The Baltimore Orioles are currently in their first series since the All-Star break, having a tied series with the New York Yankees. The Orioles are at .500 with a 47-47 record. A few days ago I started my midseason report card series of articles for the Orioles grading the outfielders. Here I will grade the catchers and first base positions.
Catchers:
Adley Rutschman: Rutschman, formerly the Orioles number one prospect and number one prospect in baseball got off to a slow start behind the plate. Adley has hit doubles since being called up, already at 17. Rutschman has been hot and his batting average keeps climbing and is now at .231, at five homers and some clutch hits to that as well. Defensively, Rutschman calls a great game and has been a huge difference. The Orioles have been winning ever since Rutschman’s recall. Grade B+
Robinson Chirinos: Chirinos was signed by the Orioles to be a veteran backstop and mentor Rutschman. Chirinos has done just that and before Rutschman’s recall saw a starting role while Rutschman rehabbed a minor injury. Chirinos has been solid defensive, but the bat just isn’t there. Chirinos has a .162 average with just two home runs. Chirinos is a big downgrade when Rutschman gets off days. Grade C-
Anthony Bemboom: Bemboom was with the Orioles before Rutschman’s promotion to the Majors. Bemboom while solid defensively hit even worse than Chirinos who won the backup job. Bemboom is currently at AAA Norfolk where he isn’t hitting much better than he did in the Majors. A .115 average with one home run just provides too much of a weak spot in the lineup. Grade D
First Base
Ryan Mountcastle: Mountcastle has really improved his defense over at first base this year, nicknaming himself “Pickcastle”. Jokes aside, Mountcastle has played well at first. Offensively, Mountcastle has been one of the Orioles most consistent RBI producers with 46. Mountcastle is second on the Orioles with 14 home runs, and has a .268 average. Mouncastle still needs to improve on his plate discipline as he often chases pitches out of the zone. Grade B
Trey Mancini: Mancini more often DH’s than plays first but is the second best option when giving Mountcastle a day off in the field. Mancini has been very consistent all season with a .271 average but for most of the season hovered in the .290 range. The power numbers are down for Mancini who only has nine home runs, Camden Yards new wall has affected that. Mancini needs to improve on the power numbers, because he does not provide much else. When he plays the outfield he is below average, and running the bases he is probably the slowest baserunner next to backup catcher Chirinos. That said, Mancini provides a ton of leadership and has had some really clutch hits this year. Grade B-
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