The Baltimore Orioles exemplify how to successfully rebuild a sports team, transitioning from 115 losses in 2018 to one of the premier teams in baseball — complete with an impressive farm system — within just five years. Last season, the O’s claimed the American League East title with 101 wins. Their farm system has yielded young All-Stars such as Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, and Jordan Westburg, while the next generation, including Jackson Holliday and Coby Mayo, has recently been called up to the majors. Many teams currently undergoing rebuilding efforts have pointed to Baltimore as a model, particularly in developing young hitters.
The challenge lies in pinpointing the exact elements of this successful blueprint. The Orioles have remained tight-lipped regarding their strategies—there are numerous theories—but some of their fundamental principles, while not groundbreaking, are hard to implement. An example is the addition of 65 new hires by the Mike Elias administration over approximately 18 months, during which the organization focused on unifying messaging from minor league coaches and fostering a rigorous competitive atmosphere through a comprehensive cultural transformation.
“We have certain organizational philosophies and values that we do not compromise on. Our goal was to find and hire individuals who either shared those beliefs or were willing to uphold and advance them, and that’s how we started,” explained Matt Blood, recently elevated from director of player development to vice president of player development and domestic scouting. “We drafted players who fit these criteria as well. Thus, we were acquiring athletes with specific skills, alongside finding coaches and building resources to enhance these skills, and then deploying them effectively.”
While anecdotal evidence suggests that many of the Orioles’ young hitters excel in similar aspects, Blood is hesitant to make definitive claims.
“I believe they all possess excellent adjustability,” he remarked, “and they can effectively compete against what the game throws at them.”
Nonetheless, intriguing theories are circulating around the league as teams attempt to decipher the Orioles’ successful practices to replicate their success.
“They draft for VBA,” stated a rival scout regarding the Orioles.
This intriguing notion implies that the Orioles have discovered a statistical approach that surpasses the conventional analytics employed by other teams, using these metrics to identify top-tier hitters.
So, what exactly is VBA?
Vertical Bat Angle (VBA) refers to the angle of the bat concerning the ground, assessed from directly behind or in front of the batter. A “steeper” bat angle is typically linked to greater potential for lifting the ball better, <a href="https://ericcressey.com/vertical-bat-angle-“`html
though it can impact swing-and-miss rates in certain areas of the zone. To put it differently, while being steep in the lower zone is advantageous, maintaining that steep angle while effectively hitting a ball in the upper zone proves to be quite challenging.
This illustration of Vertical Bat Angle comes from an explanatory article by Eric Cressey. (Photo illustration courtesy of Eric Cressey)
Are the Orioles skilled in this aspect? Do they have effective swing paths? The answer is both yes and no.
According to @SwingGraphs, the Orioles rank in the middle of the pack in terms of VBA at the major league level. However, the current major league roster still includes players from earlier management regimes, as well as individuals filling distinct roles in the lineup. In the minor leagues, @SwingGraphs has revealed that Baltimore’s top three prospects—Holliday, Mayo, and Heston Kjerstad—ranked second in the league regarding their “path score,” which factors in VBA. Additionally, an analyst from another team noted that the Orioles’ minor leaguers exhibit the second-highest launch angle in the sport, supporting the idea of strong VBA.
Nevertheless, it is likely not a singular focus on one statistic when it comes to scouting and player development. Evidence of this is reflected in the Orioles’ impressive slugging performance against pitches in both the upper and lower thirds of the strike zone.
The Orioles are uniquely positioned as the only team in baseball ranking in the top five for slugging in both the highest and lowest thirds of the zone, with the Minnesota Twins’ offense being a close contender. Notably, the Orioles also show relatively low whiff rates at the top of the zone—the Red Sox, while holding a decent slugging percentage at the top, have a significantly higher whiff rate. Furthermore, the Orioles maintain the third-smallest differential between slugging percentages at the top and bottom of the zone. Their offensive capabilities are strong across the board!
This suggests that they do not specifically target VBA during their drafts or place a particular value on it, as confirmed by various sources. However, their adaptability? That tells a different story. Their offense clearly demonstrates multiple dimensions. Executives from opposing teams have proposed various theories regarding how the Orioles have cultivated bats that excel in slugging.
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all over the zone.
“They draft players who possess current power and then enhance their launch angle and swing decisions,” stated a competing assistant general manager responsible for player development. “This current power manifests as high-end exit velocities rather than just slugging percentage. They teach a better Vertical Bat Angle to decrease ground-ball rates. Improved swing decisions combined with better VBA result in power production when those high-end exit velocities are present.”
Now we’re getting on the right track. Combine raw power with swing decisions and refined bat paths, and you start generating some exceptional hitters? But how do they achieve this? How do they elevate their young hitters’ raw abilities?
“They incorporate numerous young coaches and utilize short box drills — featuring relatively live arms up close, compelling hitters to adapt and track the ball from a release point,” remarked a rival director of player development. “They employ weighted bats at most levels to maintain bat speed as part of the regular training regimen. They emphasize making solid swing choices and assist hitters in internalizing this concept during their minor league ascent.”
This aligns with principles that even the Orioles acknowledge they prioritize.
“Our training environments are highly competitive and quite challenging,” shared Blood. “This fosters greater efficiency concerning skill acquisition.”
They aim to make their drills difficult and game-like for hitters, which is where the short box comes into play. In reality, those young coaches competed to create the best setups for their short box sessions, transforming their understanding of pitch shapes into challenging scenarios on the mound. They encourage their hitters to only swing at pitches they can effectively drive, and nightly text messages about swing decisions reinforce this idea. The organization relies on data-driven methodologies that have proven to yield results on the field, making weighted bat training a logical choice. They also utilize force plates — which gauge how much force a player exerts against the ground, a factor that Driveline Baseball confirmed correlates significantly with bat speed — to evaluate hitters and tailor workout regimens throughout the season.
These instances alone provide a glimpse into the data- and technology-driven approach taken to develop today’s Oriole slugger. However, these concepts are not unique to other teams. So, what makes them particularly effective for the Orioles right now? Discussions often circle back to the players themselves.
“I think the Orioles have excelled in acquiring players with outstanding character,” Adley Rutschman told Travis Sawchick at The Score. “When you gather enough individuals who share the same mentality, it creates a scenario where everyone motivates one another and operates cohesively. It would be incredibly challenging if team members were not fully invested. When everyone is committed, it becomes a lot of fun.”
“Each of their All-Stars possesses a high baseball IQ,” concurred a rival hitting coach. “Every player has a distinct strategy for achieving success on a given night. A high IQ enables them to discern the pitcher’s intentions and adjust their swing path and approach on a pitch-by-pitch basis. If he’s throwing sinkers, I’ll adopt a more scoopy swing today! If he has significant ride, I’m going to flatten my swing today.
“Never has it been
It’s particularly crucial to possess players with a high IQ like that.
(Top photo of Jackson Holliday: Cole Burston / Getty Images)
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Blueprint for Success: How the Baltimore Orioles Mastered the Art of Rebuilding
The Origins of the Rebuild
The Baltimore Orioles entered a rebuilding phase in 2018 after years of underperformance, following a successful stint that included playoff appearances. The need for a strategic overhaul became apparent as the franchise struggled to compete in the American League East. This article delves into the blueprint that the Orioles adopted to revamp their team, focusing on key strategies that led to their success.
Key Strategies in the Orioles’ Rebuilding Plan
1. Embracing Analytics and Technology
The Orioles recognized the importance of data analytics in modern baseball. They hired data scientists and invested in technology to track player performance. By leveraging advanced metrics, they could make informed decisions on player acquisitions, trades, and development.
2. Building a Strong Farm System
A strong farm system is crucial for any team undergoing a rebuild. The Orioles concentrated on drafting and developing talent. Here are some key aspects of their farm system strategy:
- Prioritizing High School and College Players: The Orioles focused on drafting young talent with high ceilings.
- Investing in International Scouting: Expanding their reach to sign international prospects increased their talent pool.
- Fostering Player Development: The organization emphasized developmental programs to enhance player skills.
3. Strategic Trades and Acquisitions
During the rebuilding phase, the Orioles made several strategic trades that would lay the foundation for future success:
- Trading Veteran Players: The Orioles traded away established stars like Manny Machado and Zach Britton to acquire promising young prospects.
- Targeting High-Upside Players: They pursued players with potential rather than immediate impact, focusing on long-term growth.
4. Fostering a Winning Culture
To cultivate a successful team culture, the Orioles emphasized leadership and mentorship within the locker room. They brought in veteran players who could help guide younger teammates, creating a cohesive environment that fosters both talent and teamwork.
Benefits of the Orioles’ Rebuilding Approach
The benefits of the Orioles’ rebuilding strategy extend beyond immediate wins and losses. Here are some key advantages:
- Long-Term Sustainability: A focus on homegrown talent allows for sustained success and financial flexibility.
- Fan Engagement: An exciting young roster can rekindle fan interest and support, leading to increased attendance and merchandise sales.
- Increased Competitive Advantage: By building through the draft and trades, the Orioles create a competitive roster capable of contending in the future.
Case Studies of Successful Players
The Orioles’ rebuilding plan has already begun to bear fruit, with several players emerging as key contributors. Below are brief case studies of notable prospects who have made an impact:
| Player | Position | Year Drafted | Major League Debut | 2023 Stats |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adley Rutschman | Catcher | 2019 | 2022 | .280 AVG, 25 HR, 85 RBI |
| Grayson Rodriguez | Pitcher | 2018 | 2023 | 3.50 ERA, 12 K/9 IP |
| Gunnar Henderson | Infielder | 2019 | 2022 | .270 AVG, 20 HR, 75 RBI |
First-Hand Experience: Insights from the Front Office
Members of the Orioles’ front office have shared their insights into the rebuilding process. Executives emphasize the importance of patience and adaptability in achieving long-term goals. According to one front office executive:
“It’s crucial to remain focused on the big picture. Rebuilding takes time, but we are committed to creating a sustainable winner in Baltimore.”
Practical Tips for Other Teams Undertaking a Rebuild
Other franchises looking to emulate the Orioles’ success can benefit from these practical tips:
- Invest in Scouting: A robust scouting department is essential for identifying talent at all levels.
- Utilize Technology: Embrace analytics to inform decisions and optimize player performance.
- Communicate with Fans: Keep fans informed about the rebuilding process to maintain their support.
- Be Patient: Understand that rebuilding is a long process that requires time, persistence, and resilience.
Conclusion: The Path Forward
The Baltimore Orioles’ journey through rebuilding has provided a blueprint for success that other teams can follow. By emphasizing analytics, developing young talent, and creating a positive culture, the Orioles are positioning themselves for future success in Major League Baseball.
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