Because You Asked - The Recycler

The mailbag is filling up again, like the bases in the bottom of the 10^th inning in Game 1 of the World Series.

Freddie Freeman isn’t here to empty it, so I’ll take over.

You ask, I answer, and we have our latest sequel to the beloved 2008 blockbuster. I thought about editing for clarity, length and style, until I had a moment of clarity and decided against it.

Also, my mailbag clinches pennants and yours clutches pearls.

Can you get more specifics on Colton Cowser's hand surgery? Having broken my hand playing ball back in the day where I just got casted and healed for weeks, I am curious as to what they corrected with his surgery.
Sorry, but the Orioles aren’t sharing any information beyond how he had “successful surgery to repair a fractured left hand, and the procedure “was performed by Dr. Donald Sheridan in Phoenix, AZ,” and that the outfielder “is expected to be ready for spring training.” Anything else must come from Cowser during his next media availability.

Any discussion on moving Gunnar Henderson off shortstop or having an open competition for it in spring training?
It’s much too early to know the Orioles’ plans but I don’t anticipate any moves. They’re committed to Henderson at short and aren’t going to overreact to his miscues in his first full season at the position. Of course, we assumed that Henderson would again bounce between both position on the left side of the infield in 2024 and we found out in spring training that he was the full-time shortstop. The Orioles are full of surprises.

How do you think they will address the offensive collapse from 2024? You could add a bat or two, but internally, how do you keep pretty much the entire lineup from getting pitched to – such as, just throw Mountcastle a low and away breaking ball - and just hacking away at everything?
There will be changes in co-hitting coaches, though it wouldn’t be accurate to suggest that Ryan Fuller and Matt Borgschulte were pushed out the door. Mike Elias will check the free agent and trade markets for bats. And the Orioles will hope for bounce back seasons from some of their slumping hitters.

Are you going to publicly apologize for not calling Twitter "X"?
Nope. I could call it hundreds of things that basically imply “cesspool.”

Who do you think will be elected … into the Orioles Hall of Fame next?
I see what you did there. Matt Wieters and Chris Davis were considerations this year and will be again in 2025.

Best/worst dressed players during your time covering the Orioles?
Eric Davis and Lenny Webster belong in the team’s clothing Hall of Fame. Buddy Groom was a nice guy and good reliever, but he wasn’t walking down any fashion runways with his deer-hunting T-shirt and shorts. Jamie Walker and Randy Myers also had their own looks – as if they just fell out of a tree stand.

Do you get the sense that the Orioles will be quick to move once free agency starts?
Quick to begin negotiations, but the pace also is dictated by the other side. A more aggressive approach is supposed to be a byproduct of new ownership, instead of laying back and letting the market “play out.”

Are the Orioles giving any thoughts to upgrading the setup guys ahead of Félix Bautista next year?  
They always make changes to the bullpen and I’d expect more tweaking. However, they also can re-slot Seranthony Domínguez in setup if he’s back.

Who ya got in the World Series? How many games, MVP?
Guess it’s not fair for me to chime in now that the Series already started. I always root for a Game 7 – and speaking of which, check out the series “Game 7” that dropped last week on Amazon Prime. I was thinking Dodgers in seven and making the obvious Shohei Ohtani pick. I may wanna change that last one.

Do the O’s realize Jackson Holliday was deep in the well-below-average defensive range?
They know the numbers. They also know that he was learning a new position and believe he’s going to be good. They also realize that he's only 20. From Tony Mansolino, who serves as infield instructor: “Personally I’m thrilled. I see a guy that’s going to be a Gold Glove contender in the years to come, and we’re really happy with where he’s at the moment.”

How much do you think Anthony Santander will get in free agency, and with which team?
I had him down for less than Jim Bowden’s prediction of seven years and $150.5 million. I was thinking four-to-five years at close to the same annual salary. But also, this isn’t my area of expertise. Bowden’s projection probably takes the Orioles out of the running, but again, I’m just making an assumption. This is David Rubenstein’s first offseason. Bowden has the Orioles, Nationals, Reds, Blue Jays and Mariners as best fits. I’m gonna throw one if I have to spend all winter chasing these rumors.

Chocolate covered peanuts or chocolate covered raisins?
I can’t remember the last time I indulged in either, but I view them equally. They’re acceptable if I’m stranded on an island like Tom Hanks in “Cast Away” and a crate washes ashore. And after I’ve tired of coconuts and bird droppings.

What's the word on Ryan Mountcastle's future here? I think, given his big home run drop off since the left field wall was moved back and his recurring injury issues, he's a prime "change of scenery" candidate. Also opens up first base for Coby Mayo.
You may be right. I may be crazy, but I think Mountcastle returns in 2025. MLBTradeRumors.com projects a raise to $6.6 million, which ain’t cheap. Also, you’re right about the drop off and the torturous wall and the health issues and the Orioles needing to find a spot for Mayo. All of it. He was the subject of trade talks at the deadline. They could start up again. But I’ll pencil him onto my Opening Day roster.  

Is there an expectation that John Means returns next year, and if so, what would his role be?
He’s a pending free agent recovering from his second Tommy John surgery. The Orioles could sign him to another two-year deal and hope that he’s back late in 2025 and a full-go in the rotation in 2026. However, there’s no “expectation” at this point.

Any chance that Eloy Jiménez stays with the Orioles?
At $16.5 million? Not a chance. They could try to negotiate a new deal in free agency, but the “expectation” is that the Orioles move on from him.

Which area of the roster needs the least amount of tweaking over the winter - rotation, lineup or bullpen?
There are enough returnees to keep the bullpen intact, but that never happens. I’ll still go with the ‘pen.

If one train leaves Chicago at 6 p.m. going 50 mph traveling west and another … oh, never mind.
Good. And this is probably a good place to stop.

Who dresses Cam Newton? And don't say...
This is definitely a good place to stop.