Saturday Bird Droppings: Happy Delmon Day!

Good morning, Birdland!

It’s a holiday around these parts of the internet. Six years ago today, the Orioles beat the Tigers 7-6 in Game 2 of the ALDS thanks, in large part, to Delmon Young, whose pinch-hit double with the bases loaded put the good guys ahead, and they never looked back.

It may seem silly to other fanbases that we get so excited about a non-clinching Division Series win. But those of us that witnessed it —regardless of whether you were in attendance at Camden Yards or not— understand just how special it was.

There was an aura about that day. It felt like the Orioles could do no wrong, even though they trailed for a good portion of the afternoon. The city was alive. It was just cold enough outside to feel like fall. Something great was going to happen.

There is no need for me to rehash all of that here. You remember what happened. But I will post the full game here, because why not?

Links

Closing arguments on bullpen role - School of Roch
Throughout the season, the Orioles traded away their three most dependable relievers. On top of that, they went all summer without a traditional closer. Despite that, the Birds bullpen was pretty good, and they are set up to be one of the team’s best units in 2021.

Big questions facing the O’s this offseason - Orioles.com
What will likely be the hardest part of this winter for the O’s is how Mike Elias will juggle roster moves to protect any of the club’s Rule 5 eligible prospects. Players like Yusniel Diaz, Rylan Bannon, Michael Baumann, Zac Lowther and Alex Wells (among others) will need to either get a spot on the 40-man roster or risk going to another club in December.

Gunnar Henderson was the Orioles’ youngest prospect at Bowie camp. He might have benefited the most. - The Baltimore Sun
Gunnar Henderson is the exact type of player that the O’s organization has lacked in its minor league system for a few years. He’s athletic, projectable and plays on the left side of the infield. The fact that they put him in the Bowie camp despite being just 19 years old speaks volumes on how the club higher-ups regard his potential.

Bob Gibson Passes Away - MLB Trade Rumors
St. Louis Cardinals legend Bob Gibson never wore an Orioles uniform, and since he played in a time before interleague play, he never even faced the Birds on the mound. But his passing is a sad day for all baseball fans.

Orioles birthdays

Is it your birthday this weekend? Happy birthday!

Mike Belfiore turns 32. The left-handed pitcher appeared in just one major league game, which came with the 2013 Orioles, when he allowed two runs on three hits over 1.1 innings.

It’s the 45th birthday of Mike Johnson, a right-handed pitcher that appeared in 14 games for the 1997 O’s. In that time he accumulated a 7.94 ERA over 39.2 innings prior to a trade that sent him to the Montreal Expos for a player to be named later (Everett Stull).

This day in history

1986 - For the first time since the franchise moved from St. Louis in 1954, the Orioles finish in last place following a 6-3 loss to the Detroit Tigers.

2012 - Although the Orioles had already clinched a postseason berth, their position as a Wild Card team is confirmed following a loss to the Tampa Bay Rays in the season finale.

2014 - Cruz is in, Pearce is in, Hardy around third!!

2018 - The Orioles make the dismissal of manager Buck Showalter following a 47-win season.