A press conference, changing dimensions, and injury updates.
Good Morning, Birdland!
The Orioles dominated baseball news on Friday without even adding a player. Instead, they announced that the much-reviled left field dimensions at Camden Yards were getting yet another facelift. The Hot Stove is on fire, folks.
Mark laid out all of the information we have on the coming alterations. It certainly doesn’t look like a finalized idea as the changes will leave a ton of empty space in between the old wall and the new wall. Perhaps some sort of fan experience or standing room is coming to that area? It is unclear.
As far as the reasoning for all of these changes, I think it’s fine. Camden Yards was long known as a bandbox for right-handed hitters. That only got worse as players got bigger and stronger. The more spacious left field ended that, but they clearly went too far. Hopefully these updates will put an end to Camden Yards being singled out in so many Statcast-related data points: “This would have been a home run in 29/30 parks. Not Camden Yards.” Ryan Mountcastle (among others) will appreciate that.
In other news, Mike Elias is telling reporters that he means business this offseason. According to Elias himself, he has been “active” and “competitive” in conversations so far. Will that translate to actual, impactful additions? We will see.
Elias tends to be quite tempered in his language, although the “liftoff” comment from 2022 may still haunt him a bit. This press conference was not a total abandonment of that tendency. But he sure is giving ownership a lot of credit lately and making in clear that he has resources now that he didn’t used to have. That is priming the fan base for something of significance.
But you will be forgiven if you are still pessimistic. The fact is that the Orioles, under Elias’ watch, have continually taken modest swings rather than big ones. The trade for Corbin Burnes last year was the largest, and while it was surely a success, the cost was limited—a good shortstop prospect that was blocked within the organization, and a talented arm that the club didn’t see as a starter anymore. This winter is going to require him to take a bigger chance.
All of the top free agent pitchers are going to require big commitments, and since they are older arms they come with oodles of risk. The trade market is somewhat barren, which could drive up the prospect cost of those that are available. Elias has been clear that he will not spend just to spend. But there is also clearly pressure on him to get this team to the next level. The core is young and cheap for now. The 75-year-old owner has explained that he understands his own mortality and wants this club to do something big in the near future. It all adds up to this being a pivotal winter at the warehouse.
Links
Leftovers from Elias video conference | Roch Kubatko
All kinds of quotes from Elias, including injury updates. It was nice to hear about Félix Bautista in a near-term frame! The bullpen missed him last year. A trio of him, Seranthony Domínguez, and Yennier Cano is a nice start to the relief corps.
Orioles GM Mike Elias says team has been ‘very active’ early in the offseason | The Baltimore Banner
Some deeper analysis of Elias’ claim that he has been active over the last couple of weeks. Apparently he was asked specifically about Roki Sasaki, which would be interesting! Elias, of course, didn’t get into any particular players the team is after.
Which position groups have the best free agents? Let’s rank ‘em | MLB.com
It’s a good offseason to need pitching and corner outfielders. The Orioles are in luck there, although much of the reason why the free agent crops are so good at those positions is because they include a pair of talented former O’s. Even still, the Birds should be able to make some moves.
Orioles birthdays
Is it your birthday? Happy birthday!
- Grayson Rodriguez turns 25 today. A former first-round pick and top prospect, Rodriguez has spent most of the last two seasons in Baltimore, where he has a 4.11 ERA over 238.2 innings. The O’s will be depending on him for more in 2025.
- Fernando Cabrera is 43. He pitched in 31 total games for the Orioles between 2007 and ‘08.
- The late Julio Lugo (b. 1975, d. 2021) was born on this day. In 2010, he played in 93 games as an infielder with the Orioles.
- It’s a posthumous birthday for Buster Narum (b. 1940, d. 2004). He pitched in seven games for the 1963 Orioles.
This day in history
1961 – The Orioles acquire infielder Johnny Temple from Cleveland for first baseman Ray Barker, catcher Harry Chiti, and minor leaguer Art Kay.
2018 – After cleaning house earlier in the offseason, the Orioles kick start an organizational overhaul by hiring Mike Elias as their General Manager.