brawl.
Baltimore has a huge edge with their juggernaut offense and terrific staff. Baltimore had the best offense in the league by a mile, scoring 957 runs. Six hitters slugged at least 30 homers, and four slugged more than 40. Joe DeCarlo hit 64, and if not for Darrick Hall, would be the single season Home Run champ.
The Orioles also have a fantastic staff. Darwinzon Hernandez has some of the best stuff in the game and put up 4.5 WAR, Devin Ortiz went 15-6, and Tommy Stanfield was an undefeated 18-0. Stanfield is nicked up though, which weakens Baltimore’s staff. The other issue for Baltimore is that its pen ranked 13th in the league in ERA.
Toronto doesn’t have a great offense, only ranking in a tie for sixth for runs, but they have clutch performers. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit 52 home runs this year and terrified bullpens all 2024 postseason on the way to Toronto’s championship.
Toronto also has a strong staff, but it used its ace, Thomas Szapucki, in the Wild Card Game. T.J. Zeuch kept the ball in the park and had a terrific BABIP, leading to a 14-8 season with a 3.23 ERA. He went 3-1 with a 2.08 ERA against Baltimore this season as well. Danny Richardson however is a two-pitch pitcher right now that Baltimore may easily solve.
Also, while Baltimore has an injury to Stanfield, and Wessell Russchen is nicked up, Toronto’s injuries are worse. The 2024 playoffs are littered with dramatic Jake Burger homers, and he’ll watch this series from the sidelines. Jahmai Jones struggled this year compared to prior years, but is a speed, defense, and power threat at all times. Estevan Floriel is a solid replacement, and Rowdy Tellez is the all-time playoff leader in on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and OPS, but neither has the upside of Burger and Jones.
Prediction: Baltimore’s offense mashes away for a comfortable series win. Orioles 4-1.
The Toronto Blue Jays are in a familiar place having just knocked off the Kansas City Royals from the playoffs. The Baltimore Orioles are in completely uncharted territory, winning more than 84 games for the first time in their history. Last year’s champions take on this year’s best club in an AL East ALDS brawl.
Baltimore has a huge edge with their juggernaut offense and terrific staff. Baltimore had the best offense in the league by a mile, scoring 957 runs. Six hitters slugged at least 30 homers, and four slugged more than 40. Joe DeCarlo hit 64, and if not for Darrick Hall, would be the single season Home Run champ.
The Orioles also have a fantastic staff. Darwinzon Hernandez has some of the best stuff in the game and put up 4.5 WAR, Devin Ortiz went 15-6, and Tommy Stanfield was an undefeated 18-0. Stanfield is nicked up though, which weakens Baltimore’s staff. The other issue for Baltimore is that its pen ranked 13th in the league in ERA.
Toronto doesn’t have a great offense, only ranking in a tie for sixth for runs, but they have clutch performers. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. hit 52 home runs this year and terrified bullpens all 2024 postseason on the way to Toronto’s championship.
Toronto also has a strong staff, but it used its ace, Thomas Szapucki, in the Wild Card Game. T.J. Zeuch kept the ball in the park and had a terrific BABIP, leading to a 14-8 season with a 3.23 ERA. He went 3-1 with a 2.08 ERA against Baltimore this season as well. Danny Richardson however is a two-pitch pitcher right now that Baltimore may easily solve.
Also, while Baltimore has an injury to Stanfield, and Wessell Russchen is nicked up, Toronto’s injuries are worse. The 2024 playoffs are littered with dramatic Jake Burger homers, and he’ll watch this series from the sidelines. Jahmai Jones struggled this year compared to prior years, but is a speed, defense, and power threat at all times. Estevan Floriel is a solid replacement, and Rowdy Tellez is the all-time playoff leader in on-base percentage, slugging percentage, and OPS, but neither has the upside of Burger and Jones.
Prediction: Baltimore’s offense mashes away for a comfortable series win. Orioles 4-1.