Why can’t Orioles hit with runners in scoring position? | MAILBAG

Question: I know the Orioles as a team have not hit well with runners in scoring position. Do you know the RISP stats for individual Oriole hitters? Has anyone done reasonably well in those situations this year? From: Rick Newell

Answer: Rick, you are correct. The Orioles are currently last in the majors with a .208 average with runners in scoring position. But there are some hitters who’ve done well.

Ryan O’Hearn has a .286 average with a .903 OPS. Gunnar Henderson is batting .268 with an .821 OPS. Others aren’t hitting as well. Ramón Laureano is hitting just .147 with a .411 OPS, and Adley Rutschman is hitting .122 with a .478 OPS

Question:  There have been a lot of gripes about the A’s Sacramento Triple-A temporary home for the next three seasons. What are your thoughts? From: Ramon Japzon

Answer: Ramon, it’s a question I’ve been asked a lot in the last few days. What struck me most about Sacramento as a temporary home for the Athletics is how little community involvement there was. In the airport, there were a number of posters for the NBA’s Sacramento Kings, but nothing for the Athletics. In walking around the city for three days, I never saw a single person wearing A’s gear.

As for the ballpark, it seemed a combination of minor league and spring training. The clubhouse was cramped, but so is Fenway Park’s and Wrigley Field’s. It was unusual trudging the warning track after the game on my way to the clubhouse, but overall, I thought the fans who were there were involved, and everyone seemed friendly. It’s a shame that the team had to resort to a three-year temporary home.

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.