Question: Is it possible Keagan Akin can return to being a starter in 2025? I’d like to see him in the rotation. From: Joe Lancione
Answer: Joe, I think that Akin is an important part of the Orioles’ bullpen, and that they’d like to keep here there.
Akin can give the team multiple innings, which most relievers can’t, and he’s done better in the bullpen than as a starter, so I think he stays there.
Question: I remain puzzled by why teams (not just the O’s) now have so many coaches. What do they all do? My impression is that in the “old days” there were simply the manager, the two base coaches, and the pitching and hitting coach. Do today’s professional ballplayers need that much coaching?
And do all of the assistant coaches get to wear uniforms like the manager and base coaches? Where do they sit during the games? Are they in constant contact with the manager? From: John Mencke
Answer: John, as you point out, there are larger coaching staffs in the major leagues as well as in the NFL and NBA.
Teams have invested lots of time and money in players, and they think that individualized instruction, which is now available with three batting and pitching coaches, can get more out of players.
The coaches all do wear uniforms, and not all of them are on the bench or in the bullpen during the game. Some work with players who aren’t playing in the batting cage or clubhouse. They’re not in constant contact with the manager. The bench coach often serves as a conduit between the manager and some of the coaches.
Most weekdays, I’ll be answering at least one Orioles question. If you’d like to submit a question, send it to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com. Questions may be edited for clarity, length and style.