Wednesday Bird Droppings: Where Orioles fans still love Manny Machado

Good morning, Birdland!

When compared to the rest of the 2019 season, the Orioles had a pretty good day on Tuesday. Sure, they lost 8-3 to the Padres, but that’s become the norm around these parts. On a positive note, the fans were gracious toward Manny Machado and his return to Camden Yards. Plus the club announced the signings of their two top draft picks, first-rounder Adley Rutschman and second-round selection Gunnar Henderson.

Life can seem cyclical at times. It felt oddly appropriate that Machado, a former top pick of the organization, was donning another team’s uniform on the same night that Rutschman and Henderson were also in the house. Does a similar fate await those two? Perhaps, but it’s so far away that we should embrace the good times while they are here.

Henderson will receive a press conference and in-game introduction to the fans on Wednesday. But don’t expect to hear much from him over the next or so. The shortstop is yet to even turn 18 years old and will almost certainly start off in the Gulf Coast League, and may remain there for the entire summer.

Links & Notes

Hopeful Orioles introduce No. 1 pick Rutschman - ESPN
Admit it, you are impressed how quickly the O’s got this deal done. They did not go down to the last second as previous GM’s have done with notable draft picks.

John Means Should Be An All-Star - Birds Watcher
I can’t say I disagree. However, I would be shocked if he actually did make the AL roster for the midsummer classic. Rookies struggle when it comes to being voted in by fellow players and coaches.

Orioles Claim Tayler Scott, Designate Sean Gilmartin - MLB Trade Rumors
Kind of a tough break for Sean Gilmartin, who has been really good in Triple-A this season. He did struggle in his lone big league outing this season, and the team’s pitching is so thin that he was naturally placed on the chopping block.

Orioles lose 8-3 but announce signing of Henderson - School of Roch
The draft provided a much needed silver lining, and the Orioles are going to stretch it out as much as possible with a press conference for Gunnar Henderson and an in-game introduction for the shortstop on Thursday.

Orioles birthdays and history

Is it your birthday? Happy birthday!

It is the birthday of three former Birds. First up is 35-year-old Luis Hernandez, an infielder for the O’s in 2007 and 2008. Pitcher Mike Griffin turns 62 today. He appeared in 23 games for the O’s back in 1987. And finally, it is a posthumous celebration for Gene Green (b. 1933, d. 1981), a man that played in just one game for the Orioles during the 1960 season.

1901 - The Orioles and 4,500 of their fans wait an hour and a half for the Boston Red Sox to show up. Unfortunately, the Sox were in Philadelphia to play the A’s, unaware that the schedule had been changed.

1977 - Blue Jays pitcher Pete Vuckovich blanks the Orioles 2-0, registering the first shutout in Toronto franchise history.