gettyimages-1221868541-594x594.jpg

Orioles CEO and Chairman John Angelos and Gov. Wes Moore issued a joint statement this morning saying that progress is being made on their vision to “expand and revitalize the Camden Yards campus.”

The timing of the statement comes as the All-Star break nears its conclusion, which probably isn’t a coincidence.

Angelos told the media in February, during a visit to the spring training complex in Sarasota, that he hoped a new stadium lease would be finalized by the break as a “gift for everybody, really, in the community.” However, a deal with the Maryland Stadium Authority hasn’t been struck.

Today’s statement didn’t provide details on negotiations or a timeline, but it read:

“The last four months have been exciting on and off the field. Baltimore City and the State of Maryland all have Orioles fever. We’ve laid the groundwork for success, and progress is also being made on our vision to expand and revitalize the Camden Yards campus. 

“We are determined to make it happen, and soon. 

“What comes next for the Camden Yards campus must serve our entire community and the city as a whole. From the ballpark and surrounding neighborhoods to Harborplace and the Inner Harbor, we are committed to making the downtown corridor a premier destination that benefits Baltimore and Maryland residents year-round. 

“We have shared ideals to create a thriving and inclusive Baltimore, not just for the Orioles, but for all those who call it home.”

The current lease, crafted when Camden Yards opened in 1992 and extended two years in 2021, expires at the end of the calendar year. The Orioles declined in February to exercise a one-time option for five years, noting its outdated nature after more than 30 years.

Commissioner Rob Manfred told reporters Tuesday at the All-Star Game in Seattle that he had “every confidence” in a resolution on the lease issue, and that the Orioles will “stay in Baltimore.” Manfred basically was repeating what he said at December’s Winter Meetings in San Diego, and what Angelos has insisted on for at least four years.

However, a new lease remains on hold while Angelos and Moore talk about their visions for a “live, work and play” environment similar to The Battery Atlanta around Truist Park, which they toured in March.

The second half of the season begins Friday night at Camden Yards, where the Orioles host the Marlins in a three-game series.

* The Orioles signed Frostburg State right-hander Jack Maruskin, according to Baseball American’s undrafted free agent tracker.

Maruskin, 23, was born in Rockville. He posted a 6.75 ERA and 1.333 WHIP this year in 18 games (eight starts), with 21 walks and 60 strikeouts in 36 innings. He walked 61 and struck out 113 over k75 innings in three seasons.

Pitching for Frederick this year in the MLB Draft League, Maruskin allowed four runs with six walks and 15 strikeouts in 11 1/3 innings.