One vote for continuing some of the new MLB rules
One vote for continuing some of the new MLB rules
Steve Melewski
Orioles
Major League Baseball is closing in on completing a unique 2020 season. One that featured 60 regular-season games, 16 teams in the playoffs, but zero fans in the stands. While everyone hopes the fans return next year, we could also see some rules that we saw for the first time in 2020 returning next year. This could include the extra- innings rule for one. We could also see more than the previous 10 playoff teams next year, although it may not be 16 that make it. This season, when extra innings...
International players getting noticed in fall instructional camp
International players getting noticed in fall instructional camp
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The fall instructional camp allows the Orioles to give more work to prospects who also joined the alternate camp site in Bowie or were excluded. And it provides a way to become more familiar with some of the international signings. If José Cosma doesn't sound familiar to you, the Orioles announced his signing on Jan. 24. SN Nation's tracker listed him as joining the organization in 2019. Whatever. Cosma was in the wave of Dominican players that also included third baseman Albert...
Barrera returns from "dark places," thrilled to resume playing baseball
Barrera returns from "dark places," thrilled to resume playing baseball
Byron Kerr
Nationals
After being reinstated by Major League Baseball following a suspension, Nationals catcher Tres Barrera is headed to the Dominican Republic this week to begin training camp for winter baseball. The 26-year-old will play for the Leones del Escogido in the Dominican Winter League. The schedule calls for 30 games beginning on Nov. 15. This is welcome news for Barrera, who just two and a half months ago thought his entire baseball career might be in jeopardy. Barrera was suspended in late July for...
Will a normal spring and more depth help Harris in 2021?
Will a normal spring and more depth help Harris in 2021?
Mark Zuckerman
Nationals
Our offseason player review series continues today with Will Harris, who had an erratic debut season with the Nationals. PLAYER REVIEW: WILL HARRIS Age on opening day 2021: 36 How acquired: Signed as free agent, January 2020 MLB service time: 7 years, 102 days 2020 salary: $8 million (prorated $2,962,963) Contract status: Signed for $8 million in 2021 and 2022 2020 stats: 0-1, 3.06 ERA, 20 G, 1 SV, 17 2/3 IP, 21 H, 9 R, 6 ER, 3 HR, 9 BB, 21 SO, 0 HBP, 1.698 WHIP, 152 ERA+, 4.55 FIP, 0.1 fWAR,...
O's still not ready to worry much about closer's role
O's still not ready to worry much about closer's role
Steve Melewski
Orioles
Should the Orioles look to establish one pitcher as their closer in the 2021 season? Baltimore had five pitchers record saves in the shortened 60-game season in 2020. The short answer for me is definitely not. No reason to try and find one established closer right now. In fact, on a rebuilding team, why not give several players a chance to save games next year? Find out which players seem to handle the ninth-inning pressure well and which do not. Closing games is hard and there are pitchers...
After difficult year, Doolittle faces uncertain future
After difficult year, Doolittle faces uncertain future
Mark Zuckerman
Nationals
Our offseason player review series continues today with Sean Doolittle, who was ineffective and injured much of this season and now faces an uncertain future. PLAYER REVIEW: SEAN DOOLITTLE Age on opening day 2021: 34 How acquired: Traded with Ryan Madson from Athletics for Blake Treinen, Jesús Luzardo and Sheldon Neuse, July 2017 MLB service time: 8 years, 122 days 2020 salary: $6.5 million (prorated $2,407,407) Contract status: Free agent 2020 stats: 0-2, 5.87 ERA, 11 G, 0 SV, 7 2/3 IP, 9...
A closer look at Jim Hickey's coaching philosophy
A closer look at Jim Hickey's coaching philosophy
Byron Kerr
Nationals
New Nationals pitching coach Jim Hickey brings to the table a ton of experience, from the minor leagues to the majors. The last two seasons, he worked in the Dodgers organization as a special assistant for player development, working with their top prospects. Earlier, Hickey had worked 11 seasons as pitching coach with the Rays, where he spent a significant amount of time alongside Nats manager Davey Martinez. In 2018, he was the pitching coach for the Cubs. So being a pitching coach for a big...
How much did fans miss attending games?
How much did fans miss attending games?
Steve Melewski
Orioles
If absence does make the heart grow fonder, can something similar work when it comes to baseball attendance? I've heard from a few fans lately that basically said they can't wait to attend another Orioles game when they are allowed back into Camden Yards and it's safe to do so. They missed going to games. I can tell you that applies to some of the media as well. Speaking only for myself, I greatly missed the daily in-person interaction with O's players and staff. And seeing some media...
Rogers facing hitters in fall instructional camp
Rogers facing hitters in fall instructional camp
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Among the important differences between the alternate camp site in Bowie and the fall instructional camp in Sarasota, Fla., is the ability of the Orioles to free their rehabbing players from home confinement. Injured Orioles couldn't report to Prince George's Stadium unless they were included in the 60-man pool, which had been reserved for players who might earn a call-up to the majors or healthy prospects. Left-hander Josh Rogers was working out at a friend's indoor sports training facility...
Martinez goes for familiarity with pitching coach Hickey (updated)
Martinez goes for familiarity with pitching coach Hickey (updated)
Mark Zuckerman
Nationals
In choosing to let go several members of a staff that helped him win a World Series, Davey Martinez suggested he preferred to bring in coaches with whom he already had well-established relationships. Sure enough, Martinez's first hire of the offseason is someone he already knows very well: Jim Hickey. The Nationals named Hickey their new pitching coach today, hiring the 58-year-old who spent seven seasons working on the same Rays staff with Martinez last decade. "I am very excited to add Jim...