Ripken

He's 19. That just incredible.

Hopefully Wells and Grayson are back soon. They'll need spots and Tate is in Norfolk. Baumann is definitely first guy off the island.

No, it doesn't matter, but the O's throw three straight shutouts if Hyde uses the bullpen the right way.

Really? Changing the pitcher?

Hays, Urias and Santa likely won't be here next year. That's three spots. Elias could move (though I don't think he will) any of Mounty, Ced, ROH and Mateo.

Yep. Rotation is better if it stays healthy (massive fingers crossed). Grayson and Povich are around, too. If/when some of Santander, Mullins, Hays, Kjerstad, Holliday, Mayo start producing the offense should look really good. Replacing Bautista is impossible but I still want another power arm for the pen, though hopefully Wells replaces Baumann at some point.

Our best SP prospect for a reliever I don't even want?

Ump is brutal.

Of course.

He has no business managing the team.

Really excited for Kimbrel in the 9th.

That's so bad. Leave him in. WTF, man.

I know a lot of people agree with that. I do. Others don't question Elias. I stayed out of some off season threads because of the "101" contingent. Elais has no doubt done a terrific job and I hope he's here forever. He's also made mistakes. Of course, no one is perfect, but I don't agree with the bullpen construction and usage. I don't agree with the end of roster decisions, which involve some kids in Norfolk. The Kjerstad situation is stupid. Hyde is an extension of this. Doesn't mean I'm always right, ME knows far more than I, but the pen could be better and the clock is ticking on some prospects. So, yeah, I'm really happy with the overall direction of the team and the talent on hand. It's exciting. Great job. I think it could be even better. Now that the new owner is here, I really hope we see a couple extensions. I really hope Elias does better than adding a Fuji and Flaherty this year. Those failures get magnified in the playoffs.

Option or not, I'm not sending Akin down. He's been good. Ramirez and Baumann can go. Don't rush Wells and Perez back either.

Dave and Co. just got here so they deserve some time but for this team to take the next step it has to stop being cheap. There were FA pitchers out there who could have helped. There were also trades that could have been made from our deep prospect pool. Sure, that would have lessened our depth and cost the O's some low cost player years, but both of those are also solvable by spending some money. The money hoarding cartel is gone and it's time to start acting like a team that wants to win the trophy.

So has everyone else. He goes through relievers like I would go through golf balls playing Augusta.

No reason Mateo should have hit. The umpire appears to be drunk. The A's bullpen is waaay better than ours. Good times.

Well, he did sign a really expensive closer who isn't good.

Baumann warming up. Hey, maybe I can pitch the 11th.

Lots of bad tonight. Ugh.

Brutal.

Every time that guy gets called up, someone asks why most fans don't like him. It's because he's not good.

Seems like it. Have any velo numbers?

Bradish up, Wells activated to pen, one of Irvin/Suarez to pen, Baumann out, Ramirez out. Perez up, one of Akin/Tate out. I'd keep Means down as long as possible.

Weird thread. No, is obviously the answer. You could question if Witt was the pick over Adley. We could have a Gunnar-Witt left side for 15 years but Adley is the leader of this team. Kid has tremendous value on and off the field.