Author Archives: Domenic Vadala

Welcome to Birdland Crush! Yes folks, for the record it's a spin off of the popular summer beverage native to the Mid-Atlantic Region - "orange crush." Nevertheless, I've been covering Orioles' baseball since 2009 in some capacity, and it's basically the greatest gig of all time so far as I'm concerned! But for those who aren't familiar with my work or bio, I'm familiar with pretty much every sport out there. But baseball is king - we all know that. So my hope is that you come back and check in after every Orioles' game, and throughout the off-season. I'm always on duty!

Baltimore Orioles’ Trey Mancini finishes third in rookie of the year vote

Trey Mancini of the Baltimore Orioles finished in third place in the AL rookie of the year voting. NY’s Judge was the unanimous victor, with 30 first place votes. Boston’s Benintendi finished second.

The vote didn’t come as a surprise to nary anyone, as Judge had been talked about as a shoo-in for the award as far back as the all-star break. From Mancini’s standpoint it was an honor to be considered. And an even bigger honor to be a finalist.

Mancini of course made his mark on the Orioles this year. There was no guarantee that he was going to be on the opening day roster. However he played his way onto it in spring training. Furthermore the quality of his play came somewhat of a surprise given that he moved from his traditional spot at first base into the outfield.

The sky’s the limit for Mancini moving forward. Obviously this was his one shot at ROY, however the Orioles certainly hope he’s on his way to dazzling for years to come.

Baltimore Orioles: If Manny Machado leaves

Manny Machado is obviously a popular topic surrounding the Baltimore Orioles these days. Will he stay or will he go? Well before we get ahead of ourselves, let’s not forget that the third baseman’s signed for the 2018 season. Unless they trade him (which I see as unlikely), he’ll be an Oriole next year.

But let’s say that one way or the other Machado does in fact bolt after 2018. Fans will be upset for sure, but the franchise itself would then have to focus on how to replace Machado in the field. You aren’t going to totally replace a glove like his, but you can try. And that could come from within – if you can believe that.

Chris Davis hasn’t just played some third base, but he’s actually a fairly decent third baseman. In 2012 Mark Reynolds was really struggling at third. Routine grounders were getting by him, and he was struggling on his throws. So the Orioles swapped him and Davis at the corner infield positions. It turned out that Reynolds was a decent first baseman – and Davis wasn’t too shabby at third.

Since then Davis has played some third base here and there. For his entire career, he’s spent 93 games guarding the hot corner, which granted is hardly a large sample size. His fielding percentage is .911, and he’s committed 17 errors. While those numbers would need to improve for Davis to play third routinely, I suspect that they would…if he played third routinely.

Davis is an Oriole because of his bat. However he’s shown over the years that he’s extremely flexible in terms of making acrobatic plays to save balls. So I think he could be a serviceable option at third base. And more importantly, it wouldn’t cost the Orioles anything and they could put that money into pitching.

So what then about first base? Well, is Trey Mancini not a first baseman?! While he’s played the outfield very well, the Birds could then return Mancini to his natural position, which again would save them a lot in salary. You don’t then have to take what you were paying Machado and find someone else to play third with that money. It can go directly into pitching.

I think the Orioles’ top idea would be to keep Machado. However if they cannot, there’s a potential fix, which again wouldn’t cost the team anything.

Baltimore Orioles: Do you make your own luck?

Similar to that of the Baltimore Orioles, the Maryland Terrapins’ (football) season is quickly slipping away from them. I sat down to watch yesterday’s game against Michigan and became quickly dismayed at the fortunes of the Terps. Perhaps you don’t expect much when you’re playing one of the most famous programs of all time. But I would have hoped for a better showing than a 35-10 loss.

Michigan flat out beat the Terps yesterday fair and square. No if’s, and’s, or but’s. But I watched as break after break went against Maryland. At one point the Terps converted on a third down with a deep pass, which was reversed on instant replay. The official ruled that the ball had come out. While the replay indicated that the ball could have come out, it never showed the ball on the ground. (Point being that the replay was inconclusive and the call on the field of a catch should have thus been upheld.)

Incidentally, Michigan capitalized on EVERY opportunity that they were gifted. Each and every one. Balls sailed through Terrapin receivers’ hands, straight into those of Michigan defenders. And those interceptions went back into the red zone. Following the non-catch I mentioned above, Michigan blocked the subsequent punt. To their credit, Michigan didn’t mess around with the chances they were given.

Why is this relevant to the Orioles? Throughout the 2017 season I noticed similar characteristics of the Birds. A seeing eye single with two outs would get through, and suddenly the flood gates would open. It’s almost as if the Orioles felt that they had to punish themselves for their lack of focus.

Part of winning is being in a winning mindset. And part of that is having the fortitude to overcome obstacles. I’m not sure that this 2017 Orioles team was capable of doing that. This isn’t to say that there weren’t mentally fortuitous guys on the team, however as a collective it seemed that things would snowball downward quickly.

And similar to Michigan yesterday, opposing teams always seemed to take advantage quickly. It’s almost as if they played for the fluke play because they knew that it would get the Orioles off-kilter. A ball through the wickets, a bloop single, etc…those things all would wear on the O’s. And again, opposing teams took advantage – nearly every time.

So how do the Orioles fix that going into 2018? I suppose it’s a mental thing more than anything else. And that comes from within. Therefore you hope that players are taking stock of themselves over the winter, and thinking of what changes they can make going into next year – both between the lines and mentally.

Baltimore Orioles: Did Manny Machado get stepped over?

The Baltimore Orioles were once again shut out from the Gold Glove awards this year, with Manny Machado having been their best shot. He lost out on the Gold Glove award to Tampa’s Evan Longoria. Mind you, Longoria’s been a great third baseman for some time.

This year, Machado’s fielding percentage was .967, which was higher than it was two of the three years he actually won the Gold Glove award. However he committed 14 errors in the field, which probably ate at his chances a bit. Technically, Longoria fielded at a higher clip – .968. And he only committed 12 errors.

That said, those are somewhat negligible differences. However there’s one big difference that would in theory make a big difference. Machado played 156 games at third base in 2017. Longoria only played 142. Could that have made up for one point in fielding percentage and two errors? Needless to say, it could.

Ultimately someone had to win, and the writers picked Longoria. However at this stage, nobody would be arguing that Longoria is a better third baseman than Manny Machado. the Orioles have the best third baseman in baseball, and perhaps of his generation guarding the hot corner going into next year. Obviously the big question is whether or not he will continue to guard the hot corner for the Orioles.

I’m not sure that Machado got screwed out of the award. But it was a curious selection needless to say. Machado’s much more capable of the flashy play, however Longoria’s been around a lot longer. Again however, there’s no question who’s the better third baseman right now. That’s Manny Machado by a long shot.

Baltimore Orioles: Is the eye of the tiger really a thing?

Many folks would say that the Baltimore Orioles lacked the “eye of the tiger” in 2017. Instead, the likes of New York, Boston, and obviously Houston, all had it. But does that really make a difference?

I suppose it does. And I would submit that you’d be hard pressed to argue that the Orioles simply went through the motions this past season. Some would point to the month of September as evidence that they did, however mind you that this team was about as banged up as you can get. That’s a tough way to go through the season.

I don’t think that the “eye of the tiger” means anything per se. Professional baseball players are paid to play. And I personally believe that if you’re paid to do a job, you aren’t simply going to show up and collect a paycheck. You’re going to do everything in your power to do that job correctly and properly. That’s not an Orioles or a baseball thing, it’s a human thing.

But what did some of those teams have this past season that the O’s didn’t? I would argue that it was the perfect storm. The Orioles were a veteran team. In general, experience is going to trump youth. And believe me when I say that I like veteran teams. You don’t have to deal with as much drama, guys messing up, etc. However the down side is injuries. And that’s what killed this team in 2017.

Baltimore Orioles: Success begins in Spring Training

The Baltimore Orioles will report to Spring Training under manager Buck Showalter in February of next year. It’s not as far away as it sounds. Pitchers and catchers report two weeks after the Super Bowl!

However after this past season’s debacle, perhaps Showalter and his coaching staff should look at how they’re handling spring training. And I’m not talking necessarily about one thing in particular. Workouts, drills, games – it should all be on the table.

And I’m not suggesting that they should go full throttle from the get go. That’s not feasible, nor is it smart. However the path to winning begins in February – not April. And certainly not June.

One thing I’ve noticed with the Orioles the past few seasons is that the travel roster is almost predictable. Now in fairness, that’s true of many teams. However in general we haven’t seen the full Oriole team in road grays until perhaps the final week of Grapefruit League play. Again to be fair, these aren’t days off for veteran players. They still show up at Ed Smith Stadium to work out, practice, etc. It’s still a very regimented day.

However I did notice teams such as New York and Boston throwing the likes of Judge, Betts, etc. onto their travel rosters here and there throughout spring training this past year. And why not? The more game situations that guys start seeing earlier on, the more prepared they’ll be.

Does this attest as to why Boston and New York went to the post season and the Orioles didn’t? No, not at all. Far from it. But perhaps there’s something there. If for no other reason, perhaps it reminds veterans or everyday players that if you aren’t getting the job done, there’s always one or two hungrier guys in the organization behind you ready to take your spot.

Again, I’m not talking squarely about veterans coming on road trips. That’s just one very tangible thing. But are they going too hard or perhaps even too soft in workouts? Are the drills not enough? All of that makes a difference. And all of that should be under the microscope right now as the coaches plan their way for spring training.

Baltimore Orioles: Safe home, Roy Halladay

I know that I speak on behalf of all Orioles’ fans and everyone in the Baltimore Orioles’ organization when I offer deepest of condolence to any and all who loved former Blue Jay and Phillie, Roy Halladay. According to news reports, Halladay was killed in a small plane crash over the Gulf of Mexico yesterday. For his career, Halladay was 203-105, with a 3.38 ERA.

Halladay pitched in Toronto and thus in the AL East from his rookie year of 1998 until 2009. From 2010 until his final year of 2013, he was a Philadelphia Phillie. While in Philadelphia, he pitched a perfect game as well as a no-hitter – which was in the playoffs.

However Halladay will be remembered as an overall good guy. He came across as incredibly community-minded, and liked to have a good time with the fans. It’s tragic when anyone dies, especially at the young age of 40. However perhaps it registers just a bit more when it’s a guy that’s sure to be a first ballot hall of famer.

Safe home, Roy Halladay. MLB lost a great player yesterday. But it seems the world lost an even better person.

Baltimore Orioles: Please go to the polls today!

I write a column like this every year, and yes I understand that it has nothing to do with the Baltimore Orioles per se. But consider it a Public Service Announcement (PSA) in a sense. Today is Election Day across our country, and my recommendation, hope, etc., is that all of you reading this goes out and votes today.

I’m not supporting any candidate or party in saying this. I don’t care for whom you vote. I encourage all citizens, even those who’s views are polar opposites of mine to make their voices heard today. Some states are electing Governors, State Delegates/Senators, and in some areas it’s just ballot issues. However make your voice heard; it’s important.

To tie this in a bit with the O’s, the team wouldn’t be here if not for voting – or at least for the right people having been voted in. Baltimore lost the Colts in 1984 while William Donald Schaefer was mayor. The reason the team moved was because the city and/or the state of Maryland wouldn’t finance a new stadium. Now we can argue over whether public funds should pay for stadiums another time, but that’s the reason the team left.

A few years later, Schaefer was the Governor of Maryland. Along with the House of Delegates and the State Senate, he was able to pass funding to build what eventually became M & T Bank Stadium, and of course for Oriole Park at Camden Yards. That took people going to the ballot box and voting the correct people into office – people who were willing to spend state money on these facilities, recognizing that these projects would also help the city and the state of Maryland.

If not for that funding and for the ballpark being built, I suspect that the Orioles would have left just like the Colts. Washington was “the destination” at the time, and many people felt that they’d end up there. Or perhaps in a city like Charlotte, NC. However either way, your votes count. All politics is local, as they say. So if you think that these piddly local elections are pointless, think again. Please folks, cast a ballot today. No matter how unimportant you might feel the election may be. Trust me, it matters.

Baltimore Orioles: Have to take the good and the bad with Roger McDowell

A whole slew of Baltimore Orioles fans want changes made on the coaching staff going into 2018. Heck, some even want a new manager. I’ll run the the streets with my underwear on top of my head if that happens. But one common theme has been that people feel that pitching coach Roger McDowell must go. At the end of the day I have news for you – he’s staying. Apparently so are the other coaches.

With a 5.70 staff ERA, McDowell’s pitchers turned in the highest ERA over a season in Orioles’ history. That’s a fair reason to want a new pitching coach. Oriole pitchers were often inconsistent, as as the season came to a close it seemed that mound visits and early pitching changes were getting more and more prominent. But regardless of what anyone thinks should happen or wants, McDowell’s coming back.

However there were elements to McDowell’s efforts in 2018 which really paid off. Dylan Bundy morphed into a staff ace in a sense. I’m not exactly prepared to use that term quite yet, however Bundy had a great season needless to say. Miguel Castro and Mychal Givens also emerged as solid relief options out of the bullpen. And who knows, perhaps if they’re stretched out in spring training they could even start at some point.

I suppose that my point was that while the overall results were poor for McDowell, there were some bright spots. If you’re going to knock him for the likes of Tillman and Miley, you also have to praise him for the aforementioned players. It’s also worth mentioning that the Orioles have had problems developing pitchers for years. The last pitcher out of their system who truly worked out was probably Mussina. The likes of Ponson, Cabrera, and others flirted with being good, but they couldn’t make it over the hump.

Point being, the pitching issues aren’t the result of McDowell. They’ve been happening for years. What’s the solution you might ask? Beats the heck out of me.

Baltimore Orioles: Hardy and Miley hit free agency

The Baltimore Orioles officially cut SS J.J. Hardy loose yesterday by declining his option and allowing him to become a free agent. The same is true of pitcher Wade Miley. The Orioles could have kept both players, but opted not to do so.

The absence of Hardy of course will be felt much more than will that of Miley. Nothing against Miley, but Hardy was an Oriole for much longer and he was kind of an institution in Baltimore. It was also necessary for Hardy to be cut loose, because he’d be the first to tell you that he’s in the autumn of his career. He thinks he can still contribute to a team, but he knows that the clock is ticking.

However he’ll be long remembered as a great Oriole. He was the perfect guy at the perfect time for the Orioles to acquire. They were a young team just on the verge of breaking out when Hardy arrived via trade in 2011. And while perhaps the likes of Jones and later Machado were the de facto team leaders, Hardy was a silent leader in the clubhouse. He led by example, and quite simply by being a good citizen.

That last bit there might sound a bit strange, but it’s true. You’d be shocked what just being there for your teammates can do. Throughout his tenure with the Orioles, there wasn’t one guy on the roster who didn’t believe in and trust J.J. Hardy to a T. The emotional reception by the fans in his last home game speaks volumes to how he’ll be remembered.

So my hope is that Orioles fans wish him well. We might well see him come into Camden Yards as a visitor at some point. And I know that the Orioles’ faithful will react accordingly.