Houston Astros: Which AL Contenders Most Improved Team?

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#5 Baltimore Orioles

Jul 31, 2015; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles newly acquired outfielder Gerardo Parra (18) sits on the bench during the third inning against the Detroit Tigers at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Additions

Gerardo Parra 2015 Stats: .324/9 HR/ 31 RBI/ 9 SB.

For a team that has traded for Bud Norris one year from the Houston Astros, the Orioles were relatively quiet during the trade deadline. The Orioles are near the top five in homers hit in 2015 but are near average with a team batting average of .254. The Orioles needs a hitter to balance out some of the low batting averages on the team and needed to add some steals as they are second from last with the least steals. The Orioles have 30 stolen bases as a team, which Jose Altuve is approaching with the Astros.

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Who did the get in Parra, they got a hitter who is having a career year in his walk year? Many teams believed that he was hitting above his head this year to earn a bigger contract next year. His stats profile him as an average power with average speed, which could help the Orioles win games. He has missed a game here or there with injuries this year, so hopefully he stays healthy.

Fangraphs Playoff Projections

July 30th before trade: 21.3 % chance of making the playoffs

August 1st after the trade: 28% chance of making the playoffs

Next: #4 Anaheim Angels

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