More from Elias and details on 4-3 win

More from Elias and details on 4-3 win
The minor league seasons are starting late, which is a heck of a lot better than nothing at all. That's the attitude carried by the Orioles, who are busy finalizing plans for their alternate camp site in Bowie and the minor league spring training in Sarasota that commences after they break. Exhibition games are played and rightfully get most of the attention, including today's 4-3-win over the Blue Jays at Ed Smith Stadium, but there's much more activity churning behind the scenes. "We've...

Because You Asked - The Next Generation

Because You Asked - The Next Generation
The Orioles aren't playing this afternoon and get to enjoy a legitimate off-day, however it's done with pandemic restrictions. That's a long time to sit in a hotel room. No intrasquad nonsense that removes the "off" from their day. A few pitchers will be allowed inside the complex to throw. Otherwise, stay away and find something safe to do. There isn't much risk digging into my mailbag, unless I suffer a virtual paper cut. I'll try again to respond to the questions that are asked on a...

Reviewing Harvey's start, Mountcastle's homer and a 13-4 loss

Reviewing Harvey's start, Mountcastle's homer and a 13-4 loss
The contract was signed and workouts monitored. The ball was handed to him today in Dunedin, Fla. But Matt Harvey wouldn't really fit in with the Orioles until he faced Blue Jays outfielder Randal Grichuk. Now he's truly a member of the club. Making his debut appearance, Harvey loaded the bases in the first inning and Grichuk drove in two runs with a double in Toronto's 13-4 win in Dunedin. Pat Valaika and Ryan Mountcastle homered for the Orioles, who are 2-3-1. Catcher Nick Ciuffo drove in...

Divvying up the players in camp

Divvying up the players in camp
The Orioles' spring training camp is divided into categories, and the lines between them aren't blurred. Outfielder DJ Stewart, who launched a two-run homer yesterday in Clearwater, Fla., is in the group of players likely to make the club and simply trying to avoid giving it reasons to resist. Starter Jorge López allowed two runs and five hits in two innings. The best part of his day was being able to come back out for the second. López is vying for a spot in the rotation, but he's out...

Stewart stands out in 4-4 tie with Phillies

Stewart stands out in 4-4 tie with Phillies
Yesterday's exhibition opener felt more like an orange carpet event marking the latest inspiring achievement in Trey Mancini's comeback from colon cancer surgery. Today's game against the Phillies in Clearwater, Fla., which ended in a 4-4 tie after seven innings, placed the spotlight on a former first-round draft pick and a couple of Rule 5 selections. Less emotion, for sure, but an important day for evaluating talent. DJ Stewart said he's more of a "line drive, base hit guy," but he...

Orioles and Phillies lineups

Orioles and Phillies lineups
Austin Hays is leading off today as the Orioles make their first spring road trip, traveling to Clearwater, Fla., to play the Phillies. Hays is in center field, Ryan Mountcastle is in left and DJ Stewart is in right. Rio Ruiz is the third baseman and cleanup hitter. Manager Brandon Hyde's lineup includes Tyler Nevin at first base and Brett Cumberland as the designated hitter. Chance Sisco is behind the plate. For the Orioles Austin Hays CF DJ Stewart RF Ryan Mountcastle LF Rio Ruiz 3B Chance...

Reflecting on yesterday's exhibition opener

Reflecting on yesterday's exhibition opener
The first exhibition game won't be remembered for the three errors and the five walks issued by Orioles pitching in the first five innings. The high pitch counts that prompted manager Brandon Hyde to pull his team off the field before the last out. Details, details. Hyde wasn't happy about any of it, but he didn't lose his perspective while the Orioles lost to the Pirates. Openers have a tendency to get ugly, and Trey Mancini's return from colon cancer and his first at-bats in a year - in...

Wrapping up Orioles' 6-4 loss in exhibition opener (updated)

Wrapping up Orioles' 6-4 loss in exhibition opener (updated)
The firsts are out of the way. The first Orioles exhibition game. The first standing ovation for Trey Mancini in his first at-bat since March 2, 2020. His first hit immediately after the emotional scene. The first defensive lapses. The first reminder in 2021 that Yusniel Diaz, who hit a two run homer off former Oriole Carson Fulmer in the sixth, is poised to make his debut later in the summer. The first loss and overreactions from fans. Mancini lined a single into center field and struck out...

Lineup speculation, pitching decisions and more

Lineup speculation, pitching decisions and more
The first lineup of 2021 spring training will be posted later this morning, with Trey Mancini the only confirmed player in it. Manager Brandon Hyde said that Mancini will be the first baseman. The rest can be speculated. The Orioles are home, which usually puts more starters on the field. They had Hanser Alberto leading off and playing second base last year in the first game at Ed Smith Stadium. Mancini was in right field, Chris Davis at first base, Pedro Severino behind the plate, Dwight Smith...

Orioles notes and quotes from today's workout

Orioles notes and quotes from today's workout
Orioles manager Brandon Hyde has chosen Thomas Eshelman to start Sunday afternoon's exhibition opener against the Pirates at Ed Smith Stadium. Hyde wanted to get through a handful of full-squad workouts before making his decision. Eshelman rejoined the Orioles on a minor league deal last month. He made 12 appearances in 2020, including four starts, and tied Travis Lakins Sr. for the team lead with three wins. He also registered a 3.89 ERA and 1.240 WHIP in 34 2/3 innings. The Orioles...

Is bullpen built to bring everything Orioles want?

Is bullpen built to bring everything Orioles want?
The evolution of the Orioles bullpen over the years has stripped away the veterans and increased option flexibility. More importance is placed on the freedom to shuttle relievers back and forth and to get multiple innings out of them. Less baton-passing. Less stress trying to cover for starters running short on innings. This is amplified in pandemic seasons and with pitchers coming off a 60-game schedule. "Guys being able to throw multiple innings are going to be really valuable," said...

What we've learned or had confirmed in the first week of camp

What we've learned or had confirmed in the first week of camp
We're entering the fourth day of workouts for Orioles pitchers and catchers, along with a handful of position players who reported early. What stands out for me as I sit in front of my laptop and attend the daily Zooms? No matter how much I crank up the heat in my house, it can't duplicate the Florida sun. But let's stay on topic. None of the pitchers and catchers reported late due to work visa or health issues, and that's as unusual as me being home while there's snow and ice on my...

Hyde on latest camp arrivals, Rule 5 pitchers and more (updated)

Hyde on latest camp arrivals, Rule 5 pitchers and more (updated)
The third day of Orioles workouts in Sarasota, Fla., included the initial appearance of veteran pitcher Matt Harvey. His physical is complete and he's allowed on the field. Harvey stretched and played catch. "We're going to ramp him up when he's ready," manager Brandon Hyde said during his Zoom conference call with the media. "It was good to see him. I've seen him on the other side of the field, but never met him. It was nice to meet him and looking forward to watching him pitch this...

Could Orioles break camp with a six-man rotation?

Could Orioles break camp with a six-man rotation?
A spring training camp with a roster that's grown to 73 players is bound to have a lot of moving parts. Fold in the influences of a pandemic that's turned the sport on its ear, and those parts can leave a vapor trail. Orioles manager Brandon Hyde knows that he's allowed to construct a 26-man roster, but he's open to any ideas. One of them is breaking camp with six starters. Hyde confirmed on Wednesday's Zoom conference call that it's a viable option. "I think anything's possible this...

As camp begins, another look at rotation candidates

As camp begins, another look at rotation candidates
When you look at the list of 73 players the Orioles have heading to spring training this week, there are 37 pitchers among that group of players. Of that group of 37, there are 15-20 that might have at least a remote shot at breaking north in the season-opening starting rotation. Realistically, the number is less, but still large. Let's take a look at groupings of pitchers that we could see in the rotation come April. TOP TIER This group includes lefty John Means, the likely opening day...

Hidden storylines as Orioles hold first spring workout

Hidden storylines as Orioles hold first spring workout
The first workout of Orioles pitchers and catchers will be held this morning on the back fields at the Ed Smith Stadium complex. With rain no longer in the forecast in Sarasota, Fla., where temperatures will approach the 80s. Without the media dodging puddles and remembering that an umbrella would have easily fit inside a suitcase or laptop bag. The gates and clubhouse aren't open to the press. The latter is expected to remain closed throughout camp and perhaps during the regular season. Major...

The reconfiguration of spring camp and non-roster candidates

The reconfiguration of spring camp and non-roster candidates
Pitchers and catchers are arriving today at the Ed Smith Stadium complex. We've made it this far. Smaller-scale workouts begin on Wednesday and broaden Feb. 22 with more players spread out on the back fields and over at Twin Lakes Park. There will be 73 players on the camp roster after Matt Harvey's deal is announced, two shy of capacity, but they're categorized as 40-man roster, non-roster invites and reserves. They won't be huddled together and making a mockery of the implemented...

This, that and the other

This, that and the other
Will the Orioles have at least two rookies in their starting rotation on opening day? Manager Brandon Hyde isn't handing out jobs a day before pitchers and catchers report to spring training. Keegan Akin and Dean Kremer are expected to earn them, but that's exactly what they'll have to do. For now, Hyde is saying only that they've earned the opportunity. That is all. The rest is up to them. "I like to keep guys competitive," Hyde said during our recent video Q&A that's going to be...

40-man roster could require restructuring

40-man roster could require restructuring
Pitchers and catchers are required to report to the Ed Smith Stadium complex in less than a week. The offseason is about to move into the spring training workout phase, followed by exhibition games - adjusted from the original schedule to eliminate longer-distance travel - played while everyone holds their breath. Not a bad idea during a pandemic. Reduce the risk of a positive test for COVID-19. The Orioles aren't a finished product and roster moves are coming while they're in camp. More...

Should Goudeau get more attention as pitching alternative?

Should Goudeau get more attention as pitching alternative?
The signing of a veteran starting pitcher was a certainty as the Orioles attempted to set their camp roster. Could have been a major league deal, could have been a minor league deal. Could have been one major league and one minor league deal. Could have been two minor league deals. But an experienced starter was going to be slotted into the rotation. Deal with it. Wade LeBlanc reached agreement last week on a minor league contract, followed by former Cy Young Award winner Félix Hernández...