The Orioles won't know whether they'll be able to open their spring training camp in February until the world gives its approval. Or Major League Baseball and the MLB Players Association if they choose to ignore the world. First comes the fall instructional league, which so far has gone uninterrupted for two weeks. If we're lucky, the Orioles will reach the point where they can extend spring training invites and avoid another shutdown of the Ed Smith Stadium complex. It's interesting to...

Which player led the Orioles in WAR in 2020? If you trust STATS, it's outfielder Cedric Mullins at 1.4. If you claim that you predicted it back in March, well, no one believes you. If you can explain why FanGraphs.com gave Mullins a 0.6 WAR and Baseball-Reference.com gave him a 0.4, I'll try to stay awake. Eyes wide open but likely to roll. Mullins recorded five Outs Above Average this season, tied for second-most in the majors by an outfielder per Statcast. His 95 percent success rate ranked...

Any reference to Orioles left-hander Bruce Zimmermann must be accompanied by his hometown or residence. Otherwise, you're a slacker and ill-equipped to join the discussion. He's a Baltimore native. He lives in Ellicott City. He works out in Elkridge. I'm still tracing the locations where he dines. Zimmermann attended Loyola Blakefield High School and was chosen for the Brooks Robinson All-Star Game at Camden Yards, where he was named Most Valuable Pitcher for the North team. He spent two...

Our offseason player review series continues today with Carter Kieboom, who got a chance to be the Nationals' everyday third baseman but did little to ensure he'll retain it. PLAYER REVIEW: CARTER KIEBOOM Age on opening day 2021: 23 How acquired: First-round pick, 2016 draft MLB service time: 150 days (prorated) 2020 salary: $564,700 (prorated $177,954) Contract status: Under club control, likely arbitration-eligible in 2023, likely free agent in 2027 2020 stats: 33 G, 122 PA, 99 AB, 15 R, 20...

It was sad to learn that Baltimore sportscasting legend Vince Bagli died yesterday at 93. He certainly lived a full and wonderful life and touched so many people along the way. Seeing the tributes pour in, it seemed like every reporter/writer/broadcaster knew him well and at one time got mentorship and/or words of wisdom from Vince. Usually, it started with him asking you questions: Were you doing OK? How was your family? They treating you well at work? There was a simple charm about Vince as...

Utility infielder Jake Noll was called up mid-September and got to play in seven games with the Nationals. As he had done all season long at the alternate training site, he continued to swing the bat well. From Sept. 15-27, Noll hit .353 (6-for-17) with one double, two runs scored and just four strikeouts. "It's a great opportunity," Noll said during the last weekend of the regular season. "I've been waiting for this chance to prove myself and prove I belong all year. I'm happy to be here...

Our offseason player review series continues today with Adam Eaton, who struggled through a rough season before having it abruptly end with a fractured finger. PLAYER REVIEW: ADAM EATON Age on opening day 2021: 32 How acquired: Traded from White Sox for Lucas Giolito, Reynaldo López and Dane Dunning, December 2016 MLB service time: 8 years, 30 days 2020 salary: $9.5 million (prorated $3,518,519) Contract status: Club holds $10.5 million option (or $1.5 million buyout) for 2021 2020 stats: 41...

There are areas where we saw improvement during the 2020 Orioles season, but few as dramatic as the bullpen. The bullpen ERA improved by nearly two runs per game. And the 'pen changed from one that gave up a lot of homers and was among the easiest to get a hit off in the American League to a stingy one in allowing homers and much tougher to hit. At a time when bullpens are used more than ever and are more important than ever, the trend upward this season was big for the Orioles. The 'pen...

Given an opportunity to re-examine the list of players assigned to the fall instructional league, I was bound to come across a few names that prompted me to say something like, "Oh, yeah, that guy." The judges also would have accepted, "I totally forgot about that guy." Pitcher Dan Hammer struck me first. The Orioles selected Hammer in the 13th round of the 2019 First-Year Player Draft out of the University of Pittsburgh. The name alone made him a good pick. It's the first thing we...

Our offseason player review series continues today with Victor Robles, who disappointed both at the plate and in the field after a promising rookie season . PLAYER REVIEW: VICTOR ROBLES Age on opening day 2021: 23 How acquired: Signed as international free agent, July 2013 MLB service time: 2 years, 52 days 2020 salary: $592,800 (prorated $219,556) Contract status: Under club control, arbitration-eligible in 2022, free agent in 2025 2020 stats: 52 G, 189 PA, 168 AB, 20 R, 37 H, 5 2B, 1 3B, 3...