Jammer7

No, I just made that comment at the end of my post to add a little color to the real complexity of this imaginary discussion.

Yep. What does a closer make vs. a starter in the FA market?

This isn’t as easy a question as it may seem. You can say we’re taking out the cost of losing that pitcher as a starter, which is obviously huge for Burnes, GRod, Bradish, Kremer and Means. Fine. However, only one pitcher, I believe, has actually closed games, and that is Wells. Some starters do not do well in the pen. They do not adjust to the routine as well, or they break down with the work load when they “air it out.” If we assume they can make the adjustment, then Burnes. Not just on pure stuff, but his knowledge, experience and physicality are huge factors. Of course, Burnes would likely reject that move, as he should, just before his FA shot. I voted Wells before I fully understood the question, because he has done it and his days as a starter are likely done here in Baltimore, unless there is a slew of injuries. McDermott was not a choice, but he might actually be the guy for the job.

It’s been a few years, but I seem to recall there was some talk about his playing 2B when Duquette was still here. Might have been some kind of instructional league chatter or something. It certainly cannot hurt.

I have to laugh at some of my pre-draft thoughts as well as others. I will say on behalf of myself and some others is that what we did not understand then was what the Orioles brain trust knew to be their model, and what they best developed. What traits they were looking for is an important thing to know, in hindsight anyway. And really, the Jackson Holliday leap in development was not something most of us heard anything about until about a month before the draft. I saw him the previous summer and I cannot say he was all that impressive, but it was only one look. His physicality took a big jump after that. I will also add that we’re never going to know what would have happened if they drafted Austin Martin, Jones, Lawler, Lacy, etc. Their development could well have been different as O’s. The funny part of this board, in general, is the absolute certainty some have in their opinions and how eager they are to trash Elias and staff. There is plenty of humility to go around, now that things have played out. It’s fun to finally have a truly great front office and ownership group, and a stacked stable of horses.

Better than Dwyer? For the moment, I’d say it worked out. He has been a very good pinch hitter as advertised, too.

I don’t disagree, he was hinting. I doubt it involves pitchcom hacking. It could be that they are getting feedback from runners or coaches on location. Maybe the hitters are peaking. If the pitch is up, it isn’t off speed, so guessing FB is safe. Someone might wear one today, and it seemed there was a few message pitches yesterday.

Ben did not say the Brewers were cheating, or accuse them of anything. He said it looked like something was off, or something to that effect. I suppose you could take that how you want, but to me it was that Wells was tipping his pitches. Or perhaps our sequences are too predictable. IDK, but he did not accuse anyone of anything IMO. They are a hot team, and they are crushing a lot of cutters mostly. The fastball that Sanchez hit was up in the zone. Mountcastle hit a similar pitch for a long HR last night. We have to pitch better, and Burnes is the right guy.

Goodrum robbed him on another shot to RF. Stays inside the ball very well. For a RH hitter, he’ll have success in Camden Yards because of his RCF approach.

You are probably right, but his bat is really fun to watch. His barrel control and oppo power are impressive. I don’t see an obvious fit defensively, but that bat is going to play.

The issue with them is not their level of talent. It is their ability to be consistent. I agree, pretty much, with the OP. I refrained from saying much about Holliday going down because there was so much whining about it. I will say that I think his offensive approach and swing decisions are something that need some work. He’s an incredible talent, but he is far from where he will be in a year or two. His swing and miss is an issue. I have seen him swing from his heels and miss by a foot on several occasions, including last nights game. The kid doesn’t get cheated, but his swing is a bit wild right now at times. Holliday has thrown “lollipop throws” on several occasions this Spring. Those bug me, honestly. It’s a pet peeve, throw the damn ball. Hit them in the chest. I’m sure he’ll adjust in a little time, but there is work to be done there. Mayo and Kjerstad are more polished in some ways, but still not there yet. I am still not convinced Mayo is a good defender at 3B. Does the bat make up for it? IDK, tough call. I can tell he has worked hard on his body and mobility. Look, these are young men we will be seeing for a long time. They aren’t in an ideal state of readiness right now. No rush, for me anyway. Could they play in MLB right now? Sure. They could play now, and we’d likely lose some games because of mistakes they will make that others may not. Pitchers would have to make more pitches, and we’d have to make more roster moves. I do not want to watch sloppy baseball that leads to our pitchers wearing down sooner than they should. I don’t want to see us lose games that we should be winning with more consistent and efficient play. Elias and Hyde know what they’re doing, as evidenced by how this team and organization have grown steadily and quickly. The executive and manager of the year in 2023. According to some here, they’re terrible morons who are simply trying to game the system to get another year of Holliday. It’s hilarious.

Hey, not my metric. lol

I get what you’re saying, but short-hopping a throw doesn’t mean he “sucks.” Mounty picks that 4 out of 5 times, but that throw was rifled and it was a tough pick. What he did show is he still has a very good arm. Some here were critical of his arm strength. I think he has some work to do at 2B, to smooth some things out there with footwork and such. No one is “just a SS.” Holliday had an error yesterday too, I guess he sucks too?

RIP Mr. Angelos.

Over time, maybe. It depends on the player. Still better than sitting, playing twice a week.