bluedog

I would think Cowser will be top 10 by end of year if he continues to put up the numbers he's delivered so far in Bowie. If that happens, maybe a white hot start to next season at AAA gets him into the #1 prospect discussion?

First off -- just look at Voth. He was released by Washington and he said specifically that he didn't have access to the same data and coaching that he's had access to here in Baltimore. Given all the evidence that advanced analytics help teams win games, why in the world woudn't the Nats being using the same data and tools that Elias is using? It's because some teams are "old school" (which to me means intentionally willfully ignorant). Just because you and I can do the advanced analysis on park effects doesn't mean that 100% (or even 50%) of the teams out there will do that analysis and apply it in negotiations. Some will still base their activities on real stats and not implied ones. We know this is true because if it wasn't true, the Orioles wouldn't be able to get players for nothing on waivers that can be coached up and turned into effective contributors. I am just saying there are a LOT of poorly run teams that make bad decisions that are not based on accurate data. If your a good agent, you can leverage that into a bigger contract for your client.

I absolutely get why we did it. And someone else made a great point that the disadvantages of signing RH power hitters are offset by the advantages when pursuing pitchers. Wasn't criticizing the decision to change the wall - I know it was very intentionally done to create a home field advantage. I was simply pointing out that Mancini's case will disincentive certain players from coming here, all else being equal. Maybe we don't care because Elias intends to fill all our position players from within the organization.

I bet you a dollar that Mancini will get a much bigger contract this offseason after playing in Houston than he would have if he'd stayed in Baltimore.

Yeah I say we fire Elias. We have a horrible farm system. The major league club is neither fun to watch nor is it competitive. We have no salary flexibility with which to sign impact free agents next year and no depth from which to trade to improve the ballclub. And he never hits on waiver claims or rule 5 pickups and turns them into serviceable major league pieces. He clearly has no clue what he's doing. Maybe we can find a new GM on OH that will do a better job.

One thing about the wall - I have to believe its going to make it VERY hard for the O's to lure right handed power hitters in free agency. Why would anyone choose to come to Baltimore if they know their stats will be artificially suppressed which will cost them money in their next contract?

Wild card? We don't need no stinking Wild card!

All of a sudden no one is talking about the Yankees being the best team ever.

We are also now only 14.5 games back of the Yankees. Just sayin.

I suspect that Elias is waiting for Mateo's value to peak before he moves him for pitching. If Mateo shows real progress as a hitter over the rest of the season combined with his defense and baserunning, I wonder what he'd command in trade? It would have to be better than what Mancini brought back given his position right?

Elias has a secret strategy to field a shortstop at every position.

Screw the wildcard, we're only 15.5 back of the Yankees.

Vavra now leading the O's in Average, OBP and OPS. If we're going to get on the Hype Train, let's make it the Hype Bullet Train!

"We just battle our asses off." - Vavra Love that.

Roberts was a gym rat for sure and he and Brady Anderson lifted some weights.

Anyone see a little bit of Brian Roberts in Vavra?

Vavra!

Best reverse jinx of the day! Good work!

Yet another excellent reverse jinx. Keep it up!

Boo yeah.

Some hacker should intercept the feed and overlay the word "Beer" at the end of that.

Once we get in their pen, I'm expecting crooked numbers for us.

Great at bat by Mateo - too bad it wasn't rewarded.

Clutch at bat McKenna

Way to work the pitch count...