Sports columnist Peter Schmuck discusses what moves the Orioles need to make to improve in the 2nd half of the season. (Kevin Richardson/Baltimore Sun video)
Fresh off having their All-Stars feted in San Diego and a well-earned rest for the others, the Orioles return to action Friday against the Tampa Bay Rays in St. Petersburg, Fla., with a shallow lead in the American League East and a host of questions as to whether they'll be able to hang onto it.
There are plenty of positives mixed in. The team has hit a league-high 137 home runs, have third baseman Manny Machado and second baseman Jonathan Schoop on pace for career years and is getting contributions from outfield spots unheard of a season ago.