For Plus Members only: Special major and minor league news and content including exclusive scouting reports and quotes from players, coaches, scouts, and front office people.
Good points.
I don't disagree with you that I think the O's put a premium on good defense. Lots of roster decisions over the last 3 years to support that. But I think as they continue evolve from development to contention to championship aspirations (I'd like to think that we're firmly in the latter), that pendulum might shift a bit for some players. Fortunately, our defense is already very strong up the middle (and really throughout the infield), but corner OF defense might take a hit if Kjerstad or Mayo plays a lot out there. Obv Cowswer is a stud defensively next to Mullins, so that really only leaves 1 spot to be potentially below average.
No doubt they get credit for O'Hearn, Urias, Mateo, etc. I focused on the draft picks because plenty of teams have sucked for many year and had high draft pics but not gotten these type of results. It is truly astonishing to see the depth of talent in the organization. I don't live in Maryland anymore but obviously wear an Orioles hat most places I go and the amount comments I get from fans of other team about how much they respect the team and their players would really surprise people. It is nearly everyday.
I messed up mentioning Mateo. I was trying to stick with the guys in yesterday’s lineup, per the OP. That’s why I mentioned O’Hearn. But Mateo wasn’t in yesterday.