Because You Asked - The Last Stand

The Orioles had an off-day in Detroit yesterday because Passaic, New Jersey was booked.

OK, let’s get serious.

The penultimate road trip of the season is close to a wrap – I’ll be on the next one - and the Orioles are two games behind the Yankees. They have three against the Tigers beginning tonight and three more next weekend at Camden Yards after hosting the Giants.

This could be the penultimate mailbag, but they aren’t on a set schedule. I can only promise today.

Here’s the latest sequel to the beloved 2008 original. No need to edit myself for clarity because I’ve been quite clear about my disdain for editing.

You ask, I answer, and I remind you that my mailbag wins divisions and yours wins $1 on a scratch off.

Will the Orioles make the playoffs this season? Should I redirect my entire focus to the NFL?
I love my NFL Sundays but don’t bail on baseball. The Orioles will make the playoffs. We’re just waiting to find out whether they win the division or host the wild card round. I’m not saying they can’t possibly end up on the road for the wild card, with, say, the Royals passing them, but my assumption – and it’s shared by many others – is that they begin the playoffs at home. I already have hotel reservations for four different cities for the division series. Always plan ahead. I also plan on forgetting to cancel at least one.

Early predictions on players removed from roster when reinforcements come back?
It’s never comfortable predicting lost jobs and I don’t have inside information here. Jordan Westburg’s return could jeopardize Nick Maton, Liván Soto or maybe Coby Mayo. I think Emmanuel Rivera has earned his spot at a corner infielder, and he’s needed at first base. Maton and Soto provide left-handed bats and can play the middle infield, but they aren’t getting much action. Jacob Webb and Danny Coulombe are needed in the bullpen. Right now, I think Matt Bowman is a keeper with one run allowed in 10 innings, but that leaves Cole Irvin, Craig Kimbrel and Burch Smith. Irvin provides length but he’s already been designated for assignment. We know all about Kimbrel’s struggles. This is the point where the Orioles determine who’d make the playoff roster. If you ain’t on it, you’re vulnerable in September.

Should I be concerned about Ryan O’Hearn?
Just him? O’Hearn is playing pretty much every day with all of these opposing right-handed starters and he’s 2-for-28. He, too, needs to heat up, especially with Ryan Mountcastle in Sarasota rehabbing a sprained left wrist and apparently not close to playing.

Should we be concerned about Ryan O’Hearn?
Is this a club? Do you meet weekly at someone’s house? O’Hearn should be fine but yes, he’s scuffling like many others. (Does everyone bring a snack to these meetings? I'm partial to seven-layer dip.)

You're a dip. Also, do you think Adley Rutschman is (or has been) hurting from nagging injuries? He really hasn't seemed like himself in a couple of months.
He was asked twice at his locker recently about his health and kept saying that he’s fine. Of course, that’s what I’d expect him to say. You hear the speculation about his back or hand or some other body part. He was hitting .300/.351/.479.830 with 15 homers in 76 games before being hit on the hand on June 27, per someone here who crunched the numbers. He’s a catcher. He’s taking a beating. No one is 100 percent this time of the year. But it could be impacting him. He’s had much better at-bats lately, with that two-run single to left field vintage Rutschman. He’s taking early hitting. I saw him multiple times at Fenway Park long before batting practice. So there’s also that.

Who has to be Rule 5 protected this year? And don’t say “your mom.”
I’d never! Brandon Young is a biggie after putting himself on the radar screen this summer. Alex Pham. Justin Armbruester. Hudson Haskin again. Maverick Handley, John Rhodes, TT Bowens, Peter Van Loon, Kyle Virbitsky, Tyler Burch. Also others.

Do you see a scenario where Grayson Rodriguez comes back this month as the closer or at least a late-inning reliever?
I do not. I agree that he’d be a weapon in the ‘pen. No doubt. But the rotation needs him. It needs Rodriguez, Corbin Burnes and Zach Eflin as the big three in whatever order.

What about Albert Suárez and Dean Kremer? You don’t need a five-man rotation in the playoffs.
Dang, this team still has too much pitching!

Is there really Morse Code on the Green Monster at Fenway? What does it say? Was it put there for CB Buckner to have something to read?
His eyesight isn’t that good. The wall contains the initials of Tom and Jean Yawkey written vertically in Morse Code on the white stripes that separate the columns of the AL scores. (In an unrelated note, Michael Morse and The White Stripes both had periods of success.) The tribute is interesting, since Yawkey Way outside Fenway Park was renamed Jersey Street following allegations that Tom Yawkey was a racist who resisted hiring black players in the 1940s and ‘50s. Yawkey owned the Red Sox from 1933-1976 and they were the last major league franchise to field a black player when infielder Pumpsie Green was called up in 1959. But this is probably more than you cared to know.

Is it possible Corbin Burnes got discombobulated from extra days off? He seems like a guy that likes his five-day routine.
Yeah, he certainly does. His DiscomBobblehead giveaway seemed like a clue. The extra rest made sense in theory and maybe it had nothing to do with Burnes’ decline in the second half. But hey, I’m not opposed to connecting dots even if they don’t lead to the right place. I'm also not opposed to pointing out that Burnes set a very high bar earlier in the season, so his "decline" isn't terrible.

Why wouldn't the Orioles that are extremely desperate for good pitching go for Trevor Bauer, who has been pitching well enough to be in our starting rotation, if not in the bullpen? We need arms.
Well enough in the Mexican League. And I’ll suggest again that everyone perform a Google search. Every team needs pitching and nobody has signed him.

Can you ban the political discussions? It gets too nasty on that particular subject as opposed to hot dog sandwiches, lasagna a casserole, varying music discussions, etc.
I dread elections, and not just for this reason. But mostly for this reason. People find it impossible to have respectful discussions. But I still love my family. I’ve agreed to allow one thread that contains political discourse as long as it doesn’t cross the line and drive people away from the blog. Anyone who wants to stick to sports or other topics simply can skip it. And the people who come here only to post about politics will be booted. I’ll do a better job of policing it.

What’s the deal with Adley? (Seinfeld voice)
And airline peanuts? Wait, they stopped serving those. Anyway, the last few nights offered encouragement. He’d never admit that it’s heath related, if that’s at least a contributing factor.

Is there any word on what will be up for grabs at the Orioles Yard Sale next week?
Some of my albums, a Farrah Fawcett poster, a clock radio, my old retainer.

Albert Suárez has to be in the running for Comeback Player of the Year, right? Who else is in that category with him?
Tyler O’Neill, a menace to the Orioles this week. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. perhaps. BetMGM tabbed Garrett Crochet as the favorite back in July. How do we interpret “comeback?” Suárez didn’t perform at a high level in the past. He came back from Japan and Korea. But seven years between major league games is good enough for me.

What is the scuttlebutt on Adley? Is he injured or is his left-handed swing just broken? If he's hurt, why was he not placed on the IL?
This is a popular subject. I’m sure he’d be flattered. Rutschman said he’s OK. To quote: “I feel good.” We didn’t hook him up to a polygraph. The Orioles must feel the same or they’d shut him down. It looked like he was getting “too big” in the box, as they say. The same goes for others who are pressing. Trying to hit everything 500 feet at 500 mph. Trying to pull the ball too much. Not swinging at quality pitches. Getting away from the approach taught by the hitting instructors. Manager Brandon Hyde said Rutschman is “playing really frustrated.”

Should Adley give up switch-hitting like Cedric Mullins did?
No. He hit much better from the left side as a rookie. Remember? Now it’s the right. He doesn’t need to do anything drastic.

Connor Norby would come in handy now, right?
Good job making it a question. Yes, a right-handed hitter for second base would be nice after losing Jordan Westburg and Jorge Mateo. Jackson Holliday, Liván Soto and Nick Maton are left-handed hitters. Coby Mayo and Emmanuel Rivera are corner infielders. The roster seems … flawed. But Norby was traded shortly before Westburg busted his right hand. Well, a pitch busted the hand. But you get the idea.

Is the O’s athletic coordination staff aware that commenter Fritzer just offered the suggestion for how O’s batters could loosen up better before hitting? “Before getting in the batter’s box while gripping the bat, take it over their heads into the chopping wood position with bat head down almost touching their buttocks. It loosens the shoulders and promotes a good swinging motion.”
Maybe they could just chop wood. Make room on the on-deck circle. There’s no danger of Mateo sneaking up behind a player and getting hit on the head.

Is anyone on the coaching staff or in the front office at risk if the Orioles don't do much in October, or even miss the playoffs?
They ain’t missing the playoffs. Coaching changes around here are as common as cooties in your skivvies (RIP Harry Morgan). However, I’m not predicting that anyone on the staff or in the front office will be let go. Who’s the scapegoat? This team wins 101 games and the division last year and now some people want to clean house. I know there’s frustration emanating from the fan base over the lack of production at the plate in the second half, but the Orioles are committed to their philosophy and the profiles of the coaches who do the teaching. Guess we’ll find out.  

Will Jacob Webb join the team in Detroit?
If so, he's coming from Durham. He tossed a scoreless inning last night and threw 22 pitches for Norfolk in another rehab appearance.

Why does God hate the Orioles pitchers? They seem like nice people to me. Haven’t drilled anyone in the head or face this year.
God doesn’t hate Orioles pitchers. Only rain delays and extra innings.

The Oriole faithful seem to have lost confidence in Brandon Hyde. Have you heard anything or do you have the impression that upper management may share their frustration?
Not a peep. He’s a two-time Sporting News Manager of the Year. The BBWAA finally got it right last year. The Orioles have one of the best records in baseball. I know the bar’s raised since the rebuild, but plopping Hyde’s butt on the hot seat is ridiculous. Give him back the injured players and see how good he is.

Is Trevor Rogers going to make a comeback this season?
Don’t call it a comeback! Rogers is a candidate to return, perhaps in a long relief role. He started last night for Norfolk and tossed six scoreless innings with four hits and seven strikeouts. Three quality starts in a row.

Have the Baltimore Orioles supported any oriole-related causes? Sanctuaries, free bird seed after home wins, etc.?
Now there’s an idea! I don’t have anything else to add except it’s an idea.

When is the earliest that the Orioles could clinch a postseason berth?
Per yesterday’s math, it couldn’t happen before Monday. Won’t be in Detroit. It’s better at home anyway. The fans can celebrate and the beat writers don’t have to stuff smelly clothes in their suitcases.

Can we please let Tom Davis do a show in a real studio again? Not in the cold beverage section of the Royal Farms on 41st Ave.?
You don’t have to worry about Tom. He dresses warmly. And the man does love his fried chicken. But yeah, Tom is a natural in the studio. One of the best to do it.

Do you trust Seranthony Domínguez as the closer?
I trust that he is the closer. That’s obvious. He’s getting the ball in save situations and he’s their best option. The five homers, all solo shots to account for all the runs he’s surrendered, are a bit concerning. It only takes one to swing a playoff series in the wrong direction. But the club has got to be happy so far with its return for Austin Hays.

Your favorite pizza toppings? And don’t say …
Oh come on! I’ll mix it up. Pepperoni, sausage, green peppers, onions, mushrooms. The standards. Also love anchovies, though it’s funny that they aren’t universally available. And keep your pineapple unless you’re decorating a ham. (And please, while on the subject of hams, remove all the cloves or I’m never coming to your house again. In fact, just skip them.)

Happy Birthday, Roch. Given the fact that Norfolk ends their season on September 22nd, how will they handle the rehabs for the players we need back? Kjerstad of course is ahead of Urias, Westburg and Mountcastle.
Thanks. Norfolk ends “its” season, not “their.” It’s singular. And now you’re gonna take back your nice birthday wish. Anyway, the Orioles could arrange some simulated games for extra at-bats. The risk, of course, is having a minor leaguer down in Sarasota with spotty command coming inside on a hitter’s hands. Maybe better to do it at Camden Yards.

Concerning the O's playoff chances, has all hope been lost? Is the sky actually falling? Are there going to be human sacrifices? Will dogs and cats live together? Will there be mass hysteria? Will we see the Stay-Puft marshmallow man striding down Eutaw Street?
Dogs and cats can live together until they’re eaten, of course. But seriously … There’s lots of hope. The Orioles will make the playoffs. The question is whether they make a deeper run in 2024 and how much of a boost is provided by players returning from the injured list. They can’t gradually work off the rust. It’s go time!

Happy Birthday! What is your go-to birthday meal?
Thanks. I really don’t have one. I try not to celebrate it but some people wanna force me. Back in the day I’d ask my mother to make her chicken oregano, which always gave my dad heartburn for some reason. It became a running joke.

What is the "issue" with Adley? Injury or what?
This is probably a good place to stop.

Feature film: “How Cowser Got His Moojo Back.” Who plays Colton?
And don’t say … oh, wait. Well, Mookie Wilson is out. And this is definitely a good place to stop.