Sunday Bird Droppings: Where next up is Spring Training

Happy Sunday, Camden Chatters! How was your weekend been? Did you attend FanFest yesterday? There were about 8,000 fans there according to reports. That’s fewer than usual but still a respectable number in my opinion. If any of you attended I’d be interested in hearing about the vibe there considering all the losing that has gone on and will continue to go on in the near future.

There are always a lot of stories the day after FanFest, so let’s get to it.

Links

Mike Elias and and Brandon Hyde paint a realistic picture for season-ticket holders at FanFest - Baltimore Sun
They said all the right things while making it clear that the process will take awhile.

Dylan Bundy takes the heat for poor finish to last season - Baltimore Sun
Maybe I’m just a fool but I continue to believe he is a good pitcher. It’s in there somewhere. I spent way too long believing in Daniel Cabrera too.

Mark Trumbo aims to be healthy for Opening Day - MLB.com
Good for him, I guess. Also updates on the rehabs of Richard Bleier, Austin Hays, and Hunter Harvey.

Davis on 2019 Orioles: 'It's not going to happen again' - BaltimoreBaseball.com
He's ready to be good again! I am also ready for that.

Entering Cooperstown without a logo is as distinctly Mike Mussina as it gets – The Athletic
Dan Connolly says that Mussina’s decision “lets the Orioles off the hook, financially and otherwise. They don’t have to retire his No. 35 or put a statue at Camden Yards to honor Mussina, which has been the precedent for anyone representing the Orioles in Cooperstown.” I don’t get that. In what world is it a burden to celebrate the man who, at worst, is the second best pitcher in team history?

Hall of Fame cap controversies are nothing new for Cooperstown - MASN Sports
Mel Antonen on some of the other controversies in cap choosing in HOF history. I wouldn't call Mike Mussina's choice controversial, though.

Orioles prospect came up with amazing way to throw offseason bullpens | Larry Brown Sports
Keegan Akin needed to find a place to throw in cold weather, so he pulled an Erik Bedard. I remember random things about Erik Bedard for some reason.

Jonathan Schoop ready to prove himself with Twins | winonadailynews.com
I think the Twins fans are going to love him. I know he's better than he played with the Brewers.

Is today your birthday? Happy birthday! You have three Orioles birthday buddies! They are Tim Beckham, Ken Huckaby, and John Lowenstein.

Beckham, who turns 29 years old today, played his way into our hearts in 2017 when he arrived via trade with the Rays. He played his way right back out with a bad 2018 season and was non-tendered. He has signed a one-year deal with the Mariners and I wish him the best of luck.

Huckaby, who turns 48 today, appeared in eight games for the 2004 Orioles as a catcher. That makes me feel a little better for not remembering him. Altogether Huckaby appeared in 161 games over six years with five teams.

Lowenstein, who turns 72 today, was a beloved player and broadcaster for the Orioles. He had (has? I haven’t seen him in awhile) a great mustache, and playing as part of a platoon allowed the lefty to thrive at the plate in the late 70s and early 80s. When Mark and I did our Top 40 Orioles list in 2014, Lowenstein came in at number 34 along with his platoon partner.

On this date in 2010, the Orioles re-signed Miguel Tejada. He moved to third base. It did not go well.

In 2012, the Orioles signed Wilson Betemit.

In 2014, the Rays signed Grant Balfour after the Orioles voided his contract and he got really mad.