Another week has passed and the Orioles are still looking for their pitcher
Happy Monday, Camden Chatters! I hope you had a nice weekend. There was no Orioles news to speak, but if you’re a Ravens or Commanders fan, you got to see your team win. We’re now just nine days from Christmas so I spent some time this weekend getting ready for the big day. I do think I’m finished shopping.
Lately, every time I am away from my phone or computer for a few hours or more, I am convinced I will return to find that Corbin Burnes has signed a contract with some team. Maybe the Orioles? But probably not. So far it hasn’t happened, but it’s just a matter of time until we’re all disappointed. (Unless we’re not?)
While we wait to see what pitcher the Orioles end up with, news came out over the weekend that the Orioles are one of the teams who have inquired about Luis Castillo of the Mariners. Castillo is 31 years old and has been in the majors since 2017, the last three years with Seattle. Last year he put up a 3.64 ERA in 30 starts. He would be a good addition to the team but he pales in comparison to the pitcher he would be replacing, Burnes. Castillo is signed through 2027.
The Mariners could use infield help, but I don’t personally imagine that Ryan Mountcastle or Ryan O’Hearn would be enough to get the trade started. If they want Coby Mayo I would feel uncertain about pulling the trigger. Not for the first time, I’m glad these sorts of decisions aren’t up to me.
Links
Sorting through more Orioles spring training storylines – MASN Sports
Roch Kubatko has a few topics to look forward to when spring training begins. I can’t actually make myself care about Keegan Akin, though.
Orioles expect improvement from prospects Bradfield, Honeycutt in 2025 – BaltimoreBaseball.com
Matt Blood talked to Rich Dubroff about the state of the farm system.
Birthdays and History
Is today your birthday? Happy birthday! You have four Orioles birthday buddies. Mike Flanagan was born on this day in 1961. He spent 15 years as a pitcher for the Orioles in the 1970s, 80s, and 90s. He also worked in the front office for the Orioles as general manager and served as a broadcaster for the team. He tragically took his own life in 2011 at the age of 59. Today would have been his 73rd birthday.
Former Orioles Billy Ripken (60), Chris Britton (42), and Mickey Jannis (37) were also born on this day in history.
On this day in 1999, the Orioles signed Jeff Conine. He went on to play for the Orioles for six seasons.
In 2003, the Orioles signed Miguel Tejada to a six-year, $72M contract. It was at the time, the largest contract in Orioles’ history. It was a good contract for the Orioles even if Tejada was traded after 3+ seasons. I think a good way to commemorate the anniversary would be for the Orioles to set a new record today with a contract for Corbin Burnes.
In 2008, the Orioles made a less exciting signing: César Izturis. Izturis spent three seasons with the Orioles with an OPS+ of 56.
In 2015, they signed Hyun Soo Kim out of Korea.