The surprising news that the Orioles were bringing the left-field wall closer to home plate was the major topic of executive vice president/general manager Mike Elias’ first briefing to the Baltimore media since October 3rd, the day after the Wild Card Series ended. Here are some excerpts on his comments on the wall, free agency and injury updates.
Discussions with right-handed hitters about their frustration
“This isn’t the kind of thing that we call a meeting for. The feedback consistently was that the extremity of the disparity in the park was a little bit more of a topic of conversation than we had bargained for. We didn’t like that this had become a distraction in many ways.
“I know the pitchers enjoyed it, but for our hitters, for our right-handed hitters in particular and for our left-handed hitters, too, aspects of this were a little severe.
“As you see with the new intended dimensions, it retains some of the depth in left field, a good bit of it. This will be much more fair and favorable to the pitchers than the original dimensions of Camden Yards. Clearly, it’s a lot less severe, and I’m hopeful this will strike the right balance.”
Is getting right-handed hitting power more of a priority with the change in the wall?
“I think it will be easier for right-handed hitters to produce power numbers at this park. There’s no question about it. I’m sure you can name the guys on our team that are happiest about this news. That will be helpful.
“I look at our current outfield mix with guys that we know are returning for sure and it’s a very left-handed mix, and we’ll be seeking some right-handed players to balance that out. We’ll see what happens, where it goes. We’ve got a lot of possibilities on that front.
“I think we want a park that is neutral, tilting toward pitcher friendliness, but the disparities of the two sides of the park were not the intent, but in fact created the dramatic differences, and it affected player personnel thoughts and outcomes in a way that we weren’t anticipating when we made the move.
“I’m glad when we were trying to improve just the competitive state of the franchise at that time and try to find a way to have consistently quality winning baseball here in Baltimore, here in the American League East. We felt that the prior dimensions were harmful for that. I think history bore it out, but that doesn’t mean we’re going to be stubborn if we overshoot the mark on something. I’m recognizing it and taking this opportunity to adjust, but I do think this, over time will help us with pitchers, with right-handed hitters, everyone. I hope this lands on a spot where our park dimensions are not a topic for player recruitment because they have been in different directions before this change, but then also after this change.”
Weather’s effect on home runs
“It was noticeable to me, watching the last few years here. The large wall played a lot differently in the less humid months versus the more humid summer months. At times, it did strike the right balance. At times, it was way too difficult to get over the wall when it was low humidity in the atmosphere.
“We’re just trying to modify and adjust and get it right so that the balanced style of play that we’re shooting for is more on the mark.”
Early stages of free agency
“I’ve been very active. I’ll leave it at that. I’ve been talking to a lot of people. I think we have a clear idea of the types of player profiles that we’re seeking.
“As I’ve said, I think that our new ownership group with David Rubenstein has allowed us to be in a position to be very organized and prepared. As soon as free agency opened during the GM meetings, we’ve been in a position to show people that we’re very serious about bringing players in and a lot of conversations ongoing right now.
“There hasn’t been a super level of activity thus far, but I think as the days tick by, it’s November and we get closer to the holidays, closer to the Winter Meetings, we’ll see activity pick up and I think we’re going to be active and competitive.”
Injury updates
“Some of the lingering issues at the end of the year, Grayson [Rodriguez], in particular, has resolved, and he’ll be assuming smooth sailing for here, will be a full blown member and citizen in spring training. We’re hopeful for a normal spring training, healthy full season from him. That was a muscle strain. It’s finally dissipated.
Colton Cowser’s hand surgery went really well. He’s going to be in great shape and the rehabs continue to truck along well.
“Jorge Mateo, I think he was an underrated absence for us in the second half. He had a reconstructive elbow surgery. Whether he’s 100 percent full-go on the first day of spring training is still TBD, but suffice to say, he’s going to have a very full, if not 162 games, something close to that season. He’s really somebody that we’re able to plan around fully more or less in 2025, and that hasn’t changed.”
Rehabs on elbow surgeries for Kyle Bradish, Tyler Wells
“We’re expecting a midseason return from those guys in some way, shape or form. I think it’s too early to specify a month, but the surgery went well. Knock on wood, their rehabs are on schedule or better right now and at this time, nothing new to report other than good news with the continued passage of time.”
Félix Bautista’s rehab
“Very excited to have Félix Bautista back. He’s a star for this team. He’s one of the best closers in the league. The rehab continues to go as planned. He’s going to be a major contributor in the back end of the bullpen all season long. We’re excited about that.
“We are realistic about the fact that he’s coming off [Tommy John] surgery. We don’t want to overly pressurize him. We are going to want to treat him with a little extra care given the fact that he didn’t pitch last year and he’s coming off of the surgery. Way too soon to announce roles and things like that.
“I just think it’s going to be a matter of how sharp he is, but we want to give him the margin for error that a guy coming off surgery deserves. We’ll let him and his readiness speak to roles and leverage and things like that.”
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