Stephen Heckman

Battery Q&A 2023: Edition II

Our Stephen Heckman answers fan-submitted questions regarding the Orioles 2023 season, including Austin Hays’ future with the organization, the possibility of a six-man rotation and overall team record and postseason chances this year:

Offense struggles in final spring game, O’s make roster moves

The Orioles wrapped up their Grapefruit League play, as they dropped their final game to the Cardinals. Our Stephen Heckman recaps the game and has all the details on the latest roster moves, including Grayson Rodriguez and Jordan Westburg being sent to Triple-A:

Kremer strong in loss to Blue Jays

Our Stephen Heckman recaps today’s Orioles loss to the Blue Jays by highlighting key players and providing injury updates and comments from starter Dean Kremer, manager Brandon Hyde and more:

Irvin continues to produce, O’s beat Boston

Our Stephen Heckman recaps today’s Orioles victory over the Red Sox by highlighting key performers and providing comments from Anthony Santander, Félix Bautista and manager Brandon Hyde:

O’s split squads led by pitching, victorious in both games

Our Stephen Heckman recaps the Orioles’ split squad victories today by highlighting key performers, providing a crucial update on John Means and having comments from manager Brandon Hyde:

Kremer, Cowser lead O’s to victory over Twins

The O’s were led by the returning Dean Kremer and prospect Colton Cowser in their 5-3 victory over the Twins this afternoon! Our Stephen Heckman recaps the game, highlighting key players, has news and notes from camp and provides comments from Brandon Hyde:

Bautista shines in spring debut, O’s defeat Pirates 7-6

Félix Bautista looked dominant today in his first spring outing, as the O’s defeated the Pirates, 7-6! Our Stephen Heckman recaps the game, highlighting key players, provides updates on the latest injuries and has comments from Brandon Hyde:

O’s defeat Sox on backs of Rodriguez & Rutschman

The O’s defeated the Red Sox today thanks to lockdown pitching and timely hitting! Our Stephen Heckman recaps the game, highlighting key players, provides comments from Brandon Hyde and has updates on two lefty pitchers:

Jays add to Voth’s struggles, O’s lose 8-6

Austin Voth continued to struggle in the O’s 8-6 loss to the Blue Jays today. Our Stephen Heckman recaps the game, has comments from Brandon Hyde and provides updates on Félix Bautista, D.L. Hall and Joey Ortiz:

Kyle Bradish makes statement in O’s, Twins 5-5 tie

The Orioles and Twins ended their game in a tie, but Kyle Bradish was outstanding tonight on the mound! Our Stephen Heckman recaps Bradish’s outing, along with other key players, has post-game comments from Brandon Hyde and more:

Wells bounces back in O’s loss to Phillies

Tyler Wells bounced back on the mound for the O’s today, but the Phillies took this one by a score of 7-6. Our Stephen Heckman highlights key performers, provides updates on Terrin Vavra and minor league reassignments and has post-game comments from Brandon Hyde:

Power Surge: Mountcastle, Hays slug Orioles to win over Pirates

The O’s were clicking on all cylinders today, as they defeated the Pirates, 7-4. Our Stephen Heckman recaps who stood out for the team, provides updates on a flux of O’s pitchers and post-game comments from Brandon Hyde:

O’s pitching shaky in loss to Twins

The Orioles dropped today’s game to the Twins, 7-6. Our Stephen Heckman breaks down key performs, including Grayson Rodriguez and Jackson Holliday, while providing the latest updates on John Means, Terrin Vavra and more:

Cowser, O’Hearn lead Orioles to walk-off victory

The Orioles defeated the Phillies in walk-off fashion today by a score of 10-7, thanks to Ryan O’Hearn’s three-run homer! Our Stephen Heckman recaps who stood out for the O’s and provides post-game comments from Cole Irvin, Anthony Santander and Brandon Hyde:

Where Orioles’ Rotation Battle Stands

The Orioles’ starting rotation is still at a point of uncertainty, with a wide range of guys fighting for a spot. Our Stephen Heckman provides updates on each pitcher’s performance thus far in spring:

Bradish strong again in O’s win over Rays

The O’s are back in the win column, as they beat the Rays by a score of 5-2 today from the Trop! Our Stephen Heckman recaps who stood out for the team today and provides injury updates on Terrin Vavra and Ryan Watson, along with post-game comments from Brandon Hyde:

Orioles come up short in Wells’ first spring outing

The O’s dropped a close one to the Braves today by a score of 3-2. Our Stephen Heckman recaps who stood out today for the Birds and also provides updates on the statuses of Terrin Vavra, Nick Vespi and Félix Bautista:

Birds tie with Buccos in Gibson debut

The Orioles and Pirates ended their game in a 1-1 tie tonight, but the O’s pitching was phenominal. Our Stephen Heckman recaps who stood out for the Birds tonight, provides side notes and has post-game comments from Dean Kremer, Kyle Gibson and manager Brandon Hyde:

What if Manny Machado was extended and not traded from Baltimore?

Our Stephen Heckman takes us through a “What if?” scenario, as he dives into what the Orioles could have looked like if Manny Machado was signed to an extension, rather than get traded:

Rodriguez backs hype in O’s loss to Tigers

The O’s dropped their game to the Tigers, but top pitching prospect Grayson Rodriguez shined on the mound. Our Stephen Heckman recaps the game, provides an update on D.L. Hall’s status and more:

Orioles drop third straight spring game to Blue Jays

The O’s dropped their third straight spring game today, as they lost to the Blue Jays, 2-1. Our Stephen Heckman recaps the game and who stood out while providing side notes and post-game comments from Cole Irvin, Austin Voth and Brandon Hyde:

Bradish shines in Orioles’ 7-4 loss to Pirates

The Orioles dropped their second straight game today against the Pirates. Our Stephen Heckman recaps who stood out for the O’s today and has post-game comments from Kyle Bradish, Gunnar Henderson and manager Brandon Hyde:

Third time isn’t charm, O’s lose to Rays 14-2

The Orioles dropped their third spring game against the Rays, 14-2. Our Stephen Heckman highlights key players and has post-game comments from Bruce Zimmermann and manager Brandon Hyde:

O’s continue hot start, take second spring game 10-6

The Orioles are in the win column once again, as they defeat the Tigers, 10-6! Our Stephen Heckman recaps who stood out for the O’s today, including comments from Dean Kremer, Terrin Vavra and manager Brandon Hyde:

Orioles face Tigers & former top prospect: Lineups and Notes

The O’s are back in action today, as they take on the Detroit Tigers from Lakeland, Florida! Our Stephen Heckman has your starting lineups, along with pregame news and notes:

Orioles baseball back with a bang, Birds defeat Twins 10-5

The Orioles won their Grapefruit League opener against the Twins, 10-5. Our Stephen Heckman recaps who stood out today for the Birds, provides an update on Dillon Tate and has comments from manager Brandon Hyde:

O’s open Grapefruit League play against Twins: Lineups & Notes

Orioles baseball is officially back! Our Stephen Heckman has all the information for the Grapefruit League opener against the Twins, including starting lineups, pregame notes and more:

O’s SpringNotes: Day 9

Our Stephen Heckman gives us the latest updates from Orioles camp before the first spring game tomorrow, including the starting pitchers for the weekend and which players will fill the lineup for the opener:

O’s SpringNotes: Day 8

Our Stephen Heckman has all the updates from Orioles camp, including who Brandon Hyde announced as the starter for the Grapefruit League opener and much more:

O’s SpringNotes: Day 7

The first week of Orioles spring training camp is behind us, as our Stephen Heckman gives us updates on young arms like Kyle Bradish, Dean Kremer and Cade Povich and much more:

O’s SpringNotes: Day 6

The Orioles had their first full squad workout today, as our Stephen Heckman updates us on who participated in live batting practice, how Jackson Holliday is fitting in and more:

O’s SpringNotes: Days 4 & 5

Our Stephen Heckman recaps all the news over the last two days of O’s spring camp, including an update on John Means and answers from O’s CEO John Angelos’ 40-minute media session from Sarasota:

O’s SpringNotes: Day 3

As day three of O’s spring training camp comes to a close, our Stephen Heckman recaps the day with updates on Félix Bautista’s status, players who took live batting practice and more:

O’s SpringNotes: Day 2

Our Stephen Heckman provides the latest news out of Orioles training camp, including D.L. Hall’s progression, possible closing scenarios for Cionel Pérez and Bryan Baker and much more:

O’s starting pitching overload: Good problem to have

With a surplus of pitchers looking to crack the starting rotation, the Orioles have depth that they haven’t had in recent years. Our Stephen Heckman goes over which candidates have an inside edge on making the rotation out of spring:

O’s SpringNotes: Day 1

With the first day of O’s workouts under way, our Stephen Heckman provides the latest news and updates, including the latest injury and contractual statuses around the organization:

Around the Nest: Edition 11 – Time for Orioles baseball

With pitchers and catchers set to report tomorrow for the Orioles, our Stephen Heckman reports on who has already arrived to camp in Sarasota and which spring storylines to keep an eye out for on this edition of Around the Nest:

Comparing Orioles prospects to current MLB players

Our Stephen Heckman dives deep to analyze Orioles’ prospects and the comparisons they possess with current big league players:

Kyle Stowers: Living amongst shadows

Orioles outfielder Kyle Stowers has graduated from prospect status and has been slightly overshadowed by the likes of Adley Rutschman and Gunnar Henderson. Our Stephen Heckman explains how 2023 could be a breakout year for the lefty slugger, with a little consistent playing time:

Around the Nest: Edition 10 – Ever-growing roots of Angelos & Charm City

As the legal battle between the Angelos family ends, our Stephen Heckman looks back on the history of Peter Angelos and the impact he’s made on the Charm City:

Orioles announce non-roster invitees

The Orioles have announced their 2023 spring training non-roster invitees. Our Stephen Heckman breaks down the list and highlights key prospects invited:

Around the Nest: Edition 9 – Swirvin Irvin, jack-of-all-trades

Cole Irvin is Baltimore’s newest pitcher, but he is so much more. On this edition of Around the Nest, our Stephen Heckman showcases the amazing life of Swirvin Irvin and how he both gives back to the community and interacts with fans outside of the ballpark.

Battery Q&A 2023: Edition 1

On the first 2023 edition of Battery Q&A, our Stephen Heckman answers fan-submitted questions, such as how the O’s starting rotation will look out of spring training and the realistic odds of the team making the postseason in 2023:

Ryan Mountcastle: Cornerstone of O’s future

Ryan Mountcastle has been a key piece of the Orioles’ lineup over the past few seasons. Our Stephen Heckman explains why the powerful righty should be a cornerstone of the O’s future:

Orioles 2023 projected starting lineup & player stats

With the 2023 season approaching, the Orioles’ lineup is as strong as it’s been in years. Our Stephen Heckman projects what each member of the O’s lineup will do statistically this year:

Orioles flex prospect talent in latest Baseball America rankings

The Orioles have a league-leading eight prospects in Baseball America’s latest top 100 prospect rankings. Our Stephen Heckman dives in on each prospect who made the list:

Around the Nest: Edition 8 – Trey Mancini sticking to Birdland promises

Although he might not play for the Orioles any longer, Trey Mancini and The Trey Mancini Foundation are still giving back to the Baltimore community. Our Stephen Heckman details this relationship on this edition of Around the Nest:

O’s avoid arbitration with 5 of 6 eligible players

As reported Friday afternoon, the Orioles reached agreements with five of six players to avoid arbitration. Our Stephen Heckman breaks down each deal:

Around the Nest: Edition 7 – Birdland Caravan returns for 2023

The Birdland Caravan is back for 2023! Our Stephen Heckman provides you with all the details on each event coming to your community on this edition of Around the Nest:

5 Orioles who could be traded by Opening Day

The Orioles haven’t been big spenders in free agency this offseason, but will they be active in the trade market? Our Stephen Heckman has five O’s players who could be traded prior to Opening Day:

Around the Nest: Edition 6 – O’s ownership group partners to distribute meals for community

The Orioles deepened their involvement with the community when they announced they were partnering with CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield to focus on The Food Project. Our Stephen Heckman shows us what work is being done on this edition of Around the Nest:

Around the Nest: Edition 5 – McCanns make local hospital brighter this Christmas

New Orioles catcher James McCann and his wife Jessica’s twins were born seven weeks premature just over five years ago. Our Stephen Heckman has the story on how the McCanns are now giving back to the hospital and staff that helped them in their time of need on this edition of Around the Nest:

Orioles Christmas wishlist for 2023

It’s the holiday season, and what better way to celebrate than making a 2023 Orioles wishlist. Our Stephen Heckman has six wishes for the O’s for the upcoming season:

Jorge Mateo: O’s placeholder or long-term solution?

The shortstop market in Major League Baseball has never been more expensive than it is right now, and that leaves us wondering: What does that mean for Jorge Mateo long-term? Our Stephen Heckman provides an in-depth answer:

Around the Nest: Edition 4 – David Hess won’t back down

Former O’s pitcher David Hess has gone through a lot over the last year after being diagnosed with cancer and having to go through chemotherapy. On this edition of Around the Nest, our Stephen Heckman covers Hess’ battle and how he’s using his situation to help others:

Mychal Givens returns to Orioles, signs 1-year deal

After being traded by the Orioles in 2020, right-hander Mychal Givens has returned to Baltimore on a one-year deal, with a mutual option for 2024. Our Stephen Heckman has all the details:

Orioles sign Adam Frazier to 1-year deal

The Orioles have signed second baseman Adam Frazier to a one-year, $8 million deal. Our Stephen Heckman has all the details:

(O’)pen letter to Orioles GM Mike Elias

With many Orioles fans scratching their heads due to the inactivity of the organization in the free agent market, our Stephen Heckman writes an open letter to GM Mike Elias, addressing his thoughts on the matter:

Around the Nest: Edition 3 – Gibson skrikes out more than just batters

Newly-signed Orioles pitcher Kyle Gibson held his annual Big League Blast event last month, which raised money for local food pantries. Our Stephen Heckman has the story on this week’s edition of Around the Nest:

The Heckman Opinion: Why all the upset?

The O’s have been quiet so far this offseason, and fans have a right to be upset and impatient after comments made by GM Mike Elias. Our Stephen Heckman gives a different perspective than the average fan might be having:

O’s continue to add depth, sign Nomar Mazara to minors deal

The Orioles are staying active in the Winter Meetings, as they have signed outfielder Nomar Mazara to a minor league deal. Our Stephen Heckman has all the details:

Around the Nest: Edition 2 – Mateo ready to open up

After a breakout season in Baltimore, Jorge Mateo is preparing an event to discuss his season, working with his brother in the Dominican Republic and being a parent with an autistic child. Our Stephen Heckman has all the info on this edition of Around the Nest:

Around the Nest: Edition 1 – Brnovich gives back in time of need

On this first edition of Around the Nest, our Stephen Heckman highlights O’s prospect Kyle Brnovich giving back to his Florida community in a critical time of need:

O’s 3 big questions for 2023 season

With the offseason in full effect, our Stephen Heckman discusses three main questions the Orioles and their fans have heading into the 2023 season:

Brandon Hyde runner-up in BBWAA 2022 AL Manger of the Year vote

Orioles skipper Brandon Hyde finished second in the 2022 BBWAA American League Manger of the Year voting. Our Stephen Heckman has the details:

Baltimore Orioles 2022 season recap: Part 4 – Rookie production

In the final part of our four-part Orioles 2022 season recap, our Stephen Heckman showcases the class of outstanding O’s rookies and their impact in leading the Birds to a winning season:

O’s claim outfielder Daz Cameron off waivers

The Orioles have started the offseason by claiming outfielder Daz Cameron off waivers from the Detroit Tigers. Our Stephen Heckman has all the details:

Case for Mateo: Why O’s shortstop should be Gold Glove finalist

Earlier this week, Rawlings released their 2022 Gold Glove Award finalists at the shortstop position, excluding O’s shortstop Jorge Mateo from the top-three. Our Stephen Heckman takes a closer look into Mateo’s ranks and makes a case as to why he should have been a finalist.