Key offseason topic still front and center: When to trade the prospects?
Steve Melewski
Orioles
If on Opening Day the Orioles infield was Ryan Mountcastle, Jackson Holliday, Gunnar Henderson and Jordan Westburg, that would be formidable. Four players that have been top 100 prospects at one time and two that made it to No. 1. But that would leave no room for others to include vets Jorge Mateo, Ramon Urías and Ryan O’Hearn who are on the 40-man
Time for a few more Orioles predictions for 2024
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
I’m counting 23 days until Orioles pitchers and catchers must report to the Ed Smith Stadium complex in Sarasota. However, the number of early arrivals seems to increase every year. Many of the position players also arrive before their date. Great complex, great weather, and an eagerness to start a new season. I’ve shared some early predictions ove
What expectations will fans have for the 2024 season?
Steve Melewski
Orioles
After their best season in years, one that saw the Orioles win in April and keep it going all year, one that saw them in the playoffs and one that saw them win postseason honors too, what do they do next? How about keep winning and go deeper in the playoffs next time? That sounds fair and would be a reasonable expectation for the 2024 season. You m
What the Nationals already have in place
Mark Zuckerman
Masn
It’s easy to look at the Nationals right now, silent for more than a month, and stress over what they still need to acquire this winter. The Nats still need a left fielder. They still need a designated hitter. They may need another starting pitcher. And though several other positions are filled, there are still major question marks about several of
This, that and the other
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The Orioles aren’t necessarily done with their bullpen, remaining open to the idea of adding another veteran to it. Perhaps on a minor league deal to compete in camp. Perhaps on a major league deal to pair with new closer Craig Kimbrel. As we’ve discussed here, it’s one way to improve the pitching staff if executive vice president/general manager M
A few facts and opinions about prospects and the O's playoff chances
Steve Melewski
Orioles
Today let’s throw out a few more facts about the Orioles and drop in an opinion or two to discuss them. Here we go. Fact: Juan Soto made the majors after just 122 games on the farm and Jackson Holliday has played 145 minor league games through the 2023 season. Fact and opinions: It’s true, and Baseball America’s JJ Cooper made that point this week
News about a couple of former Nationals
Mark Zuckerman
Masn
Austin Voth’s career in Washington didn’t turn out the way he hoped it would. For a brief while, it looked like he might have figured something out in Baltimore, but things fizzled out there as well. Now Voth will get a chance to resurrect his career in his hometown. The Mariners signed the right-hander to a $1.25 million contract earlier this week
A little look ahead to Orioles spring training
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The latest spring training update, with the report date for pitchers and catchers and the first workouts, can transport a person to Sarasota without needing an airline reservation. Shovels filled with snow and ice bring that same person back to reality. But at least there are no lines at security. I have a few more weeks until I need to start packi
Friday morning Nats Q&A
Mark Zuckerman
Masn
No, the Nationals still haven't signed a left fielder, first baseman or designated hitter. No, they still haven't made any major-league roster move since Dec. 12. But, hey, they did hire Sean Doolittle to be their pitching strategist this week, so at least they've made some news of consequence! The slowest offseason in a long time unfortunately con
After three straight years with the Baseball America No. 1 player, could O's extend streak?
Steve Melewski
Orioles
When I interviewed Baseball America’s JJ Cooper this week to talk about the Orioles making history in the BA top 100, becoming the first team to have three No. 1 players in three straight years, he had an interesting comment. “It’s hard to imagine we are going to see this again anytime soon,” he said. To that point, many in Birdland may have though