The O's '21 draft class of pitchers looks a lot like 2019

The O's '21 draft class of pitchers looks a lot like 2019
We now have the facts as they relate to pitchers and the Orioles in the 2021 First-Year Player Draft. We do know they drafted just one pitcher in the first 10 rounds and then took eight from rounds 11 through 19. A run broken up only when they selected Florida Southern first baseman Jacob Teter in round 13. Over time we will find out if waiting to draft all those pitchers was a wise move by the Orioles. If Kumar Rocker wins a couple of Cy Young Awards - OK, if he is even a plus starting pitcher...

Aberdeen's no-hitter and a few O's notes

Aberdeen's no-hitter and a few O's notes
The short-season Single-A Aberdeen IronBirds have the best team ERA in the 14-team New York-Penn League. Their strong pitching perhaps was never more evident than last night, when three pitchers combined on the first no-hitter in team history. Right-hander Jake Lyons got the start and went the first five innings on 61 pitches at Vermont, with one walk and five strikeouts. Right-hander James Ryan pitched the next three innings with three strikeouts and right-hander Kyle Martin struck out the...

Leftovers for breakfast (Shepherd joining Orioles)

Leftovers for breakfast (Shepherd joining Orioles)
NEW YORK - The release of the 2020 schedule seemed to come a bit earlier than usual and held a couple of interesting nuggets for the Orioles, including the home-and-home series against the Cubs. Manager Brandon Hyde goes back to Wrigley Field, where he served in a coaching capacity and can share countless stories. The dugout will be crowded for the pregame media sessions. I'm particularly fond of the three off-days on Fridays and a weekend two-game series against the Nationals instead of the...

A look at the Orioles' draft today through round 40

A look at the Orioles' draft today through round 40
After selecting just two pitchers in 11 picks in the first two days of the draft, the Orioles went very heavy on college pitchers when the final day of the draft resumed at noon today. With their 20 selections so far this afternoon in rounds 11-30 they drafted 13 college right-handed pitchers and two college lefties. They added a first baseman, third baseman, two center fielders and one player just listed as an infielder. All 20 picks so far today have come from college. So through round 30,...