Because You Asked - Final Cut

The mailbag is getting full again, which sends me scurrying to find answers and a new sequel title.

You know the drill. You ask, I respond, you ask again, I respond again and our relationship grows stronger.

Curiosity killed the cat, but it keeps this blog alive through the dog days of winter.

Any surprises at the non-tender deadline?
Such a negative person. You could have referred to it as the "tender deadline." Anyway, catcher Pedro Severino went from vulnerable to recipient of a $1.825 million contract after batting .159/.232/.206 with no home runs or RBIs in September and experiencing some issues behind the plate. MLBTradeRumors.com projected his salary at $1.4 million. I wasn't prepared to report this type of deal. Otherwise, are we counting the José Iglesias trade, since it happened at the deadline? You could have knocked me over with a feather. Or Andrew Velazquez. (Because, you know, he's also light.)

Got it. Why would Yolmer Sánchez take such a modest deal after making $4.6 million?
Sánchez was non-tendered by the White Sox and signed a minor league contract with the Giants this year before returning to the White Sox. His salary is basically a reset. And the Orioles weren't keeping him at $4.6 million.

Who's playing shortstop with Iglesias gone?
Most likely a newcomer to the organization. Most likely a free agent who's going to be paid less than $3.5 million and is a plus defender. Maybe they reconsider Adeiny Hechavarría after choosing Iglesias over him last winter. Just don't reserve the third spot in the order for him.

Is Adley Rutschman going to debut in 2021?
Could be yes, could be no.

That's a big help.
That isn't a question. What I'm saying here is it isn't guaranteed that he stays in the minors or makes his debut. Both possibilities exist. Especially when a player starts out at the Double-A level and possesses Rutschman's skill set, but also has no playing experience beyond a handful of games at low Single-A and works at such a demanding position in an organization that won't rush its prospects. So maybe yes, maybe no.

What should we know about Garrett Stallings?
He was part of the Iglesias trade.

And?
The Angels selected Stallings in the fifth round in 2019 after he made 16 starts for the University of Tennessee and went 8-5 with a 3.33 ERA and 1.227 WHIP and averaged 1.4 walks and 9.3 strikeouts per nine innings. The Orioles liked him heading into the draft. They scouted and liked him at the Angels' alternate camp and fall instructional camp. He's known to have a legitimate four-pitch mix with excellent command of a fastball that sits in the low 90s. Baseball Savant's report noted how Stallings throws it with "a ton of sink." The changeup appears to be his second-best pitch, but Stallings also is armed with a curveball and slider-cutter. He averaged only 1.3 walks and 0.9 home runs allowed per nine innings in three seasons at Tennessee. The Orioles think he could slot in the middle or back end of their rotation. But first, he needs to join an affiliate for the first time.

Who are the starting pitchers on opening day?
I'm comfortable predicting John Means, Alex Cobb, Keegan Akin and Dean Kremer, but the fifth spot could belong to a pitcher who isn't currently in the organization. A veteran or two will be signed in the off-season. Otherwise, we're left to wonder whether the Orioles would insert Bruce Zimmermann in a rookie-heavy rotation. Jorge López also is in the mix.

How many games will the Orioles win next season?
I don't even know how many games they're going to play. It feels like 162 is a reach. I'd do cartwheels over 120.

So you don't think the season will start on time?
This is premature, of course. The world could throw us a few more curveballs. I've just become a cynic. Returning to normal in a few months seems impossible. A full spring training and full season? Yes, please. But how can anyone feel encouraged?

Will the number of games played exceed the number of positive COVID-19 tests on the Ravens?
Gonna be close.

Any updates on a third base coach and infield instructor?
I heard this week that there was nothing new to report. I wrote initially that the Orioles were more likely to make an outside hire or promote someone from their minor league system than shift a coach on their current staff to a new role. They're creating a list of candidates.

Any word on which minor league affiliate will be eliminated?
Nothing yet. Just lots of speculation about Single-A Frederick, which is so unfair to its amazing fan base, after it appeared on an early contraction list. Delmarva and Double-A Bowie also could be impacted. Those are the three most vulnerable affiliates. Short-season Single-A Aberdeen is expected to move up to full-season status. Answers should come next week.

What is your contraction recommendation?
Take deep breaths and push when you're told.

Why did the Orioles release Renato Núñez? Can't wait to watch him hit 40 home runs next season.
That would be a first for Núñez. His high is 31 in 2019. There were multiple factors, which I outlined in past articles. His projected raise in arbitration, his defensive limitations, an overflow of outfielders that could splash the designated hitter spot. It's a positive development that the Orioles need to create room as more prospects reach the majors or become established. Núñez turned into a smart acquisition, but he just doesn't fit anymore. If you're worried about the loss of power, imagine full seasons from Ryan Mountcastle, Trey Mancini and Anthony Santander and the eventual promotion of Yusniel Diaz.

Will the Orioles be busy at the Winter Meetings?
You mean the virtual Winter Meetings. And yes, though I'm not suggesting that they're going to announce a batch of player acquisitions beyond their annual selection(s) in the Rule 5 draft. The activity can lay the groundwork for future moves. The meetings with rival executives and agents, which won't be face-to-face in 2020. Past meetings also have enabled the front office to interview candidates for manager, the coaching staff, the analytics department and other positions within the organization. They just don't satisfy the public's yearning for a free agent signing or a trade. Important but not flashy. So yes, executive vice president/general manager Mike Elias will be busy.

Will you be busy at the Winter Meetings?
I'll be under house arrest again. The public relations staff will let us know exactly how it's going to work. Will there be daily Zoom calls with Elias to mimic the daily sessions in his suite, or just a few to keep us updated? Most likely the latter. Will we have access to manager Brandon Hyde to mimic the media scrum that's normally held in the workroom? Sounds like it. The annual manager luncheon also would have to be done via Zoom, and no one needs to watch me eat a sandwich at home in my underwear.

But if a Zoom only shows you from the waist up ...
Don't overthink it.

Will Rio Ruiz be the third baseman on opening day?
If I had to write out a lineup this morning, he'd be the third baseman. But I don't. Ruiz is in the running at the moment but the job isn't just waiting for him. The Orioles could bring in another infielder who plays third base or evaluate whether Rylan Bannon is ready. They also could consider Sánchez if he isn't the second baseman. They will not consider Mountcastle.

Would the Orioles consider starting Mountcastle at third base to free up a spot in the outfield?
Still no.

Is Mountcastle a rookie next season?
Yes, but he wouldn't have been eligible for the award if he won it this year, for whatever reason. Is Major League Baseball trying to discourage the hoarding of awards? My piece:

Do you have a Hall of Fame vote?
Yes. My ballot arrived in the mail last week. Perhaps the weakest one since I became eligible to vote. I won't be choosing the maximum 10 players.

Would you like to see my mock ballot?
No.

Do you think the Orioles will try to sign Ha-Seong Kim?
MLBTradeRumors.com predicts that Kim will receive a five-year, $40 million contract from the Rangers. Plus, there's the $7.625 million posting fee. The site noted how Kim also makes sense for the Orioles. He's only 25. He's a shortstop who can field, hit for power and run. Lots to like here. The Orioles picked up Iglesias' option for 2021 and then traded him, but I don't see any five-year deals in their immediate future.

Will the Orioles sign Yasiel Puig?
Not unless something happens later in the offseason that creates a need similar to this summer. It doesn't exist right now. The past interest was born from a shortened season and the uncertainty surrounding Santander and Dwight Smith Jr. with their positive COVID tests. Mancini was undergoing chemotherapy treatments. Mountcastle was at the alternate camp site. The Orioles are in a much different place in December. The interest level in Puig is at a much lower level, from what I'm hearing.

Can he pitch?
Never gets old. And no.

Have you been spending way too much time at home?
I didn't realize until this week that the child actor (Keith Thibodeaux) who played Little Ricky on "I Love Lucy" also portrayed Opie's friend, Johnny Paul, on "The Andy Griffith Show." So, yes.

Could Bannon be the starting third baseman on opening day?
We're back to this. I wouldn't make him the favorite in spring training, but he's in the running. He could be a backup at third and second base. He also could be starting in Norfolk's infield. I like to present multiple scenarios for your reading pleasure.

Chris Shaw? Why?
Well, he's put up good numbers in the minors as a former first-round draft pick. He slashed .279/.340/.520 with 109 home runs in five seasons. He had 27 doubles and 28 home runs with 94 RBIs in 2019 over 120 games with Double-A Richmond and Triple-A Sacramento. And his poor numbers in the majors have come in a small sample size. I wouldn't judge him too harshly. He's on the 40-man roster for now, but we've seen lots of guys claimed and let go during the offseason. I don't see any risk here.

Is David Hess going to re-sign with the Orioles?
I heard yesterday that he was drawing interest in the U.S. and overseas and wouldn't be re-signing with the Orioles. And news broke last night via the Tampa Bay Times that he signed a minor league deal with the Rays. I've also heard that they reached out the first day of free agency. One of the nicest guys you'll ever meet. I hope he's successful.

Are any former Orioles among the non-tendered players in the KBO?
What an odd question. And yes - pitchers Tyler Wilson and Mike Wright.

What would be a good title for a team's 2020 season video?
"Home Alone." And that would be a COVIDeo.