Good morning, Birdland!
It’s early in the off-season, and we all know the Orioles not going to be especially busy at the major league level. But that does not mean there isn’t stuff to talk about. This week, it seems like it’s all about the minor leagues.
Baseball America published their list of the “Orioles Top 10 Prospects.” They then followed that up with several tweets promoting the article, including their projected lineups and rotation for 2023.
Our projected #orioles 2023 lineup:
— Baseball America (@BaseballAmerica) November 8, 2019
C: Adley Rutschman
1B: Ryan Mountcastle
2B: Jonathan Villar
3B: Hanser Alberto
SS: Gunnar Henderson
LF: Cedric Mullins
CF: Austin Hays
RF: Yusniel Diaz
DH: Trey Mancinihttps://t.co/tI2LvNbK9p
Hey @Orioles fans, we think you might like this potential rotation in 2023.
— Baseball America (@BaseballAmerica) November 9, 2019
No. 1: Grayson Rodriguez
No. 2: D.L. Hall (24)
No. 3: Dylan Bundy (30)
No. 4: John Means (30)
No. 5: Mike Baumann (27)
Closer: Hunter Harvey (28)https://t.co/6WJTxFwwyT
Obviously, BA cannot make assumptions about free agent selections or future drafts. They have to work with the players already in the system. So, while this is unlikely to come to fruition, it’s still a fun exercise to discuss.
I think I’m OK with that rotation. It’s really all about Grayson Rodriguez and D.L. Hall. If they can be dominant top 2, then everything else falls into place. And Hunter Harvey, if healthy, could be one heck of a closer.
The lineup is where things look a little dicey. A starting field that still has Jonathan Villar and Hanser Alberto in three years is probably not a very competitive infield. And while Cedric Mullins is certainly better than he showed in 2019, he probably is not a starter on a good MLB team.
This matters because 2023, if all goes to plan, is supposed to be a season in which the Orioles really compete again. Many of their current top prospects will be in the show by then, and they are sure to be joined by some other intriguing youngsters by then as well.
What are your thoughts, Camden Chat?
Links
Five takeaways from the Orioles’ top 10 prospect rankings at Baseball America - Baltimore Sun
Jon Meoli got to double-dip, writing for both BA and the Sun about the same list. But if anyone in Baltimore media is gonna do it, it deserves to be Meoli.
Baltimore Orioles Planning Oriole Park Future - Ballpark Digest
Imagine that, improving an existing stadium that’s over 25 years old rather than just bulldozing it and constructing some ridiculously expensive behemoth next door.
Three Veteran Free Agent Shortstop Options - Birds Watcher
Mike Elias said he wants a defense-first veteran shortstop. That should be easy enough to find. Jose Iglesias feels like the best option. He was pretty darn good in 2019, and is still unlikely to be too expensive.
Elias on Rule 5 considerations, Cobb and more - School of Roch
Did you all remember that Alex Cobb is on the Orioles? I honestly forget multiple times per week. It would be cool if he could stay healthy this season.
So how long will this rebuilding take? - Steve Melewski
It will take as long as it takes, Steve. Chill!
Orioles birthdays and history
Is it your birthday? Happy birthday!
Two former Orioles have their birthdays today: Al Severinsen and Whitey Herzog.
The late Severinsen (b. 1944, d. 2015) appeared in 12 games for the 1969 Birds. In that time, he allowed five runs, struck out 13, and walked 10 over 19.2 innings.
Herzog had a Hall-of-Fame managerial career, winning the 1982 World Series and the 1985 NL Manager of the Year award with the St. Louis Cardinals. Before that, he was an outfielder with the Orioles. Between 1961 and ‘62, Herzog batted .280/.379/.406 for the O’s.
Baseball Reference did not have any cool moments in Orioles history listed for today’s date. So, here are some things that have happened elsewhere in the world on November 9:
1965 - The blackout of 1965 leaves homes in several U.S. states and parts of Canada in the dark for 13 hours.
1967 - The first issue of Rolling Stone magazine is published.
1985 - 22-year-old Garry Kasparov of the Soviet Union becomes the youngest World Chess Champion.