Can Orioles beat out Yankees for AL East? / MAILBAG

Most weekdays, I’ll be answering at least one Orioles question. If you’d like to submit a question, send it to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com. Questions may be edited for clarity, length and style.

Question: I understand the Yankees are now favored to win the AL East because they have an easier schedule with weaker opponents and more home games over the balance of the season. Do you agree with the oddsmakers? From: Glenn Fuller, Laurel

Answer: Glenn, I think the Orioles still have an excellent chance to win the American League East. Neither the Yankees nor the Orioles have been playing particularly well over the last two months, and it figures to be a tight race until the last week of the season.

The Orioles and Yankees play three games at Yankee Stadium from September 24^th-26^th. If the Orioles win one of those games, they’ll win the season series, which is important because if the teams end in a tie, the winner of the season series wins the division.

Question: While last year the Orioles were more the hunters than the hunted, this year I believe that teams have scouted the O’s more thoroughly. One of the biggest flaws that has been exposed is the pitcher’s inability to hold runners. I believe that this, coupled with the pickoff rules, closer bases, oven mitts, etc., have really increased the running game, especially against the O’s. What do you think? From: Allen R. from Owings Mills

Answer: Allen, entering Wednesday’s game, teams have stolen 90 bases against the Orioles. Corbin Burnes (33) and Craig Kimbrel (11), who were not on the team last year, accounted for nearly half of the steals.

With the new rules, teams have become more aggressive in trying to steal, but I think if not for Burnes, who has been fabulous otherwise, and Kimbrel, it wouldn’t be so glaring.