All teams that rise up to the top of the standings — even this in the season — have many reasons for such success. But what could cause potential downfalls? Here, we shine a negative light on the first place clubs.
Baltimore Orioles: Starting pitching
Since 2013, the Orioles have developed a reputation for being consistent in the power hitting category — ranked among the top ten each season in home runs hit. Conversely, Baltimore hasn’t had consistency with starting pitchers over the past four years. The trend continues this season. Not counting Chris Tillman (and his 2.61 ERA), no O’s starter boasts an ERA below 3.00. Two of their pitchers — Mike Wright and Ubaldo Jimenez — are north of 5.00. Luckily for the Birds, the bullpen has backed them up — shutting down opposing hitters in the late innings.
Chicago White Sox: Speed
Granted, this is not the era where the fleet of foot are prominently featured. However, whenever the White Sox do try to swipe the extra bag, they are unsuccessful more often than preferred. To date, Chicago baserunners have just 13 stolen bases (tied for 23rd in MLB). Ten times they’ve been caught — a percentage of 56.52, which ranks 24th. As for the individual leader, it’s a tie between Adam Eaton and veteran Jimmy Rollins with four apiece. But when you’re a surprising 25-16, that’s probably an afterthought.
Seattle Mariners: Fielding
The M’s are the unexpected leaders of the AL West thanks mainly to balance. On the mound, ace Felix Hernandez is backed up in the rotation with the likes of Wade Miley, Nathan Karns and a strong bullpen. The hitting — of Robinson Cano and Nelson Cruz — is most instrumental. The only thing holding them back would be mediocre defense. Seattle’s error count a this point is 24 — fourth-worst in the AL. Ketel Marte causes most of the damage: six errors in 173 chances at shortstop.
Washington Nationals: Offense
If you can, take away the past two breakout games against the Mets — in which Washington scored seven and nine runs, respectively. Over the previous six games before that, the Nationals posted four or more runs just twice. And as was the case last year, Bryce Harper continues to be the main factor. He carried the offense to respectability with his outstanding 2015 MVP campaign. Now, as the Nats are 17th in runs scored and 20th in batting average, Harper’s own average has dipped to .254.
Chicago Cubs: Batting with runners in scoring position
Trying to find a flaw in the Cubs is like trying to find fault in Steph Curry’s shooting stroke. But if you’re forcing us to find a blemish, relatively speaking, Chicago has the most trouble when it comes to getting runners in from second and third base. Collectively, the Cubs are hitting .242 with men in scoring position. But here’s a rejoinder — they have the second-most at-bats and the most runs scored when batters are up in that same scenario.
San Francisco Giants: Power hitting
About a month ago, the starting pitching would have caused Giants fans serious trepidation. Not anymore — as newcomers Johnny Cueto and Jeff Samardzija are proving to be valuable assets. San Francisco’s current eight-game winning streak doesn’t leave much to be desired, except the fact that the lineup doesn’t posses any intimidating hitters. Hunter Pence leads the club in home runs with just seven. Buster Posey and Brandon Belt combine for eight.