Seeking a fresh start in 2021

It's just another New Year's Eve, another night like all the rest. It's just another New Year's Eve, let's make it the best.

(If I can reference Garrett Cleavinger twice within a week, I can sing along with Barry Manilow to close out 2020. There are no rules.)

I feel bad for the people who keep acting as though the world is returning to normal after tonight. The "I can't wait for 2020 to be over" crowd.

I've got bad news for you. It won't feel any different in the morning or the next day. The coronavirus pandemic didn't come with an expiration date.

Masks won't be tossed in the air like graduation caps. People won't stand shoulder-to-shoulder in bars. Media probably won't flock to spring training camps on the first day.

But at the same time, there's a good reason for wanting this year to disappear in the rearview mirror. To look forward to better times in 2021, however long it takes.

While keeping sports in their proper perspective, the Orioles would like to give Richie Martin a do-over in 2021 after a fractured wrist kept him on the injured list during the 2020 season.

They'd like to do the same for catcher Pedro Severino in September, when he batted .159/.232/.206 with no home runs or RBIs, but he might not be playing for them.

Severino was given a $1.825 million contract to avoid arbitration, but he could become a trade chip over the summer, especially if Adley Rutschman is considered ready for the majors and the Orioles are willing to start his clock.

Outfielder DJ Stewart was 0-for-17 with nine walks and 11 strikeouts before homering twice against the Yankees on Sept. 5. He hit seven home runs in the month.

Unlike some teammates, Stewart would like to change the way he started rather than how he finished - though it's only fair to point out that he went 4-for-39 with 16 strikeouts in his last 12 games.

The six homers in six games were a blast.

Anthony Santander was chosen Most Valuable Oriole and a Gold Glove finalist in right field, but he came down with a September injury for the second consecutive year. His shoulder in 2019, his oblique in 2020.

The Orioles want to see him make it through an entire season, whatever length is attached to it.

The same goes for Austin Hays, who deserves an injury-free year. A chance to earn and hold onto a spot in the outfield and the lineup.

The freakish mishaps keep happening, most recently the 96 mph fastball from Marlins pitcher Jorge Guzmán that slammed into his ribcage. He tried to play through it. Tough as nails. But the injured list beckoned again.

Hays and John Means became first-time fathers in December. They're winning the offseason.

Means deserved a beautiful finish to his year after going through the pain of losing his father, Alan, to pancreatic cancer. A pitcher grieving while trying to win games for his club, and after beginning the season on the injured list.

Hunter Harvey was injured to begin the season and again had to be handled with extreme care upon his return. The Orioles are seeking clearance to turn him loose next summer.

He'd love to be the closer. The Orioles would love to use him in the role. But it's always about health.

Cole Sulser led the team with five saves, but he relinquished the closer's job because he averaged 6.8 walks per nine innings.

An immediate concern for Sulser is whether he might have to relinquish his spot on the 40-man roster, which is full.

The 2020 season certainly had its positive moments for Sulser, but the lapses in control marred the experience.

Trey Mancini should want to curb-stomp 2020, but he's the type of guy who will pull every ounce of good from it. Including the love and support he found while battling cancer. He was overwhelmed by it.

Just wait until he reports to camp. And when he makes his return to Camden Yards.

Chris Davis would like a reboot immediately after the Orioles shut down spring training and headed back home.

The power, approach at the plate and good health never made it out of Sarasota. What followed him were all of the doubters who still don't care about exhibition stats and remain convinced that he can't be fixed.

Davis will try again in 2021, bringing the same muscle to camp and, he hopes, a healed left knee, hip and ankle.

Yolmer Sánchez is set up for a much better year after the Orioles claimed him off waivers from the White Sox in October and signed him to a $1 million contract in order to avoid arbitration.

Sánchez was non-tendered by the White Sox, settled for a minor league deal with the Giants and was released. He came back to Chicago and played in 11 games.

Now he's lined up to be the starting second baseman as Hanser Alberto's replacement, a big defensive upgrade but unlikely to match the production versus left-handers.

Losing the minor league season stung the Orioles more than many organizations, though their work at the alternate camp site should be lauded. They really made the most of a bad situation.

While it isn't official, the minors are expected to resume operations in 2021. Prospects will be assigned to affiliates and fans and the media can track their progress more easily, monitoring stats and bumps to the next level.

There's no substitute for real games. They need to be played. And it's especially important for the guys who didn't make the 60-man pool.

First-rounder Heston Kjerstad needs to begin his professional career. Alexander Wells needs to get out of Australia, throw for manager Brandon Hyde and his staff in Sarasota and join the rotation at Triple-A Norfolk.