Phil Surine on the Baltimore Orioles Pitching Staff

Baltimore fan Phil Surine takes note as the Orioles look to improve pitching staff to propel to next level in the 2017 season. 

The Baltimore Orioles reached the ALCS in 2015 following a steal 96-66 record. Struggling in 2016 to a .500 record, the team rebounds to 89 wins before losing in the wild card game to the Toronto Blue Jays. The Orioles featured a ferocious offensive attack which produced 744 runs on 253 home runs. On the flip side, Phil Surine noticed that the starting pitching struggled, as four of the six main starters finished with ERA's above 5.

The offense is led by Mark Trumbo, Chris Davis and Manny Machado who belted 47, 38 and 37 home runs, respectively. Also a threat are Adam Jones and Jonathan Schoop who combined to hit 54 home runs and knock in 165 runs. It is no question for Phil Surine that the Orioles lived and died by the long ball in 2016, as their 19 stolen bases and .317 on-base percentage indicate. This season the Orioles feature much of the same lineup, with the exception of Seth Smith in right field and Wilton Castillo behind the plate, taking over for Matt Wieters who signed with the Washington Nationals.

Although Phil Surine is confident the Orioles can slug it out with any team in baseball, they are likely not going to get deeper into the post season without an improved starting rotation.  Chris Tillman and Kevin Gausman were very solid, compiling a record of 25-18 with a 3.69 ERA. Behind those two are huge questions marks. 

Yovani Gallardo is gone, although the team likely wont miss his 5.42 ERA. Filling his spot in the roation will Dylan Bundy, who was 10-6 with a 4.02 ERA in 36 games, 14 as a starter. Coming off Tommy John's surgery in 2013, the Orioles may give Bundy extra rest. If so, Logan Verrett could see some spot starts. 

Wade Miley, who appeared in only 11 games with the Orioles last season with a robust 6.17 ERA, (9-13 with a 5.37 ERA overall), is likely the number four starter in front of Ubaldo Jimenez. Miley has a career ERA of 4.18 and need to rebound from last season, as well as veteran Jimenez, who finished 8-12 with a 5.44 ERA.

Mike Wright and Tyler Wilson head to the bullpen this season and although they had high ERA's, add more depth and can fill in if needed due to injuries or subpar performances in the rotation.

With a month to go before the regular season, Phil Surine is interested to see how the rotation plays out, as only a few spots are locks. One thing is certain, the Orioles long term playoff hopes hinge on the improvement and continuity of the starting rotation.

For more on the Baltimore Orioles and other Maryland sports teams, check out Phil Surine on Quora: https://www.quora.com/profile/Phil-Surine.