A few more Orioles spring training storylines

While most eyes will rest upon Jackson Holliday, other prospects, and major pitching additions Corbin Burnes and Craig Kimbrel at spring training, there are plenty of storylines to go around during those six weeks. Lots to fill notepads and space on laptop screens. Lots to keep fingers busy.

Checking under the radar ideas can put a reporter over the top.

Top Orioles prospect rankings are light on pitching, but Cade Povich and Chayce McDermott tend to be listed back-to-back within the first dozen or so, and they’re counted among the camp invites. McDermott was the organization’s Minor League Pitcher of the Year.  

Both pitchers are eyeing 2024 for their major league debuts. They won’t break camp with the team, but their arrivals could come later.

“I mean, it’s a goal I have for sure,” Povich said at the Birdland Caravan. “Obviously, things have to fall into place. Just kind of trust the work I’ve done this offseason and hope whatever comes, comes.”

More memories from days covering Orioles spring training

More memories from days covering Orioles spring training
Because major league spring training remains delayed and I'm stuck at home for an indefinite period - I'd definitely like to know for how long - I must live vicariously through myself. Oh, the memories. I loved the city of Fort Lauderdale and the proximity to South Beach. I had my favorite spots to eat and drink and made lots of friends. I didn't care for the small complex, the flooded dugouts and clubhouse after heavy rains, the limited space, the ballpark lights that didn't work, the...

This, that and the other

This, that and the other
The Orioles close out the first half with an open spot on their 25-man roster that's going to be filled by new pitcher Aaron Brooks. David Hess was optioned to Triple-A Norfolk yesterday without appearing in a game. Sort of like Josh Lucas, except he was designated for assignment over the weekend to make room for Brooks on the 40-man roster. Brooks' role with the Orioles hasn't been defined. The rotation coming out of the break includes Dylan Bundy on Friday against the Rays at Camden Yards,...

Checking on Orioles minor leaguers who became free agents

Checking on Orioles minor leaguers who became free agents
The current offseason for the Orioles may not seem typical with hires pending in the front office, no manager in place and promises to revamp the entire scouting operation. This isn't business as usual across the board. However, there are certain tasks that await the club and aren't influenced by other circumstances. Building up minor league depth is one of the priorities. Trying to find hidden and inexpensive gems. The Orioles also might try to keep a few of their own. The list of Orioles...

Updating Brach trade talks and O's interest in Mesa (O's up 12-3)

Updating Brach trade talks and O's interest in Mesa (O's up 12-3)
As the Orioles focus on trying to move the rest of their pending free agents following trades this month that sent shortstop Manny Machado to the Dodgers and reliever Zach Britton to the Yankees, they are talking to multiple teams about reliever Brad Brach while attempting to complete a deal by Tuesday's non-waiver trade deadline. The Cubs, Rockies and Indians are maintaining interest in Brach, according to a source. Brach is 1-2 with 11 saves, a 4.85 ERA and 1.769 WHIP in 42 games over 39...

Beckham in Orioles lineup

Beckham in Orioles lineup
Tim Beckham is coming off the disabled list today and starting at third base as the Orioles open their series against the Mariners. A corresponding move will be announced later. Beckham is batting eighth against Mariners right-hander Félix Hernández. Mark Trumbo is the designated hitter and cleanup hitter, and Chris Davis is behind him batting fifth. Caleb Joseph is catching. The Mariners are 1-6 over their last 7 games. Kyle Seager ranks second in the majors with 33 RBIs on the road,...

Hearing from Hess and Akin at minicamp

Hearing from Hess and Akin at minicamp
Only eight of the 17 pitchers at the Orioles minicamp in Sarasota threw off a bullpen mound over the course of three days. Richard Bleier had sessions on Monday and yesterday. I'm including Ryan O'Rourke in the group of invitees because the Orioles wanted to check on him following ligament-reconstructive surgery on his left elbow that forced him to miss the 2017 season. O'Rourke and Dariel Álvarez, who had the same procedure on his right elbow, are in rehab mode. David Hess played catch,...

More on Orioles minicamp (2018 game times set)

More on Orioles minicamp (2018 game times set)
SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles' latest minicamp provided an opportunity for manager Buck Showalter and some of his coaches to check on the Ed Smith Stadium complex after it incurred damage from Hurricane Irma and with new sod being laid on the Camden Yards replica field. A scoreboard is going up later this winter and the batter's eye must be replaced. Netting beyond the outfield fence will save baseballs from being lost in the pond or oncoming traffic. Trees have been cleared out - some by...

McDowell wraps up the three-day minicamp

McDowell wraps up the three-day minicamp
SARASOTA, Fla. - The Orioles concluded their three-day minicamp at the Ed Smith Stadium complex this morning with Richard Bleier throwing his second bullpen session. Bleier was the only pitcher on a mound today and the only one cleared for multiple sessions this week. This is the fifth year in a row that the Orioles have held their minicamp in Sarasota. Dariel Álvarez did some long-tossing again while rehabbing from ligament-reconstructive surgery on his right elbow. As I wrote in my last...

Dariel Álvarez nearing return to mound

Dariel Álvarez nearing return to mound
SARASOTA, Fla. - Dariel Álvarez no longer is resistant to making the switch from outfielder to pitcher. He's embracing the idea with a surgically repaired elbow and a new attitude. Álvarez is playing catch at minicamp, which wraps up later today, and said via translator Ramon Martinez that he's scheduled to throw off a flat mound by the end of the month. "I've been doing the rehabilitation and I feel pretty good so far," said Álvarez, who had the procedure in April, was released...

Chris Lee on a difficult season and a fresh start

Chris Lee on a difficult season and a fresh start
SARASOTA, Fla. - We're only one day into the Orioles minicamp and manager Buck Showalter is accomplishing everything on the list. Pitchers coming off surgeries are checked, the newbies are evaluated, meetings are held with everyone who received an invitation. Chris Tillman's workouts while the club retains interest in re-signing him are an added bonus. I'll just assume that he remains out of view of the three beat writers who made the trip. "The criteria for being here, and we have a lot of...

Showalter on Machado, Beckham, the roster and more

Showalter on Machado, Beckham, the roster and more
SARASOTA, Fla. - Orioles manager Buck Showalter continues to proceed as if Manny Machado will be part of his opening day lineup, though trade discussions haven't closed. There's no other way to handle the matter. Showalter has talked to Machado and Tim Beckham about the left side of the infield and how it might unfold. Machado could move over to shortstop, the spot where Beckham prefers to play. It's a delicate situation. "It's further along than it was," Showalter said. Any...

Quick hits from Showalter following Day One of minicamp

Quick hits from Showalter following Day One of minicamp
SARASOTA, Fla. - Pitcher Chris Tillman, who has a home here, is working out at the Ed Smith Stadium complex after receiving permission from the Orioles. Tillman is a free agent and manager Buck Showalter expressed interest today in bringing back the veteran right-hander. Showalter also said he'd like to hold onto free agent outfielder Craig Gentry, whose defense and speed are valuable assets. Showalter didn't dismiss the idea of bringing back Pedro Álvarez, but conceded it would be...

Hunter Harvey: "I feel like I'm ready to go"

Hunter Harvey: "I feel like I'm ready to go"
SARASOTA, Fla. - The first day of Orioles minicamp wrapped up this morning with Rule 5 pick Nestor Cortes Jr. completing a bullpen session, pitchers running sprints and Dariel Álvarez playing catch on flat ground as he recovers from ligament-reconstructive surgery on his right elbow. Álvarez is converting from outfielder to reliever. Manager Buck Showalter is joined by pitching coach Roger McDowell, bullpen coach Alan Mills, bench coach John Russell, special assignment pitching instructor...

Day One of Orioles minicamp

Day One of Orioles minicamp
SARASOTA, Fla. - The first day of Orioles minicamp begins this morning at the Ed Smith Stadium complex, with pitchers scheduled to head outdoors at 10 a.m. A small group of beat writers will have clubhouse access for an hour. Temperatures climb into the 70s this week, but rain is in the forecast for Tuesday and Wednesday, which could move some of the bullpen sessions to the covered cages. Or, because it's Florida, the sun could come out two minutes after a downpour. In case you need a...

Previewing next week's minicamp in Sarasota (updated twice)

Previewing next week's minicamp in Sarasota (updated twice)
While the extended forecast calls for snow possible later this week and temperatures so low that they can turn your thoughts to ice, the highs in Sarasota are stuck in the 50s until Sunday. Until the Orioles begin trickling into the Ed Smith Stadium complex for their annual three-day minicamp. Temperatures are supposed to climb back into the 70s by Monday's first workout with only a 10 percent chance of rain before everyone returns home. The guys living up north may leave kicking and...

Leftovers for breakfast

Leftovers for breakfast
The Orioles will hold their annual three-day minicamp in Sarasota beginning on Jan. 8 and manager Buck Showalter has been compiling his list of invitees and awaiting the responses. Former outfielder Dariel Álvarez could be summoned to the Ed Smith Stadium complex while rehabbing from ligament-reconstructive surgery on his right elbow back in April. The minicamp serves multiple purposes, including the opportunity for the Orioles to check on injured players or the ones who underwent a medical...

The Dariel Álvarez pitching experiment will continue

The Dariel Álvarez pitching experiment will continue
The Orioles will resume their attempts to transform Dariel Álvarez from an outfielder to a pitcher. They haven't bailed on the idea. Álvarez is rehabbing his right elbow following ligament-reconstructive surgery in April. Don't forget about him. The Orioles remain committed to seeing this experiment through. "He's doing great," said director of player development Brian Graham. "He's coming back to spring training. And by the end of spring training, he'll be close to being able to...

Notes on Britton, Smith, Rickard, Mullins, D. Álvarez and Aquino

Notes on Britton, Smith, Rickard, Mullins, D. Álvarez and Aquino
The Orioles are waiting for the results of closer Zach Britton's MRI on his left elbow and forearm. They continue to anticipate good news. Britton told manager Buck Showalter last night that he was ready to pitch. "He's champing at the bit," Showalter said. Outfielder Seth Smith reported that his right hamstring has improved. He's testing it during batting practice. The Orioles need to find out whether Smith will be available in the near future to avoid a trip to the disabled list. He...

Notes on Asher, D. Álvarez, Bourn, 40-man and more

Notes on Asher, D. Álvarez, Bourn, 40-man and more
With their competition for the fifth starter's spot reduced to two pitchers occupying the first two spots on an alphabetical list, the Orioles chose the one who would stay in turn and produced the best results at Triple-A Norfolk in an extremely short sample size. Their selection also rewarded the newcomer, a right-hander who joined the organization less than a week before the Orioles broke camp. Alec Asher was acquired from the Phillies on March 28 for the always popular "player to be...