Happy Monday, Camden Chatters! The slow march of the offseason continues. We wait for the Orioles to make a move that involves players rather than coaches. For now, at least, they haven’t fallen behind other teams as it’s really too early for big moves.
There has been some contract news in the majors. If you were hoping the Orioles would sign Josh Naylor, the news came out that the Mariners are re-signing him to a five-year contract. It’s believed to be in the range of $90-$100 million. MLB Trade
Rumors predicted that he’d get five years and $90 million, so good job on them.
In their top 50 free agents list, the writers predict where they’ll sign. There are four writers so each player generally gets four predictions, but it’s nice to see the Orioles listed as possibilities for Dylan Cease and Framber Valdez. They were also listed as potential landing spots for Michael King, Lucas Giolito, Raisel Iglesias, Luke Weaver, and Tyler Rogers. Do any of those appeal to you?
Here at Camden Chat, we’re spending the next few weeks looking at possible free agent and trade targets the Orioles could go after in this crucial offseason. Last week, we covered Ranger Suárez, Pete Fairbanks, and Pablo López. Hm, do you think the Orioles need pitching?
Stay tuned to see who else we think could be a good fit for the Orioles.
Links
Mike Elias set a high bar for the Orioles’ offseason. This time feels different. – The Baltimore Banner
This is a few days old, but a good write-up from Jon Meoli on Mike Elias’s high bar for the offseason.
Elias’ big week as Orioles’ offseason moves on – Baltimore Baseball
Rich Dubroff has a rundown on the GM meetings.
Wondering how Orioles will handle Rule 5 protection and rest of coaching staff – MASN Sports
A rundown of the Rule 5 and coaching staff. No Orioles are anticipated to be in danger of being claimed if they aren’t protected, per Roch Kubatko.
Birthdays and History
Is today your birthday? Happy birthday! You have a whopping seven Orioles birthday buddies, led by Orioles Hall of Famer Nick Markakis. Markakis, who turns 42 years old today, spent nine years with the Orioles from 2006-2014. Markakis played in 1,365 games with the Orioles and ranks 7th in Orioles history in hits, 6th in doubles, 16th in home runs, and 9th in walks. He won two Gold Gloves with the Orioles and a third later with the Braves. He also has a weird talent of balancing objects on his chin, things like folding chairs and baseball bats.
Other former Orioles born on this day are Everth Cabrera (39), Scott Moore (42), Darnell McDonald (47), Eli Marrero (52), Brad Havens (66), and Orlando Peña (92). These players combined to play in just 200 games for the Orioles. You may remember Darnell McDonald as the position player who gave up the losing home run to Adam Jones in the 17th inning of the marathon game in May 2012. Although it seems kinda rude to bring that up on his birthday.
On this day in 1953, the St. Louis Browns officially became the Baltimore Baseball Club, Inc, and the team’s name was changed to the Orioles.
In 1954, the Orioles traded Billy Hunter, Don Larsen, Bob Turley, and players to be named later to the Yankees for Harry Byrd, Jim McDonald, Willy Miranda, Hal Smith, Gus Triandos, Gene Woodling, and players to be named later. Once the PTBNLs were sorted out, it was a 17-player trade.
