It’s risky business - and I’m not talking about a Tom Cruise movie. Lana won’t be knocking at the door. No, we’re talking about trying to predict a big league team’s win-loss record. But’s it’s OK, even fun to predict and take a shot. If we’re wrong, so what? Who will even remember? Sure, that is all true. I read preseason predictions, but seldom make ... read more
When the Orioles signed José Iglesias to be their starting shortstop, it was easy to make the assumption that now the club would send Richie Martin to Triple-A to start the 2020 season. For one, Martin has never played at that level - jumping from Double-A to the majors last year as a Rule 5 pick. He could use the everyday batting reps. Even though ... read more
Baseball America published a very interesting article recently as the publication ranked each major league organization by its draft success in the decade starting in 2010 and running through the 2019 draft. They ranked the teams in terms of total Wins Above Replacement those drafts produced. They counted WAR no matter for which team it was accumulated. So the Orioles scored for Manny Machado, but ... read more
The hammer may be about to drop on the Houston Astros for their real-time sign stealing and cheating in baseball. But even before that hammer falls comes news that the Boston Red Sox are involved. Again. Wasn’t the Apple Watch episode enough? And it can’t be a good look for the sport when the World Series champs of 2017 (Houston) and 2018 (Boston) are tainted. ... read more
The Orioles filled one box on their to-do list yesterday when they agreed on a contract with free agent shortstop José Iglesias. The former Red Sox, Tiger and Red got a one-year deal for $3 million with a club option for 2021 at $3 million, although the deal has not yet been officially announced by the team. The deal provides the club a plus defender ... read more
It’s been coming for a few years. The Orioles are building some nice outfield depth. Will there be room for everyone? Will this position provide a surplus eventually they may trade from? Let’s look at the eight players listed as outfielders on the 40-man roster. Trey Mancini: The Orioles are thrilled he’s under team control for three more years. At some point, maybe after 2020, ... read more
The Orioles’ neighbors to the south are one interesting baseball team right now. They lost Bryce Harper to a division rival, failed to win their division, yet won the World Series. They overcame a poor bullpen by using their starters in relief at times in October. They got clutch offense late throughout the month and won it all. This after a terrible start to the ... read more
In the minor leagues, winning is not everything. In fact, it may rank a few steps down the line. You can develop players while your team wins, but it’s not a prerequisite. You can certainly develop players on teams that don’t win. It happens often. It’s pretty clear that the primary goal on the O’s farm again in 2020 is for individual players to get ... read more
