Hardy's impact goes way beyond statistics: It would be an oversimplification to say that the absence of J.J. Hardy is the reason the Orioles went from being a top-five defensive team to one that entered the weekend in the bottom 10 in the majors in fielding percentage, but it wasn't hard to see what the club has been missing.
Everth Cabrera filled in admirably at times, but the Hardy is the captain of the infield and his presence transcends mere statistics. Buck Showalter said as much on Thursday, but he didn't really have to.