Mailbag leftovers for breakfast

When the playoffs started, I predicted an Eagles-Bills Super Bowl in a beat writer text thread. No one else had Philadelphia, but I cited its defense, offensive line and weapons in the backfield and at receiver and tight end.

I got it half right. Josh Allen just came along at the wrong time, in the midst of the Chiefs dynasty.

I also knew that I’d have leftovers from my last mailbag. A precedent is set.

Here are some extras.

Outfield versatility is a great thing, usually for substitutions or resting the starters. But Brandon Hyde used to switch Austin Hays and Anthony Santander to the opposite corners occasionally when they were both almost everyday starters. It might have depended on the road park and its dimensions. Happened maybe even at Fenway Park. Think we'll see Tyler O'Neill and Colton Cowser at both corners even as everyday starters in the same lineup?
I don’t think Cowser is locked into left field and O’Neill into right, but those will be their primary positions. They could switch on occasion. Moving Santander to the other corner made sense in some ballparks if there was more ground to cover in right. Hays had better range, of course. O’Neill has won two Gold Gloves. Hyde could be less inclined to make that switch.

I haven’t seen a single Craig Kimbrel rumor this winter. Is he still interested in pitching or is he retiring?
Really wish I could tell you. I’ve reached out to his agency multiple times and heard nothing. Maybe someone else will have better luck. Glenn Close said, “I will not be ignored.” I, however, experience it all the time.

Any Jorge Mateo contract updates?
I’m 0-for-2. The Orioles are file-and-go but make exceptions if there’s an option attached. For now, he’s unsigned and approaching an arbitration hearing. He’s seeking $4 million and the Orioles countered at $3.1 million. Or maybe he did the countering. Discuss.

Are there any real trade talks with any traction going on right now to make a significant upgrade to this team before spring training? Real trade talks meaning actual players and not cash considerations.
Talks, yes, centering on pitching. The traction part is unknown. But the Orioles, as I keep saying, haven’t closed shop. Perhaps the media can get an update at the Birdland Caravan.

When do you think Chris Davis goes into the O's Hall of Fame? He was a good player for five years.
Davis was a finalist in 2024 but lost out to Nick Markakis. Matt Wieters also was on the ballot. I think it’s just a matter of time before Davis is honored. I know it’s a controversial subject because of the tremendous drop in production, but what he did earlier should be enough. He led the majors in home runs in 2013 and 2015 and in RBIs in 2013. This isn’t Cooperstown. It’s the Orioles HOF.

Any updates on Félix Bautista or Kyle Bradish?
Finally, an easy one! Same ol’ updates. Bautista should be full-go in spring training and ready for Opening Day. The Orioles will ease him back into the closer’s role. Bradish won’t return from his elbow surgery until after the break. The club probably would be thrilled if he’s starting in August.

How are interviewees with long-gone Orioles actually achieved? Recently there have been some really interesting and insightful stories, filled with quotes from guys who were teammates of Brian Matusz. Most of the interviewees are retired themselves, not known to be associated with the team, and not necessarily even living near Baltimore. How is their contact information even known? Do you collect personal cell numbers and emails of everyone you encounter during the course of the season, just in case you want to interview them about something a decade later? How does that go or otherwise occur?
ZZZZZZ. Sorry. How long was I out? I’ve collected phone numbers over the years, back when you could go around the clubhouse in the final days of the season and request them. On a few occasions, an agent, teammate or friend would share the contact information or pass along mine. In Matusz’s case, some former teammates actually reached out to me first.

Have they announced if there will be any former Orioles as guest coaches this spring training?
The camp roster and instructors haven’t been announced. I know of at least a few ex-Orioles who heard from the club. It shouldn’t be much longer, since pitchers and catchers report on Feb. 12.

Did you know that Dave Winfield was drafted out of high school by the Orioles?
Yes, in the 40^th round in 1969 out of St. Paul Central High in Minnesota. The Padres got him with the fourth overall pick in ’73. My hot take: it worked out for both parties.

So, with Steve Melewski no longer working for MASN, will you have to travel to Toronto?
This is a popular one. I’m covering the opening series at Rogers Centre, flying into Buffalo and renting a car. That’s my only commitment to Canada.

If none of the rosters change, how do you rank the AL East?
The Yankees’ pitching could keep them on top, followed by the Orioles. The offense took a hit with Juan Soto leaving for the Mets, but there’s still plenty of thump. I’ll remind everyone that what’s on paper doesn’t guarantee the same results on the field. The Orioles are a playoff team. Roll the dice.

Is there a story about something you saw during your years of coverage of the Orioles that you can’t write about?
Lots. I don’t reveal names, but I’ll always remember the pregame scuffle between two players in the visiting clubhouse at the former SkyDome. It had to be a long time ago because I was in Toronto and Ray Miller was the manager. The Orioles were approaching the end of a bad season. One player got up from the card table and shoved a teammate into a locker. Jeff Reboulet, putting down his cards and rolling his eyes, was the only player who walked over to them and broke it up. He reminded them that the media was watching. “Do you really want to do that here?” he asked. I did the ol’ fish eye, pretending that I was looking at a television. Multiple guys said stuff like that happens all the time and we just happened to be there, so the beat crew agreed to keep it private beyond reporting after the season that two players had a brief skirmish – symbolizing how bad it had gotten for the club.

How does a player get nominated for the Hall of Fame, and I don’t mean his accomplishments. Is it the BBWAA or another group? As much as I would love to see Adam Jones in the HOF, I don't see him making it.
He didn’t. Jones received three votes and fell off the ballot. Candidates must be retired for five years, and they’re chosen for the ballot by a screening committee comprised of veteran BBWAA members. Our own Jim Henneman has been on the committee in the past.

Instead of waiting, have you given any more thought to starting your own podcast for this baseball season?
No. Not until after I retire and am searching for something else to do on a much lighter schedule.

Will David Rubenstein bring concerts to Camden Yards like John Angelos has done the last few years?
You may have to settle for the Savannah Bananas this summer. I know that they’re a-peeling. (Sorry.) The concert talk seems to have quieted. The roster and ballpark renovations appear to be getting most of the attention.

When does the season start? I'm sick of the offseason.
Opening Day is March 27 in Toronto. Or were you just expressing your frustration?

Do all the players stay together in a hotel when on the road? Hoping to “bump” into a few on the street when in New York and Tampa in June and get my six baby birds shirts signed.
They stay together. The days of Cal Ripken Jr. booked at a separate hotel are over. But I’ll warn you that camping out for autographs is frowned upon in this society.

What’s your best memory of Brian Matusz?
I’ve relayed the times that he dumped a bucket of ice water and a beer over my head after clinches in 2012 and 2014, respectively. Off the field, he spotted me at a downtown bar many years ago and I introduced him to my female friend. He saw me again at Abbey Burger, this time with my future wife. I introduced her and he said, “We’ve already met!” Her response: “That wasn’t me.” Brian turned red and kept apologizing, and we kept saying, “It’s fine, really.” He just made it more awkward, and it was hilarious.

I was recently on “Let’s Make a Deal” and I won a year’s supply of Jack3D. Did I choose poorly?
Throw…it…away. And we’ll stop here.

Are the Orioles a casserole or a sandwich?
Seriously, we’re done.