Because You Asked - The Rings of Power

The Orioles complete their latest homestand this afternoon against the Mariners and fly to Houston for a three-game series, followed by two in Boston.

The roster will change again before they make it back home. Count on it.

My mailbag also changes with each massive dump. And this is probably a good place to stop, but let’s keep going.

You ask, I try to answer, and we have the latest sequel to the beloved 2008 original that currently airs on Netflix. Or is it Amazon Prime? Anyway, it’s out there, just like so many of you.

Questions aren’t edited for clarity, style, length, brevity or bravado. And I wouldn’t tell you anyway, because, again, who cares?

Also, my mailbag hits for the cycle and your mailbag uses training wheels on its cycle.

Any rumblings on managerial candidates?
Pretty much nothing. The Orioles don’t appear ready to share their plans and how they’ll go about the search. We don’t have anything on interim manager Tony Mansolino or the coaching staff. There’s speculation out there, and I’ve probably contributed to it, that the Orioles will seek someone with past managerial experience. This is based on nothing concrete, however. You’re welcome.

How would you grade Mansolino?
How can you? Beyond that the players like and respect him and he's got them trying to win games under brutal circumstances. They haven't rolled over on him. But his abilities as a manager can't be judged on results here. How he manages a bullpen can't be judged here. The team began playing much better for a stretch as it got healthier and the starting pitching improved, but you know the rest. 

I guess a question could be, our outfield is in so much flux and really it is now a disaster, so why can't the Orioles bring back Christian Pache? While he can't hit, at least he is terrific defensively.
No guess here: You win the award for being the only person thinking about Cristian Pache. You should, but won’t, be penalized for misspelling his first name. He’s in Triple-A Reno in the Diamondbacks organization and hasn’t played in the majors. He missed a month with an injury. The .358 on-base percentage in 46 games is pretty sweet, and when you consider all of the outfielders who have been signed and claimed, you could argue that Pache’s an upgrade.  

How much does the potential of a CBA strike/lockout in 2027 affect what the O’s front office does and doesn’t do, this offseason? Contract lengths, etc. How likely is a work stoppage?
Second question first. I’d say very likely based on the past. The salary cap is gonna make negotiations contentious. It’s a major point of disagreement. And you know how that goes. A December lockout, the Winter Meetings canceled, etc. Commissioner Rob Manfred was at Camden Yards yesterday and it wasn't to pick up an order of Boog's. As for your first question, I don’t want to speak for Mike Elias. I will just assume that the Orioles won’t let uncertainty over the 2026 offseason dictate how they operate in the 2025 offseason. There’s too much work to be done after such a disappointing 2025 regular season.

With Tyler Wells being stretched out, what are the odds of him starting versus being put in the bullpen?
The first few times that Tony Mansolino was asked about Wells, he said that the Orioles hadn’t discussed a role and were just trying to get him through his rehab and back to facing hitters. That part is done. I asked again Tuesday and Mansolino didn’t have a firm answer but talked about the risk associated with two pitchers fresh off elbow-reconstructive surgeries being in the same rotation. They will be brought along slowly, innings must be covered behind them, etc. Wells has pitched three times on his assignment and tossed 8 1/3 scoreless innings. It makes sense to stretch him out now and put him in the ‘pen later if that’s where he’s needed. Much harder to do that in reverse for the rotation.

Have you used any AI tools to make the writing process easier?
Allen Iverson isn’t a writer and I don’t know him.

Artificial intelligence.
Oh. Listen, I forget my password half the time. I’m the wrong person to start experimenting with AI.

I’m confused by this whole PPI thing and how a player can bring a draft pick to the Orioles. Help, please. Or help, please?
There you go. I’m confused, too, but I’m blaming a Google search a few days ago and an AI explanation that shockingly was wrong. A player who appears in at least two Top 100 prospect lists from among MLB Pipeline, Baseball America and ESPN and wins his league’s Rookie of the Year award nets the team an extra draft pick. No second-place finishes. Samuel Basallo qualifies. Dylan Beavers needs to appear in a second list in 2026 after Baseball America just ranked him 83^rd.

Is Zach Eflin a good guy in the clubhouse?
As good as it gets. Here's Tony Mansolino, who describes Eflin perfectly: “He’s wonderful. He’s one of probably the more enjoyable conversations I think in the major leagues. Just the experience that he has and knowledge that he has. His ability to listen. As you watch a lot of major league baseball players, I think they like to talk more than they like to listen. Coaches the same. We’re all kind of that way, wired this way in this world. And he’s one of the rare guys that’s just a really good listener. So incredible teammate, incredible guy to have around. We’re gonna miss having that guy around.”

When will the 2026 spring training and regular season schedules be released?
The 2024 spring training schedule was released in July and the 2025 spring schedule was released in August. The Orioles announced their 2024 and 2025 regular season schedules in July. So, my best guess is “soon.” On the latter, maybe MLB is waiting to find out whether the Athletics really are playing again in Sacramento or it was just a bad dream.

Do you see a possible return for Cedric or Hearndog or Sugano or Morton next season?
Did I miss where Ryan O’Hearn was nicknamed “Hearndog?” Anyway, I’d place the best odds on Mullins if he’d accept, say, a one-year deal with an option. I’m not predicting it, but that would provide a bridge to Enrique Bradfield Jr. if he’s the eventual successor. O’Hearn also is a possibility depending on the cost, of course. His left-handed bat, ability to play first base and the corner outfield, and clubhouse leadership bring value. But it’s going to get crowded with Ryan Mountcastle (assuming he returns), Coby Mayo and Samuel Basallo.

We've had a rough baseball weekend. Can you tell us an awesome memory or story about Adam Jones?
I’ll repeat the time that I walked into the clubhouse wearing a brown sport coat and he yelled, “Who shot the sofa?” I was on the field during the 2014 “Clinchmas” celebration after the Orioles won the division, and I saw a fan in the front row down the right field line begging for Jones to pie him. Jones walked over, the fan spread out his arms, and wham! Five years later, my wife and I buy our house and a neighbor at the end of the cul-de-sac invites me over and takes me downstairs to his basement to show me his sports memorabilia. In the collection is a framed photo of Jones pieing him. He was the guy. And here's a bonus Erik Bedard story that a friend in the business reminded me of yesterday: Bedard had his introductory press conference in Seattle after the trade. He looks around the room and tells reporters that they get three questions. Veteran scribe: "Are you serious?" Bedard: "That's one."

Alex Jackson. Possibly the third catcher?
Yes, Jackson could be the guy unless Samuel Basallo is the third catcher and part-time first baseman and designated hitter. I don’t know the exact rankings. But Jackson, Basallo and Adley Rutschman can co-exist later this summer.

Is raising prices an indication that we’re going to spend more in free agency or for an extension for our current players?
I wouldn’t make that jump. Could it happen? Sure. Is an approximate 3 percent increase going to bring in bigger free agents and lock up prospects? I don’t think the odds were dependent on it. But hey, every little bit counts.

I think Mike Elias manipulates the injured list. Look at Ryan Mountcastle out 60 days because of a hamstring injury?
Not sure that’s an actual question but I appreciate your punctuation. Mountcastle had a Grade 2 hamstring strain. I watched him limping through the clubhouse a few times. That pain wasn’t manipulated. I’m not a doctor, but I do know that Grade 2 can lead to lengthy absences.

Why do the Orioles think this market can and will support premium experiences, higher prices and greater commitment from both a time and money perspective?
Winning brings fans to the ballpark, and the Orioles plan on winning in 2026? That’s my immediate reaction. I wonder if the decision would have been met more favorably after the 2023 season. Who knows?

Will the double-orange unis be back next year?
The club hasn’t made that determination. Bringing back the all-orange uniform will be discussed in the offseason. I’d like to add “put the angry bird on an alternate cap” to the agenda.

What are the odds the front office can accomplish a retool and be back in actual contention in 2026? What would that involve?
Absolutely. There’s no reason to bail on 2026 because of 2025. They’d need to upgrade the pitching – rotation and bullpen after the trades. That can mean more aggressive spending or trade talks. The latter might be easier with the number of prospects injected into the system after the draft and trade deadline. There could be a need for a new closer if Félix Bautista’s “significant” shoulder injury impacts his availability next season. They’d need much better luck with their health. Injuries are going to happen, but the roster can’t be decimated by them. And the core group has to take the proverbial next step – Adley Rutschman, Colton Cowser, Jordan Westburg, Jackson Holliday. Gunnar Henderson just needs a healthy start to the season and the rest takes care of itself.

Do I love listening to Jim Palmer because he was a beast on the mound during my youth or because he’s acknowledged as a great commentator?
You’d be right on both counts. My first game in person was Game 2 of the 1971 World Series. Palmer pitched. He was one of my all-time favorite Orioles, and our interactions over the years still make me think how 8-year-old Roch would have flipped out. But also, he’s a highly respected analyst who’s informative and entertaining. He makes the job appear much easier than it is. The same is true with Ben McDonald. MASN is lucky to have both of them.

Do Beavers' and Basallo's contracts require that they be eligible for the 2026 ROY awards? Is that why they won't be brought up until after the 15th?
Their contracts don’t dictate it, but there are the obvious benefits to maintaining that status, and especially with the Orioles out of contention. 

If you were a GM, how would you approach constructing a bullpen?
With fingers and toes crossed. But also, a reliever who’s closed seems imperative with Bautista’s uncertain status. A lefty is needed to replace Gregory Soto. Albert Suárez was a huge loss, and having him healthy next season gives the Orioles a swingman who can consume innings. One of the young starters also could be used in long relief. Chayce McDermott has become a one-inning reliever with Triple-A Norfolk, hinting at a possible role later this summer and in 2026. What I’m saying is that the Orioles have some in-house options but also need multiple additions from the outside to compensate for the losses at the deadline.

Could an ambidextrous pitcher pitch both games of a doubleheader if he pitches the first game left-handed and the second game right-handed (or vice versa)?
A guy who can pitch on both water and land?

That's amphibious. Ambidextrous is ...
I don’t see why not. Or if you’re a knuckleballer like Wilbur Wood, who started Game 1 and Game 2 for the White Sox on July 20, 1973 at Yankee Stadium. He was the losing pitcher twice. Wood you believe it?

I see what you did there.
That’s not a question.

Should Jackson take a Holliday to winter ball this off-season to work on his game?
I see what you did there. And no. I think Holliday should get some rest and then work on his hitting and fielding at home and with his father. He’s got every resource available to him. Also, because I'm here for you, I asked him about winter ball and he chuckled. No. 

Do you expect Grayson Rodriguez to pitch this summer, and if so, how many starts would you guess?
This is an old one. No. Zero.

We know that Sig and Mike look at spin rates for pitchers. What analytics do they look at for their hitters? Is it hard hit rate?
There’s one. Launch angle. Exit velocity. Swing path. Attack angle. Stuff like that.

Any traded players likely to return as free agents?
None that I’d consider “likely.” I’ll mention Cedric Mullins again and add that I’m not making a prediction. But yeah, it’s possible.

When are you eligible for free agency?
It depends if I’m non-tendered. And this is probably a good place to stop.

When the score of the game is a blowout, do you get annoyed when, in the bottom of the ninth, someone gets a leadoff single? Are you hoping for a double play when you’re working?
I’d never! And this is definitely a good place to stop.