The Baltimore Orioles finally put together a positive streak, of sorts, winning four in a row May 9-12 and five of their last six. While their overall mark is still 13-28, at least they can hold their heads high for one week. It's probably no coincidence that the winning streak came with the return of two key pieces of an underachieving offense: designated hitter Mark Trumbo and second baseman Jonathan Schoop, who both returned after lengthy absences due to injury.
Just a quick note on three teams who will now be judged more on the reality of their performance rather than preseason thoughts and predispositions: The Cleveland Indians (20-19), the suddenly scary Atlanta Braves (24-15) and the stumbling Los Angeles Dodgers (16-24).
Prior to this week, the Indians', Braves' and Dodgers' rankings had been less about their record and more about where I thought they belonged. While the cement of the season hasn't fully taken for a bunch of others as well -- including the Pittsburgh Pirates, Philadelphia Phillies and Minnesota Twins -- these three teams are starting to take form much more now than a few weeks ago.
