Eaton should be healthier in 2019, but Nats still face decision
Eaton should be healthier in 2019, but Nats still face decision
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 Adam Eaton, who was briefly sidetracked in his return from a major leg injury but wound up healthy and productive by season's end. PLAYER REVIEW: ADAM EATON Age on opening day 2019: 30 How acquired: Traded from White Sox for Lucas Giolito, Reynaldo López and Dane Dunning, December 2016 MLB service time: 6 years, 30 days 2018 salary: $6...
O's homers awarded $176,000 to Maryland Lottery players
O's homers awarded $176,000 to Maryland Lottery players
Bobby Blanco
Orioles
While the regular season has wrapped up, it's time to recap how Orioles fans won cash throughout the season, thanks to the Maryland Lottery! All season long, fans had the chance to win $50,000 instantly by playing Maryland Lottery Home Run Riches Scratch-Offs. Fans were also able to enter their non-winning tickets for a chance to be selected as the Maryland Lottery Contestant of the Game, which awarded $500 for being selected and an additional $500 for every Orioles home run hit during that...
AFL review: Braymer earns win, Kieboom debuts at second
AFL review: Braymer earns win, Kieboom debuts at second
Byron Kerr
Nationals
Arizona Fall League Week in Review Week 1 Oct. 9-15 Salt River Rafters (2-2) Second place, East Division Left-hander Ben Braymer (1-0) got the AFL season off to a good start with a win as Salt River defeated Surprise 10-8. He recorded four outs, allowing one unearned run on one hit with one walk and one strikeout. Left-hander Taylor Guilbeau then came in and notched three outs, including one strikeout. He allowed no runs, no walks and no hits. Shortstop Carter Kieboom went 0-for-3, but drew a...
Brilliant as a rookie, what can Soto do for an encore next year?
Brilliant as a rookie, what can Soto do for an encore next year?
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 Juan Soto, who made his major league debut far sooner than anyone expected and then performed well beyond anyone's expectations. PLAYER REVIEW: JUAN SOTO Age on opening day 2019: 20 How acquired: Signed as an international free agent, June 2015 MLB service time: 143 days 2018 salary: $545,000 Contract status: Under club control, likely...
For the Orioles, will the dollars make sense?
For the Orioles, will the dollars make sense?
Steve Melewski
Orioles
As a rebuilding team intending to rely on younger and less experienced players, the Orioles will also likely be a team that may not pursue many free agents this winter and certainly not many commanding significant dollars. The Orioles' payroll is going down as they attempt to reset it. Cot's Baseball Contracts ranks the O's year-end 40-man roster payroll at 14th in the majors from 2013 to 2015. It ranked 12th in 2016, at $169.3 million, and 11th in 2017, at $179.9 million. Some have observed...
Ripken isn't currently under consideration for front office job
Ripken isn't currently under consideration for front office job
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The offseason calendar for the Orioles has flipped to a new week with no news about front office hires, managerial candidates or the impact on the coaching staff and in player development and scouting. It shouldn't be much longer before the Orioles decide on a president of baseball operations. They likely have someone in mind, but any further delays could be tied to whether they want to interview an executive with a team that's still in the postseason. There has been some speculation in the...
First offseason edition: "10 questions for O's fans"
First offseason edition: "10 questions for O's fans"
Steve Melewski
Orioles
If you've been reading here for a while, you are probably quite familiar with today's blog format and it doesn't take much explaining on my end. Today I've posed 10 questions and are looking for your responses. Answer one question or all 10. Provide short answers or long. Respond to answers by other readers. It's all good. Here are the questions: 1. Who do you like to become the next general manager of the Orioles? 2. Who do you like to become the next manager of the Orioles? 3. Will the...
Did Kieboom show enough to merit No. 2 catching job in 2019?
Did Kieboom show enough to merit No. 2 catching job in 2019?
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 Spencer Kieboom, who was supposed to be in D.C. short-term but wound up sticking around most of the season. PLAYER REVIEW: SPENCER KIEBOOM Age on opening day 2019: 28 How acquired: Fifth-round pick, 2012 draft MLB service time: 149 days 2018 salary: $545,000 Contract status: Under team control, arbitration-eligible in 2021, free agent in 2024 2018...
Orioles remaining quiet in their pursuit of three Cuban prospects
Orioles remaining quiet in their pursuit of three Cuban prospects
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
I'd love to provide a meaty update on the Orioles' interest in Cuban outfielders Victor Victor Mesa and Victor Mesa Jr. and pitcher Sandy Gastón. However, there isn't much more to write beyond the presence of five representatives at the workout in Miami, the meeting that transpired the following day with the players, their families and agent Barry Praver, and the likelihood that an offer has been submitted for Victor Victor. The Orioles are keeping their business out of the press, whether...
A look at organizational rankings and other notes
A look at organizational rankings and other notes
Steve Melewski
Orioles
When Baseball America released its latest organizational rankings in early August, the Orioles fell three spots. Ranked No. 17 at the start of the 2018 season, they were now ranked No. 20 among all the farm systems in baseball. That seemed strange since it followed the July trades in which the Orioles added 15 players to their organization, including one top-100 prospect in outfielder Yusniel Díaz. Baseball America ranks him at No. 44. So after adding that talent, the Orioles fell in the...