Although I understand most high school students aren’t in love with the game of baseball, the Baltimore Orioles have been fun to watch so far this season.

The Orioles, (21-12) are currently first in the American League East. The O’s won their first seven games behind hot bats from Manny Machado, Mark Trumbo, and Joey Rickard.

Machado has been a reliable player for the O’s offensively and defensively. A two time Gold Glove winner, he is currently leading the team in batting average, hits, and on base percentage.

Trumbo has also proved to be another go-to player for the O’s offensively. Trumbo, who currently has the second highest batting average on the team, has provided a great offensive surge. He already has four multi-hit games and recorded four hits in five at bats on Opening Day.

Rickard has been a great new addition for the O’s. The Orioles acquired Rickard in the Rule 5 draft this winter from the Tampa Bay Rays. Rickard has been a reliable bat and glove for the O’s this season batting right around .300 his first season in the big leagues and being a solid defensive outfielder.

A player that hasn’t impressed me is Matt Wieters. Coming up the Oriole program, Wieters looked like he would be one of the league’s top catchers, if not the best. However, Wieters hasn’t impressed me since coming off an injury and hasn’t provided much offensively. The biggest contribution Wieters brings to the table is his glove, which has earned him two Gold Gloves in 2011 and 2012.

The biggest area of concern I have with this year’s team is the pitching. With only one quality start, coming from Ubaldo Jimenez, the team has had to rely on their relief pitchers a lot so far. So much in fact they have used them third most in the majors after mediocre play from their starting pitchers.

In the American League East division, where the playoff race is always down to the wire, this season looks to be interesting once again. The O’s have been fun and exciting to watch so far, and this year looks promising for a team that has turned it around since Buck Showalter took over as manager.

Alex Rasmussen is the Social Media Manager for The Patriot and jcpatriot.com.