By just about every metric, the Orioles have one of the worst lineups in baseball. The complete lack of offensive firepower has been the most prominent issue in the team’s early-season struggles. The cause of this inability to score runs can all be traced backed to the tendency of O’s hitters to swing (and miss) a whole lot.
Let’s start with the basics: Baltimore strikes out a ton. Their 226 strikeouts are the second-most in MLB behind the San Diego Padres, who have played one more game than the O’s. As Jim Palmer recently pointed out on a MASN game broadcast, no one’s ever gotten a hit while striking out.