More thoughts on Birdland Caravan lineup

Now that we know the roster for the upcoming Birdland Caravan, we can formulate a plan for interaction and, if you’re in the media, to conduct interviews.

I wrote last month that I hoped for a Félix Bautista sighting, but he isn’t on the list. We’ll just assume he’s feeling good and his recovery is going well after Tommy John surgery. And, of course, he’s working hard to come back.

Also, no Kyle Bradish to talk about finishing fourth in Cy Young voting in the American League. We’ll save it for spring training.

Anthony Santander won't be there, preventing the media from calling him a "trade chip" in person.

You’ve already been told about Adley Rutschman’s previous commitment to speak at an event at Oregon State, and Gunnar Henderson’s commitment to receive his AL Rookie of the Year award in New York. They send their regrets and hope to see fans in Sarasota.

Dillon Tate returns to the caravan and that’s good news. We can get an update on his health after he missed the 2023 season with forearm and elbow injuries, and his workouts at Driveline Baseball.

Keegan Akin can give us an update on his back. He didn’t pitch for the Orioles after June 28 and appeared to be a non-tender candidate.

Is Colton Cowser confident that he can make the club out of spring training? Let’s ask him.

Is DL Hall confident that he’s going to be a starter or has he heard anything about a possible relief role? Let’s ask him.

Is Austin Hays ready in case another woman hands over her baby at a Happy Hour event? That is, if Hays is tending bar again. Otherwise, it might happen at a fan rally or bowling event. We’ll check the schedule.

Hays was a finalist for a Gold Glove. That’s a better topic.

Ryan McKenna went from non-tender candidate to recipient of an $800,000 contract. We can get his reaction to the early signing, whether he’s confident that he can make the club, and life without minor league options.

John Means didn’t make the Division Series roster due to his elbow soreness, and he can rehash his disappointment and provide assurances that he’s 100 percent and ready for spring training.

Bruce Zimmermann won’t let core muscle surgery prevent him from posting at the caravan. Gotta get an update on that, too.

He’s still a local product. No update needed.

Joey Ortiz can talk about how he’s going to compete for a utility job in camp and what he gained from his debut in 2023. Grayson Rodriguez can talk about what he gained from a second half that should secure his spot in the rotation in camp. And yeah, how long it took to get over the disappointment of the Division Series.

That last one also works for Ryan Mountcastle, Cedric Mullins, Tyler Wells, Jordan Westburg and Jacob Webb.

Wells can get the DL Hall treatment regarding his role.

Westburg can confirm that he expects to keep moving between second base and third base. Does he miss shortstop?

Did Jackson Holliday read Mike Elias’ comments at the Winter Meetings? I’m sure he did, but he’s going to be asked for a reaction and whether he can make the Opening Day roster.

Chayce McDermott and Cade Povich are the top two pitching prospects in the organization. I’d pair them up at every event.

Coby Mayo might ask for security after I wrote about him three days in a row, but I pose no threat.

Feel free to share your caravan plans if you’ve got them. I’m waiting for more information on media access.