In O’s news: thinking about arbitration, Stowers to AFL, and the hopeful bounce-back of Fry and Scott.
Good morning Birdland,
Well, my personal rooting interests are not going particularly well in these playoffs.
I would have preferred the Yankees to beat the Red Sox in the AL Wild Card game. For whatever reason, I just do not get as annoyed by the Yankees. Perhaps it’s because they have not been as good in recent history? Anyway, that didn’t work out.
Over in the NL, I was hoping the Cardinals would beat the Dodgers, simply because I have Dodger fatigue from their perennial playoff runs. Again, I was left wanting.
That trend has continued in the Division Series games. The Red Sox took care of the Rays earlier in the week. Yesterday, the Astros ended the White Sox’s fun season, the Braves beat the Brewers, and the Dodgers pushed their series to a decisive Game 5 against the Giants. If the Dodgers win that game, I will be a “perfect” 0-for-6 in rooting interesting this postseason.
I won’t reveal who I prefer to win from this point on as to not anger the baseball gods who clearly do not respect my feelings. Although I shouldn’t be surprised. After all, they made me an Orioles fan, the greatest torture imaginable.
Links & Notes
The Orioles could give out a projected $10 million in arbitration raises this winter. Who gets one is the question | The Baltimore Sun
The discussion around arbitration salaries is likely to go for much longer than in previous off-seasons. The current CBA expires right before the deadline by which eligible players must be tendered a contract. It does not seem particularly likely that a deal is struck in time. But if it is, then we may have to wrap our heads around an Orioles team without Trey Mancini and, to a much lesser extent, Pedro Severino.
After big ‘21 season, Kyle Stowers heads to AFL | Steve Melewski
The massive strikeout rate is certainly something to worry about, but the fact that Kyle Stowers made it to Triple-A in his first full season of minor league baseball erases most of those concerns.
Rough finishes from Paul Fry, Tanner Scott create uncertainty in their status for Orioles’ 2022 bullpen | The Baltimore Sun
The Orioles need both of these guys to bounce back in a significant way next season. Fry needs to rediscover the strike zone. Scott is always going to be wild, but he could tighten up his control a tad and see his effectiveness return to 2020 levels. Both things are easier said than done, of course.
Orioles birthdays
Is it your birthday? Happy birthday!
- Hayden Penn turns 37. The right-handed pitcher appeared in 14 games for the O’s between 2005 and ‘06. He was eventually traded to the Marlins in 2009 in exchange for Robert Andino.
- The late Ron Moeller (d. 2009) was born on this day in 1938. He had a four-game cameo with the Orioles in 1958.
Orioles history
1970 – The O’s win their third straight game over the Cincinnati Reds. Dave McNally gets the win on the mound and also hits a grand slam at the plate.
1971– In Game 1 of the World Series, the O’s fall 4-3 to Roberto Clemente and his Pirates.
1979 – The O’s take a 3-1 advantage over the Pirates in the World Series following a 9-6 victory.