O’s must step it up to beat Yankees for AL’s best record | GUEST COMMENTARY

The O's biggest problem comes from the Bronx: The Yankees are on track to win about 104 games, and with it the division and AL-best record.

The Orioles are off to another fantastic start this year. More than a third of the way through the season they are, amazingly, on pace to win even more games than last year’s AL-leading 101. Their biggest problem comes from the Bronx, where the Orioles begin a three-game series tonight: The Yankees are projected to win even more, at least 105 games, and with it the division and AL’s best record.   

Some O’s fans will contend that the Bombers are bound to cool off. Don’t count on it.  This Yankees team has seen the emergence of brilliant young stars like Anthony Volpe at shortstop and starter Luis Gil (6-0 with 0.70 ERA in May) along with established greats like Aaron Judge and Juan Soto. Add great pitching depth and a versatile bench, and you sense a Yankees team on its way to a truly special season.  

For example, while the Orioles offense has been tremendous, first in runs per game in the MLB, they have an on-base-plus-slugging of .761, but the Yankees’ OPS is a bit better at .767.  The Orioles’ pitching also has been terrific, getting brilliant starts from journeymen like Cole Irvin and Albert Suárez. But the Yankees hurlers have been better, and are No. 1 in the MLB with a 3.02 ERA, while the O’s are No. 2 at 3.07.  

Plus the Yanks haven’t even had their ace Gerrit Cole yet this season; he is scheduled to rejoin them sometime in June following rehabilitation from an elbow injury. This year’s NYY squad also has a new shutdown closer in Clay Holmes with electric stuff. Meanwhile, O’s veteran closer Craig Kimbrel has been inconsistent and rarely overpowering even when getting outs.

And so, as amazing as the Orioles have been so far, they must get better to have a good chance of winning the division and/or beating the Yankees in a postseason showdown.  

First, the Orioles must acquire a dominant closer to help the overworked bullpen. The argument in favor of the O’s trading for Mason Miller of the Oakland A’s is very compelling, since Miller routinely throws over 100 mph with a 1.35 ERA in April.  Another lights-out closer worth considering in a trade would be the Cardinals’ Ryan Helsley.

Second, the Birds must shore up their starting rotation, which has lost John Means, Tyler Wells (and now possibly Kyle Bradish) for the season and just getting Dean Kremer back from injury. One answer could be rookie Cade Povich who has made good starts his first few times out recently.  But a trade for another proven starter will also be necessary.

Finally, the O’s must improve their lineup, which has suffered most of the year by relying on left fielder Austin Hays, who even with much better production recently, is still slugging a measly .365. He has looked lost at the plate for the equivalent of a full season — since the middle of last year — showing few signs as a right-handed pull hitter of having the power needed to hit balls over the super-deep Great Wall of Baltimore. For now, if he cools off again the O’s should send Hays down to AAA to get him everyday at-bats and try to right the ship. Meanwhile, they should either trade for a better-hitting righty outfielder or promote one of their many talented AAA youngsters.

Sending down such a well-loved veteran like Hays will be painful, but is probably necessary to seize the rare opportunity this team has.  Led by a stunningly consistent nucleus of young position players — Gunnar Henderson at short, Adley Rutschman catching, Jordan Westburg at third, and Colton Cowser and Kyle Stowers in the outfield — these baby birds are flying high. Just another boost or two could help them soar right into the World Series.

Now is the time for Mike Elias and colleagues to make the tough choices needed to compete with New York, win the AL, and get to the Big Dance. The question is: Does the Orioles leadership have the guts to pull the trigger on such difficult decisions?  I’m betting yes.

Paul Bledsoe is an Orioles fan from Arlington, Virginia (X: @paulbledsoe).