AlbNYfan

This season was certainly enjoyable compared to recent years. It was the first time in years where I got my money's worth on MLB Extra Innings....FWIW, I did not think the O's would be last in the AL East and I thought the Blue Jays would win the East. That said, looking at 2023: 1) Was 2022 an aberration or reality?? I think Hyde will be on the hot seat if things go South. 2) How will the change in schedules affect the O's? It is assumed that 24?? less games in the East will ad some W's. I'm not sure..they will have to play Dodgers, Padres, Mets, Braves. More travel adjustments, seeing more pitchers for the first time. I know it's the same for all teams, but some may adjust better. The good news for me is that I get 6 or 7 less YES network games when watching the O's (18-19 games was brutal). 3) The shift rules..will the O's benefit or be hurt by it? 4) Limited pick off moves? How will the O's pitchers adapt to it..more step off rubber, improved TTP. 5) Increase in base size...if I understand it correctly, the "square" will increase by 3 inches...which means the distance between bases decreases by 6 inches...more steals?? Speed more important? A good defensive catcher more important than offense? 6) Roster moves. You all have your ideas on needs, some I totally oppose. But obviously some have to be made. No change for the sake of change. Spend some smart $$$. I like hitting, hitting them where they ain't, I like defense and speed. I like pitchers that throw strikes and change speeds. Spring training is going to not be getting in game shape but adapting to the changed game. Those that evolve will win, those that don't are screwed.

That may be true, but McKenna is less than 50% on any aspect of hitting. IMO, a no hit, role player, with speed better have more to his game than D. He should be able to lay down a bunt. I can accept Hays as a third/fourth OF'er next year. I am not sure about Stowers yet, but you have reported that there are others in play at AAA. Off topic, but can you tell me why pitchers are allowed to tap their lead foot a number of times after coming to a set position. It seems to me it is a move to the plate that "deceives" the base runner and it is a move to the plate, a balk. People complained about Luis Tiant..this is worse.

IMO, you can say the same thing about Hays, occasionally the ball hits the bat. As far Mateo goes, I believe he should be dealt. I am not a big fan of moving people around in key positions. Also, I am not a fan of McKenna...a fourth or fifth OF'er, with speed, that can't lay down a bunt...adios.

I would guess 4 players must be on dirt cut out or closer when the pitch is thrown. Two on each side of second base. The penalty?? Infield ump raises hands..pitch is an automatic ball??

I'd be happy at .500 and finish 4th in the division this year..ahead of Sox

As much as I'd like to hate Judge (for being a Yankee), I can't do it. He is a monster and seems like a class guy. People talk about Ohtani, Soto...I'd take Judge. I don't think he is much of an outfielder, other than arm strength, but at what 6'9", he could be a great 1st baseman. I don't know what it would take to steal him, but just not facing him would give the O's more wins.

You have to wonder (or I do) how much if any, Canada's COVID restrictions helped improve their home record. 11 above .500 at home, 4 below on the road.

It may say Nationals on his uni, but IMO, Soto only represents himself. Look at me!!

I lasted one week of the '21 season watching Maikel Franco, a guy that appeared to be just looking for another payday. His defense was atrocious....almost laughably. Replays showed a guy that frequently didn't move a step before it was by him.

Exactly...note the team standings, Angels with two of best, Nationals with one of the best...both well under .500. One or two players do not make a winning team unlike many sports. You get to bat 1/9 of the time, even great pitchers only pitch less than 1/5 of the time. Baltimore and other mid-low market teams have to be smarter than the LA's, Boston, NY's, etc. We can't have 2 super stars and 24 AAA and win.

I don't disagree, but there are better options IMO and still, 11th on team for WAR, tied with Lopez.

Someone, please explain to me how McKenna can have the same WAR as Lopez? That alone makes this list suspect (11th on the list??). Does being a cheerleader add value? Many complain about Nevin and his roster spot, but IMO Mckenna is right there too. McKenna vs Stowers??

Yep, drive in 3 let in 4. Average D is not acceptable for 1,1 IMO.

A number one pick, a HS second baseman??? Really, 2nd baseman.....IMO any HS'er, if he is decent fielder would be a SS, maybe 3rd. At 5' whatever. If he's at 2nd in HS, his arm is not likely to play well at the ML level. So, you're drafting a DH IMO (hmmm Stewart, how did that work out). This is likely to be the last number 1 pick for the O's in the near future, unless they get lucky in new lottery. Pick a quality position...SS, OF...but not a 2nd baseman.

A good GM (or whatever Elias's title is) cannot let emotions get in the way of bettering his team. He is not going to give Mancini away for a salary dump or because he may choose free agency. Many fans want the O's to remain "loyal" to the O's. Remember, Mancini filed for arbitration last year (his right), but not usually done. He was using his "special" situation to up his deal (as any good agent would do). Baseball is a business, both sides know that and use it to their advantage. Elias, IMO, is a pretty smart guy. I always wondered about his apparent obsession to draft outfielders and not pitchers. Suddenly ???, in January???, the left field dimensions change. The O's seem to be blessed with some pretty decent outfielders at all levels. I watch other teams come in and look like slugs in the outfield. My point is Elias has both a short and long -term plan. The Astros are doing well long after his departure. He is not going to do anything stupid.

Wouldn't you want anyone who came up to play well, or just a select few?

For all the complaining about Chirinos hitting, he has been an asset behind the plate. He knows his role and is probably helping AR adjust to MLB. I wouldn't mind him hanging on as a number player/coach next year unless there is someone in the wings.

There are several ways to adjust..severely close his stance in hope when he "kicks the bucket" it will actually be more toward the pitcher. He could crowd the plate, taking away the inside pitch a bit...he just isn't comfortable at the plate. It's too bad, good glove, great speed, seems to be a team player...just a huge flaw.

That's great. IMO, move on. He has shown little at the ML level and has no playable position at the ML level and many players in the wings ready for their chance. He was a disappointing #1 selection.

If you need a VP, I would like to be considered. I enjoy Mountcastle. He seems to really enjoy playing. He plays hard, runs everything out and is improving on his D at first base. He certainly has flaws...he has taken a beating here for years, for having no playable position and BS making a big deal about BB, a favorite mantra here. He attacks the ball. For those that point out that Boog, Manny, Cal, and Machado got to 50 quicker....3 of those players had no service time issues. So, it's Mountcastle's fault he's came up at a later age. I don't know how Mountcastle will "age", I will be pretty happy with 6 to 7 years of 30 or so HR's. He is also likely to be traded or elect free agency if he becomes too expensive. Enjoy him while we have him (there hasn't been much else to enjoy).

How about learning how to pitch and not throw?? He rarely throws in on batters, so his plate is 8.5 inches and not the 17 inches he's allowed.

Maybe not if the team might play Blue Jays in playoffs.

You certainly have to give Adley time to adjust to the Majors and he'll most likely have some form of success, maybe not enough for many here. People are grasping at any positives he does show. For example, last week he caught a 10-0 shutout, praising what a GREAT game he called... a few days later the O's lost a game by a similar score that he caught, was that a lousy game he called? Calling a good game requires three parts, good scouting, the call and the pitcher hitting the spots. Also, framing...he certainly is "quiet" behind the plate but I've noticed some not so subtle glove movements on borderline pitches. He blocks well and gets rid of the ball quickly and I think the Chirinos signing was a huge plus. He'll grow and learn.

Training has certainly changed, especially weight training, and PROBABLY for the better. The most training players did in the way past, was lifting a case of beer or a pint mug. You think Berra, Williams, B Robinson, Powell, etc did heavy lifting? When did clubhouses first include weights?? Athletes being athletes push themselves and challenge each other. IMO for every minute lifting, there should be the same amount of time stretching the opposing muscles. Does any team practice yoga as part of their fitness program? Pitching is a whole different ballgame. I think kids are encouraged to throw breaking pitches way too early by coaches not necessarily qualified. Kids also don't necessarily follow a program. The day after throwing 70 pitches they may be out with dad or grandpa throwing again. The wear and tear on the arm can be extensive.

I just posted on the Random Thoughts thread, that the O's have played 32 games against teams with records greater than .500, by far the most of any team and have gone 13-19. The Yankees 12 (8-4), Rays 12 (5-7), Minnesota 8 (2-6), Milwaukee 12 (5-7).....W-L records at this point don't necessarily reflect how teams truly rank as a whole. I'll personally be more happy with a more balanced schedule both in terms of opponents and scheduling itself (Yanks 13 games in first 45???, Blue Jays 0???)