The 2018 road woes and timing of O's big hires
The 2018 road woes and timing of O's big hires
Steve Melewski
Orioles
With 115 losses, the 2018 Orioles were easily the worst team in the majors this year, and they posted their worst record since their move to Baltimore in 1954. But their road record was where it went from bad to worse. And worst. In six months and 162 games of baseball, the Orioles won all of three road series. They split a two-game series in Yankee Stadium on July 31-Aug. 1. After that, they lost their last nine road series. They won their third road series June 22-24 at Atlanta. After that,...
Rendon loses Gold Glove Award to Arenado again
Rendon loses Gold Glove Award to Arenado again
Mark Zuckerman
Nationals
Anthony Rendon is widely regarded as one of the best third basemen in the sport. But for now, he continues to be regarded as a notch below Nolan Arenado. For the third consecutive year, Rendon finished behind Arenado for the Gold Glove Award at third base. The awards, presented annually by Rawlings, were handed out this evening. Rendon has been a finalist (i.e., one of the top three vote-getters at his position) each of the last three years. But each time the quiet Nationals star has finished...
Taking a morning quiz
Taking a morning quiz
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Rather than dump out the entire mailbag today and try to come up with a fresh sequel title, I'm going to pull out a couple of the heavy repeats and attempt to eliminate whatever confusion lingers in the air like the odor from a hardboiled egg. Let's go with a true or false format. As opposed to truth or dare, which could get weird around here. The Orioles definitely won't be signing any free agents. False. The Orioles don't have a definite starter for right field, third base or behind the...
After season of struggles, Solís' future with Nats is tenuous
After season of struggles, Solís' future with Nats is tenuous
Mark Zuckerman
Nationals
As our offseason coverage kicks into high gear, we're going to review each significant player on the Nationals roster. We continue today with Sammy Solís, who could not take advantage of his many opportunities out of the bullpen. PLAYER REVIEW: SAMMY SOLÍS Age on opening day 2019: 30 How acquired: Second-round pick, 2010 draft MLB service time: 3 years, 52 days 2018 salary: $560,300 Contract status: Arbitration-eligible in 2019, free agent in 2022 2018 stats: 1-2, 6.41 ERA, 56 G, 0 SV,...
Are Machado and Harper looking at a possible $400 million each?
Are Machado and Harper looking at a possible $400 million each?
Steve Melewski
Orioles
There have been 12 contracts in baseball history producing total dollars of $200 million or more, but outfielder Giancarlo Stanton signed the only pact for over $300 million. In November 2014, he signed a contract extension with Miami for 13 years and $325 million. That was the richest contract in major league history. This winter, not one but two players could top that, and might even surpass the $400 million threshold. In their annual predictions and projections for free agents,...
Nationals agree to terms with Trevor Rosenthal
Nationals agree to terms with Trevor Rosenthal
Pete Kerzel
Nationals
The Washington Nationals agreed to terms on a one-year contract with a conditional option with right-handed pitcher Trevor Rosenthal on Saturday. Nationals President of Baseball Operations and General Manager Mike Rizzo made the announcement. Rosenthal, 28, posted a 2.99 ERA and 121 saves in 328 appearances across six Major League seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals from 2012-17. During that stretch, he ranked among Major League relievers (min. 300.0 IP) in home runs allowed per nine innings...
Could Trumbo become trade chip later?
Could Trumbo become trade chip later?
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The number of Orioles free agents is miniscule, with only Adam Jones and Colby Rasmus representing - and the latter feels like a mere technicality after the club placed him on the restricted list and he headed home to be with his family. Mark Trumbo will be eligible after next year's World Series, with the team he's leaving to be determined. Though he's currently with the Orioles, recovering from surgery on his right knee, he's a potential trade chip at the non-waiver deadline if healthy...
Rosenthal passes physical, signing announced
Rosenthal passes physical, signing announced
Mark Zuckerman
Nationals
Trevor Rosenthal's signing with the Nationals became official this morning after the right-hander passed a physical, giving the club its first free agent addition of the offseason. Rosenthal, the Cardinals' former All-Star closer who missed all of the 2018 season following Tommy John surgery, agreed on Wednesday to a one-year contract with the Nats that guarantees him $7 million (a $6 million salary in 2019, plus a $1 million buyout if his 2020 option is not picked up). That conditional 2020...
After climbing ladder in organization, Suero was solid as rookie
After climbing ladder in organization, Suero was solid as rookie
Mark Zuckerman
Nationals
As our offseason coverage kicks into high gear, we're going to review each significant player on the Nationals roster. We continue today with Wander Suero, who made his major league debut this year. PLAYER REVIEW: WANDER SUERO Age on opening day 2019: 27 How acquired: Signed as international free agent, February 2010 MLB service time: 121 days 2018 salary: $545,000 Contract status: Under club control in 2019, arbitration-eligible in 2022, free agent in 2025 2018 stats: 4-1, 3.59 ERA, 40 G, 0...
A look at a catcher trending up with the Orioles
A look at a catcher trending up with the Orioles
Steve Melewski
Orioles
He is not currently on the Orioles' 40-man roster, although it seems likely he will be before the 2019 Rule 5 draft. The Orioles might add a catcher to their 40-man roster to avoid him possibly being taken in the Rule 5 draft. They got him in that draft just last year - in the minor league phase of the Rule 5. Credit to the Orioles for adding catcher Martin Cervenka last December in the minor league phase of the Rule 5 from the San Francisco Giants. From the Czech Republic, Cervenka was...