Wednesday Bird Droppings: John Angelos becomes Orioles “control person”

Good morning Birdland,

How is everyone doing? I know, that can be a loaded question on a normal day let alone today. Just remember to make some time for yourself, whether that means taking a walk, getting in a workout, reading a book, playing a game or spending time with friends. Getting away from your phone or laptop for a little while can do the old noggin some good.

Since you are here, there is some baseball news of note!

Major League Baseball decided to announce the winners of the Gold Glove Awards at 8 p.m. ET on Election Day. Ya know, I just cannot figure out why they struggle to market their young stars. It is truly a mystery. Oh well.

Anyway, there was only one Oriole up for the honor. Anthony Santander was nominated in right field. Unfortunately, he lost to Rangers slugger Joey Gallo. That result is not surprising, but it’s still a bummer to see our guy fall short.

It can be fun to think about which future Orioles may be in line for some fielding hardware. Of course, Adley Rutschman comes to mind. Perhaps a full defensive season from Jose Iglesias will get some consideration in 2021. Cedric Mullins and Austin Hays both flash the leather from time to time, but a consistent role may be hard to find.

Links & Notes

Offseason checklist: O’s needs and moves | Orioles.com
The Orioles clearly have needs, but much will they do to bring talent into the organization to address those needs remains to be see. What feels more likely is that the team will look inward for young, affordable alternatives.

Mike Elias On Trey Mancini, Yolmer Sanchez | MLBTradeRumors.com
It was nice to hear some positive Orioles news. According to the team’s GM, Trey Mancini is doing well. That’s great! Whether he gets back on the field in time for 2021 remains to be seen, but it’s secondary to his personal health.

MLB team owners approve John Angelos to succeed his father as official in charge of Orioles, per sources | The Baltimore Sun
A sub-section of Orioles fans got their wish. Peter Angelos is no longer the decision-maker for the team. Instead, it will now be up to his oldest son, John, to lead the organization.

Orioles birthday

Is it your birthday? Happy birthday!

Larry Bigbie turns 43 today. The outfielder was an Oriole for five seasons from 2001 to 2005. He collected a .271/.335/.406 batting line with a 96 OPS+ prior to being dealt to the Colorado Rockies in exchange for outfielder Eric Byrnes at the 2005 trade deadline.

Right-handed pitcher Doug Corbett celebrates his 68th birthday. He wrapped up his eight-year big league career with a 1987 season spent in Birdland. He had a 7.83 ERA over 11 appearances that year.

The late Tito Francona, the father of current Indians manager Terry Francona, was born on this day in 1933. He began his career with two seasons as an Orioles outfielder from 1956 to ‘57. He had a .249/.324/.367 batting line with the O’s.

Orioles history

1975 - Jim Palmer wins his second American League Cy Young Award. He led the junior circuit with a 2.09 ERA and 10 complete game shutouts. He also struck out 193 batters in 323 innings.

2002 - Orioles pitcher Rodrigo Lopez finishes second in voting for the American League Rookie of the Year behind Blue Jays third baseman Eric Hinske.