Saturday Bird Droppings: Orioles win arbitration case over Anthony Santander

Good morning, Birdland!

The Orioles’ solid track record of success in arbitration hearings continued on Friday as they beat Anthony Santander. The outfielder had filed at $2.475 million while the O’s countered at $2.1 million.

Now that his salary for 2021 has been determined it will be worth watching whether trade talks involving Santander pick up. There were reports last month that the Marlins were interested, but there was little detail beyond the fact that the two teams had talked.

There shouldn’t be much pressure on the Orioles to trade Santander unless they feel overwhelmed by an offer, which is always possible. He has several seasons of team control remaining and makes a reasonable salary.

The potential of a Santander trade could make the Yasiel Puig rumors from November make more sense. The Orioles have more than enough players to fill the three outfield spots with or without Santander, but Puig would be an upgrade from some of the internal options and could allow a suitable replacement like Yusniel Diaz to get a few more months of seasoning prior to a promotion.

Links

Arbitration Hearing Decisions: J.D. Davis, Choi, Santander | MLB Trade Rumors
More information on Santander losing his arbitration hearing plus the outcome of two other cases across MLB.

Inbox: What is the plan for Rutschman? | Orioles.com
It would seem that the only way Adley Rutschman plays an inning for the Orioles this season is if they have a legitimate shot at the playoffs. I think that would force Mike Elias’s hand to put together the best team possible. Now, how likely is that to happen? Exactly, so just prepare to get minor league reports on his performance throughout the summer.

Each team’s best non-Top 100 prospect | MLB Pipeline
The Gunnar Henderson hype is real. Basically every outlet is saying that once scouts get a look at him on the field this year he is going to shoot up these rankings. That doesn’t mean he is the next Manny Machado, but it will be refreshing for the Orioles to have a well-regarded infield prospect once again.

The process of crafting a camp roster | School of Roch
Spring training is going to be different this year with COVID restrictions in place. That may prevent some of the better-known prospects from making their way to Sarasota until later on.

A scout’s take on the O’s potential double play combination | Steve Melewski
Gone are Jose Iglesias and Hanser Alberto. In are Freddy Galvis and Yolmer Sanchez. It’s not the sexiest duo up-the-middle, but you can appreciate what Mike Elias was trying to achieve here with what is sure to be a young pitching staff. The hurlers need to know that the defense will protect them a little but, and the Galvis/Sanchez combo will do that.

Orioles birthdays

Is it your birthday? Happy birthday!

The only former Oriole celebrating today is Pedro Alvarez, who turns 34. The slugger appeared in three seasons for the Orioles from 2016 through 2018. He hit .238/.315/.479 with 31 home runs across 168 games with the Birds.

This day in history

2012 - The O’s trade Jeremy Guthrie to the Colorado Rockies in exchange for pitchers Matt Lindstrom and Jason Hammel.