Baltimore Orioles: Does Manny Machado simply want out of Baltimore?

The Baltimore Orioles are still actively taking offers for third baseman Manny Machado. Over the weekend we heard once again that the New York Yankees had called on the Orioles regarding Machado. They’re interested – big time. However neither they nor any other team has been willing to offer the Orioles want they want and quite frankly what they deserve and need for Machado: pitching.

However that aside, there’s one part to this story that hasn’t been reported for awhile. When we first heard that the Orioles were shopping Machado (about a month ago), part of the narrative was that he wanted to play shortstop moving forward. And part of the Orioles’ methodology was that they didn’t have a need for him at shortstop, so they thought the timing might be right to trade him.

But we aren’t hearing too much about that any longer. In fact, we’re hearing about teams like New York who want him, but who do have a hole at third base. With Gregorious set as NY’s shortstop, Manny Machado would be guarding the hot corner in the Bronx if that’s where he went. Ultimately the Orioles probably don’t care too much about that, nor should they. At that point he’d be someone else’s issue if he wasn’t happy at third.

But was that either Machado’s agent or perhaps Machado himself saying that he simply wanted out of Baltimore? If that were the case, you might take a moment of pause and concern. Why would Manny Machado want out of Baltimore? By all accounts he’s never had an issue with anyone in the clubhouse, or the coaches, etc. He’s also said all the right things about the organization, and how he wouldn’t mind staying in Baltimore.

It’s hard to say, because few players are truly candid these days. Nor should they be. Most players are going to talk about what a class organization of which they’re a part and so forth, and how they really like being there. Who knows how true any of that is for any player. But one would hope that we could take Machado at his word.

Baltimore Orioles: Chemistry matters

The Baltimore Orioles have always had some of the best team chemistry in the league (during the Showalter era, that is). Not one guy who’s come through the Orioles’ clubhouse in the last few years has ever said anything to the contrary. And there’s a reason for that; the Birds vet every player from the bottom up. They look at their skill set and how that fits in with the roster, however they also look at the player’s personality and how he’ll fit in the clubhouse.

And I can tell you on pretty good authority that I know of at least one instance where a trade for a pretty darned good player was nixed because the guy’s personality wouldn’t have fit in with the current team. Some fans would say that’s incredibly foolish. However if someone’s going to be a locker room cancer, or one of those dreaded anonymous sources of which we hear in sports and in the news, he isn’t worth the commitment.

In looking at the news that came out about the NFL’s New England Patriots this week, you see the beginnings of a locker room coming apart. Coach Bill Belichek has done a masterful job of keeping that organization tight-lipped and professional during his tenure. And that’s honestly just a different way of doing the same thing, as compared to what the Orioles do. The O’s literally won’t add someone to the team that won’t fit in properly. The Patriots will add anyone who can help them win regardless of their character – the only caveat being that if you have a personal qualm with someone, you put it aside for the good of the team.

But again if you read the news this week, is that starting to come apart? According to what has been reported, apparently you have quarterback Tom Brady who’s all but mandated that every potential replacement to him be shipped out via trade. That’s hardly being a team player. That’s looking out for oneself. Joe Montana wasn’t exactly comfortable with Steve Young nipping at his heels, but he didn’t work behind the scenes to get him traded.

If someone pulled that on the Orioles’ roster you can bet they’d be in trouble. That type of approach or attitude is inconsistent with the type of character guys the Orioles have, however I digress. All we’d hear about and thus all writers like me would be able to report would be that the matter was being handled internally. However first off in my view part of being a truly great athlete who goes down in history is knowing when to step away…

…and if Tom Brady thinks he can and should play until he’s 45 (as he’s said in the media), he’s crazy. But another part of it is helping to mentor people behind you. Yes, someone that at some point will probably take your job – ideally after you retire as opposed to after an injury or after you get benched. But when that guy takes the helm, would it not be a great tribute to you, the great player, if neither he nor the team skipped a beat?

That aside, team chemistry is very important. Perhaps just as important if not more so than skill. If you have guys at people’s throats, even the best teams can come unraveled at their cores very quickly.

Baltimore Orioles: Does flair matter?

The Baltimore Orioles have never been the glitziest of teams – in the modern era, at least. Sure they’ve had their share of utter superstars (the Ripkens, Murrays, Palmers, and Robinsons of the world), but not necessarily recently. One might say that the likes of Davis, Trumbo, etc. are fairly glitzy, but they aren’t on par with the names I mentioned above.

This week I’ve listened to a lot about how the NFL playoffs (which begin today) don’t have the most exciting teams competing. In truth, what that means is that they’re devoid of star power. Granted Tom Brady, Drew Brees, and Big Ben are out there, but teams like the Jaguars, Bills, and Chiefs aren’t going to draw too much excitement outside of their home markets.

I’m one of those people who’ll watch the NFL simply because it’s the NFL. In August after I’m done covering the Orioles for the night, I’m either watching another baseball game or I’m watching the third/fourth quarter of NFL preseason games. As in when the regular players are done for the game. I just love football (and baseball).

However that attitude is getting away from us. If the NFL is silently worried about what happens when you replace the likes of Aaron Rogers or Dak Prescott with the Jags and Bills, that’s a problem. And it’s true in all sports. Was the Royals/Mets World Series as exciting and compelling as a Yankees/Dodgers World Series would have been? In my opinion it was. But fewer and fewer people feel that way.

I used to know a guy who had a Super Bowl party every year. And this guy went all out – fully stocked bar, good food, etc. But the Super Bowl was the only game he watched every year; because it was the only one that mattered. And that’s the attitude we’re starting to see among sports fans. Show me some flair, or I’m not about to pay attention.

So take an Orioles team that wins with the likes of Jones, Davis, Tillman, Joseph, and Schoop. Is that not a compelling story? I think it is, because winning is compelling, and thus worth the price of admission. But what sports fans are telling us is that it isn’t enough anymore. It goes without saying that you have to win – but in doing so, go big or go home.

Baltimore Orioles: Does Chris Tillman fit in 2018?

Perhaps one of the more disappointing Baltimore Orioles in 2017 was starter Chris Tillman. He finished the season with a 1-7 record and a 7.84 ERA. Tillman also didn’t participate in the first part of the season, after being sidelined in Spring Training with a shoulder issue. The question is whether or not that’s fully in the past at this point.

Tillman’s contract expired at the end of the year, so he’s a free agent. To my knowledge the market on Tillman hasn’t really been that large. So the question is whether or not the Orioles bring him back or not?

Assuming his medicals check out, and he’s willing to sign a short-term contract within the Orioles’ range, I’d give him a look. The Orioles need starters – and they need them fast. While Tillman didn’t do himself any favors in 2017, it was also evident that his injury issues lingered.

And I think that Orioles fans know what Tillman’s capable of doing. Because they’ve seen it. He had a 2.93 ERA in 2012, and a 3.34 in 2014. Those were good years for Tillman, and there’s no reason to think he can’t replicate that now – if he’s healthy.

And yes, that might be a big risk. However again, there appears to be no market on Tillman right now. Many fans would say been there, done that. But what alternatives are out there?

Baltimore Orioles: Anything other than pitching for Manny Machado?

We know that the Baltimore Orioles need pitching. We also know that they’re trying to deal Manny Machado. Seems simple enough, right? If a non-AL East team has pitching prospects that they’re willing to deal, they can have Machado.

The issue however is that the pitching prospects haven’t been on the offer table on the part of other teams. Now teams have thrown a few decent offers the Orioles’ way, however none of them have been for what the Birds want to get in return for Machado.

So the question is whether or not the Orioles should simple take the best offer out there and deal Machado. My stance personally is that it would be a bad idea. It would indicate that the goal is to either just get Machado off the roster (which I don’t think is the case), or that they’re willing to take anything. In essence, they’re willing to be bullied into taking whatever someone else is willing to pay.

And in sports that’s a very dangerous trend to begin. It allows opposing teams to think they can wiggle your top players away from you for peanuts. The Chicago Cubs reportedly offered the Orioles a package that included SS Addison Russell in exchange for Machado. Russell’s a good player, without a doubt. However…the Orioles don’t need a shortstop. They traded for Tim Beckham last summer.

As big a shot in the arm as Beckham was, I would submit that Russell’s a better shortstop. Beckham himself would probably agree! However there’s no point in upgrading a position that doesn’t in theory need to be upgraded, especially if it takes you away from the prize that you really want: pitching.

So again in my view the Orioles are doing the right thing by either standing pat or waiting for the right deal. This is a hall of fame caliber player in Machado with which we’re dealing; other teams should recognize that.

Baltimore Orioles: On the other side of the fence

Many Baltimore Orioles fans are also Baltimore Ravens fans. The O’s of course played a major role in what I still say is the greatest closing act of all time in terms of a season, back in 2011. As we know, the Orioles defeated Boston in game 162, and five minutes later Tampa defeated New York on a walk off home run. The two acts combined to keep Boston out of the post-season.

However this past Sunday Baltimore found itself on the losing end up a similar situation. The Ravens lost to Cincinnati, and Buffalo beat Miami – clinching what was previously the Ravens’ playoff spot for Buffalo. Oh how times change.

I would argue that the 2011 Orioles were better than the 2017 Bengals, but I digress. The fans of Baltimore still found themselves on the opposite end of a similar situation. I would submit that it wasn’t quite as savage as what the O’s and Rays did to the BoSox in 2011, but it’s still tough.

Interestingly enough, I would submit that the NFL has tried to take a page out of MLB’s book with the end to it’s season. In fact, MLB itself has tried to take a page out of it’s own book. The NFL forewent a Sunday nighter this past week, and in effect scheduled all games with big-time playoff implications to begin during the 4 PM hour. This guaranteed that most of them would end at the same time.

The past couple of seasons, MLB has had it’s entire slate of games on the final date of the season begin at just after 3 PM EST. Again, this all but guarantees that everything should end at around the same time (barring extra innings). And that’s what the league wants.

Again in my view, this is in response to baseball’s final day in 2011. A feat in which the Orioles played a major role. And one that will nary be forgotten anytime soon.

Baltimore Orioles: Boston interested in Manny Machado

Over the weekend reports emerged that the Baltimore Orioles had continued interest from Boston regarding Manny Machado. And that in and of itself is interesting. Multiple people around baseball have suggested that there would be some response from Boston after New York acquired Stanton from Miami – might Manny Machado be that response?

I’ve said before that it’s a bad idea to trade within the division. Of course various people who think it’s fashionable to go against-the-grain in anything and everything wonder why. The answer should be obvious, but the fact is that teams don’t make trades to help another club improve itself. Boston wants Machado because he would in theory make them better.

Obviously however, it’s not that one-sided. If the Orioles were going to listen to trade offers from a division rival, it would have to include a huge haul – heavy on pitching at that. So Boston would deal with the Orioles for a price. Again though, not a good idea to deal within the division.

Then there’s also the matter of Machado not being a huge fan of the Boston organization given the situation with them throwing at him after a takeout slide involving Pedroia on the base paths. Machado didn’t mince words about how he felt about the situation. However if the Orioles had a deal in place to send Machado to Boston, there would be little he could do about it. He doesn’t have a no-trade clause.

Again if the Orioles were seriously going to listen to an offer from a division rival, the return would have to include pitching. And the tug-of-war since the winter meetings has been that nobody wants to give up anything of value in that department for what amounts to one year of Manny Machado. But for the Red Sox or anyone else, could the Orioles not pull off a sign-and-trade?

That’s another column for another day – perhaps tomorrow or the next day! However the fact is that Boston’s showed a continued interest. I do believe that the Orioles need to play it safe here and ensure that a division rival doesn’t have Manny fall into their laps. On the flip side however, if you had the opportunity to gut the farm system of a division rival, do you not take that chance?

Baltimore Orioles: Welcome to 2018!

Happy New Year, Baltimore Orioles fans! I write a variation of this column every New Years morning; mind you folks, when you refer to the 2018 MLB season, you can now use the term this year! We obviously still have a ways to go before the season starts, but we’re getting there…

…but, do we really have that long? This being January, it’s actually the last full month without games. Pitchers and catchers report on February 13th, and Grapefruit League Play begins on the 23rd. That’s not far from now, folks!

And I don’t need to remind Orioles fans that this year‘s spring training will be more important than ever. The O’s will have a different look to them this year, even if nothing else changes. It’s a time when the new players and the veterans will want to mesh as best they can to form a new team core. So the hope is that guys treat the games as much like regular season games as they can.

That aside, my hope is that all of Birdland has a very Happy New Year. Enjoy the college bowl games today!

Baltimore Orioles: Signature moment of 2017?

Many Baltimore Orioles fans are going to say that the 2017 season was a total failure. The record and the final month of the season was underwhelming for sure. But even underwhelming seasons have good moments, right?

So on this New Year’s Eve, I thought it would be appropriate to look back at a few moments that could be seen as the Orioles’ signature moment of the year. And these are just a few; perhaps you have one of your own. For starters, look no further than Mark Trumbo‘s walk off home run in extra innings on Opening Day. I’d hate to think that something which happened in the first game would be the signature moment of the season, but it was certainly memorable for sure.

After limping to the all-star break, the Birds also came out of it hot. They began their second half with a four-game sweep of Texas at Camden Yards. While the eventual world champion Houston Astros would cool them off, they did manage to beat Houston in the Sunday series finale – in what felt like the first time in forever. Even when Houston was a lackluster team, they gave the Orioles fits.

Tim Beckham gave the Orioles a shot in the arm when he arrived via trade at the deadline. And he paid almost immediate dividends, as on August 5th against Detroit he smacked the Orioles’ 10,000th home run in franchise history. For a team that’s had so many great sluggers and players, that’s quite a feat. And you can forever say that Tim Beckham is the answer to a trivia question!

My vote goes to the Trumbo homer on Opening Day. But perhaps you feel differently. Either way, when the clock strikes midnight tonight all of this will officially be last year. Always forward!

Baltimore Orioles: Minicamp, January 8th

The first big event of the year for the Baltimore Orioles is the team’s annual minicamp in Sarasota. This year (or I suppose at this time I should still say next year) Buck Showalter and company will hold the minicamp the week of January 8th at Ed Smith Stadium. Speaking of which, Florida…too bad I left it yesterday and am now back in this winter nightmareland. (Sorry folks, not a fan of winter time!)

I suspect that this year’s minicamp will take on a much more important role, as the Orioles have holes to fill in the lineup. Not only on the mound, but across the board. The Orioles need to figure out who’s going to be starting in the outfield. And where, for that matter. I can’t see the likes of Jones moving out of centerfield, but the fact is that you never know.

Does Hays crack the starting lineup? If so, is it as a platoon player in various spots, or a solid starter in one position? Minicamp will be a great opportunity for young guys such as he to showcase their stuff for the coaching staff early on. And obviously it’s a precursor to spring training in that the players can begin to work out and get ready for the season.

Incidentally, the cold smack in the face of leaving Florida was lightened just a bit by virtue of the fact that I was able to attend the “Battle of the Old Line State” last night and got to see Maryland beat UMBC. While I’m glad the Terps won, if you’re a UMBC fan you’re in for a good season. Tough team, and they give a great effort.