Rummaging through another Orioles mailbag

Rather than let the mailbag fill until it overflows like a clogged sink, I’ve decided to share a few more questions this morning to keep it at a reasonable level.

I sense a little fan impatience because the Orioles haven’t made a big move or one that fits as a medium, but offers reportedly were made for starting pitching and the Winter Meetings could bring news. Stay patient. It's early December.

In the meantime …

Why hasn't the “Hot Stove” been hot?
There it is. Some deals and signings have been announced, but the process slows with the expanded playoff field convincing more teams that they can contend. Agents aren’t in a rush to accept proposals. High-profile free agents like Juan Soto and Corbin Burnes need to come off the board, which makes clubs pivot to Plan B. Stuff like that.

How many Orioles minor leaguers are eligible to be chosen in the Rule 5 draft?
Roster Resource lists 36. Don't worry, all 36 won’t be selected. Some of the more notable names include outfielders Hudson Haskin, John Rhodes and Reed Trimble, catcher Maverick Handley and pitchers Justin Armbruester, Juan Nuñez, Carter Baumler, Kyle Brnovich, Alex Pham, Zach Peek, Jean Pinto, Tyler Burch, Keagan Gillies and Kyle Virbitsky.

Any word on if they will be doing the caravans again? If so, will you be joining?
We’re working under the assumption that there will be another Birdland Caravan. The dates and locations for the last one weren’t announced until Jan. 8. And yes, I expect to be bar-hopping again.

What are we waiting for on Burnes?
Scott Boras.

Should we all prepare ourselves for the Orioles to not re-sign Burnes and Santander and also not replace them with comparable players?
The sense in the industry, especially after the general managers meetings, is that ownership is “pushing for noteworthy additions,” as one person put it. But they will spend responsibly as a nod to market size, leery of handcuffing the franchise down the road. The Orioles want to bring back Burnes if they can work it out. They haven’t closed the door on Santander, though they also want to improve their on-base percentage. They’re going to pivot if necessary, with attempts at “comparable players.” They have the green light.

So what will the Orioles do with that vacant space between the new LF left-field wall and Waltimore, and the vacant space near Mr. Splash? Put in a golf course? Firing Range? Cheerleaders? A Costco? Parking? Kite flying area? Seats?
We were told no seats. Otherwise, everything is in play, including ballroom dancing and Go Kart racing.

If the O's sign Alex Bregman to play third base (I'd go for seven years at $35 million a year with $100 million deferred), would Jordan Westburg move to left field? Bregman's bat and glove are still great, and we could really use a captain in the infield. I know Westburg's only played outfield eight times in the minors, but he really strikes me as a B.J. Surhoff kind of guy who will do whatever they ask and put everything into it.
Well, the chances of it happening increase if you’re treating. Your generosity is noble. Executive vice president/general manager Mike Elias indicated during his video call last month that the infield is a low priority because it’s basically set. He called it “less of an area of need right now.” To commit that much money to an infielder and weakening the defense by moving Westburg to the outfield, just doesn’t make sense.

What would your walk-up song be?
You mean, “What would be your walk-up song?” Twisted Sister’s “I Wanna Rock.” And I’d demand a hype video.

Have you been in touch with Jordan Westburg? I'd like to get an update on him. Thanks.
I haven’t talked to Westburg since the last game. Not sure what update you’re seeking, unless it’s his feelings on moving to the outfield after the Orioles sign Alex Bregman.

Nice call back.
That isn’t a question.

What are your thoughts on the golden at-bat rule, with teams allowed to choose one at-bat per game to use their best hitter regardless of where they’re at in the lineup? I saw a report that it intrigued commissioner Rob Manfred.
I think it’s floated only to keep fans from complaining about the automatic runner in extra innings. I absolutely hate the idea. Stop fixing what isn’t broken. Stop with the silliness. What’s next, allowing managers to select one player from the opponent’s bench after the seventh inning? Maybe teams could exchange starting pitchers after the anthem if both managers agree to it. Don't hold back if you really want to make a mockery of the sport.  

What is the best thing to do with Thanksgiving leftovers?
Heat 'em and eat 'em. You can repurpose them if you’ve got the skills. Turkey pot pie, potato pancakes, cranberry daiquiris.

When do spring training tickets go on sale?
Individual tickets for all exhibition games at Ed Smith Stadium will go on sale Monday at noon. Birdland Members can purchase them on Thursday. Otherwise, fans can visit Orioles.com/SpringTickets. The ballpark’s box office opens for in-person sales beginning Tuesday, Jan. 21 at 10 a.m.

Has Coby Mayo ever played the outfield?
Not as a professional. And the Orioles seem reluctant to toss him in right field. First base is more likely if he isn’t the third baseman.

2025 American League MVP: Gunnar Henderson, Bobby Witt or the field?
The field would be the smart wager, especially if Juan Soto stays in the AL and Aaron Judge doesn’t retire. But I’m going with Witt, who would have been the easy choice this year if not for Judge.

Ken Rosenthal speculates that the Orioles are "unable" to pay more than $10 million a year for a pitcher. Is this based on anything at all?
Your lack of reading comprehension. I kid! Here’s what Rosenthal wrote, which isn’t the same as your interpretation: “It’s conceivable the Orioles could land two starters, each at average annual values of more than $10 million. But such an outcome is not particularly likely. The market for starters is highly competitive and the Orioles also are looking to add a right-handed hitting outfielder and backup catcher.” Rosenthal is talking about the possibility of two starters at that cost.

Has there been any confirmation of talks between Elias and the Wasserman Group concerning John Means for the 2025 season?
I haven’t seen a single report confirming it. That’s not to suggest that it hasn’t happened, but the Orioles probably would wait before making an offer. There’s no rush, since Means is rehabbing from his second Tommy John surgery and might not be ready until late in the 2025 season.

Who are some candidates to succeed Buck Britton as Triple-A Norfolk manager for 2025? And please don't say "your mom."
I’d never! I mentioned Double-A Bowie/Chesapeake manager Roberto Mercado, who previously made the jump from High-A Aberdeen, but the Orioles could go outside the organization, which dramatically expands the field of candidates.

Would you support a pre-game show that you co-host with Jelly Roll called "Roch & Roll?"
This is probably a good place to stop.

If you had to trust one Oriole on the current 40-man roster to perform heart surgery, who would it be and why?
Félix Bautista because I know that he can close. And this is definitely a good place to stop.