Question: In the second half of the 2023 season, veteran Aaron Hicks gave the Orioles 200-plus above league average plate appearances as a switch-hitter who was also a solid glove at all three outfield spots. In the second half of the 2024 season, that type of veteran production was largely missing. Do you agree, and can you think of any similar players who might be available for 2025? From: Douglas Meyer, Sr.
Answer: Doug, you’re a well informed fan and this is an excellent question. David Denham believes the Orioles solved a similar problem in 1966 by trading for Frank Robinson.
I don’t think there’s another Frank Robinson out there, but there are some good right-handed hitting players available in free agency.
One player is Arizona’s Randal Grichuk, who has hit brilliantly against the Orioles in the past. Tyler O’Neill has played mostly left field, but played some right field for the Red Sox. Other names are Minnesota’s Manuel Margot and Rob Refsnyder, who had a nice year for Boston.
Question: Why do a lot of batters swing at the first pitch instead of working the count. Example: bases loaded, no outs, so the pitcher’s control is not the best. Why swing at the first pitch …. work the count!? From: Paige Simms
Answer: Paige, when the Orioles swung at the first pitch, they hit .280 with a .778 OPS, and when they took the first pitch, they hit .236 with a .738 OPS, so it seems they hit much better when they swung at the first pitch rather than taking it.
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.