This, that and the other

Outfielder Anthony Santander began last night’s series in Anaheim leading the Orioles with 26 home runs and 79 RBIs. He’s trying to finish first in both categories for the second year in a row, becoming the first Oriole since Chris Davis in 2012-13.

He’s doing a lot of other things, like how he’s pushing harder through the crowd for Most Valuable Oriole.

Don’t be too quick to concede the award to catcher Adley Rutschman, rookie infielder Gunnar Henderson, starter Kyle Bradish, closer Félix Bautista – whose value becomes more evident if the Orioles collapse from his elbow injury – or anybody else in contention.

Santander’s 33 doubles also ranked first on the club before Austin Hays tied him last night with an RBI double. And Santander was first with 60 extra-base hits, 239 total bases, a .489 slugging percentage and .818 OPS.

In case you missed it earlier, Santander is the first Orioles switch-hitter with at least 25 home runs in consecutive seasons since Hall of Famer Eddie Murray in 1987-88.

Santander is making $7.4 million and he’s eligible for arbitration again. He can become a free agent after the 2024 season, when he’s 30-years-old.

Do the Orioles consider an extension, consider the next set of trade offers or just hold onto him at his next salary?  The outfield is getting more crowded with Heston Kjerstad a consideration for a September callup and certain to make his debut next season if it’s delayed. Colton Cowser was optioned again over the weekend but could return later in the month, and he’s got a decent shot at breaking camp with the team next spring.

Cowser and Kjerstad are the organization’s No. 2 and 3 prospects, respectively.  Enrique Bradfield Jr., the first-round selection this year who moved up to High-A Aberdeen, is eighth, Dylan Beavers is ninth and Jud Fabian is 14^th. Beavers and Fabian are in Double-A, along with outfielders John Rhodes (21^st) and Billy Cook (28^th).

The talent is flowing, and Santander is raking.

The local media voted him MVO for the truncated 2020 season. His candidacy is heating up in 2023.

* The Orioles went into last night’s game with two players performing exceptionally in close or late situations, which is the seventh inning and beyond with the batting team ahead by one run, tied, or having the tying run on base, at bat or on deck.

The Phillies’ Bryce Harper ranked first with a .400 average. The Orioles’ Cedric Mullins was fifth at .370, going 17-for-46. Hays was sixth at .362, going 25-for-69.

* Dean Kremer gets the ball tonight. He’s 12-5, one victory behind Kyle Gibson for most on the club.

A pitcher’s record isn’t important? OK, what about the team’s record when he’s on the mound?

The Orioles are 20-7 in Kremer’s starts, the fifth-best record in their history.

They went 29-8 in Cy Young Award winner Steve Stone’s starts in 1980, 31-9 with Mike Cuellar pitching in 1970, 29-9 with Mike Flanagan starting in 1979, and 22-7 with Wally Bunker on the mound in 1964.

The Orioles’ record with Kremer is second behind the Braves’ 22-5 mark with Spencer Strider, in a minimum 25 games.