Baltimore Orioles: The 2010s All-Decade Team
By Manny Gómez
The Baltimore Orioles are in the midst of arguably the worst stretch in franchise history. So, what better time than now to look back at the All-Decade O’s of the 2010s.
The 2010s weren’t all bad for the Baltimore Orioles. After a subpar start to the decade, finishing last in the AL East in both 2010 and 2011, the O’s bounced back by playing above-500 baseball for the next five consecutive seasons.
In that span, Baltimore made the postseason three times, advancing to the ALCS against the Kansas City Royals in 2014.
They’d finish off the decade by losing 100 or more games in two consecutive seasons. Something the franchise hasn’t done in over half a century.
It’s fair to say that things aren’t looking so bright for Baltimore. In fact, recently the team dumped Jonathan Villar, a switch hitter who lead the team in runs and triples last season. This move signals another dreadful team for the black and orange.
Enough with all the negatives, though. Let’s take a look at some of the best players to call Camden Yards their home over the last decade beginning with…
Nelson Cruz (Designated Hitter)
Nelson Cruz only played one season with the Baltimore Orioles, but boy was it a good one. In 2014, after being implicated in the Biogenesis Scandal, teams were hesitant to give Cruz a shot.
In giving Cruz a shot, the O’s were taking a risk and it paid off. That season, “Boomstick” slashed .277 |.333 |.525 while leading the league with 40 HR. He would also be selected to be an All-Star for the third time in his career before opting to leave Baltimore for a stint in Seattle.