This team has finished in last place with at least 90 losses in each of the past four seasons.
This team's best starting pitcher had zero professional innings in the United States prior to this season.
This team's second-best starting pitcher has a career ERA of 4.80.
The other three-fifths of this team's Opening Day starting rotation was demoted to the minor leagues at some point this season.
The closer's strikeout rate is well-below league average.
The designated hitter's on-base percentage is barely .300.
The first baseman is hitting about .220 and barely slugging .400.
The second baseman's career batting average is about .220.
The shortstop is hitting about .220 with a sub-.700 OPS, and has the most plate appearances on the team.
The third baseman is a rookie who has never played above Double-A prior to this month.
At one point, the left fielder was a 35-year-old who hadn't appeared in a major league game since 2007.
The current left fielder is hitting .190 this year, hit .228 last year, and hit .190 the year before that.
This team has been outscored by 43 runs on the season, same as the Royals. The Mariners, Blue Jays, Red Sox, Brewers, Mets, and Phillies all own better run differentials.
What team is this, and what is their record?
They're the Baltimore Orioles. They are 66-55. They would make the playoffs if the season ended today, over teams with more talent and higher payrolls like the Tigers, Angels, and Red Sox.
The Manager of the Year award has no significance, but if anyone has ever deserved to win it, it's Buck Showalter in 2012. Kudos to him and first-year general manager Dan Duquette for somehow turning a team with last-place players into an overachieving contender.
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