Because You Asked - The Next Level

The Orioles closed out the year 2024 by signing super-utility player and former first-round draft pick Nick Gordon to a minor league contract on Tuesday. The month featured three major league deals, bringing a right fielder (Tyler O’Neill), backup catcher (Gary Sánchez) and starting pitcher (Tomoyuki Sugano).

Another starter could arrive in January, though it wasn’t until Feb. 1, 2024 that the Corbin Burnes trade became official. The Orioles could arrange a reunion with right-hander Jack Flaherty, with reported interest on both sides. But it might take a five-year commitment. The Orioles could arrange a reunion with reliever Tanner Scott, since they want to strengthen the bullpen. But it might take a four-year commitment.

I could finally get around to sharing more questions from my mailbag. It dropped like the Times Square ball and the contents spilled out.

You ask, I answer, and we have the latest sequel to the beloved 2008 original. Also, my mailbag rings in the new year and your mailbag rings doorbells selling magazine subscriptions.

Who is Nick Gordon?
Gordon is a left-handed hitter who plays everywhere except first base and catcher. He was the fifth-overall pick by the Twins in 2014. The Marlins outrighted him in August. Gordon will come to camp competing for a bench role but likely would need a trade or injury to clear room. Having him in Triple-A would come in handy.

So for real, what are they doing and why?
They’re trying to find another starting pitcher, ideally a No. 1 or 2, and at least one reliever. They’ve checked the free agent and trade markets. Negotiations in every direction. They aren’t done.

Why would Mike Elias hang onto top prospects just to be used as platoon players? Why would he make platoon players untouchable instead of using them to improve the rotation and bullpen?
He turned away requests last winter for Colton Cowser and Jordan Westburg. They didn’t platoon. Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman don’t platoon. Jackson Holliday won’t if he’s hitting. Heston Kjerstad could swing his way into a regular role. Coby Mayo could play most days if a spot opens for him and he’s hitting. Circumstances can produce platoons but it doesn’t have to be a permanent setup. All of that said, it’s tough to add an impact starter via trade without moving one of the top prospects.

Total hypothetical here. Suppose the O's acquire another starting pitcher and he's right-handed. Seems like Cade Povich would be the odd-man out, but that would leave five right-handers in the rotation. Do the O's care about that? Would they want to keep at least one left-hander in the rotation?
Ideally, they’d have a lefty. John Means used to be that guy. They had Povich and Cole Irvin last season. But they won’t force one into the rotation. A new No. 1 or 2 who’s right-handed would work for them – interest in Flaherty is evidence - even if he’s joining Zach Eflin, Grayson Rodriguez, Dean Kremer and Tomoyuki Sugano. I don’t see any way around it unless Blake Snell changes his mind and … No, I don’t see any way around it.

Considering that the Orioles haven't signed a high-profile free agent in 20 years and Baltimore is not often cited as a desirable location for players, do you think that the Orioles have a league-wide image/reputation problem?
Not anymore. There was a period when you could have made that argument, but they’re winning again and players who leave offer strong endorsements. Jordan Lyles did it with Kyle Gibson. The clubhouse environment gets major praise. And agents seem confident that the club will spend more, though “high-profile free agents” keep finding more money elsewhere. Corbin Burnes was an exception. He wanted to pitch in Arizona and took a lesser offer.

Roch, what do you think about a trade for Jordan Montgomery? The Diamondbacks don’t want him and probably will pay some salary and not ask for much in return.
It depends how much salary and who they want. He’d be the left-hander who’s lacking in the rotation, but not the ace. I’m more inclined to campaign for one of the Mariners’ starters. It seems like the teams match up.

Has anyone ever taken a baseball bat to your car? Have you ever done that to anyone else’s vehicle?
No and no. My old Camaro was broken into a few times when I was a teenager in Severn. But no bat.

Would a Morton, Scherzer or Verlander be a good addition if no trade can be made?
They wouldn’t be bad additions and there’s the chance for a high return, but there’s also the chance for more physical breakdowns. It’s a mighty drop-off from Burnes, with Scherzer and Verlander at this stage of their careers.

I know he won't be back in Baltimore next year, but what does Anthony Santander's market look like? Who is likely in on him now?
The most recent reports have the Blue Jays, Angels and Tigers as possible matches. You’re right about him not coming back to the Orioles.

Why did you become a Minnesota Vikings fan living here in Anne Arundel County and not a Washington Redskins fan?
I’m sure the best helmet in football had something to do with it. Purple remains my favorite color. That’s important to a kid. The Baltimore Colts were my team but I also loved the Vikings - Fran Tarkenton, Chuck Foreman, John Gilliam, Stu Voigt, the Purple People Eaters, Paul Krause, etc. They’ve shattered me over the years, including the 15-1 team in 1998 with Brian Billick as offensive coordinator that lost to the Falcons in the NFC Championship game. The Brett Favre interception against the Saints in 2009. They’ve pulled me back in this season – just to kick me in the groin again. Oh yeah, the Washington football team. The one that gets shoved down our throats in Baltimore with its games airing instead of better matchups. And especially before the Ravens arrived, as if we’d adopt them. Hard pass.

Any chance the O’s get Roki Sasaki? He wouldn't cost much in payroll. Just saying ...
I won’t shoot down their chances but I haven’t heard them linked to Sasaki. Of course, the same applied to Burnes and the Diamondbacks, and you know what happened. Sasaki is expected to pitch on the West Coast. He does come at a very reasonable cost. International bonus pools for 2025 range from about $5.1 million to $7.5 million.

Is the Orioles front office planning to go with Zach Eflin as their No. 1 starting pitcher for 2025, and if so, what are they thinking?
That isn’t necessarily the “plan” right now but it could happen. They’re thinking that he’s got the experience and track record to be a logical candidate. He was the Opening Day starter for the Rays last year. He pitched really well for the Orioles after the trade.

Do you think Luis Castillo will stick with No. 58 when he gets here?
The Orioles didn’t retire it for Hanser Alberto, so perhaps. If he gets here.

Anyone in the warehouse drooling over Jordan Montgomery? Is $25 million too much for a one-year rental?
It’s actually $22.5 million and that does appear to be a heavy price for Montgomery, but he’s also a strong candidate for a bounceback season. And the Diamondbacks could eat a portion of that contract. I don’t know if anyone is actually drooling, however. Bibs aren't handed out like the old COVID masks.

How is your health coming along? Will you be able to work spring training in February?
I’m feeling much better but also have further to go, mostly with my breathing. Thanks for asking. I haven’t heard anything about spring training coverage.  

How many ABs do you predict for Heston Kjerstad in 2025? I mean major league ABs.
I understood. Maybe in the 300-350 range. There might not be an everyday role for him but it could develop over time.

Do you choose the images posted with your articles?
Nope. I just write ‘em and slap a headline on ‘em.

Should we read anything into the fact that there is a picture of Pete Alonso on a recent blog entry?
Please don’t. I didn’t think it was the best choice, but he was referenced in the article.

Could Robinson Chirinos serve as the emergency catcher if the situation came up? Kind of like how Rick Dempsey was back in 1992?
Chirinos would have to be on the active roster. That is not expected to happen.

Could Sugano go to the bullpen if the Orioles have enough starters?
He could, but I don’t think they’re giving him $13 million to be a long reliever. His role could change if he’s struggling.

Being that he's a rookie and an international signing, wouldn't Sugano have options here?
Sugano was a free agent. He couldn’t be optioned to the minors without his consent, which isn’t the same as the express written consent of Major League Baseball.

Cartoon bird or ornithological correct bird?
I’m good with the cartoon bird, but I’d ditch the white panel on the cap. I’d use the “angry bird” for the alternate cap. The one that’s standing and clenching a bat. It's fire, as the kids say.

Is a six-man rotation a possibility?
It’s unlikely early in the season because of the off-days and fear of taxing the bullpen, but it could happen later in the summer. We’ve seen it done. It would more closely mimic Sugano’s workload in Japan and perhaps make it easier to get a full season out of Rodriguez.

Do you consider Die Hard the greatest sports movie of all time? They do reference a Showtime Lakers fast break and say "the QB is toast" when the police tank gets decimated.
No, but it’s one heck of a Christmas flick. And this is probably a good place to stop.

Will the Andromeda Galaxy crash into our Milky Way Galaxy first sending our solar system spiraling into space or will our sun burn out and expand to envelop the Earth beforehand?
This is definitely a good place to stop.