By Austin Medina
The Orioles (27-62) are in a similar place entering the All-Star week as they were last season.
Last season, they entered the All Star break with a 28-69 record. Their All-Star third baseman, Manny Machado, was traded during the All-Star game to the Dodgers as Baltimore embraced their rebuild.
In 2019, pitcher John Means is the lone-representative for Baltimore. Luckily Means will remain an Orioles past the game this Tuesday.
John Means: All-Star ⭐️ pic.twitter.com/wmvtq6etxj
— Baltimore Orioles (@Orioles)
July 8, 2019 Even though the Orioles have the worst record in baseball, the record doesn’t indicate a lack of potential. Means has already surpassed expectations and deserves to be an All-Star this season.
On the season, Means is 7-4 with a 2.50 ERA. If he logged seven more innings, his ERA would qualify for 2nd in the AL. Additionally, his 3.4 WAR ranks fifth among all AL pitchers.
Through the rebuild, Means still holds positivity with his teammates.
In an article with
USA Today, Means commented on the Orioles direction moving forward. "I think that with the new coaching staff we have, they bring a lot of energy, "We’ve got a lot of guys still learning. We have a lot of guys with a little big-league time – including myself."
There is no doubt Means- and the rest of the Orioles players- have a lot to learn. In what has been a difficult rebuilding season, the Orioles players are certainly gaining valuable reps and experience.
On Tuesday, Means’ teammates and the rest of the organization can look on as the lefty-pitcher represents Baltimore.
O's All-Star LHP John Means was never ranked by Baseball America among club's top 30 prospects. He said of those on farm now: “I’m sure guys are on the farm grinding, just trying to get their way to the next level. Hopefully, I can set an example that this is not that far away."
— Steve Melewski (@masnSteve)
July 9, 2019 And not only will he be there, but Means deserves to be there.
