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Leading Off

The Orioles played five games this week (fewer than usual) and only lost three of them! This is a solid week in the 2018 season. Look, we’re not sure what else we can say at this point, and so we’ll present you with a video of Rick Dempsey singing John Mellencamp “classic,” Hurt So Good. Because, really, how else could you describe this season?

 

Join us for The Drink of the Week. Don’t forget to drink socially with us on Untappd.

 

This Week on the Twitters

Here is what is happening in the world of Orioles Baseball, in 280 characters, or fewer:

The #Orioles have signed 16-year-old Dominican outfielder Isaac Bellony, a switch-hitter who is 6-foot-1, 180 pounds. He profiles as a center fielder. Bellony received a signing bonus of more than $200,000, which is more than any of the O's intl signings last period.

— Eduardo A. Encina (@EddieInTheYard) August 20, 2018

Fewest games played to reach 50+ GB – Divisional Era:

2018 Orioles – 1221979 Blue Jays – 1411998 Marlins – 1571998 Devil Rays – 161

Obviously seasons have started at different times over the years, but O's first to get there before September in Divisional Era.

— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) August 18, 2018

#Orioles No. 4 prospect Austin Hays hit this two-run homer and went 4-for-4 last night with the @BowieBaysox. In eight games since returning from the disabled list, Hays has hit .364 with…⚡️ two homers⚡️ four doubles⚡️ 11 RBIsMore: https://t.co/3R34hziS7s pic.twitter.com/iPOyuUjscu

— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) August 18, 2018

Manny Machado was traded by the Orioles a *month* ago and *still* has the most Orioles home runs (by 7) and the most Orioles RBIs (by 16). I don't know if this says more about how good he was the first half of this season or how abysmal the entire rest of the team has been.

— Hueroc (@guardian_hawk) August 20, 2018

Duquette: "John Andreoli is a versatile and dependable outfielder who can play all 3 positions. He possesses above-average base stealing, defensive and on-base skills." #orioles

— Roch Kubatko (@masnRoch) August 18, 2018

 

Around the Bases

In an abbreviated week of Orioles Baseball, this is what you find when you go Around the Bases:

First Base

A discussion of Cedric Mullins, and whether his last week is sustainable, and what the ceiling for the Baltimore rookie might be.

Second Base

Alex Cobb had another good week. Is this a thing, or is it a mirage? Is Scott justified in referencing Ubaldo Jimenez?

Third Base