Quick review of what's done and what's lingering

SAN ANTONIO de GUERRA, Dominican Republic – We’re exactly one week away from the start of the three-day Birdland Caravan, with stops in 13 cities, including Baltimore City, Capitol Heights, Catonsville, Columbia, Frederick, Gambrills, Hagerstown, Halethorpe, Hanover, Havre De Grace, Laurel and Timonium.

The spring training countdown has moved below four full weeks until pitchers and catchers report to the Ed Smith Stadium complex in Sarasota on Feb. 14, with the first workout the following day and the first full-squad workout on the 20th.

The stadium lease issue is mostly settled – a minimum of 15 years with a bump to 30 after the Orioles get the necessary approvals to redevelop land around the ballpark.

Twelve of original 17 arbitration-eligible players have new contracts for 2024. The coaching staff is set with Mitch Plassmeyer’s promotion from minor league pitching coordinator to major league assistant pitching coach.

The ribbon was cut on the state-of-the-art training facility in the Dominican Academy, a huge win for the Orioles on the international side.

“To see what Mike (Elias) and his team have been able to do over the past six years has been truly unbelievable, particularly in the world of international scouting,” said Orioles executive vice president and chief operating officer Greg Bader. “They built an international scouting department from the ground up and signed the biggest and most talented international classes in our organization’s history, including top prospects Samuel Basallo and many other talented young prospects. And now, we can add having one of the finest training facilities in the Dominican Republic to that list.

“This academy goes far beyond baseball, as this project represents an investment in people. We’re prioritizing helping our players build lifelong skills both on and off the field to prepare them for wherever their baseball journey takes them. We want our players, their families and this community to know that we’re investing in them. … When prospective players come to this academy, they’re going to see what this academy truly represents, an investment in their careers, their futures, and the Guerra community. We look forward to the many talented players who will begin their professional baseball careers right here at this academy and hopefully one day make it to Camden Yards in Baltimore.”

Injured closer Félix Bautista was replaced by veteran Craig Kimbrel at the Winter Meetings. Asked about Kimbrel for the first time on Tuesday, manager Brandon Hyde said, “I think he’s still got a lot left in the tank. … Really excited to add him.”

Bautista was rehabbing in Sarasota before heading back to the Dominican around the Christmas holiday, where he reported Tuesday that he feels “really good right now” and doesn’t want to set any limits on his return. Hyde basically did it by saying, “He won’t be on the mound for us this year, but we’re going to be talking all the time.”

No surprise here. The Orioles aren’t rushing him back from Tommy John surgery. They’ll trust Kimbrel and other high-leverage relievers, and gladly take Opening Day 2025.

We also know that tickets for all 2024 regular season home games will go on sale to the general public Jan. 25 at 10 a.m., and we found out about the promotional schedule that includes bobblehead giveaways featuring Hyde on April 27, Mr. Splash on May 10, Anthony Santander on June 1, Adley Rutschman on July 28 and Gunnar Henderson on Aug. 23.

Anything important come out of this revelation?

Santander isn’t untouchable in trade talks, but heck, they’re planning a bobblehead day for him. Should we read anything into it?

Maybe not, but it’s interesting on a slow day. And potentially weird if he isn’t with the team.

I’m just working under the assumption that he stays, and the Orioles figure out how to fit all of these outfielders on the roster.

Jorge Mateo was a late scratch from the guest list at the academy’s opening ceremony, but I won’t read anything into it.

We’ve learned that the Bird Bath Splash Zone is returning to Section 86. The first question I received about it went something like this: Won’t the players come up with a new way to celebrate, as they do each season?

That’s my expectation, but fans don’t have to stay dry in 86. Mr. Splash can keep hydrating them.

I’d go the opposite route and have players toss dirt from the dugout after an extra-base hit. Then, introduce Mr. Sand to 86.

I’d also introduce a Rutschman sandwich at the concessions and call it “Catcher in the Rye.” But nobody asks for my marketing ideas.

We know that reliever Joey Krehbiel isn't returning to the organization. He signed a minor league deal Tuesday with the Mariners. Not that he was expected to return.

We know that reliever Austin Voth isn't returning to the organization. He signed a one-year contract Wednesday with the Mariners. Not that he was expected to return.

The spring training roster hasn’t been released. Additions can and usually are made after the team reports.

“I know (Elias) is trying,” Hyde said. “I’m sure there will be some names popping in at some point. … I know Mike is making all the effort to try to improve our roster.”

Signing or trading for a starting pitcher is the desired course. It’s shared space on top of the list with a closer since the final out of the Division Series. Everything else is secondary, including an extra outfielder or infielder.