Park your AMC Gremlin out front and get inside Connolly’s Tap Room pronto.
We’re partying like it is April, 1970.
We’re showing Apollo 13 on the flat screen above the bar (we couldn’t get a console up there), we’re playing Beatles records all night (Paul left the band that month) and beer today is 75 cents a draft.
But, be warned. I’m only serving domestic macros – get your Budweiser here – today.
Why all the April 1970 love?
Because these 2016 Orioles have accomplished something that bests even the 1970 Orioles – you know, the team considered the best in franchise history and among the Top 10 all-time in the sport.
Those 1970 Orioles won 108 regular season games, swept the Minnesota Twins in the ALCS and beat Cincinnati’s Big Red Machine in five games in Brooks Robinson’s World Series.
Those 1970 Orioles set a franchise record with five wins to start the season (they also ended the regular season winning 11 straight).
But these 2016 Orioles have now won six straight to begin the season – capturing the modern-day Orioles’ mark.
It’s likely the comparisons will end there, but any time an Orioles team accomplishes something the 1970 squad didn’t, well, that’s impressive.
Monday’s win against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park was a little different than the other five so far. It was a slugfest, which the Orioles captured on a three-run homer by Chris Davis in the top of the ninth inning.
Davis now has hit three homers in six games; same as Manny Machado. Four other Orioles have one, including perennial slugger Mark Trumbo, who hit his first for the club Monday.
Adam Jones doesn’t have any homers yet, but that’ll change once he is healthy. And Pedro Alvarez has struggled, but he’ll get his share of longballs, too. Remember, he tied for the National League lead in 2013.
The last three major league home run champions have been Orioles: Davis in 2013 and 2015 and Nelson Cruz in 2014.
It’s possible somebody on the club makes it four in a row. But which somebody?
Machado and Davis seem like the most reasonable choices. But I don’t think you should count out Trumbo – or maybe even Alvarez.
So, since I asked for your pitching prediction last week at the Tap Room, I’ll ask for a hitting prediction today. Which Oriole will lead the 2016 team in homers? You can’t predict Boog Powell, though he was the team leader in 1970 with 35 home runs as part of his AL MVP season.
I’m taking Machado. And you?
Tap-In Question: Who will lead the 2016 Orioles in homers? Why?
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View Comments
Going with Crush. He will hit 50 this year
50? Wow. To do that twice during this era would be pretty impressive. Doing it once was pretty impressive.
I'm going to stick with Davis at 47, a repeat of last year, although I could easily see it being Manny and believe he can/will challenge Davis with 40+
I just have a feeling about Manny this year. No love for Trumbo? Once this guy gets it going, hes gonna do some damage too.
I think Trumbo can mash 30+ but I'm not sure if he'll break 40. He's probably 3rd on the list for me followed by Alvarez, Jones, Schoop in any order.
To pick anyone other than Davis is to assume injury or suspension.
I disagree slightly. I'm assuming natural biological performance trajectory between Manny (23) and Davis (30).
Chris Davis will lead the team with 74, breaking Bonds' record. Manny will hit 50.
I'm gonna cut you off. Water for the next hour. 74?
I am actually going to take Trumbo. From everything I have heard he takes learning the art of hitting very seriously. That homer in Boston yesterday was an absolute bomb to right center. I think he hits 49. Davis 48. Manny 45.
Dan, some Chinaco tequila if you would. Oh, and go ahead and leave the bottle.
Ed's safe pick - Crush.
Ed's dark horse pick - Jonathan Rufino Jezus Schoop
Ed's official pick for 2016 - Manny Machado - he looks like he's filled out a bit more than he was last year (when he hit 35!) and he's hitting the cover off the ball.
Ed's Bold Prediction - Manny finishes top five in AL MVP voting for 2016.
Come on, Ed Manny finished fourth last year. I want a real crazy limb if we're calling it bold. Like Schoop finishing Top 5. That's a limb.
I'll take Davis finishing first with 40 flat, Machado a close second with 37, and Trumbo following up with 33.
A hundred bombs between three players? Sounds good to me!!
Give me Ryan Flaherty... and another round of these 75-cent beers!
Assuming they all stay healthy, give me Crush with 45, Manny with 40 and Trumbo with 30. Throw in 20 for Jones and Schoop, plus 15 for Wieters.
And don't forget five for Jooooo-eeeeeeeey!
And I forgot Alvarez! Add in 20 for him.
I'll take Davis finishing first with 40 flat, Machado a close second with 37, and Trumbo following up with 33.
110 homers between three players? Sounds good to me!
I'm taking Davis until someone bests him. He has led all of baseball 2 of the last 3 years after all. I think Manny has a monster year overall, but Alvarez is my wild card HR wise. I think he hits 35.
I think Alvarez has a big year too. Much better ballpark for him compared to Pittsburgh.
I'm gona have to say Crush Davis
I'm gonna have to go with Trumbo, though I feel like Machado, Davis or Trumbo could all break 30 and then some.
I have a newspaper at home from the Sun with a photo of the 1996 Orioles' Anderson, Palmeiro, Alomar, Ripken, Hoiles, Bonilla, and Surhoff, who all hit over 20 home runs that season. How incredible was it that we had 7 players who hit 20 home runs (8 if you count Murray who hit 10 in a mere 64 games with the club after slugging 12 for Cleveland before we traded for him).
While that team set a club record for home runs, they did it with more players than what is projected from this year's squad. Its incredible to think that could be repeated this year with Davis, Trumbo, Machado, Schoop, Hardy, if Alvarez and Wieters can join the party too.