Who will be our top AL East rival in 2024?

[Sports Guy]

1 minute ago, LGOrioles said:

Was going to post the same thing after checking the standings from last year. The Orioles are also a better team this year than last. They’re 39-22 with a +86 run differential. Their pythag record is 39-22 and base runs record is also 39-22. They’ve legitimately played at a 103 win pace. No one run magic, crazy luck (their batting xWOBA is 3rd and pitching is 10th), or easy schedule. 

They were obviously a great team last year as well but their pythag record was 94-68, their statcast numbers were middle of the pack for both offense and pitching, and they were 37-24 at this point with a +21 run differential. 

There is no way you can look at last years team And say it’s better than this year. Last year they had more things break their way in terms of unreliable stats like RISP but this team is far superior…well except for the pen, especially the back end.  And of course, that matters a lot.  I miss Felix, for so many reasons.

[now]

2 minutes ago, LGOrioles said:

Was going to post the same thing after checking the standings from last year. The Orioles are also a better team this year than last. They’re 39-22 with a +86 run differential. Their pythag record is 39-22 and base runs record is also 39-22. They’ve legitimately played at a 103 win pace. No one run magic, crazy luck (their batting xWOBA is 3rd and pitching is 10th), or easy schedule. 

They were obviously a great team last year as well but their pythag record was 94-68, their statcast numbers were middle of the pack for both offense and pitching, and they were 37-24 at this point with a +21 run differential. 

Plus, this time last year we were cruising on that unbeatable back end of the bullpen (Cano/Bautista), unlike this season. 

[dystopia]

55 minutes ago, Sports Guy said:

There is no way you can look at last years team And say it’s better than this year. Last year they had more things break their way in terms of unreliable stats like RISP but this team is far superior…well except for the pen, especially the back end.  And of course, that matters a lot.  I miss Felix, for so many reasons.

Adley and Gunnar taking huge steps forward also is an underrated improvement factor over last year, and both were very good last year. 

[dystopia]

4 hours ago, dystopia said:

Adley and Gunnar taking huge steps forward also is an underrated improvement factor over last year, and both were very good last year. 

And Westburg. Can't forget about him.

[Malike]

I'm on record saying that I think the Royals aren't for real this season, but when you have to play the Yankees you have to beat the umps and the team, and it's stupid. I'm looking forward to the series later this month.

[Moshagge3]

Rooting for the Royals to win a game makes you really appreciate how deep and balanced the Orioles lineup is. Watching KC hit against tough pitching is just a total waste of time until Witt and Perez are due up. Adam Frazier pinch hit for their cleanup hitter in the 9th tonight. And they're one of the better run scoring teams in the AL.