Weekend Bird Droppings: The Astros are the Kings of the AL

Good morning, Birdland!

The Houston Astros are very close to being considered a modern dynasty if they haven’t already reached that point. They have now earned a spot in their third World Series in the last five years. So far, they have only won the whole thing once, but I think that’s pretty good. It would be fun if the Orioles did something similar, ya know?

It is exciting from the perspective of an Orioles fan since our team is attempting to go down the same path. Maybe that could be us!

Of course, it’s not that simple. The O’s still need to uncover their version of Carlos Correa, Jose Altuve, and others. Hopefully that happens, but it’s no guarantee.

The added benefit this year is that the Astros beat the pesky Red Sox en route to the World Series. That’s always appreciated. The way that most baseball fans feel about the Astros is the same way that fans of AL East teams feel about the Red Sox. It will be nice to no longer watch them play baseball this year.

Links

Orioles outright Austin Wynns - School of Roch
The Orioles’ catching situation was always going to be in flux this offseason. Adley Rutschman’s day as the team’s starter behind the plate is coming, and the team may need to decide who is the best fit to be his backup. Apparently, Austin Wynns is not that choice, at least not at this moment.

Minor leaguers ‘standing in solidarity’ prompts MLB to provide housing for players starting in 2022 | The Baltimore Sun
Putting pressure on organizations (eventually) pays off. The way MLB treats minor league players has been a travesty for years. Providing housing is a good first step, now they need to increase salaries and provide a pathway for players from all backgrounds to have an opportunity to push for the big leagues if they are talented enough.

Still the O’s ace: A look at John Means’ strong season | Steve Melewski
John Means is really good. That sort of flies under the radar given his lengthy injury and the way that his performance dropped off after May this season. But we should remember what a fun season he had, in general, and the fact that he feels like the only sure-fire member of the rotation heading into 2022.

Orioles birthdays

Is it your birthday? Happy birthday!

• Omar Quintanilla is turning 40 years old. The former utility infielder appeared in 36 games with the 2012 O’s.
• Arthur Rhodes celebrates his 52nd birthday. From 1991 through 1999, the southpaw made his way into 238 games with the O’s, transitioning from starting to relieving and even earning some minor MVP consideration in 1997.
• Dave Johnson is 62 years old. The right-handed pitcher played three seasons with the O’s from 1989 through 1991.
• Vern Stephens (d. 1968) was born on this day in 1920. The infielder spent two seasons with the Orioles in 1954 and ‘55 after coming from St. Louis with the franchise.

This weekend in history

Not much has happened in Birdland this weekend throughout history, according to Baseball Reference. So, here are some things that have happened elsewhere in the world.

1707 - The First Parliament of Great Britain convenes.

1850 - The first National Women’s Rights Convention begins in Worcester, Massachusetts.

1857 - The world’s oldest association football club still active today, Sheffield F.C., is founded in England.

1901 - Annie Edson Taylor becomes the first person to go over Niagara Falls in a barrel.

1992 - The Toronto Blue Jays become the first team based outside of the United States to win MLB’s World Series.