Wednesday Bird Droppings: Where the Orioles have had a few good days

Good morning, Birdland!

Things are all turning up roses for the Orioles this week. First, they draft who most scout revere as the best prospect in this year’s draft with the selection of Adley Rutschman. Then, they head to Texas and (barely) take the opening game in a series against the Rangers.

In the winning effort, catcher Pedro Severino smacked three home runs, bringing his season total to eight. And the rest of his offensive performance has been pretty great as well: .288/.370/.567, 147 wRC+. The crop of American League backstops is none too deep. Could Severino have a shot at the making the All-Star team? The Orioles may need to make some room next to Trey Mancini is their team-wide push for the Mid-Summer Classic.

Links & Notes

O’s focus on position players on Draft Day 2 - Orioles.com
I do not claim to be an MLB draft whiz by any means. My feelings on individual players is largely a reflection of what I read following the pick. But I have to say I like what the Orioles are doing from a strategic perspective. They clearly don’t love the pitching talent available, so they are staying away from it. And they know they are going to have to offer Gunnar Henderson an over-slot bonus, so they are making room with the selection of a lot of college players. It’s a straightforward plan that is being executed, and I am here for it!

Hyde must figure out how to back up center field - MASN Sports
The Orioles roster has, predictably, sprung leaks just about everywhere on the field. The season still has nearly four months remaining, so Brandon Hyde will need some help if he is going to help his guys limp to the finish line. In order to make that happen, the front office may first have to shed a Mark Trumbo/Trey Mancini/Renato Nunez/Chris Davis to make room on the squad.

Brandon Hyde impressed with first overall pick Adley Rutschman - Baltimore Sun
Does anyone else ever wonder what role the Orioles have in mind for Hyde? Is he the guy that will take this team from the cellar to the pennant? Or do they want his fun-loving personality around during the dark days before replacing him with a more establish manager in two year? I think he can stick, and I hope he actually gets the chance to coach Adley Rustchman one day.

Chance Sisco back in MLB with a clear idea of what will keep him here - Baltimore Sun
Chance Sisco was a player I was really excited to see play regularly last season, and then he totally flopped. He gets another opportunity here, and it will interesting to see how he performs. Severino has been awesome, and Rutschman will be expected to fly through the minors. That should light a fire under Sisco to prove, at the very least, he has a major league bat. That could allow the O’s to trade him or move him elsewhere on the diamond in a pinch.

Adley Rutschman, our lord and savior (Ep. 35) - The Warehouse Podcast
Another fine audio experience for your listening pleasure...or torture. Either way it counts as a download!

Orioles birthdays and history

Is it your birthday? Happy birthday!

Russ Ortiz, a 12-year MLB veteran pitcher turns 45 years old today. Ortiz played in 20 games for the 2006 Orioles, accumulating an 8.48 ERA, 54 ERA+ and 8.33 FIP.

Not much else excitement has happened in Orioles history on this day, according to Baseball Reference. So, here is some non-baseball stuff that has occured on June 5:

1837 - The city of Houston becomes incorporated.

1916 - Louis Brandeis becomes the first Jewish American to be sworn in as a Justice of the United States Supreme Court.

1956 - Elvis Presley introduces his single “Hound Dog” and shakes his hips on The Milton Berle Show.