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Good morning, Birdland!
We can all agree that the Orioles remain miles away from competing with the rest of their division let alone the American League. That won’t change this offseason no matter how hard the front office tries.
Trade the prospects. Sign the free agents. Offer a well-established manager a truck load of cash. Where would that leave the team? Probably with a small window in which they might compete, or possibly on the path to complete and utter disappointment.
Have you seen the Yankees and Rays this postseason? The Bombers have been a juggernaut all season, and the Rays have enough quality pitchers to make your head spin. Neither of those things is likely to change by 2020.
Links & Notes
Three Needs: Baltimore Orioles - MLB Trade Rumors
This article says that the Orioles need to make a decent effort to improve at the big league level in 2020. I tend to disagree. They shouldn’t tank, but they also don’t need to go make a bunch of trades or signings in order to improve. Stay the course that Mike Elias has laid out, and that could very well lead to another five or so wins next season.
Oriole fans struggle with Nationals question; former Orioles featured in Braves-Cards series - Baltimore Baseball
What’s the struggle? The Nationals are the worst. I mean, not as bad as the Red Sox, or the Yankees or that Blue Jays fan who threw the beer at Hyun Soo Kim, but still. They are the worst!
Checking in on Orioles prospects in Arizona Fall League at halfway point - Baltimore Sun
Last year, outfielder Ryan McKenna was lighting the Arizona Fall League ablaze. It has been less exciting for the the O’s youngsters this year, but that’s OK too.
Former Orioles Manager Buck Showalter Showing Interest In Managing Mets - NESN
Why, Buck? You have had a good career. There is no way that signing up with the Mets can end well. Enjoy retirement.
Manny Machado, San Diego’s franchise player, letting it be known he would like Padres to at least take a look at Buck Showalter, his former skipper, as they go through their managerial search.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) October 8, 2019
Orioles birthdays and history
Is it your birthday? Happy birthday!
Chaz Roe and his crazy slider turn 33 today. The right-handed pitcher spent 45 games with the Orioles between 2015 and 2016. Now he serves as an important piece of the Tampa Bay Rays bullpen.
Well-travel utilityman Jason Pridie is 36 years old today. He played in just four games for the 2013 O’s, and has been out of affiliated ball since 2017.
Last, but certainly not least, we want to wish a very happy 42nd birthday to longtime Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts. From 2001 through 2013, Roberts spent a lot of time at the top of some dreadful lineups. He made two all-star teams, led the league in doubles twice and topped the MLB in stolen bases once. He is a member of the team’s Hall of Fame and seems to be on track to become an important piece of the MASN broadcast crew moving forward.
1966 - The Orioles complete a sweep of the Los Angeles Dodgers to win the franchise’s first World Series title. Dave McNally tosses a four-hit shutout and Frank Robinson’s home run supplies the offense.
1971 - Game 1 of the World Series goes to the Orioles. Dave McNally gets the win and Merv Rettenmund hits a three-run homer.
2014 - The Orioles announce that they have signed shortstop J.J. Hardy to a three-year, $40 million extension one day prior to the start of the ALCS against the Kansas City Royals.