Baltimore Orioles: Jonathan Villar traded to Miami

The Baltimore Orioles have officially parted ways with infielder Jonathan Villar. We pretty much knew that was going to happen yesterday with Villar already having been waived, however the good news is that the Birds consummated a trade. Villar was traded to the Miami Marlins for LHP Easton Lucas.

Chalk this up to well at least they got something back for him. Lucas was drafted by Miami in the 2019 player draft (14th round), and was immediately assigned to the Batavia Muckdogs. He was later sent to the Gulf Coast League Marlins. Overall in the minors he was 1-2 with a 3.63 ERA.

For a team that’s rebuilding and is in need of as many young arms as they can get, I suppose this was a good move. Again, at least they didn’t give Villar away. It’s still going to be a tough pill to swallow not having him in the lineup, as he produced well last year. But sometimes these types of decisions have to be made.

Baltimore Orioles: Contract tender day

The Baltimore Orioles and the rest of MLB have arrived at Tender Day. What that means is that teams have until 8 PM Eastern Time this evening to tender contracts to arbitration-eligible players. Those who can’t come to an agreement will have arbitration scheduled, which is generally during or just before Spring Training.

The other option of course is to non-tender a player and to let him become a free agent. That’s precisely what the O’s did last week with Jonathan Villar, who appears destined for free agency. But that’s last week’s news.

Arbitration is one of the more ridiculous things in which players and teams engage. The player is of course arguing that he should be paid more based on his production, and the team is arguing against that. In effect it’s devaluing your own players. Why do that?

Incidentally, just because parties can’t come to an agreement today doesn’t mean that they’re slated for arbitration. A date with an arbitrator will go on the calendar, however teams can and often do reach deals with players before the date arrives. It’s just one of those procedural things front offices have to do.

Baltimore Orioles: Trey Mancini carrying one a Baltimore tradition

Trey Mancini of the Baltimore Orioles is hosting this year’s Purple Tailgate in anticipation of this afternoon’s Ravens/49ers game at M & T Bank Stadium. This of course is a tradition that was started by former Oriole Adam Jones, who would donate the proceeds to The Boys and Girls Club of Baltimore. Mancini is donating the proceeds to the MoStrong initiative and Kamryn Lambert Foundation.

Mancini befriended Orioles and Ravens fan Mo Gaba, who is battling cancer for the fourth time. He’s also 13 years old. Speaking for myself, I’m glad that Mancini is picking up the mantle that Jones left. You could see this process beginning back in February when Mancini took on an obvious leadership role in spring training.

People can question moves the Orioles make or the manner in which they do things all they want. But the footprint they have in the community is impeccable. While this event isn’t through OriolesReach (the team’s charity wing), they do a lot in the community and ensure that the team has a positive reputation in that regard. And having guys like Mancini (and Jones before him) be so visible in the community doesn’t hurt.

Baltimore Orioles: Dylan Bundy on the trade block?

It’s been reported that the Baltimore Orioles are interested into trading starting pitcher Dylan Bundy. While a deal hasn’t been done as of yet, multiple reports are that one could be “close.” It’s unclear how close or what that means. But “close” is the term being used.

I suppose it matters what the O’s could potentially get in return. While he’s had some injury issues, Bundy’s also an established major league starter. Point here being that if I were the Orioles I would hope to get back more than just a couple of low level prospects.

Obviously you wouldn’t expect to get someone’s top prospect either. But someone who could help the organization right away would be nice. And in fact I would submit that it would be somewhat of a mandate.

The issue then also becomes what do the Orioles do for pitching? I would submit that the O’s would be ill-advised to go into spring training looking to fill more than one starting pitching slot. I think you can get away with having one open slot that someone in theory would have to earn, but more than that makes things tough. More as we hear it.

Baltimore Orioles: Should the Birds keep Jonathan Villar?

As we know, Jonathan Villar has been placed on waivers by the Baltimore Orioles. The Birds had been trying to trade Villar, however have been unable to find a trade partner. Again, we know that Villar is an asset and that he had a decent season for the O’s last year. However I’m a bit surprised that there were no trade partners – it’s unclear if that was due to lack of interest or the O’s asking too much.

Is Villar better suited on the Orioles right now or not? Obviously you’d like to get someone back for him if in fact they aren’t going to keep him. But…again, is it better for him to stay or go. In general, I’d say they should keep him. But…should they?

I don’t believe that Villar is going to be a part of the solution when the team finally contends again. That’s why I say that it’s better for him not to be here. Some might say that it’s not worth cutting him loose unless they get something in return. However is there a benefit to the Orioles with him not being here?

And the answer to that is YES. They need to figure out what the long-term solution is going to be at second base. Not having Villar being a part of a log jam at that position means that they can try new guys at second base. And finding the second baseman of the long-term future should be the goal (at that position). And that appears to be where the Orioles are headed.

Baltimore Orioles waive Jonathan Villar

Here I thought the Baltimore Orioles wouldn’t be making any news this week, yet here we are. Late yesterday the Orioles placed infielder Jonathan Villar on waivers. The O’s had been trying to trade Villar prior to next week’s deadline to tender a contract to players (or non-tender them), but were unable to find a trade partner.

Villar is eligible for arbitration, and the Orioles didn’t want to absorb a dramatic increase in salary for a player who probably won’t be here when everything comes together. It’s a shame to be honest. Villar hit .274 with 24 homers last year. But ultimately baseball and all sports can come down to budgets, and that’s the driving force behind this move.

The Orioles will now look to replace Villar, primarily at second base. However he did at times play shortstop as well. And we’ll discuss where the O’s go from here in due course. Just not today. Happy Thanksgiving to everyone in Birdland, and know that I’m thankful and eternally grateful for each and every one of you who read this column daily. Have a wonderful day with your family and/or friends!

Baltimore Orioles announce first annual Winter Warm-up

Baltimore Orioles fans and media found out yesterday what was going to replace Orioles’ FanFest. The O’s will be hosting the first “annual” Orioles’ Winter Warm-Up on December 14th on Eutaw St at Camden Yards. Birdland Members (season ticket holders) will get free admission, with non-members getting in for $5 or for free with a coat donation.

Orioles’ executives will be on hand to chat with fans, complimentary hot chocolate and coffee will be handed out, and Orioles’ gift shops will be open on Eutaw St. The Orioles will also provide live holiday music, photos with “Santa Bird,” among other amenities. Food trucks will also be on hand for food purchases. All merchandise at the Orioles’ team store will also be 50% off during the Winter Warm-Up. The event lasts from 11 AM – 2 PM.

Many folks are still understandably upset that FanFest is no more. It was a treasured Baltimore tradition that meant a lot to a lot of people. However I’m not going to lie – I like this concept. Granted it’s going to be outside in the elements, but I think that’s probably part of the charm of it. And keep in mind what I said above about the 50% discount in the team store. Christmas is coming, folks!

At the end of the day, this is simply a new regime trying something new. And you can’t fault them for that. I’m sure that fans will miss FanFest, but this sounds like a wonderful event that’s probably worth attending. Parking will also be free in Parking Lot A.

Baltimore Orioles poised to hire Anthony Sanders as first base coach

While no official announcement has been announced, it’s being reported that the Baltimore Orioles have reached a deal with Anthony Sanders to be their new first base coach. Sanders would replace Arnie Beyeler, who was informed at the end of the 2019 season that he wouldn’t be retained. Again, no official announcement has been made. I wouldn’t expect one before Thanksgiving.

Sanders has done a lot of work with USA Baseball, and was a member of the 2000 Gold Medal winning team. He’s spent the past few years as a coach in the Colorado Rockies’ system. He’ll now apparently be joining a coaching staff responsible for one of the youngest teams in the big leagues. So his experience at the minor league level is invaluable. Sanders will also be responsible for coaching the outfielders, as Beyeler was before him.

Baltimore Orioles: Ryan Flaherty coaching in San Diego

Former Baltimore Orioles’ utility infielder Ryan Flaherty has been hired as a member of the San Diego Padres’ coaching staff. According to multiple reports Flaherty was hired as the Quality Control Coach. I can’t say I’m sure what exactly that is or what the duties involve, but good on Ryan Flaherty.

Flaherty had a solid career, after being drafted by the Orioles in the 2011 Rule 5 draft. By far, he’s one of the most successful Rule 5 players in recent MLB history. Over the course of his time in Baltimore Flaherty did whatever was asked of him. He played every infield position at various times, and always gave his all in games. He should be remembered as a solid Oriole in the years to come.

I wouldn’t expect much news out of the Warehouse or the entire league this week. Thanksgiving is a traditionally slow period for baseball. But whatever’s out there will get covered here – that I can promise you!

Baltimore Orioles: Could changes in the NBA lead to changes in MLB?

The Baltimore Orioles and the rest of MLB play 162 games a year. Traditionally, NBA teams play 82 games. But is that about to change, and should baseball fans take notice?

There’s a report out there which says that NBA commissioner Adam Silver is considering some radical changes to the NBA season in the future. In short, the regular season would be shortened to 78 games, and to compensate owners for the lack of revenue there would be a mid-season tournament involving the entire league. They also want to reseed the playoff field at a certain point, and and institute play-in games for the postseason.

Baseball’s broached the topic of shortening the regular season in the past, but they’ve never done it. However if the NBA pulls the trigger on these initiatives, expect the topic to come up again. These leagues all copy one another to a certain degree. As an example, doesn’t a play-in game sound an awful lot like an automatic elimination game? Where did they get that idea?

The part that worries me the most is the in-season tournament. While not explicitly said, I suspect that this would in essence be an exhibition. Do we really think that’s a good idea? What if someone gets hurt? A marketing gimmick could cost a team their season. Do we really want to go there?

Whether we would ever see something like that in baseball is another story. But as I said, leagues will often copy one another. My hope is that they decide against making these changes.