2015 Orioles Awards

By: Corey Johns

It was a perfect example about how complacency can lead to disappointment in sports. The Orioles did not make any moves to improve their team in the offseason after looking like a contender a year ago. Instead, they let 2014 Home Run king Nelson Cruz leave and the very steady Nick Markakis go as well.

To replace those guys the Orioles went with lower profile players, and that plan failed miserably. Delmon Young, Alejandro De Aza and Travis Snider were all released during the season and the rotation crashed and burned as their was no mind paid to it.

The Orioles finished 81-81, something that would have been amazing five years ago, but the two playoff trips in the three previous seasons make that 81-81 record seem so bad. Making things worse, the Orioles led the division after the All-Star break before severely stumbling down the stretch and finishing third in the division, 12 games behind the AL East champion Blue Jays.

But with the season over, regardless of whether it was a success or a failure, it is time to give out some awards.

MVP - Manny Machado

If there is anything that eases the pain of the troubling season it is knowing that the Birds have one of the best players in baseball and since he is only 23-years-old, they will have him for quite a bit of time. Machado led the Orioles with a .286 batting average and was second with 35 home runs and 86 RBIs. And his defense at third base is even more impressive than his offensive ability. It is scary to think that Machado is this good this young, the sky really is the limit for him.

Offensive Player of the Year - Chris Davis

Chris Davis returned to his slugging form in 2015, finishing the year with a league-leading 47 home runs while also batting a respectable .262 with 117 RBIs. To think that the Orioles have had the league’s home run leader the past three years is crazy but Davis has done it two of those times. The guy just knows how to hit bombs.

Defensive Player of the Year - Gerardo Parra

The guy was only with the Orioles for 64 games after a trade with the Milwaukee Brewers but out of 105 total chances to make a play on the ball he had 100 putouts and the other five were assisted outs. Basically, every single time the ball was hit Gerardo Parra’s way an opposing player ended up back in their dugout disappointed they did not get a hit. You can’t get better than that.

ACE (Pitcher of the Year) - Wei-Yin Chen

The left-handed hurler was consistent the entire season and led the Orioles in both innings pitched with 191.1, and ERA at 3.34. Wei-Yin Chen may not be an Ace throughout the league but certainly he was the Orioles best pitcher. He went 11-8, the fewest losses of any pitcher who topped 25 starts, and has 20 quality starts, six more than anybody else on the roster. he also has a 1.22 WHIP, leading all starting pitchers.

Relief Pitcher of the Year - Zach Britton

Zach Britton proved that he was legitimately one of the best closers in the league, possibly the best closer, with a second-straight amazing season. Britton finished with 36 saves, blowing only four opportunities, and a remarkable 1.92 ERA and 0.99 WHIP. He threw 79 strikeouts in 65.2 innings pitchers.

Unsung Hero Award - Darren O’Day

Last year O’Day was the relief pitcher of the year and Britton was the Unsung Hero an this year they flip. O’Day was not quite as great as he was last year but he actually has an even better ERA at 1.52 with a WHIP of 0.93. He also has more strikeouts with 82 in 65.1 innings pitched. Once the Orioles were able to turn the game over to the bullpen the Orioles shut things down, largely because of O’Day.

Breakout Player of the Year - Jonathan Schoop

It’s hard to say a player really broke out when the team struggled like they did but Jonathan Schoop really took major steps forward and showed he can become the offensive power the team expects him to become. After missing time early with an injury he came back and hit .279 with 15 home runs and 39 RBIs.

Newcomer of the Year - Gerardo Parra

His offensive numbers took a major nose-dive after he went from Milwaukee to Baltimore but you can’t get better than what he did defensively. Plus, he finally solidified one of the corner outfield spots after he came in. It was a very weak year for newcomers but Parra stood out in some way.

Minor Leaguer of the Year - Trey Mancini

Between pretty even stints with Single-A Frederick and Double-A Bowie, Trey Mancini batted a remarkable .341/.375/.563 with 21 home runs, 89 RBIs and 43 doubles. Mancini did most of his damage with the Bowie Bay So, where in 84 games he hit .359 with 13 home runs, 57 RBIs and 29 doubles.

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