CHIP

I was really impressed with these numbers and was tinkering around and tried to find these stats. I can't find these numbers anywhere... MLB.com or anywhere else. Baseball-reference shows McCann with a career caught stealing average of 33.7% vs. league average of 28% (Career). That is 3% below 37. Last year he caught only 8 of 34 which is 23.5%. So he was just average. His 'best' year was 2016 when he was only 26 and threw out 45% . His AS year, he was only 4% better than league average defensively. So when his offensive numbers are high his defensive numbers seem to be low. So did the O's FO sign him for his offense, defense, or mentoring. Let's see if we get our monie$ worth... From reports, he seems like a guy fans can cheer for and is good in the clubhouse. But is that enough for what the Hangout fans want?

Handley is hanging around MLB camp a bit longer. likely 6 more days before those guys headed to Norfolk have to start driving up... I touched on this a minute ago in another post... but will the Orioles need a 'travel squad' catcher this year? IF so... who is it going to be? I believe it was Davis at the beginning of 2022 and then went to Bemboom after he got demoted and the finished with Roberts. WIth Kolozsvary having time on 40 man/26 man rosters, he is guaranteed something around $60K a year and Bemboom is around or above $120K. Do they have all 3 on Norfolk or do they move one of the three to Bowie? Has Handley done enough to start let alone play on Norfolk? Can they move Kolozsvary to Bowie? There seem to be too many 1B options this year to give the C's time there to get their ABs and too many prospects in OF/IF that need to hit at DH. Something that hasn't been discussed is do the Orioles look back on the wire after AAA catchers are cut or select free agency over the next week or so? Depth seems real slim at AA to not have other options on the horizon. Minor league minimum salaries for players on 40-man rosters, per Ronald Blum / AP 2021 (old CBA): $46,600 first year, $93,000 after 2022: $57,200/$114,100 2023: $58,800/$117,400

I've only been following the O's since they drafted 3 Cardinal in 2019. It was pretty fun to see the 2022 9th rounder getting his AB yesterday in front of Handley. With that being said and my limited history. Roch seems to be a writer who may have been good at one point but now seems like a guy that is hanging on in a digital would trying to survive on clicks. As such... he has to write about the low hanging fruit that any person could write about without much effort. He does his 'mailbag' to be sarcastic and witty but that grows tiresome if I can even finish reading those... As for this 'interview' with Handley, I read the interview and thought it sounded like Maverick was on the phone with his mother or father trying to stay positive about his situation. Don't say anything negative and keep a positive mindset. Hoping for an injury is bad karma. It reminded me of when Melewski interviewed Cody Roberts after Roberts became the sacrificial Travel Squad catcher... Roberts almost ran out of every thing he could say about sitting in a hotel and spinning it into a positive. It is almost a real life version of Bull Durham when Crash Davis was giving Nuke LaLoosh veteran advice on his interviews, "Of course it's boring! That's the point. Write it down. I just want to give it my best shot and the good Lord willing things will work out." I also read 'like' like 11 times. Like that is excessive. Like Handley had to think about dumbing down his answers to not like overwhelm Roch. You can't really blame Roch though... When the starters leave after the 5th or 6th inning he has to scurry down to get his interviews in with the future starters. So he misses anything that happens after that. Then he has to go write his story to publish as soon as the game is over by adding anything that he may have seen in the box score or on someone else's twitter feed. Be the first to publish and get the clicks. Reading Roch's writing is like watching gold mining shows... where miners are hoping to find some gold in old tailing piles hoping that have are the leftovers of someone else's hard work and they don't have to spend any real time or effort in the process... So I read him hoping that maybe Roch finds and reports on a nugget that someone missed.

Dash's announcement was a conversation at a Stanford game recently and the decision to retire was made well before Diaz, Terry, Lester. It just wasn't announce until MiLB report date. Had to focus on his company as I guess Dash's business has a 7 figure valuation if/when sold. So that was the business side. Physically.... I remember Dashbach also suffered several concussions at Stanford and was hit a couple more times in Aberdeen/Bowie. Great kid and family. Mundy got no money from non-draft signing so he was an easy cut to make when his performance and health couldn't keep up. Another good kid... but not sure what he is doing after being released last year.

I guess if you actually look at the numbers... your looks may be possible NAME GP AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI TB BB SO SB AVG OBP SLG OPS Adley Rutschman C 7 15 2 5 0 0 1 1 7 4 2 0 0.333 0.474 0.533 1.007 James McCann C 5 14 1 2 1 0 0 0 1 0 5 0 0.143 0.143 0.214 0.357 Anthony Bemboom C 5 7 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 3 1 0 0.143 0.400 0.143 0.543 Mark Kolozsvary C 5 7 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 3 0 0.143 0.143 0.143 0.286 Maverick Handley C 6 6 0 3 0 0 0 0 3 1 2 1 0.500 0.571 0.500 1.071 Ramon Rodriguez C 4 3 1 1 0 0 0 0 1 1 0 0 0.333 0.500 0.333 0.833

Based on my very limited understanding and conversations in passing... MLB camp staff and roster mostly stay at the same hotel closer to the MLB facilities. Renting homes, etc are an option and they get a per diem to apply rather than staying at hotel. MILB roster stay at a La Quinta or something closer to MILB facilities. The covid year, it was 1 to a room. Since... it is 2 to a room unless family or other considerations.

The minor league ST games start next Wednesday I believe, O's have a double header on Monday. I think they may send down 1 or 2 after Monday. Orioles haven't shown any favor to Handley over Kolozsvary. They may keep Handley just as the gofer without any MLB time.

The 1.834 POP on that video just seemed awful quick.

We are only 5 games in but after Handley got his 15 seconds of fame from the Pirates/Os bottom of the 9th. As much fun as that was for those that got to see it... I had to start paying attention to what is left after MLB spots... The best part of Handley's 4.5 innings I thought (besides 100% of his calls being right) were his stolen base and 'caught stealing' that was waived off because of a 3rd strike 3rd out call. But as no other Oriole catcher has thrown out a base runner... backs up his defense as well as it sounds/looks like he isn't letting anything get past him. I tried to time the POP and was about 1.86 and 1.87 which isn't too shabby. The quickness of transfer is what I see that no one else with the O's has. Offensively, I just don't know in the limited time they have in camp for Handley to get enough opportunity to out play Bemboom or Kolovsvary. I'm rooting for him more now after Daschbach's retirement. Not ignoring Adley or McCann but we know they are at MLB (assuming no injuries) Bemboom: 3 games, 5 ABs, 1 H, 1K, 0 BB. 0 SB. Def: 1 start, 5 innings, 1 SB; 1 relief, 4 innings; 1 relief, 4 innings Kolozsvary: 3 games, 4 ABs, 1 H, 1K, 0 BB, 0 SB Def: 1 relief, 4 innings; 1 start, 4 innings: ; 1 relief, 3 innings, 2 SB Handley: 3 games, 3 ABs, 1H, 2K, 1 BB, 1 SB Def: 2 relief: 3 innings and 4(+1) innings. And this 'CS' video that didn't count I understand we are stacked with IF prospects... but who is blocking Handley? Right now... without a catcher going down to injury, I think they bury him back in AA ball. https://www.instagram.com/reel/CpQY8lygMYr/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link

yes. for the full 1/2 inning.

Listened to the broadcast yesterday and it sounded like he blocked a lot of pitches in the dirt... and looking at Twitter he got 6 straight sliders/cutters and foul tipped the 6th (94.5 mph) into the catcher's glove. Handley and Rodriguez got in to today's game late and both went 1-1. So almost every catcher with with invite to MLB camp has exactly one hit. (McCann's came in the 9 run inning where everyone got a hit.)

Because there is no Drama... If this was a reality show it would be cancelled. Everyone believes most positions and roster are set outside of 1 or 2 surprises but they are for back up rolls. Until the games start, for the ones televised, and players play and injuries happen. There just nothing happening any different that we see/read on a day to day basis.

I have seen on conversations a lot of the high paid MLB players build their own facilities with all the 'tools'. Driveline's expertise is the utilization of those tools, data analysis, and developing the training plans for their clients. Players that utilize them often become coaches/trainers themselves if they can't reach the highest level. Thus the 'driveline' culture and thoughts grow. Of course, others out there also believe Driveline and similar programs to be the problem and not the cure. Players ultimately buy into what/who they think will help them be better. Internal or External to the team they play for. The MiLB clients at Driveline are likely the ones trying to improve themselves above and beyond the 'coaches and staff' of the major league minor league coaches. Ones that have enough signing bonus and commitment to live in Seattle or Phoenix in the offseason. Another facility in AZ is called PUSH PERFORMANCE. The top facilities also have Physical therapists on staff. Curious with changes in technology and scouting how many college kids that don't go to Cape Cod league would choose to develop somewhere like Driveline vs playing summer ball. If they or their folks have the $ to invest. Similar conversation to stick to the school/team staff or look outside to improve yourself. Likely two types of offseason programs. Pitchers and Position Players. After the season, just about everyone needs some time off. Likely 3-4 weeks. Use November and December to build muscle mass and strength. Use January to take that new strength and apply it to improve speed/quickness. Then 2-3 weeks start with the more precise swing timing, pitch location, with Live AB's etc. I don't think players are using Spring Training to get ready for the season. I think the off season is to get ready, build on it during Spring training (trying to stay healthy) in order to improve your level for the season.

Well... I stand corrected. Philadelphia has put out it's Spring Training Invites. Roberts doesn't receive a NRI to Spring Training. Phillies must not see him past a Minor League fill in. Phillies bring their MLBer's Realmuto & Stubbs. MLB/AAA Marchan (23.9) & Hohn HIcks (33.4), AAA McDowell (29), and AA/aaa Friscia (26.1) who hit 0.063 in AAA and was Phillies 40th round pick in 2019. No Roberts. Meanwhile... Still no word on Orioles Spring roster except less reps every day for the guys at 1B.

Last year was a very abbreviated ST for sure. But the past few you would often see 2-5 guys on the rosters as JIC's (Just in Case). A lot of the MiLB arms would get thrown in early if a started got shelled or hit their pitch count before an inning was over or the last 3-4 innings would be MiLB arms and position players getting some time. I remember more names on the travel rosters and even more on the more distant games. I think the MiLB camp guys get an extra $70 a day being on game rosters for per diem those days. I think management likes them getting the exposure, what to look forward to, etc... From a MiLB player on a MLB camp game roster... ,

Cody will be in camp but it will just be with Philadelphia as he was picked in the AAA version of the Rule 5.

I am a big fan of the ABS Challenge concept. Get the 3 challenges (more if challenge is successful) so the Catcher Framing is still impactful but on the blatant bad calls early (or especially late) in the game. This way, used wisely, the bad calls early in the game may not get challenged when score is 0-0 but late in a game or in critical situations, a bad call can impact the game more at that time. Still brings value to framing/blocking/run control for catchers with defensive skill sets. Really well done article here. Very 'neutral' reporting with regard to the impact on play from the approach of the Challenge system. Here is the article: https://www.mlb.com/news/abs-system-pitch-timer-bigger-bases-tested-triple-a Best section for me is: How it works: In the challenge system, the home-plate umpire calls balls and strikes in the traditional manner, but teams can appeal to the Hawk-Eye “robot ump” on certain calls they deem to be incorrect. • Each club starts the game with three challenges. • A correct challenge is retained; an incorrect challenge is lost. • Challenges may only be made by the batter, the catcher or the pitcher (i.e., no help from the dugout). • Challenges must be made immediately following the umpire’s call. and the “It has a strategic element, and a lot of that falls on the players, which is interesting because you have to understand the game situation,” Epstein said. “Obviously, a pitch might be really important to you, but if it's a nothing-nothing game in the second inning, it's not quite as important as big picture of saving it for later in the game when you may really need it. It promotes a team approach with how you use your challenges and intelligent decision-making. And it also promotes accountability for the players on the field and for the umpires, as well.”

I saw a response on Steve's tweet about his story that linked a MLB article from the AAA game shown on MLB network with all the rule changes happening. https://www.mlb.com/news/abs-system-pitch-timer-bigger-bases-tested-triple-a There are several videos embedded in the article. The best video on zone is just before the section on the Pitch Timer.

Yeah... Brain freeze. I had James above and got distracted.

DEPTH at Catcher may be a loose term in 2023. Quantity over Quality may be the current goal. There have been a lot of Subtractions and Additions the last 4 months (Details and current roster below). Are there any more to moves to come before ST? IF so, what are the moves we expect/hope/anticipate? Who is/are going to be the designated sacrificial "TAXI SQUAD" catcher(s) for 2023? Do the O's bring back Aramis Garcia if available (does he want back)? 2022 Spring Training started with ZERO catchers on 40 man. Rutschman (NRI), Handley (NRI), Roberts (NRI), Cumberland (NRI) were there and then the additions of Bemboom, Nottingham, Chirinos, and Beau Taylor in March before/during the shortened Spring Training. Taylor became the early TAXI SQUAD catcher before his release on 7/18/22. Again... we seem to have more quantity than 2022 in the system but do we have the quality to compensate for injury or poor (even poorer that Chirinos) performance in 2023? - 9/11/22 Claimed Cam Gallagher. Selected FA 11/8/22. Signed with Guardians on 1/4/23 - 10/14/22 Claimed Aramis Garcia. Selected FA 11/1/22. CURRENT FREE AGENT - 11/10/22 AAA Jacob Nottingham selected FA – Signed with Mariners on 12/22/22 - 11/10/22 AAA Brett Cumberland selected FA – Signed with Giants on 12/22/22 - 11/10/22 A-/A+/AA Andres Angulo selected FA – CURRENT FREE AGENT - 12/7/22 Cody Roberts selected in AAA Rule V Draft by Phillies + 12/7/22 Randy Florentino selected from Rangers A+ Hickory Crawdads (180 Plate Appearances) + 12/21/22 James McCann acquired by Trade from Mets (2 years remaining, O’s responsible for $5M) SYSTEM Rosters as of 1/11/2023 MLB Orioles Adley Rutschman Kyle McCann AAA Norfolk Anthony Bemboom (ST NRI) Mark Kolozsvary (ST NRI) Randy Florentino (AAA Rule V) - No Chance he stays on AAA. Future Ironbird AA Bowie Maverick Handley (ST NRI) - Possible he starts in AAA if a good MLB Camp. Ramon Rodriguez - 204 PA in A+, 7 in AA, 17 in AAA. Went 10-17 in AAA so may be primary for 2023 Bowie if Handley not there? A+ Aberdeen Wilkin Grullon Connor Pavolony - Likely Move with Handley promotion? Replaced here by Florentino. Can he stay healthy? Adam Retzbach - May out perform his draft position but seems the roving filler from 2022 draft A- Delmarva Silas Ardoin - Not enough AB's to move to Aberdeen. Will need to hit consistent before he moves. Creed Willems - Completely forgot about Creed until I mad this list FCL Samuel Basallo - Likely to start in Delmarva Brayan Hernandez Julio Herrera Michael Mantecon Carlos Rodriguez

37 days and counting It looks like the Rays are the only team with published report date. They (P&C) report 2/14 with first practice on 2/15. The PP then report 2/19 with first practice 2/20. I don't think the O's are ever 'first on the board' so I think the P&C likely report 2/15 but the calendar seems to line up well for 2/19 for PP.

I sometimes like me a COBB salad or a good old Steak Caesar... but I'll never pay $12 for a wedge of lettuce. Handley is a good old Garden Salad without the cabbage

I'm starting to wonder also if the O's are looking to move Handley. I was Googling around online and on Twitter. There was a thread by somebody talking about Guardians moving some SPs but the start of the thread is not a 'known' account..., Orioles, Cubs, Cardinals are teams more interested in RHPs Aaron Civale and Zach Plesac. Guardians not incentivized to deal either unless return is very good. There seems to be a group that follows the Guardian's like The Verge does for the O's. They seem to like the idea of getting prospect(s) from the O's (Handley and a pick) for a SP from the Guardians. O's have traded with Cleveland in 2021 (Plutko) and 2019 (Wojciechowski). Looking at the catching depth in Cleveland it is thinner than O's.

I have put this out there before and I will again. The O's have been very deliberate with Handley's movement across levels. Short A in Aberdeen in 2019, 2020 lost to Covid, 2021 High A in Aberdeen (after remodel to turf and shit lights) and then 2022 AA in Bowie. Each season he gets more playing time but as others have also noted, the O's refuse to work any specific catcher below Adley greater than 50%. He has had the SAME MANAGER (Kyle Moore) at every level he has played. So no new 'influence' from the O's to make him better at the higher levels. The difference seems that Handley has invested in himself by going to Driveline in Seattle and Arizona in 2020, 2021 and 2022 and his numbers (Avg/Obp/Slg/Ops) are all improving every year as he moves up in levels. How much of his poor performance in 2019 and 2021 (both seasons at Aberdeen) was because of Aberdeen? Seems like Aberdeen causing dips in our high prospects numbers are 'ignored' because it was Aberdeen. But then for Handley, most seem to simply ignore the Aberdeen affect because they aren't looking for excuses for his performance. The question is, based again on the Matt Blood article, with the O's emphasizing AB's for their highest prospects, where does that leave getting Handley the AB's needed to improve? AA or AAA? Time will tell and it only takes an injury or two to drastically change the catcher pool. If I remember, all 3 AAA catchers were hurt toward the end of 2022 when they moved Roberts up because Handley had just returned from the IL from his concussion.

I read Roch's stuff and 1/2 of it is 'going thru the motions' to earn a check and the other 1/2 is 'creative sarcasm' with his mail bag BS. None of the information he provides is 'breaking news' and often the 2nd or 3rd version of someone else's work. This is the lazy, 'look up the Norfolk Tides roster' and say something about it with minimal effort. Randy Florentino is listed (as Roch states) on the Norfolk Roster. But the fact is he was just selected in the MiLB rule 5. Highest level was Rangers A+ and in all of 2022 he got 153 ABs. So I would hope/anticipate he is NOT on the AAA roster come break of AAA. Roch even mentioned in 2022 they had Bemboom, Nottingham and Beau Taylor. Taylor spent most of his time on the Taxi Squad before he was released (possibly at his request). So in 2023 the O's likely need a 'sacrificial catcher' on the AAA roster.