Otter

Interesting to see how big he looks jogging the bases compared to the other team's infielders...

Yes, it's an interesting pattern. But I also suspect it stands out to us since we've become a little spoiled with the fast-moving and precocious prospects we've had fly through our system in the past few years.

Agreed on both counts: that he's getting close to a promotion based on previous handling of similar levels of prospects, and that the outfield at AAA is already crowded. And this brings up one minor beef I have with Elias regarding prospect promotions.....he often is very aggressive in promoting well-performing prospects up through the lower levels, but then is very conservative in promoting well-performing prospects from AAA to the majors. As a result, we may always have a logjam of prospects at AAA which can force prospects into playing off their natural positions, taking turns at DH instead of getting reps at their positions, or even spending time on the bench. I wonder if Elias will change a bit now that AAA is already crowded and slow down the promotions at lower levels.

And that was an easy stand up triple...looked like he was just cruising...

Very interesting. Will be interesting to track if this is just a rare occurrence or they are getting him some legit time there. I would have thought Kjerstad would be a much better option for 1B than Beavers, but maybe they tried it and Kjerstad was brutal there.

Partially agree, but not for the reasons stated. The old left field was way too short and unfair to pitchers. However, Elias overcompensated and now the left field wall is way too long and unfair to hitters. And I do find it strange that Elias hasn't tried to draft or acquire more LHP to mitigate left-handed power hitters taking advantage of the only short porch left in the current configuration.

Agreed. O'Hearn is just a below average outfielder and should be relegated to 1B/DH only. It's also ironic for all the talk from Elias and Mansolino about the importance of defense and having plus defenders at every position they put O'Hearn in the outfield. Is O'Hearn better defensively at RF than Holliday is at 2B??

Great reports, but Norby is blocked by multiple players at either 2B or LF and Mayo is still working on a position. Too bad we can't get all these glowing reports on some starting pitcher prospects...I know it's just the first game but looks like McDermott is still having serious control/command issues. At some point all the coaching, metrics, tinkering have been exhausted and a pitcher is who he is. I'd guess he has a full year to improve control/command, and if he doesn't then he's in the bullpen next year.

Do you think the pitchers are trying to walk batters? Do you think a silly rule will stop them from walking batters?

Diminished velocity with poor control and command after being out an entire year with elbow/forearm injuries...that usually does not portend well...

Palmer is one of the few public figures who can balance confidence with humility. It's always a pleasure to hear him talk about the Orioles or baseball in general.

90-93. I see a regression from last year due to the question marks in pitching staff and regression to the mean from the runners in scoring position numbers from last year.

I agree they should, but I don't think Elias will. We had a logjam last year, and he didn't trade any top 10 prospects or veterans to alleviate the surplus.

Agreed. Depth is very important, but if you have so much depth at certain positions that major league ready talented players need 2-3 serious injuries to even get a shot then you probably need to make a move. Deep depth is needed with pitchers because they have so frequently have long-term serious injuries that some never even make it back from. That is much more rare with position players, so trade from the position player surplus (either the guys who aren't getting a chance or the veterans blocking them) and stockpile pitching.

Definitely agree we're going to have to score more runs with the pitching troubles. However, Mayo doesn't have a clear path to playing time in the majors right now unless we have some trades or injuries.