Mailbag leftovers for breakfast

A few questions stuck to the bottom of the mailbag again.

An attendant at Sinai Hospital told me that eight ounces or more of cherry juice lowers blood pressure. The bottle must have leaked.

It never should have been inside the mailbag. That’s my fault.

You ask and I answer. Here we go.

Any new minor league signings to report?
Yes. The club announced yesterday that right-hander Robinson Martínez signed a minor league deal. Martínez, 26, pitched in the Phillies system from 2015-19 and in the Marlins system in 2021-22. He has a 4.92 ERA and 1.502 WHIP in 133 games (seven starts) and averages 5.2 walks, 9.6 strikeouts and 0.6 home runs allowed per nine innings. He hasn’t pitched above Double-A. The Orioles assigned him to the Bowie Baysox.

Start printing those World Series tickets?
Look at you, turning it into a question. The signing is for depth, to fill out minor league rosters. And perhaps it becomes a lot more and you're asking where you can purchase his jersey.

Will it be seen internally as a huge failure if they don't sign a top flight starting pitcher and instead get a strong No. 2 or less?
The Orioles will make a run at some of the No. 1 starters but certainly would take a quality, proven pitcher to slot lower. Perhaps more than one of them. They could sign Nathan Eovaldi, for instance, to put behind Zach Eflin and Grayson Rodriguez, the latter a potential ace if he stays healthy. There’s also guys like Yusie Kikuchi, Sean Manaea and Luis Severino.

What was the thinking behind letting Danny Coulombe go to free agency? Is that elbow/forearm a ticking time bomb?
The Orioles didn’t provide a detailed explanation. Age, coming off another elbow injury, the $4 million cost, their depth from the left side. Could be any or all.

Will Juan Soto live in Monkton, Roland Park, Glenelg or Harbor East?
He can afford more than one home. Maybe one in each county. Wait, he isn’t coming here. You almost had me.

When does Gunnar Henderson’s long-term extension become a priority?
Mike Elias is the only person who can answer that. We know that it’s been discussed, but the Orioles aren’t going to talk about it publicly. Elias is trying to add to the team and make a deep playoff run. That’s the priority. Henderson and others are in there somewhere. That’s the best I’ve got for you.

What is the best baseball movie? And are you excited about the Savannah Bananas coming to Camden Yards next summer?
Bull Durham is my favorite, but don’t sleep on Eight Men Out. I wouldn’t describe my reaction to the Bananas as “excited.” It’s more like “indifferent.” But I’m sure fans will have a blast. The Savannah Banana Hammocks would be a huge draw, but they don't dive into second base.

Do you know whether Ed Smith Stadium is being considered as one of the alternate stadium sites for the Rays?
I never heard Ed Smith mentioned among the possibilities, and the Rays announced yesterday that they’re playing the 2025 regular season at George M. Steinbrenner Field in Tampa, the spring training home of the Yankees. So, that’s two teams playing at minor league facilities next season. What's the record?

How do you feel about covering the games in Tampa Bay in June and July?
Inconsolable. I love The Trop and its 72 degree temperatures. Best press box. Easy access to everything. But it’s supposed to be repaired by 2026. I may not be around to enjoy it, but still good news.

Are there any arbitration-eligible players who the Orioles may not tender by the deadline?
Before I respond, you should consider how I viewed the Orioles’ picking up Danny Coulombe’s option as a slam dunk. Boy, was I wrong. There are 13 players left who are eligible and the Orioles could go 13-for-13. They shocked many of us last year by going 17-for-17. MLBTradeRumors.com projects Jorge Mateo’s salary at $3.2 million. Emmanuel Rivera is projected to earn $1.4 million. Those could be the two hardest decisions. But what do I know? I took the Washington Generals and the points against the Globetrotters.

To be or not to be?
That is a question, and the question.

From what you're hearing, how pivotal does the front office view this offseason? Supposedly, 2024 was going to be an "all-in" year, and yeah, we got Corbin Burnes and then traded for Zach Eflin later, and we see how that ended. So, how "all-in" is the front office for 2025?
As much as in 2024. The Orioles haven’t won a playoff game since 2014. The front office understands how quickly a window can slam shut. New ownership could lead to more spending than in the past, though within a reasonable range. Nothing that could harm the franchise. They could be in play for guys who wouldn’t have been a consideration in past years.

Do you enjoy the break from the day-to-day grind of covering a 162-game season, or do you miss it this time of year?
I do not miss it. I’m not the type who starts counting down to pitchers and catchers reporting immediately after the World Series. Weirdos. Enjoy your time at home. Having your life back for a while. Not letting a baseball team fully dictate what you do and where you go.

Is there any concern that the league solved the Orioles’ offensive approach in the second half, especially with so many homegrown players getting the same instruction for their whole career?
I wouldn’t jump to that conclusion. It took until the second half to crack the code? Bad habits, pressing, injuries. I’d go there first.

Who did you vote for in the presidential election? And don't say your mom!
I’d never! And this is a good place to stop.

Have you ever been in a Turkish prison?
I've never even had Turkish Taffy. And this is definitely a good place to stop.