Category Archives: Baltimore Orioles News

Baltimore Orioles: 2021 Season Recap

The Baltimore Orioles were forced to wait an extra day to open the 2021 season at Fenway Park due to early spring weather in Boston. But it was worth the wait; John Means pitched what was at the time his best outing as a pro, and the Orioles defeated Boston. They would go on to sweep the series. Unfortunately, that was probably the pinnacle of the season. In terms of a team effort, that is.

Not much was expected of this 2021 Orioles team. However their valleys were probably far deeper than anyone expected. Yet, their peaks were often pretty high as well. That’s often the trade-off you get when you rebuild. One week after that opening series they’d be swept by that same Boston team in their home-opening series.

This season was always going to be strange. The O’s were only allowed to sell 11K seats per game due to social distancing regulations at first. That changed on June 1st. But the Orioles struggled along to that point. They often looked somewhat respectable against some teams, but within their division, they struggled. They were swept by Boston twice in the first two months. They also struggled against New York and Tampa. They lost 15 straight games to close out May – a harbinger of things to come.

But May provided one unbelievable moment, that will be cherished by Orioles fans for generations. The Birds were in Seattle for a Wednesday afternoon matinee on May 5th, closing out a west coast road trip. John Means was on the mound, and low and behold…we saw the first Orioles’ no-hitter since the 1960’s. Throngs of Orioles fans had seen fanbase after fanbase celebrate their guys throwing no-no’s. Finally it was Birdland’s turn!

There were never too many wins built into this team. Pitching was shaky at best, be it starting or in relief. But the Orioles never gave up in games. And that speaks to their character. And at times, they seemed to learn from their mistakes. After being swept by Washington in late May, the Birds returned the favor in late July. Then they turned around and lost 21 consecutive games, two shy of the franchise record. But end of the day, they may have been bad, but they never quit.

One would think that in finishing the season 52-110, it would be tough to find bright spots (aside from the aforementioned John Means no-hitter). But the year was full of outstanding individual performances. Orioles fans got a good look at the future, starting with Cedric Mullins becoming the first 30-30 guy in Orioles’ history. That’s incredibly meaningful.

There’s also a lot of hope instilled in the likes of Ryan Mountcastle, who set a franchise record with 33 home runs as a rookie. When you look back at the players this franchise has had and you think that Mullins is the only 30-30 guy among them, and Mountcastle set a franchise record for a rookie, it would appear that there are some special guys in this current mix of Orioles. And let’s not forget Trey Mancini, who’s all but a shoo-in to be Comeback Player of the Year after returning from cancer last year.

However now the 2021 season fades to black. It’s all but a mere memory, as we watch the 2021 Postseason unfold before us. This while the Birds build towards Sarasota and spring training next February. And remember, hope ALWAYS springs eternal every season!

Baltimore Orioles: So what now?

Today is the first day of the 2021-22 off season for the Baltimore Orioles. It’s kind of amazing if you think about it; seems like yesterday we were excited about five thousand fans at Fenway Park on Opening Day with John Means pitching. Last year was by far the strangest season ever, but this season had it’s peculiarities also. Teams having to limit attendance was odd for sure.

So what comes next for the Orioles? The answer is, “nothing much.” Teams not involved in the postseason generally lay very low during October. And speaking for myself, I’m almost thankful for that. The MLB postseason is so compelling, and so fun to watch. Especially the Wild Card games, which this year feature New York and Boston on the American League side. You can just add this to the litany of moments between those two in the playoffs.

Speaking for myself, I stand firmly behind Dodger Blue in this postseason. They’ll of course take on the St. Louis Cardinals in the National League Wild Card game on Wednesday night. Should be fun.

But back to the Orioles; certainly they’ll do some internal things, such as evaluate their coaching staff here and there. Perhaps even some player evaluations. Speaking of players, they’ll be taking their “exit physicals” this week as they all disperse for the off season. But don’t expect anything big to be announced regarding anything until after the World Series. That’s just how things work!

Baltimore Orioles: When’s the next series at Camden Yards?

The Baltimore Orioles are scheduled to open up their final home series of the season tonight against the Boston Red Sox. Ironically, the Birds not only began their home schedule against Boston, but a week prior opened the season against them at Fenway. That seems like a lifetime ago. Yet here we are at the end of the year.

The schedule says that the Orioles will open 2022 at home, back at Camden Yards against the Toronto Blue Jays on March 31st. This of course after a month’s worth of games in the Florida Grapefruit League. But the question is whether or not that’ll be the circumstance or whether it’ll be another circumstance in which the Birds will next play at Camden Yards.

This is sort of a preview of something that I’m afraid may be a big issue this off season. There’s labor unrest on the horizon, in the very near future. The collective bargaining agreement expires this year, which in theory puts next season in question. That’s not set in stone – the sides could reach a deal. But the reaching of a deal isn’t set in stone either.

I’m not going to get into the nitty gritty of it now while there are still games going on. But once the post-season has ended this is something that’s going to start popping up in the news. And I will say this; a labor stoppage in baseball would be CRIPPLING to the league and it’s product. There’s already mistrust amongst the players and owners given the 60-game season that was forced on teams by the league last year due to the pandemic. And I suspect that the MLBPA won’t soon be forgetting that fact when the negotiations kick into high gear.

Nevertheless, the Boston series is set to open up tonight at Camden Yards. Bruce Zimmermann gets the start for the Orioles, and he’ll be opposed by Boston’s Chris Sale. Game time is set for just after 7 PM.

Baltimore Orioles: #RIPFlanny

Today’s a tough day in Baltimore Orioles history. And honestly, I can’t believe it’s been ten years…ten years since the late Mike Flanagan passed away. That was one of the toughest game nights I’ve ever been through, and one I’d just as soon as never experience again.

I vowed on that night to never let an August 24th pass while writing this column without writing about “Flanny.” Ten years later, there’s not much left to say that hasn’t already been said regarding Mike Flanagan. He was an Oriole through and through. And he loved being an Oriole, along with being a part of this organization.

A year later the O’s made the playoffs for the first time since 1997. I thought a lot about Mike Flanagan that season, as the O’s returned to glory. He would have been so proud to have seen that season. Again, because he was proud to have been an Oriole.

Mike not only loved being an Oriole, but he loved Baltimore. He moved his family to the area, and his kids grew up here. He lived the “Baltimore life” everyday. So today, ten years after his untimely death, I send my thoughts and prayers to all who loved him. He’s certainly missed by everyone in the Orioles’ family.

The O’s begin a three-game set with The Los Angeles Angels tonight at Camden Yards. Spenser Watkins gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by Los Angeles’ Dylan Bundy (also a former Oriole). Game time is set for just after 7 PM.

Baltimore Orioles: Free Shoeless Joe

The Baltimore Orioles played in the late afternoon yesterday, allowing for fans to watch the “Field of Dreams Game” between the Yankees and White Sox in Dyersville, Iowa. First and foremost, I think the game was incredibly well produced. Kevin Costner coming out of the cornfield followed by the players, the game itself being played at dusk in a cornfield, and a walk off home run into said corn. As Costner said, “it was perfect.”

The movie Field of Dreams is incredibly special to those of us who play, follow, or write about baseball. Personally my favorite moment and the most poignant for me has always been when Ray sees his Dad removing the catcher’s gear and he says, “…oh my God…it’s my father.” At that moment it’s manifested both to Ray and the audience what the true meaning of the voice’s messages, and thus the story was. It’s not about baseball, and it’s not about Shoeless Joe Jackson. It’s about father’s and son’s. And not only is that the greatest story ever told, but it’s the very essence of the game.

Field of Dreams is my favorite movie. Nothing could ever top it; so I’m glad that Major League Baseball is in effect embracing it, and in essence bringing it to life. I’m glad that they appear committed at least to do it again next year, although I’m not sure they could ever come close to the spectacle that they put on last night. That is unless maybe the real Shoeless Joe and his friends came back and played.

To harp on that point for a moment however, it’s not lost on me that Shoeless Joe Jackson remains in a state of banishment in Major League Baseball. You hear part of the story in the movie itself; Jackson and seven of his teammates fixed the 1919 World Series – called the Blacksox Scandal. As Ray tells his daughter, he did take their money, however there’s no proof that he ever did anything to lose any of the games. He even hit the series’ sole home run.

However as we’ve found out in modern times, it’s disputable as to whether or not Jackson ever took the money. There are numerous reports, including those of the seven other players involved, saying that Jackson refused the money. And that he tried to report the fraud to the team as it was happening. Yet he was still thrown out of baseball, and remains ineligible for the Hall of Fame.

I guess I would submit that if MLB wants to make the Field of Dreams game such a huge part of the narrative, should we not maybe consider re-instating Shoeless Joe? And I suppose I say that for purposes of Hall of Fame induction. I think it would be a great ending to that story, for baseball to be one with the legend of Shoeless Joe once again.

It’s been suggested formally on numerous occasions, including to current commissioner Rob Manfred. However they’ve always scoffed at the idea. So let me be only the latest person to say it: FREE SHOELESS JOE!!!

Baltimore Orioles: Chris Davis retires

Chris Davis, formerly of the Baltimore Orioles, released this statement this morning:

The Orioles then subsequently released this statement:

So there you have it folks, Chris Davis is retiring. Perhaps the one piece that was “semi-left over” from the 2012-2016 era. I don’t need to tell folks of Davis’ recent struggles, because they’ve been well-documented over the years. However so were his immense highs.

It’s my hope that Orioles fans will remember Davis as hitting 50 home runs one year, as opposed to not even coming close to the Mendoza Line. Perhaps more poignantly, until his final appearance in a major league game, he remained an above-average big league first baseman.

That’s not something you’re going to hear covered in a lot of commentary about this today. Most people will talk about his massive contract and how he never lived up to it. But that’s only at the plate. Davis ALWAYS earned his keep in the field. As a first baseman, he has a career fielding percentage of .995. He’s also 1-0 as a pitcher – who could forget the game against Boston where he came into pitch in extra innings, earning the win?!

But going back to Davis as a fielder for a moment, he played parts of six seasons at third base as well. When Mark Reynolds was struggling at the hot corner in 2011-2012, Davis was asked to go across the diamond to play at the hot corner, leaving first base to Reynolds. Not only did he do it, but he fielded at a .911 clip at third. That doesn’t sound great, but for a first baseman I see it as outstanding.

Point being, he was a team player. He was willing to play wherever the Orioles wanted him to play – including the outfield. And in the aforementioned example, Reynolds turned out to be a pretty decent first baseman also. It was a win-win.

Davis was traded to the Orioles from Texas mid-2011, and the rest is history. He and his wife Jill were always very generous with their time when it came to charities in the Baltimore area. Even when his hitting tailed off significantly, he always represented the very best of Baltimore and of the Orioles. Best wishes in retirement, Chris. I hope I speak on behalf of the team and the fans when I say you’ll always have a special place in Baltimore’s heart.

Baltimore Orioles trade Freddy Galvis back to Philadelphia

With the trade deadline having passed at 4 PM EST this afternoon, the Baltimore Orioles did make an 11th hour deal. They sent SS Freddy Galvis to the Philadelphia Phillies. In exchange, they got Single-A pitcher Tyler Burch.

Galvis of course played in Philadelphia for five years, so this is a homecoming of sorts for him. For what it’s worth, the Orioles will see Philadelphia at Citizens Bank Park in the last week of the season. So they’ll play against Galvis as an opponent later this year.

Burch is a RHP and been playing at the minor league level since 2015. He’s 3-3 on the year with Single-A Clearwater, with a 4.51 ERA. This isn’t a move that will benefit the O’s at the big league level anytime soon, if ever. But it’s another farm hand in the organization, and that’s always a good thing.

This also signals that the Birds are content with Ramon Urias both in the field and at the plate. So maybe Galvis can go to Philadelphia and make a deep run into the playoffs. Meanwhile, maybe the O’s found their man at middle infield for now.

Earlier in the day the Birds also sent reliever Sean Anderson to Tampa for cash considerations. Anderson of course will be back in Baltimore next weekend when Tampa comes to town. All low level moves, but moves none the less. I would look at that as a symptom of the fact that the Orioles’ rebuild is working. Sure they could have traded the Mullins’, Mancini’s, et al of the world and gotten massive returns. But do you want to rebuild forever? They’re doing just fine where they are. Carry on, for the rest of the season.

Baltimore Orioles to visit the Cleveland Guardians starting in 2022

The Baltimore Orioles had some really solid games against the Cleveland Indians in the mid-1990’s. Both cities had great rosters, similar makeup’s, and even similar fan bases. This because the cities themselves were very similar – blue collar, old school, traditional, etc. Plus a lot of players have gone back and forth between the two teams.

In December Cleveland announced that in 2022 they were going to retire the Indians name and pick a new one. That process apparently came to an end today when the team announced that effective at the end of this season the franchise will be known as the “Cleveland Guardians.” You can visit www.clevelandindians.com to see the new logo’s, and a video announcing the new name, narrated by Tom Hanks.

My personal opinion was that the Indians name didn’t need to be changed. This is literally one of the most storied franchises in baseball. But if they decided to change the name, I think Guardians is as good a name as any. I like the fact that they kept the team’s red and navy blue color scheme, and it seems like they put a lot of thought into what the new name would be, and how it reflected the city. Apparently there are statues of “guardians” on a bridge right outside of Progressive Field, which was the inspiration behind the name.

It’ll take awhile to get used to the Cleveland Guardians as opposed to the Cleveland Indians (or just “the Tribe”). But the Orioles will play this new/old team starting next season. I recall noting in the series finale with Cleveland at Camden Yards earlier this year that it would be the last time the Cleveland Indians played in Baltimore.

The O’s open up a homestand tonight with the second infusion of the Battle of the Beltways, as the Washington Nationals come to town. Jorge Lopez gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by Washington’s Patrick Corbin. Game time is set for just after 7 PM.

Baltimore Orioles: Will COVID-19 affect the Birds in opening the second half?

The Baltimore Orioles begin the second half of the season tonight at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas Cit with the first of three against the Kansas City Royals. It’s really only the second half by virtue of the fact that the All-Star game was this past week. Every team in baseball has already passed the 81-game point.

But as we go into the weekend and the immediate interim here’s something to watch; last night’s Yankees/Red Sox game was canceled due to several NY players testing positive for COVID-19. One of those players was Aaron Judge, who was obviously an all-star.

Both Trey Mancini and Cedric Mullins participated in the all-star festivities. Both in different capacities, but they both participated. Presumably, they will both need to be tested now for COVID-19.

I’m making a broad assumption here, but I believe both players were vaccinated. Mullins reads PSA’s encouraging fans to get vaxed before home games. And Mancini, being a cancer survivor…needless to say it would stand to reason that he would have gotten the vaccine. But ultimately I don’t know that for sure, and at the end of the day it’s actually none of my business.

However mind you that the vaccine MIGHT only protect people from the severe symptoms which could land someone in the hospital. In fact? Many people will only be infected on an asymptomatic basis. Whether or not it stops an infected person from spreading the virus is another story. So both players will have to be tested, and they’d in theory have to sit out if they test positive.

The Orioles aren’t the only team in this predicament – every player on the AL roster would have shared a clubhouse with Judge. So that could be a massive issue as the league opens back up for the second half. Between last year and this year, the Orioles have never had a player test positive.

Again, the Birds open up the second half tonight against Kansas City at Kauffman Stadium. Keegan Akin gets the start for the O’s, and Kansas Coty has yet to announce a starter. Game time is set for just after 8 PM.

Baltimore Orioles represented proudly by Cedric Mullins in the All-Star Game

The Baltimore Orioles’ lone All-Star Game representative this evening was Cedric Mullins. There were arguments to be made for other guys along with Mullins, but Mullins was the only Oriole on the roster. He started the game and played centerfield.

Mullins came to bat for the first time in the top of the third, and struck out. He then ended up reaching on a fielding error on the top of the fifth inning. Mullins would move to second base on a groundout, and would later score on Xander Bogaerts’ run-scoring single.

As it stands at the moment this article is being written, the American League leads the National League 5-2 in the last of the sixth. But Mullins’ night is done. Needless to say, he contributed to the game with the run scored. And in doing so, did the Orioles and their fans proud.