Orioles rebuild must be measured on pitching

Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images In case you haven’t heard, the Orioles have turned some heads this season. Several players have taken a step forward at the plate, and that bats have catapulted the club into playoff contention. While even an appearance in an extended playoff field still seems unlikely, every day the Orioles hover around .500 is a pleasant surprise.

The strong start has prompted some to wonder if the rebuilding Orioles could be ahead of schedule. One look at this year’s team compared to the past two might add strength to their argument. As the small sample size begins to grow, will they have a point?

While there is a legitimate chance that a few of the O’s hot hitters are here to…