Recent discussions have included rotation candidates, chasing balls and more

Sometimes you never quite know what you may be reading about in this space. Some days it could be potential free agent pitchers the club could sign, 2022 rotation candidates or chasing home run balls in batting practice.

Trying to keep it interesting here during a lockout with almost no news taking place can be a challenge. Especially with snow and/or ice on the ground. A challenge to the baseball mood.

But before long, spring will emerge, the lockout hopefully ends and a new collective bargaining agreement is in place.

This last week, while we waited on that we discussed how the Orioles might go with the 2022 rotation. Should they look to sign more veterans when they are allowed to, more with experience like Jordan Lyles? Should they instead turn over most starts to rookies and young pitchers and find out now who will sink or swim? Should they do a little of both?

On Wednesday, we took another look at recent 40-man addition, right-hander Félix Bautista. The Orioles added him to the roster, ensuring he would not be lost in the Rule 5 draft (whenever they get around to it).

Bautista can touch 100 and 101 mph with his fastball and will certainly add a big arm to the bullpen. He began 2021 with high Single-A Aberdeen, going 0-2 with a 1.20 ERA over 11 games. He moved to Double-A Bowie in late June and went 0-1 with an ERA of 0.68 in 12 games. He ended the year going 1-3 with a 2.45 ERA in 17 games at Triple-A. Over 18 1/3 innings, he allowed 11 hits with nine walks to 25 strikeouts.

For the three O's teams combined, Bautista went 1-6 with a 1.54 ERA. Over 46 2/3 innings, he allowed just 20 hits and eight earned runs with two homers. He walked 30 and fanned 77 with a WHIP of 1.071.

On Saturday in this space, we wondered about the rotation outlook next year for right-hander Dean Kremer. A pitcher who had an ERA of 1.69 after his first three big league starts. But he struggled badly last year, going 0-7 with a 7.55 ERA over 13 starts and the O's went 3-10 in those games.

So today, feel free to leave some questions and/or comments about any recent topics from chasing home run balls to 2022 rotation candidates and more.

Tomorrow in this space, I will have an interview and one-on-one Zoom video with new O's co-hitting coach Ryan Fuller. How will co-hitting coaches work out for the Orioles and what are his thoughts on moving from Double-A Bowie to Baltimore?

What are some topics you would like to see written about here over the next few weeks?

Meet baby Adley: In a town where parents once named their kids Brooks because of No. 5, we now have baby Adley. A new trend?

We enjoyed having your wedding at the ballpark and congratulations on bringing baby Adley into the world! 🍼👶 We can't wait to meet him this season!! https://t.co/ocXeWzeIi0

-- Bowie Baysox (@BowieBaysox) January 8, 2022