Because You Asked - Rise of the Lycans

The first offseason mailbag is here. I just wish the delivery guy hadn’t left it by my garage instead of walking up the steps and knocking on the front door.

This is the latest sequel to the beloved original. You ask, I answer, you ask again, I begin to doubt myself. And then I conduct a frantic search for a movie title that I haven’t already used.

I wonder whether anyone would notice a repeat. If not, get ready for Electric Boogaloo.

Full disclosure: I didn’t edit for clarity, length or brevity, but I did edit for style.

If you’re wearing a lime green leisure suit, your question won’t be used.

Also, my mailbag is ranked No. 1 in every poll and yours is waiting for lacrosse season.

Does the wall make it less likely that the Orioles would look to bring in right-handed hitters in free agency or trades?
The Orioles would like a more balanced lineup in 2023. If the best bat they can plug into it is right-handed, I don’t think they’d decline it simply because of the dimensions. So yes, Aaron Judge is still in play.

Seriously?
Wow, this is gonna be easy.

Who’s the backup catcher next season? And don’t say “your mom.”
I’d never! He might not be in the organization this week. I know that sounds a little strange with six catchers on the 40-man roster, but the Orioles are hoarding right now. They’ll go through the process of trying to get some through waivers for Triple-A depth. I’m fairly confident that Robinson Chirinos won’t return. Anthony Bemboom could get another opportunity after his contract was selected, but it wouldn’t surprise me if the Orioles keep checking the market and make another claim or sign someone.

Do Cedric Mullins and Austin Hays get moved in trades this offseason with all the outfield prospects on the horizon?
More likely an “or” than an “and.” But the crowd that’s building in the outfield makes it possible that the Orioles take advantage of the depth in their search for a starting pitcher. Same with the infielders. Hays’ value isn’t as high this winter. Anthony Santander’s is through the roof. But as I’ve said, removing a 30-plus home run bat, with power from both sides of the plate, isn’t doing the offense any favors. Mullins didn’t duplicate his 30/30, Most Valuable Oriole season, but he’s definitely a chip. The defense in center field, the speed, the pop. I don’t think he’ll be aggressively shopped, but he could be moved with the right offer. That’s pretty much true of anybody, though, with the obvious exceptions.

Does Anthony Santander become the backup first baseman?
He took ground balls at first this year, which didn’t mean a whole lot except the Orioles needed backup options with Trey Mancini headed out the door, and it might bring added appeal if trade talks unfold. Santander probably won’t be the primary backup if he stays. I certainly can envision an acquisition who plays first and can be the designated hitter. Otherwise, the Orioles will need to fit that bat into a position that currently seems occupied. Second base is opening with Rougned Odor becoming a free agent after the World Series, but an infield prospect could be inserted. Anyway, I wouldn’t make Santander the favorite to back up Ryan Mountcastle.

When does the Carlos Correa signing happen and for how much?
Hard to imagine the Orioles raising the payroll that much. They don’t need a shortstop, but that’s a special bat. And yes, there’s the connection between Correa and executive vice president/general manager Mike Elias. And because of it, rumors will surface over the winter. Maybe some legitimate reports, as well. Be careful where you get your news. Always good advice. I’m leery of dismissing the possibility because the Orioles are primed to spend more than in previous years, and I hate to be wrong. But again, jacking up the payroll that much seems extreme.

Since Mike Elias implied further “tweaks” to the ballpark, what are some “tweaks” you'd like to see?
“Thanks” for “asking.” I think the ballpark needs a new scoreboard. One that’s much easier to see from a distance. I hate losing any portion of the skyline – I’m still bitter over the blockage of the Bromo Seltzer Tower – but it’s time for an upgrade. And the public-address system is an issue. Like I’ve said, you can’t hear anything from the press box, and I’m sure that isn’t the only dead zone.

Do you think bringing in Brian Roberts to coach up Jorge Mateo, Ramón Urías, Cedric Mullins, Austin Hays, Ryan McKenna and a few of our Double-A and Triple-A speed guys on the arts of bunting, opposite-field hitting, contact hitting, taking pitches, stealing bases and advancing runners would be a good idea? He did it all without the same physical ability these guys have.
I think inviting Roberts to serve as a spring training instructor again makes perfect sense, especially because he lives in Sarasota. He has a lot to offer, and he wouldn’t be away from his family. I think he’s less interested in broadcasting for that reason. I haven’t heard of any interest in making him a coach on the major league staff, and I don’t know that he’d want it for the reason stated above.

Got a non-sports hot take?
I hate gum. Can’t stand chewing it – it loses flavor after like 20 seconds – or watching people chew it. The worst is when people put it on their plate while eating a meal, then pop it back in their mouth. Makes me want to throw up.

How short a leash is Ryan Mountcastle on to regain some offensive consistency?
Mountcastle is prone to prolonged stretches where the bat goes cold. But I don’t think he’s on a short leash. The hitting coaches will keep working on his approach. To limit the times that he chases when teams refuse to pitch to him. He begins to press when the results aren’t there, and it just worsens the slump. He isn’t getting in the way. The Orioles don’t need to move him aside. He’s too good for that.

Would it be possible to post the game times along with the lineups for each game next year?
Yes. And I do recall the request for temperatures. That one is less likely because the forecast changes minute by minute. But the scheduled time is set. I could tweak the lineup entries with additional information.

Where did you get the idea to post the lineups every day?
I suppose it just came from fans wanting to see it, though it probably gets posted in the comments of the previous post before I have time to create a new one. You also know in advance if you follow me on Twitter. One of my highest-traffic entries was the day that Matt Wieters made his debut, with the intense interest in where he was batting. Now, it’s just part of my routine. Occasionally a pain in the butt when the Orioles are late sharing it due to a player’s health status and I’m already in the clubhouse.

Did Ed Smith Stadium suffer any damage from Hurricane Ian? Thoughts to the many thousands of people who lost their homes and/or businesses down here.
Thank you. Same here, for sure. Sarasota is like a second home to many of us. It sounds like the Orioles were very fortunate, with minimal damage to the facility. The batter’s eye took a beating, but overall, it appears that the storm took its rage elsewhere. I kept picturing Main Street under water. Scary stuff. So many wonderful businesses down there.

I was caught off guard by Rougned Odor's clubhouse popularity/leadership role. Was this something Mike Elias and the rest knew about and cared about before signing him? Or did they simply think he might learn how to hit home runs again?
Yes. On both counts. The Orioles did their homework on Odor the previous year. Manager Brandon Hyde was involved, too. They heard only good things about him. But he wouldn’t have been signed if the Orioles didn’t think he could be an upgrade at second base.

Why isn't Guinness Blonde the official beer of the Orioles since the can has the Maryland flag and it's brewed in Baltimore?
I don’t have an answer for that one, but I like the idea. I do know that Kyle Stowers is vying for the title of official blonde.

Do you anticipate any changes to the coaching staff? What is the usual time frame for that information to come out if the Orioles are letting someone go?
I haven’t heard anything. It was much too soon for the Orioles to offer a statement when Elias and Hyde met with the media on Oct. 5. We’ll probably get through October before we hear anything.

Can Mike Elias serve as executive vice president/general manager of the Orioles and Mayor of Baltimore City simultaneously?
Isn’t the man busy enough? I don’t think he’ll be throwing his orange, black and white cap into the ring, but I’m sure he’ll appreciate your confidence in him politically.

The pitching staff overperformed. Would a sub-.500 season next year be a failure on Elias and Hyde?
Well, if you’re grading, I’d hope that circumstances would be taken into account. For instance, if the team uses the injured list much more frequently than it did this summer. The front office always catches heat for “not doing enough” if a team falls short. Fairly or unfairly. That’s a common criticism. A lot went right for the Orioles to contend into the final week, but they also had to overcome plenty of obstacles, including the offense’s failures early in games and with runners in scoring position, key losses on the pitching staff and what seemed to be fatigue down the stretch. They stayed in the wild card chase. They posted the best record among American League teams that didn’t make the playoffs. The only one above .500. Hyde appears to be the favorite for AL Manager of the Year. Elias has done everything he vowed to do up to this point when the Orioles hired him. I’d be less inclined to aim the criticism at them if the team stumbles. And I’ll emphasis “if.”

Any plans for Halloween?
Sitting outside with a bowl of candy and a red Solo cup.

Why the continued use of the contact play this season???
Your use of punctuation tells me that you’re frustrated. My reporter instincts at work here. It’s common in baseball – the contact play and frustration. Get a good break from third base, force the opponent to make a play at the plate. Looks bad when it doesn’t work.

Do you and Steve Melewski expect to spend more time in the broadcast booth during the games? I thought you were both excellent.
Signed, “Steve M.” But seriously, thanks. Your kind words are appreciated. I’ll always feel like a reporter fish out of water. Fortunately, Geoff Arnold and Kevin Brown were excellent teammates and didn’t lead me down a path where I’d implode. Know your audience, know your broadcast partner. Steve is more of a microphone natural. We’ve talked about this. He’s less stressed doing that and I’m less stressed writing on deadline due to our backgrounds. Anyway, I don’t know what’s in store for me in 2023. In the booth or otherwise. I’m just taking it day-by-day and seeing where this crazy world takes me. And trying harder to appreciate each day as I get older, to see it as a gift.

Deep thoughts. So, what do you estimate the '23 payroll to start the season?
Much more than $64,771,388 from 2022. Arbitration raises alone will do that, but bigger contracts are coming.

So, that’s as far as you’re going with your estimation?
Pretty much. Give me more time. It’s October.

Could the Orioles lock up some of their young stars, like Adley Rutschman or Gunnar Henderson?
Probably more likely with Rutschman based on his earlier arrival, but hey, maybe that doesn’t matter. I don’t have any insight on this, and normally I skip the questions I can’t answer. I don’t think it serves a purpose to say, “I don’t know.” Then, why post it? But this way, you and the others who asked won’t think I’m just ignoring everyone like a jerk. Mike Elias didn’t give a firm answer on Oct. 5, but he sounded like an executive who hoped to be able to do it at some point. He also offered the reminder that the other side must be open to it, the whole “two to tango” thing. There’s no rush, but I support the idea of securing the stars like other teams are doing. With the usual disclaimer that it’s not my money.

Why do fans ask the media to provide stats on current or traded players when they’re already on the internet and can look it up themselves?
Just one of the many services that we provide. But yes, it only requires a quick Google or Baseball-Reference.com search. Maybe they just like the interaction.  

Do you think the Orioles will be active in the Rule 5 draft?
Aren’t they always? Only the front office changes. It’s a low-risk move with the potential for a high reward, like with Anthony Santander. So yes, I could see the Orioles selecting a starter, reliever or middle infielder. Or if there’s an outfielder they really like, though where he’d fit is beyond me. Or a catcher if the club is intent on having all of them and renting out a storage shed.

Will the Orioles extend Brandon Hyde past 2023 or will he be a lame duck manager to start the year?
The Orioles don’t share contract details, including length. We only know that they picked up his option for next season. I’m just assuming that there haven’t been any updates to his status.

Other than the wall/renovations, what's one topic you never want to write about again after 2022?
What’s taking so long for the Orioles to call up a top prospect. It’s going to happen again in 2023. There’s no avoiding it. To put a positive spin on it, at least there are legitimate prospects worth fussing about. Unfortunately, some fans go nuts over anyone who’s even mildly hyped, ripping into the team and, oddly, the media, if the guy isn’t promoted. Go back and check out how much of that energy was wasted.

Do you or MASN make your travel arrangements? You must have many miles.
I find the flights and hotels, and I pass them along to the person with the company credit card who handles the bookings. I can’t be trusted with it. I’ll wind up ordering another stuffed Peppa Pig for my granddaughter.

Any idea of potential starting pitchers we might sign or acquire?
Too soon for the rumor mill to get churning. It’s really hard to predict trades, not knowing everyone who’s on the table, what the Orioles are willing to surrender, whether the other executive likes those players. As for free agents, exactly what the Orioles are willing to spend is a necessary nugget of information. We also don’t know on this date which pitchers are opting out of their contracts. I wouldn’t get too hyped over Jacob deGrom. Perhaps more of a Nathan Eovaldi type of starter. Perhaps not the stud No. 1 that you want. But Grayson Rodriguez could emerge as that guy, minus the veteran component.

We're into apple season. Which is your favorite kind of apple? McIntosh? Golden Delicious? Honey Crisp? Fiona?
To diss Fiona would be criminal.

So, you find her ... appealing?
I'll handle the jokes here. By the way, no truth to the rumor that she had core muscle surgery.

You're awful.
That's not a question.

Can you speculate on the players to be traded in the offseason?
I’m not always comfortable doing that, in case guys read it – or their agents or families or friends. I’m not necessarily working with inside information here, though sometimes I’ll hear about a team’s interest. It’s like guessing which player might be cut to make room for someone else. Seems cruel. But, it seems less harmful, or whatever, to say the Phillies had interest in Jorge López before the Twins trade. Or the Marlins have talked to the Orioles previously about Santander. I’m taking the long and winding road here. Sorry. Santander, Mullins and Hays are going to draw interest again. The Orioles might try to move an outfielder or an infielder. And they have some prospects who might need to go in order to acquire a starting pitcher or big bat. Gunnar Henderson isn’t going anywhere. Jordan Westburg might not be untouchable, but he’s the Orioles’ Minor League Player of the Year and expected to compete for a job in major league camp.  

If orange was left-handed, would it study crime statistics from 1940s Britain?
This seems like a good time to stop.