Mailbag leftovers for breakfast

Emptying a mailbag is more complicated than it appears on the surface, because of what’s happening at the bottom.

To put it in simple terms, stuff gets stuck.

Here are some extra questions that I didn’t want to ignore. Same no rules apply.

With Grayson Rodriguez not due back until mid-to-late September, that may not be enough time to be built back up. Is it silly to think he could fill in as a closer for the playoffs?
You aren’t the only one to have this thought and it does intrigue. The rotation needs Rodriguez and building him up is part of the process leading to his reinstatement from the injured list. That’s why it’s going to take this long. But it isn’t the worst idea. I had someone else nominate Dean Kremer for the job. But again, the rotation is the priority.

Which of the three areas on the roster needs to improve the most for the Orioles to make a deep playoff run: Starting rotation, bullpen or lineup?
Yes. All of them. But it always starts with starting pitching. What happened in the Division Series is proof. However, blown leads late in games or an offense that can’t get more than three hits also will doom you. The Orioles were fortunate to beat the Dodgers Tuesday with only three runs scored and Cole Irvin going 4 1/3 innings – a short leash at 60 pitches. The bullpen was money with 4 2/3 scoreless innings.

Did we get any BOGO deals from Dr. Neal ElAttrache?
It's the least he could do with all the business thrown his way. Maybe one of those cards like at Subway where they punch a hole in it after every purchase. The 10^th one is free.

Did we get any BOGO deals from Dr. Keith Meister?
I'm not doing this twice. And that's what she ...

Who do you see being on the postseason roster? And don't say "your mom."
I'd never! You want the entire roster? Let’s see how the pitching shakes out. We can assume, if injured players return as anticipated: Colton Cowser, Cedric Mullins, Anthony Santander, Ryan O’Hearn, Ryan Mountcastle, Gunnar Henderson, Ramón Urías, Jordan Westburg, Adley Rutschman, James McCann, Eloy Jiménez (since he’s playing pretty much every day), Jackson Holliday (unless he’s really laboring at the plate), Austin Slater (probably), Corbin Burnes, Grayson Rodriguez, Zach Eflin, Dean Kremer, Albert Suárez, Seranthony Domínguez, Yennier Cano, Cionel Pérez, Danny Coulombe, Keegan Akin and Jacob Webb. Probably Craig Kimbrel. Maybe Gregory Soto. But Matt Bowman has retired all 12 batters he’s faced since the Orioles signed him. Nick Anderson is headed to Triple-A on a minor league deal. Yeah, it’s too early to start with the mocks.

Have you ever caught a home run ball with a hat?
Never. But I almost caught one with my teeth. The risk of reporter injury will be lessened considerably at Camden Yards after the press box is moved to the top of the Hilton.

When are the park upgrades expected to be announced?
Anything new would be announced prior to Opening Day, but nothing major is expected in 2025. We’ll see.

Any update on Jorge Mateo?
Yeah, and it's a doozy. He had left elbow ulnar collateral ligament reconstruction with internal brace and flexor repair in Texas. And yeah, this one goes to Dr. Keith Meister.

Chicago beef or Dodger Dog?
My only experience with the latter was in the mid-80s as a fan. The only time I’ve been to Dodger Stadium. Fernando Valenzuela was pitching, so that gives you an idea of how long ago we’re talking about here. I missed half the game waiting in line and remember thinking, “Eh.” It was fine but nothing special. So, Chicago beef.

Is there a better player to talk to than James McCann?
He’d rank highly on any list. A great guy for quotes or just to chat with, whether about baseball, family or fastballs to the face. There are others in that clubhouse, including Danny Coulombe, Ryan O’Hearn, Cole Irvin, Ryan Mountcastle, Anthony Santander, Colton Cowser, Gunnar Henderson and Jordan Westburg. Jackson Holliday is mature beyond his years. We lost a good one in Austin Hays. Not having John Means around also shortens the list.

Is trading Connor Norby for Trevor Rogers the worst trade ever?
You cannot grade a trade this quickly. That would be grossly unfair to Rogers after four starts. You need enough time to pass in order to say, for example, that Glenn Davis was a Morganna-sized bust. (If you know, you know.)

If you had to be stationed in Kuwait and couldn’t drink for a year, what would be your first drink upon return?
Wait, you can’t drink in Kuwait? Hold on while I cancel my hotel and flight reservations. …………… OK, a Tito’s dirty martini or a Maker’s Mark Manhattan. But let’s be honest here. If I had gone an entire year without a drink, I’d probably do shots of rubbing alcohol.

The first step is admitting you have a problem.
That isn’t a question.

What teams would the Orioles rather see in the playoffs?
Any of them. Just get there. Roll the dice in October. The Yankees have Aaron Judge and Juan Soto, the Guardians have some studs in their lineup, as well, and elite closer Emmanuel Clase. The Astros are the Astros. They’re gonna be a problem for anybody. With so much parity, any team that gets hot at the right time can run the table.

Am I wrong to think Jordan Westburg would help substantially in preventing the offensive lulls we've been seeing?
No fear of contradiction here. Westburg’s loss was huge. Gave the team quality at-bats. Made the roster thinner after he left it. Ramón Urías has done tremendous work filling the void, but Westburg needs to get back in the lineup.

Have you ever been in a fight and if so, what happened?
The first rule of Fight Club … Also, the concussion makes the details fuzzy.

Are there any other international signings besides Samuel Basallo to keep tabs on?
Left-hander Luis De León is the organization’s No. 10 prospect per MLB Pipeline, and outfielder Stiven Martinez is 11^th. Outfielder Braylin Tavera is 17^th after receiving a $1.7 million bonus in January 2022.

Iced Tea: sweetened or unsweetened?
He’s pretty sweet on Law & Order. OK, OK. I don’t drink much of it. Can’t remember the last glass. But sweetened.

Assuming the team would not plan on starting the season with Samuel Basallo on the O's Opening Day roster, have you heard any discussion about possibly bringing James McCann back for 2025?
That sort of thing is done behind closed doors to keep us in the dark. I wouldn’t rule out interest, but would McCann seek maybe one more multi-year deal? It’s an interesting topic. You’re right that Basallo isn’t breaking camp with the team next spring. He just got to Triple-A. But there are other options besides McCann.

Of those currently injured, who do you think most needs to come back strong if the Orioles are going to make a run?
Grayson Rodriguez to provide a 1-2-3 punch with Corbin Burnes and Zach Eflin. Eflin could be reinstated and start Sunday. But also, Danny Coulombe because he gets out right-handers and left-handers with equal ease and the ‘pen needs him in high-leverage situations. And Jordan Westburg because of his hitting and defense at second and third base. You just mean the ones who are able to come back this year, right?

If one train leaves Chicago at 6 p.m. going 50 mph traveling west and another … oh, never mind on that.
Thanks. And this is probably a good place to stop. Let's slam the brakes on that train and the mailbag.

Darth Vader: Villain or misunderstood father figure?
This is definitely a good place to stop. And may the force out be with you.