Do the Orioles have anything else up their sleeves?
Happy Monday, Camden Chatters! We are inching ever closer to the start of spring training. In just about a month we’ll start seeing photos of players stretching and throwing on very green grass with a very blue sky overhead. It’s nice to think about as I look out my window at the snow.
What remains to be done with the Orioles roster? It’s easy to think they’re finished, at least for now. What more could they do? Maybe another short-term deal or two?
Ken Rosenthal has reported that former Orioles Anthony Santander and Jack Flaherty are both open to signing short-term deals as we get deeper into the offseason. It has felt like a forgone conclusion that Santander is long gone. The Orioles have been linked to Flaherty at times but a short contract could make him more appealing. Could that be the case for Santander as well?
No, I don’t think so. The signing of Tyler O’Neill pretty much put the nail in that coffin. And that’s ok. But as someone who watched and enjoyed Santander over the last eight seasons, I felt a little disappointed for Santander that his big contract hasn’t been secured. I’m not incredibly surprised, but I was hopeful for him. He really hits some beautiful homers.
Now…Flaherty? I know that most Orioles fans have no interest in a reunion. MLB Trade Rumors predicted that Flaherty would get a five-year contract. Five years of Flaherty is way too much of a risk. We all know how terrible he was with the Orioles, but he wasn’t lighting the world on fire before they traded for him either.
One good year in 2024 doesn’t erase all that. But a one or two-year contract where he is hoping to pull a Blake Snell doesn’t sound so bad to me. Even if the idea of Flaherty back in Baltimore still gives me a bad taste in my mouth.
Links
Mailbag leftovers for breakfast – MASN Sports
It’s another Q&A from Roch Kubatko, a staple of the off-season. One tidbit is that he points out that the Orioles haven’t closed the door on re-signing John Means. It’s just too early to look at a contract for him. I know that emotionally we all like the idea of Means returning.
With all these short-team deals, are the Orioles leaving room for more? – The Baltimore Banner
From a few days ago. Jon Meoli ponders if all of these one-year deals are giving the Orioles the opening to make a major move soon enough. He doesn’t speculate on what it could be. I’ll be skeptical until it happens.
Orioles history: Baltimore finally begins proper rebuild in winter of ’07-08 – Birds Watcher
The groundwork for the 2012-2016 teams started in 2007. I don’t know if I’d refer to what happened as a proper rebuild, though. Re-live it here.
Birthdays and History
Is today your birthday? Happy birthday! You have two Orioles birthday buddies. Oliver Drake turns 38 years old today. The Orioles drafted Drake in the 43rd round of the 2008 draft, a round that no longer exists. The fact that he made the majors at all is incredible. He appeared in 30 games for the Orioles from 2015-17 and pitched for seven teams in six major league seasons.
Also born on this day in 1953 is Odell Jones. Jones pitched in relief for the 1986 Orioles. He passed away in March 2024 at the age of 71.
On this day in 1983, Frank Robinson was elected to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. Somehow, 10.8% of voters did not select him. He was selected along with Hank Aaron.
In 2006, the Orioles signed Kevin Millar to a contract. Miller spent three seasons in Baltimore. He had a couple slightly above-average offensive years during a terrible stretch of Orioles history. His lasting legacy is the Orioles Magic video.
In 2009, they signed Koji Uehara to a contract. He spent two-plus years with the team and excelled as a relief pitcher.
In 2011, they signed Kevin Gregg to a two-year contract. It was a mistake.