Steve Melewski
Steve Melewski

Once again, Orioles have a decent list of pitching prospects

Once again, Orioles have a decent list of pitching prospects
Stop me if you have heard this one before: In recent years the Orioles have been compiling a decent list of pitching prospects. Since young pitching is very coveted in the sport, the Orioles are simply trying to do what everyone is doing and develop young pitchers to help their major league roster. But most O's fans can tell you how difficult that job can be. They've seen many an O's pitching prospect either get hurt, not live up to the hype or not help the major league club to the extent...
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Steve Melewski

If not Balfour, what about Fernando Rodney as O's closer?

If not Balfour, what about Fernando Rodney as O's closer?
At one time, the Orioles were looking for a closer and it seemed to be a buyer's market. But now that is not the case, and after the failed Grant Balfour signing, it's getting late in the process. Following up on yesterday's blog when I expressed concern about Tommy Hunter in the closer's role considering his numbers against left-handed hitters, Fernando Rodney looks like the next best option available. Rodney has had an interesting last two years for Tampa Bay. In 2012, he went 2-2 with...
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Steve Melewski

Is Tommy Hunter ready to be the Orioles' closer?

Is Tommy Hunter ready to be the Orioles' closer?
How would you feel if the Orioles made Tommy Hunter their closer for the 2014 season? Many fans called for Hunter to get a chance last season when Jim Johnson struggled. It didn't happen then, but it might now. The O's were seeking a closer from outside the organization, but as you may have heard, that hasn't exactly worked out to this point. In terms of makeup, character, want-to and fastball velocity, Hunter has what it takes to be a closer. I would have no worries about his ability to...
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Steve Melewski

The move to the mound is looking good for Mychal Givens (plus remembering Paul Blair)

The move to the mound is looking good for Mychal Givens (plus remembering Paul Blair)
When the Orioles drafted Mychal Givens in the second round of the 2009 draft out of a Tampa, Fla., high school, they envisioned developing an athletic shortstop with a strong arm who would develop some pop in his bat. But when Givens struggled to hit much over his first three pro seasons, the Orioles converted him to the mound in 2013. Givens had pitched some in high school and now he's back on the mound. Year one as a full-time pitcher went well. Despite modest stats, he had a strong second...
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Steve Melewski

Taking a peek under the players' Christmas trees

Taking a peek under the players' Christmas trees
Now that Christmas Day has come and gone, I wonder if some Orioles players found these gifts under their trees: * Nick Markakis - His old pop back. No, he won't hit many homers, but the guy used to fall out of bed and hit doubles. If that returns in 2014 - and we should not forget Markakis had a real solid 2012 season - it would be a big lift for the Orioles. * Adam Jones - The ability to chase fewer pitches. Few things drive O's fans more crazy, yet really I see it as a nitpick of a player...
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Steve Melewski

Merry Christmas and happy holidays, Birdland

Merry Christmas and happy holidays, Birdland
Here's wishing every Orioles fan everywhere a very Merry Christmas, a happy holiday season and a wonderful New Year. Just a short entry here today to pass along those wishes and I hope this is your best Christmas ever. For those of us that are so passionate about baseball, today is a rare day, rare in that baseball takes a back seat to Christmas and our family and friends. It's OK if baseball finishes second today. But I thank each one of you for reading and commenting on my blog as often...
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Steve Melewski

At this point, O's offseason has turned into one big maybe

At this point, O's offseason has turned into one big maybe
With tomorrow approaching, some Orioles fans must feel like a kid that anticipated nice presents, but never got that Red Ryder BB gun. If you've never seen a Christmas Story you won't get that one, sorry. But I'm pretty sure the word disappointing comes to mind for fans with this offseason so far. Things can always change and get better, but right now, not so much. The word maybe comes to mind for me. Maybe, David Lough will be a solid left field acquisition. He did hit .297 with a .349...
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Steve Melewski

Can Matt Wieters get his bat going again in 2014?

Can Matt Wieters get his bat going again in 2014?
While we continue to ponder whether the Orioles can sign catcher Matt Wieters to a long-term contract, or failing that, if they will trade him, here is another Wieters question. Can he get his bat back to 2011 levels in 2014? In 2011, Wieters hit .262 with 22 homers, 68 RBIs and had a .450 slugging percentage with a .778 OPS. In 2012 he hit .249 with 23 homers, 83 RBIs, a .435 slugging percentage and a .764 OPS. Then last season he batted .235 (with a .287 OBP) with 22 homers, 79 RBIs, a...
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Steve Melewski

Takes on Balfour, Roberts and Surhoff

Takes on Balfour, Roberts and Surhoff
So those Grant Balfour negotiations took a little while, huh? Wow, that was protracted. But in the end, I see it as a win for the Orioles. They now have a closer locked up for the next two years and Jim Johnson would have been a free agent after 2014. At the projected salary for Johnson in 2014, the Orioles did save some money that can be used elsewhere and they may have upgraded the closer's role. I say may because Balfour will have to prove that he is better than Johnson. A 35-year-old...
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Steve Melewski

Catching up with the author of Baseball America's top O's prospects list

Catching up with the author of Baseball America's top O's prospects list
Every year, right after the Baseball America Orioles top 10 prospects lists comes out, I rush to the phone to interview the writer of the list to get some insights on those players. This year I had to interview myself. At least I didn't have any trouble reaching the guy. It was exciting to be asked by Baseball America to do the O's list this year. They are the industry standard for prospects and when they talk about young players a lot of people listen. I tried to do a job worthy of their...
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Steve Melewski

A conversation with new O's pitching coach Dave Wallace

A conversation with new O's pitching coach Dave Wallace
When the Orioles hired Dave Wallace as their pitching coach on Oct. 29, they got a man with a lot of experience, a World Series ring and a reputation for working well with with young pitchers. During the Winter Meetings last week in Florida, I had a chance to catch up with Wallace for a video interview. Wallace has served as pitching for four teams - the Houston Astros (2007), Boston Red Sox (2003-06), New York Mets (1999-2000) and Los Angeles Dodgers (1995-97). He was with the Mets when they...
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ESPN injury expert talks about recent Machado interview

ESPN injury expert talks about recent Machado interview
Orioles third baseman Manny Machado's recovery from Oct. 14 knee surgery is now well under way and it seems to be going quite well. Stephania Bell, ESPN's injury expert and senior writer for ESPN.com, went to Miami to interview Machado just before Thanksgiving. She saw a player determined to come back strong. "I thought he was doing very well and his range of motion was great, maybe even better than I expected," Bell said. "He had just gotten rid of what we call a quad lag, where you...
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Steve Melewski

Getting player development and scouting on the same page

Getting player development and scouting on the same page
If any organization wants lasting success and a good farm system, it is probably essential that its player development and scouting departments are on the same page. A few years ago, there were those that felt that was not true in Baltimore and that internal differences hurt the overall effort. Orioles director of player development Brian Graham, addressing the current situation with the organization, feels the departments are very much on the same page now. The scouts sign the players, but...
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Steve Melewski

A look Baseball America's top 10 Orioles prospects list (Surhoff note)

A look Baseball America's top 10 Orioles prospects list (Surhoff note)
Baseball America's top 10 Orioles prospects list has just been released. I was honored to be asked to compile the list for Baseball America this year. Below is the top 10 with a quick comment on each player. 1. Pitcher Dylan Bundy: Even after the Tommy John surgery, he remains No. 1, but it was pretty close. Some forget how good he was in 2012 and the success rate of that surgery is high. Still bullish on Bundy. 2. Pitcher Kevin Gausman: If you ranked Gausman No. 1 over Bundy, you would not...
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Steve Melewski

Comparing Orioles' top 10 prospects list to others in AL East

Comparing Orioles' top 10 prospects list to others in AL East
Later this morning Baseball America will release its new list of the Orioles' top 10 prospects. The Orioles farm system is considered pretty top heavy, with some high-end prospects holding the top spots, but not a lot of depth. Still, in an American League East where only one team - and that is Boston - has a top-notch farm system right now, the Orioles are close to second best in the division. Yes, small victory, I know. John Manuel, Baseball America Editor in Chief, sized up the AL East...
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Steve Melewski

What is the future at shortstop in Baltimore?

What is the future at shortstop in Baltimore?
So who will be playing at shortstop for the Orioles in 2015? Well, we have to get through next year first and J.J. Hardy, who has won two straight Gold Gloves, will be there come April. But what about the future of the position in Baltimore? Will Hardy be there after next season? If not him, does Manny Machado then move to short? During the Winter Meetings, O's executive vice president Dan Duquette said he would like to begin contract extension talks with Hardy later this winter, but they...
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Steve Melewski

Some notes and some quotes

Some notes and some quotes
Taking a look at some random Orioles notes. These are courtesy of the club's public relations staff from the club's 2013 season summary: * The Orioles drew 2,357,101 fans in 2013, marking the first time since 2005 (2,624,740) the Birds drew over 2.3 million fans. * Adam Jones and J.J. Hardy were two of four players in the majors to win Gold Gloves and Silver Slugger Awards in 2013, joining Arizona's Paul Goldschmidt and St. Louis' Yadier Molina. * The Orioles led the majors with 212 home...
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Is Henry Urrutia a candidate for O's left field job?

Is Henry Urrutia a candidate for O's left field job?
So who will be in left field for the Orioles next year? Is there a chance it could be Henry Urrutia? Before the first 20 comments start screaming this means the O's won't add an outfielder, it doesn't mean that at all. I am writing this blog speculating and wondering about Urrutia and not because anyone with the organization is handing him that job. That is just not so. So now, having said that, could he be the guy? Urrutia drew plenty of praise for his bat in the Arizona Fall League....
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Steve Melewski

The time has come for O's to win one in free agency

The time has come for O's to win one in free agency
The Orioles may have reached the point in the offseason where they have to overpay to get what they want. They seem to want Grant Balfour to be their closer, and it looks like they are going to have to outbid other clubs to get him. The time has come for the Orioles to do just that. The Orioles need help with their starting pitching. Bartolo Colon signed a two-year, $20 million dollar deal with the Mets. Tim Hudson signed a two-year, $23 million dollar deal with the Giants. Those deals...
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Steve and Roch wrap up Winter Meetings

Steve and Roch wrap up Winter Meetings
LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. - Another Winter Meetings week has come and gone. We headed south. We blogged. We tweeted. We waited for big news that never came. That doesn't mean it never will. We'll see on that one. The fans are restless and some of the reporters may be too. Over the next few days and maybe weeks, we'll begin to find out if the groundwork was set or advanced this week for additions that can help the 2014 Orioles. Before we headed for the airport, Roch and I headed for one more...
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