Baltimore Orioles win spring opener on Colton Cowser’s walk off homer

Winning and losing didn’t mean anything today for the Baltimore Orioles against the BoSox in spring training. They just wanted to get off to a good start behind newly-acquired ace, Corbin Burnes. And they certainly did that, limited in action as Burnes was – that being one inning. Burnes’ line: 1.0 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 K.

Burnes may have only thrown the first inning, but needless to say he was “crisp.” And I think that’s the goal in spring games when you’re a veteran and starting with a new team. As far as first spring outings that only last one inning go, you’ll take that if you’re the Orioles. All day.

The good news was that Oriole regulars all seemed to show up today. Adley Rutschman smacked a solo homer over the right field wall in the last of the first to give the O’s a 1-0 lead early on. Boston would tie it back up however in the third with a solo homer by Contreras. Later in the inning Dalbec’s RBI-single would give them a 2-1 lead.

But the Orioles came back. Ramon Urias’ sac fly-RBI in the last of the fourth tied the game back up at two. The game became a “bullpen game” after that, with Boston striking back first. Hamilton’s RBI-single in the eighth would put them back on top at 3-2.

But they don’t call it Orioles Magic for nothing. And even in its spring version, it’s pretty exciting. Errol Robinson sent a flare down the left field line which just missed the gloves of Boston fielders, falling fair just inside the line. Robinson would later take second base on a wild pitch, all this with nobody out.

That brought Colton Cowser to the plate. He sent what appeared to be a pop up to left center. However the ball kept going, and motored its way over the wall. That gave the Birds a 4-3 walk off win against Boston in game one of the Florida Grapefruit League.

You can’t go wrong with walkoff victories, even in Spring Training. However for what it’s worth, both Oriole homers today were wind-aided. But that’s true of a lot of home runs in the Florida spring. Overall it was a solid game on both sides of the ball for the Orioles, but also left a lot on which to build. Which is right about where you’d want anyone to be at this point.

Tomorrow the O’s head to Bradenton to take on Pittsburgh at Lecom Park. Cole Irvin makes his spring debut and gets the start for the Birds, and he’ll be opposed by Pittsburgh’s Mitch Keller. Game time is set for just after 1 PM.

Baltimore Orioles open the Florida Grapefruit League

You might remember the last time the Baltimore Orioles played – last October in the ALDS in Texas. They were swept, ending their season. It was abrupt and unexpected. But it happened. Today we begin to turn the page.

The Boston Red Sox come to Sarasota to take on the Orioles on “Opening Day” of the Florida Grapefruit League. Make no mistake, not much about anything that happens today will matter. Certainly not the result. But needless to say, the Birds will play ball today. In a ballpark, with people buying tickets, hot dogs and beer being sold, against another team, with umpires.

I suppose the big story as the spring slate of games commences is the Orioles’ injury problems. Gunnar Henderson’s on the shelf, as are John Means and Kyle Bradish. Henderson appears to be closer to getting into a game than Means or Bradish, for what that’s worth. However manager Brandon Hyde expects most of the Oriole regulars to be in the lineup this afternoon against Boston.

What’s always interesting in these games is what the Boston lineup looks like. (Or that of any visiting team – just happens to be the BoSox today.) Teams are supposed to bring a minimum of three “regulars” to all road games, so as to ensure competitiveness. But we all know that EVERY team has inventive ways around this, usually by saying it’s spring training; we don’t know who’s a regular yet.”

So into Sarasota the BoSox come, for today’s exhibition opener at Ed Smith Stadium. Newly acquired Corbin Burnes gets the start for the O’s, and he’ll be opposed by Boston’s Garrett Whitlock. Game time is set for just after 1 PM.

Baltimore Orioles: Corbin Burnes to start Grapefruit League opener

Baltimore Orioles’ manager Brandon Hyde announced today that Corbin Burnes would get the start against Boston on Saturday afternoon at Ed Smith Stadium. Burnes has started the exhibition opener in the past with Milwaukee, and he’ll get the ball again on Saturday in the Orioles’ Grapefruit League opener. Brandon Hyde was non-comital when asked if this means Burnes starts game one at Camden Yards, but he did so with a wink and a nod.

It’s unclear how long Burnes will pitch. I can’t imagine it would be more than two innings – at the most. But you never know. It’s really about forming a bond with his new teammates, specifically catcher Adley Rutschman – who presumably will be behind home plate on Saturday.

The Orioles will be without Gunnar Henderson at least for the first few Grapefruit League games. Henderson of course strained his oblique working out last month. Better to miss these games than the ones that count.

Just your annual reminder here, folks…these Grapefruit League games are almost scripted. It’s similar to the NFL, where the first 10-12 plays of any game are scripted. They aren’t going to change, regardless of the flow of the game.

By this, I mean that pitchers are given a specific number of innings or pitch count they’re going to throw. And they may well leave the game and finish their work in the ‘pen. So keep that in mind as the game unfolds on Saturday and onward. The results are ill-important. The work is what matters.

Baltimore Orioles: First pitch for America

Despite the injuries that have already befallen them, the Baltimore Orioles are in camp. The Grapefruit League schedule starts this coming Saturday against Boston at Ed Smith Stadium, which brings me to one of my favorite recurring columns to write.

I’m a history buff. Specifically American history, with a concentration on the Presidency. That of course is an office that has a special connection with Major League Baseball. And one unlike any other sport at that. I write a version of this column every year on President’s Day (that being today).

President William Howard Taft was the first President to toss out a ceremonial first pitch, this in 1910 at Griffith Stadium in Washington, DC. on Opening Day. It’s a tradition that’s endured over the years, despite somewhat taking a back seat in recent seasons. With the exception of Presidents Trump and Biden, every President since then has done the honors at least once.

And despite the White House usually being fairly adept at orchestrating things, it hasn’t always gone according to plan. On Opening Day in 1928, President Calvin Coolidge went to Griffith Stadium to throw out the first pitch for the Washington Senators. As O’s fans know, the weather in the mid-Atlantic in April can be unpredictable. Go figure, it was so cold that President Coolidge (a native New Englander) left after the first inning.

Most of the time these first pitches have taken place in D.C. – which is where it should occur. But in 1931 President Herbert Hoover did the honors at Shibe Park in Philadelphia. This was during the Great Depression, as well as during Prohibition. The President was received by a mixed crowd, with many people chanting WE WANT BEER! And in fact, it was Hoover’s successor, Franklin D. Roosevelt, who repealed Prohibition – the two men had a frosty relationship, needless to say. Roosevelt would have his own issue in 1940, when his first pitch at Griffith Stadium on Opening Day hit a Washington Post camera.

FDR’s successor, President Harry Truman became the first President to throw out the first ball as a southpaw. Five years later, he would throw out two first pitches (one with each hand). Harry gave ‘em hell with both hands!

The first time this “Presidential road show” came to Baltimore was in 1958, and ironically it wasn’t a sitting President. But it was a future President, that being Richard M. Nixon – who was Vice-President at the time. The All-Star game was held at Memorial Stadium that year, and Nixon threw out the first ball. It was caught by Orioles’ catcher Gus Triandos. Presidents Carter, Reagan, Bush (41), and Clinton would also come to Baltimore over the years to do the honors. Joe Biden threw out the first pitch at Camden Yards as Vice-President.

Speaking of President Biden, I hope he reads this. One of the reasons this tradition has fallen away slightly is because of the intense security presence that comes with the President of the United States going anywhere. Many Presidents have remarked that it’s unfair to inconvenience fans attending the games by that. And I get it…

…but again, baseball has a unique relationship with the Presidency. And it always will. And it’s partially that special relationship which makes it America’s Pastime. Opening Day in Major League Baseball is a right of passage into the spring and summer. Again, I hope that President Biden sees this. I firmly believe that despite the security hassles or anything else, the President of the United States should throw out the first ball on Opening Day in Washington D.C. every year.

Baltimore Orioles: Super Sunday

Baltimore Orioles’ pitchers and catchers are due to report on Thursday of this week. But today is Super Bowl Sunday. The San Fransisco 49ers are taking on Taylor Swift and the Kansas City Chiefs this evening. (There’s a joke in there somewhere…) After which we can move onto baseball.

Baltimore of course had a chance to be a part of the game today, but the Ravens fell to Kansas City in the AFC Championship game. However I would remind fans that Baltimore has a special place in NFL history. The Ravens have won two Super Bowls. John Unitas and the Baltimore Colts won one. But even before that, the Colts were NFL Champions several times, most notably in 1958. The greatest game ever played.

It’s so worth throwing in that Baltimore’s the only city in the world that can boast a Super Bowl (from two different franchises), an NFL Title (pre-Super Bowl), AND a Grey Cup championship. The Baltimore Stallions won a CFL title before the Ravens came to town, returning not just football, but championship football to Baltimore’s venerable old Memorial Stadium.

Will the Orioles add a fourth World Series title to that litany of titles this season? Follow along and find out. Welcome to 2024!

Baltimore Orioles acquire Corbin Burnes (updated)

Things are moving quick in the Baltimore Orioles’ world. Yesterday a (pending) sale of the team was announced. And today, while neither team has confirmed or announced the deal, the Birds are acquiring stud RHP Corbin Burnes from Milwaukee.

You can’t keep every prospect in your system, and unfortunately the Birds had to part with two pieces. SS Joey Ortiz and LHP DL Hall will go to Milwaukee in return. But ultimately, this is a case of the O’s using their top-ranked farm system to their advantage. And in the here and now at that.

Burnes, 29, is a three-time all-star and the 2021 NL Cy Young Award winner. He has a 3.26 ERA, and 870 career strikeouts. He is a free agent after the season, so that’s one concern. However the Orioles are ready to win now. And this is a big help. Again to be clear, neither the Orioles nor Milwaukee have announced or confirmed the deal.

Update: The Orioles have made the trade official. They receive RHP Corbin Burnes in exchange for SS Joey Ortiz, LHP DL Hall, and a 2024 Competitive Balance pick. For the record, the Orioles’ top prospects are still in tact in their farm system.

Baltimore Orioles: Sale in the works?

The Baltimore Orioles haven’t done much this winter in the way of free agency, but they leapfrogged to the forefront of the baseball world this evening. Reports are surfacing that the family of Peter Angelos is selling 40% of their shares of the team to local billionaires David Rubenstein and Mike Arougheti. The reported sale is for $1.725 billion.

Reportedly, the aforementioned businessmen are purchasing a 40% stake in the team, and they’ll formally buy the remaining set of shares owned by the Angelos family upon the death of Peter Angelos. A timeline for the sale is unknown, although it’s expected to be discussed next month during owner’s meetings.

The other noteworthy part is that Orioles’ legend Cal Ripken Jr. is reportedly a part of the ownership group. Obviously he’ll take on the role of a minority owner, but assuming reports are true he’ll be involved. This shouldn’t be a tough sell to most fans.

It’ll be interesting to see how things shake down. Both with the timeline, as well as with the power structure. Furthermore, what will this mean for the product on the field? Tough to say. But we’ll find out as time goes on.

Baltimore Orioles: A lease and a trade

Today was quite a day for the Baltimore Orioles. Let it go said that today the O’s and the State of Maryland officially agreed to and signed a new 30-year lease to keep the team at Camden Yards. The current lease was set to expire on December 31st.

For the sake of context, I’ll be 43 next month / and 2024 is the first year of the new lease. I’ll be 73 when it’s up. That‘s amazing if you think about it. Maryland Governor Wes Moore on the deal:

From the very beginning, I was clear that we would only sign an agreement that puts Maryland taxpayers at the top of mind, keeps the Orioles in Baltimore long term and benefits the entire City of Baltimore, and that is exactly what we have done here by extending the Orioles’ stadium lease at Camden Yards for another 30 years. The Orioles are a valued part of the Baltimore community, and we are grateful to continue this partnership with a deal that follows the broad shared goals of the memorandum of understanding from earlier this year.

This agreement will not only benefit the world-class fan experience at Camden Yards, but the entire city as well, and we are thrilled knowing that Maryland will continue to see playoff baseball in Baltimore for years to come.

Quote courtesy of Jake Rill, MLB.com

The Orioles do have the option to opt out of the lease after 15 years (2039) if the land surrounding the ballpark isn’t developed. The Orioles have until 2027 to reach a deal on that. However there’s also a no-relocation clause in the deal, which makes it financially detrimental for the Orioles to leave Baltimore. A lot of legalese, but the team isn’t moving in the immediacy of the next 30 years.

The Orioles also made a trade today. They sent Dominican Summer League pitcher Cesar Espinal to Kansas City in exchange for RHP Jonathan Heasley. Mainly used in relief in Kansas City, he should add depth to the Orioles’ bullpen. The Orioles’ bullpen which will continue to be in Baltimore.

Baltimore Orioles sign closer Craig Kimbrell

The Baltimore Orioles have hit the headlines a the 2023 MLB Winter Meetings. According to The Athletic’s (and FOX’s) Ken Rosenthal, the Birds reaches an agreement with free agent closer Craig Kimbrel. The sides reached an agreement for one year, $13 million. Kimbrel has passed his physical and the deal is official.

While waning a bit the past few years, Kimbrel has long been one of the most dominant closers in the game. Last year he posted eight wins and six losses, with an ERA of 3.26. He’s expected to replace injured closer Felix Bautista on the roster, and will presumably be closing games in 2024 – for the Orioles, that is.

Baltimore Orioles: Brandon Hyde wins Manager of the Year

Brandon Hyde of the Baltimore Orioles rightfully should have been the Manager of the Year in 2022. We was the runner up. However this year, the wrong was righted. Brandon Hyde is the 2023 Manager of the Year in MLB.

Anyone who follows the Orioles daily knows that this was warranted. The fact is that nobody’s more deserving. The preseason predictions were for this team to win 77 games. Instead they won 101 games (first time since 1980 they had won 100+), and won the American League East for the first time since 2014.

Orioles fans hope that this is the first of many such awards for Brandon Hyde. And mind you, there were other deserving candidates. Kevin Cash in Tampa and Bruce Bochy in Texas being two. But nobody had the expectations (or lack thereof) that Hyde did. Nobody else had the low payroll that Hyde and the Orioles did. And he did it in the best division in sports, the American League East.

Granted, this along with Gunnar Henderson’s Rookie of the Year and Silver Slugger Award only means that going into 2024 the stakes are higher. But these guys would have it no other way. It’s baseball; it’s the Orioles; it’s BALTIMORE.