Monday Bird Droppings: Cedric Mullins is a deserving All Star

Happy Monday, Camden Chatters! I hope you had a lovely fourth of July. The Orioles did not, as they came from behind to tie the Angels 4-4 yesterday, then saw newly announced All Star Cedric Mullins hit the go-ahead home run. But then Cole Sulser was unable to retire a single batter in the bottom of the ninth and once again the Orioles suffered an embarrassing loss. To get all of the details, check out Andrea’s game recap.

But speaking of Cedric Mullins! Based on the incredible season he has had this year, it seemed a foregone conclusion that Mullins would be named to the All Star team this year. But it’s not official until it’s official, and yesterday it became official. Cedric Mullins is an All Star! In a truly fair world, he would have been voted in by the fans, but we know that it’s not. But he could still be named as a starter due to Mike Trout being on the injured list. He better be or I will have things to say about that!

Readers, I have a confession to make about how I little regard I had for Cedric Mullins going into this season. I know I am not the only one, but I do still feel some guilt for not believing in one of our guys. In the pre-season contest, one of the questions pose was, “Who will have more starts in centerfield, Austin Hays or Cedric Mullins?” To me that question was about the health of Hays. Would he stay healthy enough to get the majority of starts? I picked Hays as my answer. Mullins is on track to lock in the win by the break.

In another question, I asked “Which of these outfielders will have the highest OPS? (min 100 PA)” and I didn’t even include Mullins as one of the options! The list I provided was Hays, Anthony Santander, DJ Stewart, Ryan Mountcastle, and Yusniel Diaz. If Mullins were on the list, he would of course be running away with it.

And finally, in the question about the team’s rep for the All Star game, I didn’t include Mullins as an option. So congrats to the 36 of you who said other.

Links

John Means is ready for his first rehab start. The Orioles’ rotation is starving for his return. - Baltimore Sun
We miss you, John! Means made his first rehab start last night in Aberdeen.

Mullins' heroics overcome as Angels win in ninth (updated) - Steve Melewski
Melewski has embarrassing details from yesterday, with quotes from Brandon Hyde.

Orioles’ Cedric Mullins named to 2021 MLB All-Star Game: ‘It’s an honor that I have this opportunity’ - Baltimore Sun
It's so nice to have an All Star going who really deserves it. He was good enough to be voted in, even if he wasn't.

Birthdays and History

Is today your birthday? Happy birthday! You have quite a few Orioles birthday buddies, including current Oriole Austin Hays. Hays, who has played 127 games for the Orioles since 2017, turns 26 years old today. It’s also the birthday of:

• Jay Spurgeon (45), whose entire major league career is made up of seven games for the 2000 Orioles. When checking out his Baseball Reference page, I got a little thrill to see that his home town is West Covina.
• Alberto Castillo (46), a pitcher for the 2008-2010 Orioles.
• Journeyman pitcher Tim Worrell (54), whose 14-season career saw him play for nine teams, including a partial season with the Orioles in 2000.
• Curt Blefary (b. 1943, d. 2001), who played for the Orioles from 1965-68 and won the Rookie of the Year award in 1965.
• Arnie Portocarrero (b. 1931, d. 1986), who pitched for the Orioles from 1958-60.

On this day in 1969, the Orioles beat the Tigers 9-3 with Dave McNally picking up his 14th consecutive win.