Orioles West

It really is — and like a box of chocolates on steroids when the O’s have a day off.

He surprised Palmer more than once with his early fan memories, and I hadn't ever seen that before. I think Cakes is used to being a primary source for ancient Birds' lore and it was fascinating to see the expressions on his face as DR walked down memory lane.

A promo writer can really only be as bold as the person on the other side of the camera. It’s a blast what the Boss is willing to say or do — which to me, shows DR is all about enjoying his time owning the team.

I think DR has already shaken more hands and done more fan photos since March than PA ever did. DR is approaching ownership like a fan, because he’s doing what I would do if I had the money to buy a team. I wasn’t sure he was going to leave the MASN broadcast booth on Opening Day, he was having fun talking O’s history with Jim Palmer!

Ultimately, I understand why the OP thinks G-Rod would make a better high leverage reliever/closer — but again, I think developing quality 1-3 starters is tougher to do. That said, Wells may already be the answer for moving from the rotation to the pen. Kremer isn’t a crazy idea either. Our BP is, to me, is the least stable part of the roster, if the O’s are hoping to make a run in the fall.

I’ve read worse ideas on this board. But I understand the push back. I think it is a lot harder to develop a quality starting pitcher than it is a closer. Although, I don’t know if there is data to support my theory. I just see so many more starters who failed because they can’t consistently get through the batting order over 5 innings, become decent high leverage relievers.

Good question. I did a very fast search — last news is the DFA, but nothing on whether he accepted it or is now a FA.

It could still be both. I’ve been in the “let’s see what we got” camp and it’s working out better than even I expected. Irvin is definitely exceeding expectations, great to see Means and Bradish back. That said, if Bradish and Means stay healthy, the rotation looks great. If there are more health issues, then the folks who forewarned that the O’s need to add another starter for depth will have a point. I’m happy with the potential traffic jam we currently have with the starters.

Yeah - he is fun to watch when he healthy and happy. Despite the myriad of arm issues, he remains one of my favorite players on the team. I got to see him bat and pitch in a game here in Colorado, (May, 2019) and the intensity he showed in that game — a bit of throwback attitude — at the time on a bare bones roster. O’s lost, 8-6, but he left the game with a 5-3 lead at Coors Field (Armstrong with the blown save, Givens with the loss), but I loved the way he battled and the enthusiasm he had on that not so good team offered a bit of hope.

It is early, and I love how this team competes as if they are building off of 2023. Health is the obvious wildcard every season — so if health prevails —this starting rotation really has a chance to be special if they keep up this pace. Bullpen performance may not be too far off of 2023, yet it still feels like the pen needs depth that may not be anywhere on the roster or on the farm currently.

It was definitely weird. It seems like some information is missing — either from last season or the spring, be it an arm strength issue or lingering soreness (which maybe counts as a slight setback). The lack of details made it seem like an NHL injury report, purposefully vague. Either he had some issues or they kept a guy who looked more than ready in his first start off the roster too long.

I think it’s a fair question. I also think it’s possible the O’s really thought he needed some work, as those rehab starts seemed to show that he was working on things and not really sweating the results.

No to the trade idea. And wow, this may be the first Hangout Unification thread I’ve seen in a while. Early results where 98+ percent of us AGREE on something!

My grandfather — God rest him — hated the Mets as much as well. The non-call interference in game 4, 10th inning is a play he would bring up a bunch.

For me, the happier result triumphs over the devastation. Fair points though. Opportunity lost for sure vs. Pittsburgh, and I had no idea at the time, that the ‘83 WS victory would have to sustain me for so long.