Because You Asked - With A Vengeance

As you may have noticed, I don't own the stereotypical mailbag, where I take original questions from fans. That would be boring. Much better to heap on the sarcasm while constantly repeating myself.

Nothing wrong with having a little fun, especially during a lull in the activity.

You know the drill. You ask, I answer, you ask again, I answer again. And I blame the repetition for my alcohol consumption.

Got a favorite sequel? I may be running out of names. Heck, I may have used the same one in a previous "Because You Asked" entry. I didn't write 'em all down.

I do tend to lean toward the worst ones. I also concede that none of them will top "Because You Asked - Electric Boogaloo." Wish I could dust off that one, but alas, I'm trying to stay as original as possible while reverting back to an old concept.

Anyway, here we go:

Any chance that the Orioles re-sign Chris Davis?

There's always a "chance." And it always comes down to money. How much will suitors dangle in front of his agent, Scott Boras, and how high are the Orioles willing to go? One encouraging sign is how ownership stated its intention to keep him without adding, "But it depends how much he wants." I heard that caveat used last winter with Nelson Cruz and Nick Markakis, and Markakis was considered a slam-dunk to return. Davis may not be the No. 1 priority in some circles, where finding a starter for the rotation is deemed most important, but he certainly is in other sectors of the organization. And he's probably in the top two in all of them. However, the team can't sink every dime that it's willing to spend this winter into one player.

Will the Orioles make a qualifying offer to Matt Wieters?

I'd only be guessing at this point. It makes sense to me because I don't expect him to take it and the Orioles can get a compensatory draft pick if he signs with another club, which is the most likely outcome. And I could live with him accepting the offer and being paid $15.8 million next season. He will handle a heavier workload behind the plate and the Orioles will retain a clubhouse leader. They've lost too many of those and risk losing another if Darren O'Day leaves as a free agent. But, as always, it's important to remember that it's not my money.

Any chance that Buck Showalter becomes general manager and Cal Ripken Jr. is named manager?

How can I put this succicntly? No! Showalter isn't eyeing a front office job and the Orioles aren't expected to make any drastic moves. Managing partner Peter Angelos, when asked whether Showalter and executive vice president Dan Duquette would remain in their current roles, replied, "Absolutely yes. There's no reason for any change. We're pleased with their performances from the beginning to the present and they will continue until their contracts expire. And once those deals expire, we'll probably urge them to sign for additional years." One member of the organization who's extremely high up the food chain was intrigued by the idea of having Ripken work for the club in some capacity, but there are no plans to name him manager in 2016.

Can Duquette and Showalter co-exist?

Isn't that exactly what they've been doing? There's really nothing new to report here. They have drastically different personalities and are going to clash. It's not uncommon. They communicate just about every day - anyone arriving early at Camden Yards can see them talking behind the batting cage - and Showalter has plenty of input in roster decisions. Sometimes, he gets his way. Other times, he does not (see Josh Hader, Delmon Young, Tommy Hunter). There's still lingering animosity in the warehouse over the Blue Jays' pursuit of Duquette last winter and his reluctance to deny any interest in the president's job, but others have moved on from it. Some people think he was too distracted by it during the offseason, others say it was business as usual. Another 96-win season would have wiped out this storyline. I'm just repeating myself here.

Is Showalter in Baltimore or Dallas?

He was back at Camden Yards yesterday. I'm not stalking him or anything, but ... he was at the ballpark.

Any idea what's moving into the space vacated by Sports Legends Museum?

I've never been to Chipotle, but I've heard good things.

Seriously, do you have any idea what's moving into that space?

Not a clue.

Since you brought up food, is there any take-out you try to avoid?

Chase Utley.

Any minor league free agents interest the Orioles?

I'm sure there are plenty. This is right in Duquette's wheelhouse. Former Oriole LJ Hoes would have been high up on their list, but it turns out he's still on the Astros' 40-man roster. There was some confusion yesterday. If the Orioles want him back, they'll have to work out a trade. If he actually does becomes a minor league free agent, the Orioles will be on him.

Forget minor league free agents. Why hasn't Dan signed any major leaguers?

Because free agency doesn't start until the World Series ends, except for teams being allowed to re-sign their own guys.

Are all of the coaches coming back next season?

That's the expectation, according to a whole bunch of people, but the process seems to be dragging. Showalter has stated that this staff may be the best he's worked with as a manager. I know how he's voting, but the delay is making some folks nervous. I'm not referring to the coaches, though they may be uneasy, as well. I mean others in the organization who want agreements to be reached sooner rather than later.

Wait, you've never been to Chipotle?

Next question.

Why didn't any of the postseason teams sign Delmon Young?

Maybe they couldn't find him.

Where is Delmon Young?

Working out in Miami, the last I heard. Sad to see his playoff streak end. I hope he's OK. There was talk of an ankle injury, but I can't believe that it kept him from latching on with another team. I'll look for his nameplate again at minicamp.

Are you still taking weather questions?

Even in my sleep. Since you asked, it's supposed to be sunny but only in the 50s for Sunday's LUNGevity walk at Camden Yards. I'm actually recommending sleeves.

What was Dylan Bundy's velocity during his bullpen sessions?

Really good. Oh, you want actual readings? Not happening. The Orioles aren't breaking out the gun because they don't want him overthrowing. But Brian Graham, the director of player development, has been impressed. This isn't soft toss from the mound.

What do you miss most about covering the playoffs this year?

Hanging out with Eddie Vedder in Chicago. I would have been the ultimate green fly. The poor guy would have been reduced to yelling, "For the last time, I'm not singing 'Lightning Bolt!' " I'm sure it would have ended up in a GIF.

What do you miss the least about covering the playoffs?

Frantically trying to book travel when a series unexpectedly goes five games. I felt the pain of the writers trying to get from Houston to Kansas City, Arlington to Toronto and New York to Los Angeles. You book the hotel rooms in advance and try to remember to cancel them if not needed. Flights are a different story.

Has there been any talk of making Zach Britton a starter again?

If so, it's being done in hushed tones. I haven't heard a single word about it. Britton has evolved into one of the top closers in the game. His stuff is so filthy, it should have little dust clouds surrounding it like Pig-Pen. The idea of giving him another shot in the rotation is intriguing, but I don't get the sense that the Orioles are willing to do it.

Who did you pick as your Most Valuable Oriole?

Manny Machado for his numbers across the board.

What does this team need the most?

A starting pitcher for the first or second spot in the rotation. I'll keep beating that drum like John Bonham. They also need to make every effort to re-sign Davis - for what he brings to the lineup and the message it sends to fans. Can you really let another home run leader walk out the door? At the same time, this team also needs to improve its on-base percentage and stop relying so heavily on the longball. Make an aggressive push right now to re-sign O'Day before he hits the open market. He's one of those guys you'll truly appreciate after he's gone. And how about better luck with its young pitching prospects? The injuries are inexplicable, considering how the Orioles go to great lengths to protect their arms, almost to a fault.

Anything else?

A Chipotle, from what I've heard.