It’s been a topsy-turvy year in the A.L. East. After more than a decade of relative stability atop the division, the standings now read as if they were printed up-side down. With stalwarts like the Yankees and Red Sox bringing up the rear, and the Orioles perched above the others, it’s been anything but business as usual. But, how long will this new world order last?
Many Yankees and Red Sox fans, and perhaps members of each organization, have taken solace in the fact that the Baltimore Orioles currently lead the division. A six game deficit in May would never be cause for panic, but when the team out in front hasn’t had a winning season since 1997, it’s easy to see why the sense of urgency has been racheted down. However, based on history, the rest of the A.L. East shouldn’t take the Orioles too lightly.
Since 1901, 226 other teams (less than 10% of the total) have started the season with a record at least as good as this year’s Baltimore Orioles. Of that group, which collectively posted a winning percentage of .598 in the combined seasons, over half wound up winning the division. Perhaps just as important to an organization like the Orioles, which has been desperate for any sign of progress, nearly 90% of the segment finished no lower than third place and 96% ended up above .500.
Full Season Performance by Teams with At Least 28 Wins in First 44 Games

Source: Baseball-Reference.com









