Spring training is over, the roster is unofficially set, and more in today’s Bird Droppings
Happy Monday, Camden Chatters! Baseball is happening this week! Yes, in just four days (pending weather) the Orioles will kick off their 2023 season in Baltimore against the Los Angeles Angels. They finished off the Grapefruit League with an eye-popping, albeit meaningless, 23-6 record.
In yesterday’s spring finale, stars Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman bashed their final dingers of spring in support of Grayson Rodriguez, who pitched three scoreless innings. Henderson homered in the first inning, a 451 foot blast. Rutschman, who came into the game late, hit his homer 460 feet. We also got to see the strong arms of Austin Hays and Henderson as they combined to gun down a runner who tried to score from first on a double. That’ll do, boys.
Also yesterday, additional decisions were made that have seemingly finalized the roster, although the official version has not yet been released. In the morning, word got out that the Orioles had released both Kolten Wong and Julio Teheran.
After the game, a source indicated to the beat writers that Ryan McKenna and Nick Maton did not make the team. Maton was no surprise but I admit McKenna was a bit.
This revelation seems to indicate that the final position player spot will go to Tyler Nevin. This is surely not what any of us expected when Nevin joined the team in late January. And it’s certainly not what some poor reporter expected when he said to Brandon Hyde about Nevin, “even though he’s not going to make the team.”
Colton Cowser, who had a great spring training, announced to reporters in his postgame comments that he made the team. He then adorably asked them not to tell anyone for a few minutes so that he could call his parents.
On the pitching front, the Orioles optioned Jonathan Heasley to the minors, which also seems to cement the bullpen for now and give the final spot to Jacob Webb.
The rotation has already been announced as Corbin Burnes, Grayson Rodriguez, Tyler Wells, Dean Kremer, and Cole Irvin. Here is how the rest shakes out:
Bullpen
- Keegan Akin
- Michael Baumann
- Yennier Cano
- Danny Coulombe
- Craig Kimbrel
- Cionel Pérez
- Dillon Tate
- Jacob Webb
Position Players
- Colton Cowser (OF)
- Austin Hays (LF)
- Gunnar Henderson (SS)
- Jorge Mateo (INF)
- James McCann (C)
- Ryan Mountcastle (1B)
- Cedric Mullins (CF)
- Tyler Nevin (1B/3B/OF)
- Ryan O’Hearn (1B/DH)
- Adley Rutschman (C)
- Anthony Santander (RF)
- Ramón Urías (2B/3B)
- Jordan Westburg (2B/3B)
It’s unlikely the Orioles will make any external moves, but if they do this could change of course.
Links
Colton Cowser makes Orioles’ opening day roster after rookie outfielder’s strong spring – The Baltimore Banner
Unlike several other Orioles’ prospects, Colton Cowser got good news after having a great spring. And he says this time he’s going to do what it takes to stay up. I sure hope so.
A look at a minors reliever getting closer to impacting the big league club – MASN Sports
Steve Melewski would like you to get to know Keagan Gillies, a 15th-round draft pick in 2021 who is now the team’s #30 prospect on Baseball America’s list.
Baltimore Orioles confident entering 2024 regular season – MLB.com
The Orioles know they’re good and they are ready to prove it again.
Orioles observations on finishing spring with 23 wins, stars hitting bombs and more vs. Twins – Baltimore Sun
Jacob Calvin Meyer looks back at spring training and ahead to what the team’s lineups will look like against LHP and RHP.
Birthdays and History
Is today your birthday? Happy birthday! You have just one Orioles birthday buddy, Woodie Held (b. 1932, d. 2009). Held played as a utility player for seven teams in his 14-season career. He spent parts of 1966 and 1967 with the Orioles.
The Orioles have completed two trades on this day in history. In 1984 they sent Tito Landrum to the Cardinals for a PTBNL. Landrum was going back to his previous team. Eight months earlier the Orioles had received Landrum from the Cardinals, also for a PTBNL.
In 1972, the Orioles received Bob Reynolds from the Brewers to complete a trade made four months earlier. They had sent Curt Motton to Milwaukee for a PTBNL on December 9.