Question: Do you think an older veteran starter might be a realistic option to fill out the Orioles’ rotation? It feels like adding a Clayton Kershaw, Max Scherzer or Justin Verlander type would be a great way to bring some added leadership to the team without breaking the bank. From: Don Rau
Answer: Don, that’s an interesting thought. In theory it’s a great idea, but Kershaw, Scherzer and Verlander all have missed significant time in recent years with injuries.
I think it’s more important for the Orioles to get a top-of-the-rotation starter, and while I wouldn’t turn down these three future Hall of Famers, I think the Orioles’ money could best go to re-sign Corbin Burnes or get Nathan Eovaldi, Max Fried or Blake Snell.
Question: When I followed the Orioles in the 1966, 1969 and 1970 World Series, the Most Valuable Player was the player without whom their team wouldn’t have finished the regular season where they did. With Gunnar Henderson being considered, do you think that standard has changed? If so, how and why? From: Rick Mulberry, Cocoa Beach, Florida
Answer: Henderson is not a finalist for the MVP, though he’ll receive some votes. I think Aaron Judge is likely to win the MVP, and the Yankees wouldn’t have finished ahead of the Orioles without him and Juan Soto, who’s also a finalist.
In 1991, the Orioles lost 95 games, and Cal Ripken Jr. was the MVP. While Ripken’s excellence couldn’t elevate the Orioles alone, the voters decided that there wasn’t a player on a winning team who deserved the award more than Ripken.
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.