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Good morning, Birdland!
It’s Halloween, and there is a lot of spooky stuff happening around the world of baseball.
With the World Series behind us, teams have begun the process of constructing their rosters for a 2021 season. The problem there is that it is unclear what that season will look like, and how organizations will deal with what is sure to be an offseason unlike any we have seen before.
The shortened regular season and the lack of in-person attendance has reportedly hurt MLB’s collective bank accounts. In an effort to balance the books, we may be in for a rather repid winter in terms of transactions.
Some evidence of that is already showing itself. The Orioles laid off or furlough nearly 50 staffers earlier this month. Prior to that, they allowed the contracts of two coaches to lapse in what has been referred to as an effort to “reduce the budget.”
Next up is the payroll of the roster itself. The Orioles paid their players nearly $23.5 million in total for the 2020 season, according to Spotrac. That was the lowest in MLB. That number is due to jump with several players eligible for arbitration. However, it remains to be seen how high the Orioles are comfortable with going.
Trey Mancini and Anthony Santander will be Orioles again in 2021. The same might not be said for Renato Nunez, Hanser Alberto, Pedro Severino or Shawn Armstrong, the other current Orioles that could be in line for a pay rise this off-season.
Links
Orioles Claim Yolmer Sanchez | MLB Trade Rumors
This could have just been a smart way to add a former Gold Glover to the Orioles infield mix. It could also give Brandon Hyde a nice option if the team doesn’t tender a contract offer to Alberto.
Potential Orioles bidders line up in hopes the Angelos family decides to sell | The Baltimore Sun
We have to mention this even though many of the details within the story itself makes it seem like a nothing burger. Are there billionaires out there interested in buying the Orioles? Apparently. Does that mean they will be sold, or moved out of the city of Baltimore? Unlikely.
Kennie Steenstra discusses Keegan Akin and Dean Kremer | Steve Melewski
Read what the former Bowie Baysox pitching coach thinks about the development of two of the Orioles promising young hurlers.
RHP Baumler, ‘20 Draft pick, has TJ surgery | Orioles.com
It happens far too frequently for young pitchers. Perhaps fortunately for Baumler, he already has a contract with the Orioles, and they will ensure he gets the best possible rehab for the injury.
MLB cancels upcoming Owners Meetings, Winter Meetings | MLB.com
No shocker here. The same things that occur at these meetings will still take place, they just won’t be done at a fancy hotel or with much fanfare. Instead, it’s video chats and streams for all. Welcome to 2020.
Orioles birthdays
Is it your birthday this weekend? Happy birthday!
A whole bunch of Orioles were born on this day. Utility player Yamaico Navarro (2013 Orioles) turns 33. Longtime big league outfielder David Dellucci (1997) and left-handed pitcher Tim Byrdak (2005-06) are both 47. Right-hander Steve Trachsel (2007, 2008) celebrates his 50th. Former catcher Matt Nokes (1995) and pitcher Mike Smith (1989-90) are both 57. And finally, the late Dave McNally (1962-74) would have been 78.
This day in history
1979 - Orioles lefty Mike Flanagan is named the winner of American League Cy Young award. He led the league with 23 wins while also posting a 3.08 ERA and striking out 190 batters across 265.2 innings.
2010 - San Francisco Giants pitchers Madison Bumgarner and Brian Wilson combine tobeat the Texas Rangers 4-0 in Game 4 of the World Series. The Giants are the first team to throw two shutouts in the Fall Classic since the 1966 O’s.