A day after the announcement that long-time Orioles commentator Jim Hunter would not return, another bomb has been dropped on Oriole fans. According to an article in The Athletic, the Orioles have cut ties with a majority of the MASN crew, including the pre and post game shows.
Continue reading “Orioles cut ties with bulk of MASN crew”Long-time Orioles announcer Jim Hunter not returning in 2021
2020 saw many monumental changes all around baseball, with the broadcast team of the Orioles being one of those changes. Long-time greats stayed at home during the pandemic, including current commentators Jim Palmer and Gary Thorne. This extended to the pre and post game group on MASN, that consisted of Rick Dempsey, Mike Bordick, and one, Jim Hunter.
Continue reading “Long-time Orioles announcer Jim Hunter not returning in 2021”Tuesday Talks: Episode 2
On this edition of Tuesday Talks, Jared and Justin play “So, You Think You Know Baseball?” trivia! Let’s see if you listening at home can keep up and score better than we did! Come and join us for a relaxing 30 minutes of fun!
Happy Birthday, Brady Anderson: Greatest leadoff hitter in O’s history
Brady Anderson is a pretty big deal around Birdland.
Described by Orioles legend Cal Ripken Jr. as “the greatest lead-off hitter in Orioles baseball, and the best athlete I have ever played with,” Brady Anderson was a staple at the No. 1 spot in Baltimore’s lineup for over a decade.
Continue reading “Happy Birthday, Brady Anderson: Greatest leadoff hitter in O’s history”
Monday Thoughts 2021: Edition 1
Hello, Birdland! The Baltimore Battery’s Monday Thoughts column is back! Going into the 2021 season, we will deliver weekly news and updates, as well as insight on what we think the Orioles should be doing on and off the field. Basically, anything that interests us, we’ll talk about it!
Continue reading “Monday Thoughts 2021: Edition 1”O’s re-sign Thomas Eshelman to minor league deal
The Orioles are bringing back right-handed pitcher Thomas Eshelman on a minor league deal, according to MASN’s Roch Kubatko.
Continue reading “O’s re-sign Thomas Eshelman to minor league deal”
O’s, Trey Mancini agree on 1-year deal to avoid arbitration
The Orioles and Trey Mancini have agreed to a one-year deal worth $4.75 million in order to avoid arbitration, according to the Orioles official twitter account.
Continue reading “O’s, Trey Mancini agree on 1-year deal to avoid arbitration”Fredrick native, Branden Kline retires at age 25
Not too often do you get to see a home grown kid play for his very own home ball club, yet Branden Kline had that miraculous opportunity in 2019. However, at age 25, relief pitcher Branden Kline has decided to hang up the glove and call it a career
The Frederick, MD native that is Branden Kline certainly did not have an easy road to the major leagues. Originally drafted by the Boston Red Sox in 2009, Kline elected to attend college instead and spent four year at the University of Virginia. After a very successful college career, Kline was again drafted in 2012. This time by his childhood home team, the Baltimore Orioles.
At his time in college, Kline was a favorite who was twice voted as an All-ACC selection. Kline Also helped the University reach the college World Series in 2011 while setting the record for save in a season at 18.
When it came time to perform in the minor leagues, Branden Kline was plagued with injuries. His first two seasons in low A ball and A ball saw only 12 games, where Kline held a collective 5.18 era.
2014 finally saw Kline at full health, when he appeared in 26 games. Across those 143.1 innings pitched, Kline showed why he was drafted twice. Kline excelled with 104 strikeouts and a 0.6 HR/9.
Let’s fast forward through a few more injury ridden minor league seasons to 2019, when Branden Kline made his emotional major league debut.
April 20th, 2019. Among as lack luster season for the Orioles, the highly awaited debut of Branden Kline was honestly one of the best parts of that season for me personally. Kline was a guy everyone wanted to see, but I always felt for him as he traveled such a rough road to the majors. When he appeared on the mound for the first time, with his mother teary eyed in the stands at Camden Yards, I can say I was truly happy for the kid!
41 innings in 2019 showed some promise for Kline at the major league level. A 5.93 era was a little raised due to a poor defense behind him, and Kline still registered a decent 7.5 K/9.
2020 was exceptionally short for Kline, where he only saw five games. However, Kline is ending his career in a good note, where he held a 1.80 era in those five games while he striking out seven and allowing just two hits.
Everyone here at The Baltimore Battery and Birdland alike wish Branden Kline the best of luck in retirement and in the rest of his life!
Once an Oriole, always an Oriole. Good luck, Branden!
Battery Q&A 2021: Edition 1
It’s back, Birdland! Welcome to the first edition of Battery Q&A for 2021! In this series, we at The Baltimore Battery answer your questions about all things Baltimore Orioles!
Continue reading “Battery Q&A 2021: Edition 1”Prospect Profiles 2021: No. 26 Garrett Stallings
Continuing our offseason coverage, The Baltimore Battery returns with our annual Prospect Profiles series, now highlighting the Orioles’ top 30 prospects for the 2021 season!
Continue reading “Prospect Profiles 2021: No. 26 Garrett Stallings”
Prospect Profiles 2021: No. 27 Cody Sedlock
To kick off 2021, The Baltimore Battery brings you the Orioles No. 27 overall prospect, RHP Cody Sedlock!
Continue reading “Prospect Profiles 2021: No. 27 Cody Sedlock”
O’s hire Tony Mansolino as third base coach, complete coaching staff
Mike Elias and the Orioles filled their last coaching staff vacancy this past week, bringing in former Cleveland third base coach, Tony Mansolino, to continue the job in Baltimore.
Continue reading “O’s hire Tony Mansolino as third base coach, complete coaching staff”
Prospect Profile 2021: No. 28 Brenan Hanifee
Continuing our offseason coverage, The Baltimore Battery returns with our annual Prospect Profiles series, now highlighting the Orioles’ top 30 prospects for the 2021 season!
In this series of articles, we break down every top 30 Orioles prospect from 30 to 1. You will get to know the Baby Birds in this series, which is crucial in a rebuild. So, without further ado, let’s get started!
Coming in at number 28 is right-handed pitcher Brenan Hanifee. The 22-year-old out of Bridgewater, VA, was drafted out of high school by the Orioles in the fourth round of the 2016 draft.
Pitching Grades (20-80 scale):
Fastball 55. Slider 50. Changeup 45. Control 60. Overall 40.
Hanifee was slated to attend Eastern Carolina after a stand-out high school career at Turner Ashby High. The Orioles, however, used a slightly above-average slot value bonus to lure the 121st overall pick to the major leagues.
In his time as a professional, Hanifee has spent time at Single-A Short Season Aberdeen, Single-A Delmarva, and Advanced Single-A Federick, spending a season at each location. Thus far, Hanifee has been impressive for the Orioles, posting a 3.52 ERA with 207 strikeouts in 329 innings.
Hanifee, an Orioles fan growing up, is a true sinker-ball pitcher, which resulted in ground ball rates of 55% and 58% in his first two seasons. Hanifee’s secondary pitch is an effective slider, and he continues to work on his changeup. Further development of these two pitches could see Hanifee become a back-of-the-rotation starter or long reliever in the future.
A natural athlete, the six-foot-four Hanifee starred in four sports at Turner Ashby. Not only was he named the Valley District and Conference 29 Player of the Year as a senior, he led the Knights Basketaball team in rebounds as a junior. Hanifee came up just short of setting the Turner Ashby all-time recieving yardage record, while helping his quarterback brother set the mark for passing. As if all of this wasn’t enough, Hanifee was also a part of the Knights’ golf team.
According to MLB.com, Hanifee’s estimated time of arrival is 2021. What role he will play remains to be seen. Let us know what you think about our No. 28 overall prospect in the comments, and be sure to check who ranks next on The Baltimore Battery’s 2021 Prospect Profiles!
O’s sign 4 players to minor league deals
Mike Elias and the Orioles have kept themselves busy so far this offseason, now adding four more players to minor league deals.
Let’s dive right in!
Tuesday Talks
Join Jared and Justin as they introduce a new series on The Baltimore Battery, Tuesday Talks. In this series, our writers will go over everything that was covered during the week, including updates on our current series, Prospect Profiles, Monday Thoughts, and a lot more. Unlike many podcasts around the world, this once-a-week audio series is just 15 minutes in length, enough time to give you all the information you need to know on what’s happening here at The Baltimore Battery! We hope you enjoy!
Prospect Profiles 2021: No. 29 Kyle Bradish
Continuing our offseason coverage, The Baltimore Battery returns with our annual Prospect Profiles series, now highlighting the Orioles’ top 30 prospects for the 2021 season!
Continue reading “Prospect Profiles 2021: No. 29 Kyle Bradish”Orioles 2020 Season Recap: Part 4 – Numbers and stats and data, O’ my!
In his 1907 work, Chapters from My Autobiography, Mark Twain popularized the now familiar quote, “There are three kinds of lies: lies, damned lies, and statistics.”
Continue reading “Orioles 2020 Season Recap: Part 4 – Numbers and stats and data, O’ my!”
Prospect Profiles 2021: No. 30 Luis Ortiz
Continuing our offseason coverage, the Baltimore Battery returns with our annual Prospect Profiles series, now highlighting the Orioles’ top 30 prospect for the 2021 season!
Continue reading “Prospect Profiles 2021: No. 30 Luis Ortiz”
Orioles sign veteran relief pitcher Fernando Abad to minor league deal
Mike Elias added some veteran depth to the bullpen this morning, signing 34-year-old LHP Fernando Abad to a minor league contract.
Continue reading “Orioles sign veteran relief pitcher Fernando Abad to minor league deal”
Orioles make 2020 Rule 5 Draft selections
Orioles fans knew going into today that Mike Elias would make at least one selection in the 2020 Rule 5 Draft, but the organization decided to select four young right-handed pitchers and a catcher this year.
Continue reading “Orioles make 2020 Rule 5 Draft selections”
O’s, Frederick Keys end affiliation; Keys now part of brand new Draft League
All of 2020, a monumental cloud that was looming over the heads of Oriole fans was the inevitable loss of the Orioles High-A team, the Frederick Keys. Unfortunately, that cloud just rained on us.
Continue reading “O’s, Frederick Keys end affiliation; Keys now part of brand new Draft League”
O’s claim RHP Ashton Goudeau, outright Austin Wynns
The O’s begin the 2020 Winter Meetings with a roster move, claiming right-handed reliever Ashton Goudeau from the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Continue reading “O’s claim RHP Ashton Goudeau, outright Austin Wynns”Orioles avoid arbitration with Sánchez, Valaika, Armstrong; Non-tender Alberto
The Orioles, like most clubs this evening, have done a lot of roster configuration. Here are the moves made by Mike Elias and the front office:
Continue reading “Orioles avoid arbitration with Sánchez, Valaika, Armstrong; Non-tender Alberto”
O’s trade José Iglesias to Angels
The Orioles made a surprise move and shipped one of their top batters from last season to Los Angeles. Ken Rosenthal was first to report the José Iglesias trade:
O’s, Pedro Severino agree to a 1-year, $1.825 million deal
Pedro Severino and the Orioles have agreed to a one-year deal that will avoid arbitration for the young catcher.
Continue reading “O’s, Pedro Severino agree to a 1-year, $1.825 million deal”
Orioles 2020 Season Recap: Part 3 – Front Office moves
The 2020 MLB season was one we have never experienced before, and as fans and players alike, we hope it’s one we never see again. However, baseball was still played, and here at The Baltimore Battery, we have come to give readers an extensive breakdown of the 2020 Baltimore Orioles’ season!
Continue reading “Orioles 2020 Season Recap: Part 3 – Front Office moves”
Orioles claim Chris Shaw off waivers; designate Thomas Eshelman for assignment
The Orioles made a few minor moves on Thanksgiving Eve. These moves consisted of designating RHP Thomas Eshelman for assignment and picking up infielder/outfielder Chris Shaw off waivers from the San Francisco Giants.
Continue reading “Orioles claim Chris Shaw off waivers; designate Thomas Eshelman for assignment”
Orioles 2020 Season Recap: Part 2 – Rookies shine in shortened season
The 2020 MLB season was one we have never experienced before, and as fans and players alike, we hope it’s one we never see again. However, baseball was still played, and here at The Baltimore Battery, we have come to give readers an extensive breakdown of the 2020 Baltimore Orioles’ season!
Continue reading “Orioles 2020 Season Recap: Part 2 – Rookies shine in shortened season”
Orioles announce 40-man roster additions, DFA Renato Núñez
The Baltimore Orioles made a bit of a surprising announcement this evening, as the team adjusted its 40-man roster. Several young prospects were added, while Renato Núñez was designated for assignment.
Continue reading “Orioles announce 40-man roster additions, DFA Renato Núñez”
Orioles 2020 Season Recap: Part 1 – Position Player Breakdown
The 2020 MLB season was one we have never experienced before, and as fans and players alike, we hope it’s one we never see again. However, baseball was still played, and here at The Baltimore Battery, we have come to give readers an extensive breakdown of the 2020 season. This edition is the position player breakdown.
Continue reading “Orioles 2020 Season Recap: Part 1 – Position Player Breakdown”
MLB owners approve John Angelos to take official leadership of O’s
The Angelos family has been a staple in Baltimore for many years. The family’s patriarch, Peter Angelos, has been running the Orioles since he bought them in 1993.
Continue reading “MLB owners approve John Angelos to take official leadership of O’s”Chris Holt takes over pitching coach position
With Doug Brocail out of Baltimore, one of the big holes to be filled was the pitching coach position. Many fans wondered if the Elias crew would decide to look outside of the organization. However, it is clear Elias knew exactly who he wanted for the job.
Continue reading “Chris Holt takes over pitching coach position”Orioles pick up José Iglesias’ $3.5 mil option for 2021
Of the many surprises that the Orioles had in 2020, the dominance of one José Iglesias was surely the top of that list.
Continue reading “Orioles pick up José Iglesias’ $3.5 mil option for 2021”O’s claim infielder Yolmer Sánchez off waivers from White Sox
The Orioles front office has been busy so far in the new off-season, adding another player today. Yolmer Sánchez, formerly known as Carlos Sánchez, has been claimed off waivers after being let go by the Chicago White Sox.
Continue reading “O’s claim infielder Yolmer Sánchez off waivers from White Sox”Iglesias named SS finalist for All-MLB team; O’s sign multiple players to minor league deals; Hess free agent & more
With the off-season now upon us, the last string to the 2020 season is player awards. Although we know no Oriole player will be in the discussion for MVP, CY Young, or ROY, one of our guys has found a spot as a finalist for the All-MLB team.
Continue reading “Iglesias named SS finalist for All-MLB team; O’s sign multiple players to minor league deals; Hess free agent & more”O’s re-sign Stevie Wilkerson to minor league deal
As one of the first moves in the Orioles offseason, the Birds have decided to re-sign outfielder Stevie Wilkerson to a minor league deal, that also included an spring training invite.
The only position player to ever record a save in a major league game, Wilkerson returns to a very overstuffed minor league outfield. More or less a veteran for the Orioles, a lot of young outfield players will compete against Wilkerson come spring training.
After being released on September 14 by the Orioles, Wilkerson remained unsigned until coming back on a minor league deal. Having not played since 2019, a fractured finger kept Wilkerson sidelined all of 2020.
For more Orioles news and updates, be sure to follow The Baltimore Battery on the web, and on Facebook and Twitter!
O’s cut ties with José Flores and Doug Brocail
Just days after the end of the 2020 season that saw the Baltimore Orioles finish with an impressive 25-35 record, the club announced coaches José Flores and Doug Brocail will not return to the team next year.
Continue reading “O’s cut ties with José Flores and Doug Brocail”
O’s drop final series in Buffalo, finish season 25-35: Series Recap 9/25/20 – 9/27/20
There you have it folks. The 2020 season has come an end for the Baltimore Orioles. After finishing much better than anyone expected, we all can be happy at the things accomplished by the Orioles this season.
Continue reading “O’s drop final series in Buffalo, finish season 25-35: Series Recap 9/25/20 – 9/27/20”O’s take the field for the last time in 2020 in series finale against the Blue Jays: Lineups 9/27/20
After all the baseball world has been through in 2020, the final day of the season has finally come. A season finale many didn’t think would actually happen due to corona. Yet here we are as the Orioles are set to finish up the 2020 season in Buffalo against the Blue Jays.
The Orioles have had a handful of surprised this season, with today’s starter being one of them. Keegan Akin was one of the long awaited prospects, the No. 11 prospect coming into 2020. Entering his last start, Akin is 1-2 but has much better numbers than his record shows.
In 22.2 innings pitched with 31 strikeouts, Keegan Akin has a chance to finish with 40 strikeouts, if he is able to match his career high of nine in a game.
The offense will face a struggling Tanner Roark. With a 7.01 era, Roark has especially been beaten in Buffalo, with a 7.79 era in four games at home.
Here is a look at the lineup that has one more chance to make it to 25 wins this season!:
- Austin Hays (R) LF
- DJ Stewart (L) RF
- Ryan Mountcastle (R) 1B
- Renato Nunez (R) DH
- Rio Ruiz (L) 3B
- Hanser Alberto (R) 2B
- Chance Sisco (L) C
- Pat Valaika (R) SS
- Cedric Mullins (S) CF
The final first pitch of 2020 is at 3:07 pm ET, and you can catch it in MASN or on the radio at 105.7 The Fan!
Go O’s!
John Means gets last start as O’s look to bounce back in game 2: Lineup 9/26/20
John Means gets to see the mound one more time this season, after turning things around in the second half of 2020.
Means is 2-0 with a no decision in his last three starts. In those games, he has only allowed three runs and has pitched 17.2 innings, a big difference from the start of the season.
Hanser Alberto will DH, while Ramón Urías will get the start at second base. The young prospect Urías has been on fire the last two games, with four hits in the final game of the Red Sox series and his first home run last night.
Without further ado, here is the Baltimore Orioles lineup:
- Austin Hays (R) LF
- José Iglesias (R) SS
- Ryan Mountcastle (L) 1B
- DJ Stewart (L) RF
- Pedro Severino (R) C
- Rio Ruiz (L) 3B
- Hanser Alberto (R) DH
- Ramón Urías (R) 2B
- Cedric Mullins (S) CF
Don’t miss the second to last game of the season, tonight at 6:37 p.m. EST on MASN2 or on the radio at 105.7 The Fan!
Let’s Go O’s!
O’s finish up 2020 season with 3 against Toronto: Series Preview 9/25/20 – 9/27/20
Now time for the final weekend of the season, the O’s have one more chance at the Blue Jays, as well as a chance at a 25-win season. At 24-33, the Birds will finish this season with more wins than anyone expected.
Continue reading “O’s finish up 2020 season with 3 against Toronto: Series Preview 9/25/20 – 9/27/20”O’s make last visit to Fenway, drop 2 of 3: Series Recap 9/22/20 – 9/24/20
Going into Fenway for the last series against the Red Sox, both teams are out of playoff contention. More or less, this series was about securing fourth place, or if you are a part of the tank train, hoping to gain a better draft spot by losing this series.
Continue reading “O’s make last visit to Fenway, drop 2 of 3: Series Recap 9/22/20 – 9/24/20”
Orioles lineup vs. Red Sox: 9/24/20
José Iglesias returns to the Baltimore lineup tonight, as the Orioles look to avoid a three-game sweep against Boston at Fenway Park. The O’s lost game one 8-3 and game two 9-1.
Continue reading “Orioles lineup vs. Red Sox: 9/24/20”Orioles vs. Red Sox lineup: 9/23/2020
The Orioles’ defense failed them in last evening’s 8-3 loss, as the Red Sox scored two runs on three errors, and Evan Phillips gave up three runs without getting an out. With the loss, the Orioles have been officially eliminated from playoff contention at 23-32 with five games left in the season.
Continue reading “Orioles vs. Red Sox lineup: 9/23/2020”O’s Begin Final Road Trip in Boston: Game One Lineups 9/22/20
At 23-31, the Baltimore Orioles travel to Fenway Park for the last time in 2020. In a battle of the two non playoff teams in the AL East, the Orioles have a chance to come out as 25 game winners with three games left. That would be better than most fans would have expected.
Some roster moves from today include recalling Ramon Urias, who will start tonight’s game at shortstop. The Orioles have also reinstated Shawn Armstrong off of the 10-day, while placing Dillon Tate on the 10-day IL, retroactive 9/21/2020.
Hoping to push the O’s to their 24th win is Keegan Akin. The young lefty has only let up runs in one of his three starts, and is coming off a stellar 5 inning outing last Wednesday where he struck out nine. His battery mate will be Pedro Severino.
The lineup features Austin Hays playing in right field, and recently recalled Ramon Urias at shortstop in place of the injured Jose Iglesias.
The lineup for the Baltimore Orioles is as follows:
- Cedric Mullins (S) CF
- Austin Hays (R) RF
- Ryan Mountcastle (R) 1B
- Renato Nunez (R) DH
- DJ Stewart (L) LF
- Pedro Severino (R) C
- Hanser Alberto (R) 2B
- Rio Ruiz (L) 3B
- Ramon Urias (R) SS
Keegan Akin will get the start versus Nick Pivetta for the Red Sox with first pitch at 7:30 pm ET.
You can catch tonight game on MASN or on the radio at 105.7 The Fan!
Go O’s!
O’s visit Boston for final series against Sox: Series Preview 9/22/20 – 9/24/20
With the end of the 2020 season quickly approaching in the rear view mirror, the Baltimore Orioles take to the road one last time to put an end to this chaotic season.
Continue reading “O’s visit Boston for final series against Sox: Series Preview 9/22/20 – 9/24/20”Orioles finish up 5-game set with AL-East-leading Rays: Series Recap 9/17/20 – 9/20/20
Following a solid series win against the Atlanta Braves, the Orioles were slated to finish the 2020 home season with five games against the deadly and poetic Tampa Bay Rays.
Continue reading “Orioles finish up 5-game set with AL-East-leading Rays: Series Recap 9/17/20 – 9/20/20”Victor Gonzalez named as trade piece in Miguel Castro deal; Shepherd released
As the trade deadline approached in August, the Orioles let go of a couple long-time Orioles in the bullpen. One of these players was Miguel Castro, who was sent to the New York Mets in exchange for pitcher Kevin Smith and a player to be named later.
Continue reading “Victor Gonzalez named as trade piece in Miguel Castro deal; Shepherd released”
Os host Rays for 4th game in a row: Lineup 9/19/20
The Baltimore Orioles host the Tampa Bay Rays again Saturday night, their second to last home game on the season.
Continue reading “Os host Rays for 4th game in a row: Lineup 9/19/20”Orioles look to bounce back against Rays: Lineup 9/17/20
After dropping a doubleheader yesterday to the Rays, the Orioles look to bounce back tonight at Camden Yards.
Continue reading “Orioles look to bounce back against Rays: Lineup 9/17/20”O’s and Rays finish August series, follow with 4-game set: Series Preview & Game 1 Lineup 9/17/20 – 9/20/20
The Baby Birds kick off their final leg of the last home stand for 2020 against the Tampa Bay Rays. Thursday consists of a doubleheader, with game one finishing a series back from August 27, when that final game was postponed. This current series begins with game two of the doubleheader, consisting of four games against the division leaders.
O’s snatch 2 of 3 from playoff-bound Braves: Series Recap 9/14/20 – 9/16/20
A little too late for a Wild Card push following a horrid series against the Yankees, the Orioles looked to bounce back against the Atlanta Braves, an even tougher opponent. But, were they able to do it?
Continue reading “O’s snatch 2 of 3 from playoff-bound Braves: Series Recap 9/14/20 – 9/16/20”O’s attempt to take series with Braves: Lineup 9/16/20
One night after dropping 14 runs on the Atlanta Braves, the Baltimore Orioles fell scoreless in game two, as the offense was no where to be found.
Continue reading “O’s attempt to take series with Braves: Lineup 9/16/20”
O’s host Braves for Game 2: Lineup 9/15/20
With the final Wild Card spot now seemingly out of reach for the Orioles, they decided to explode offensively on Monday night, scoring 14 runs against the NL-East-leading Atlanta Braves.
Continue reading “O’s host Braves for Game 2: Lineup 9/15/20”Orioles lineup vs. Braves: 9/14/20
Coming off a brutal four-game sweep at the hands of the New York Yankees, Baltimore returns home for three games against the Atlanta Braves. With a 20-26 record, the Orioles are running out of time to make it back into the playoff race.
Orioles vs. Braves: Series Preview 9/14/20 – 9/16/20
The Orioles’ playoff hopes were dealt a huge blow this weekend when the Yankees hit them with four straight losses. The team will look to get up off the mat this week, when the National-League-East-leading Atlanta Braves visit for a three-game series at Camden Yards.
Continue reading “Orioles vs. Braves: Series Preview 9/14/20 – 9/16/20”Orioles swept by Yankees in 4 games: Series Recap 9/11/20 – 9/13/20
This series started a day late, as the rain forced the Orioles and Yankees into four games in three days. Coming into this series, the O’s trailed the Yankees for the Wild Card spot by just 1.5 games. After this series, however, that gap grew exponentially.
Continue reading “Orioles swept by Yankees in 4 games: Series Recap 9/11/20 – 9/13/20”Orioles lineup vs. Yankees: 9/13/20
Sitting at 20-25, the Orioles look to take game four of this four-game set with hopes to avoid a series sweep.
Continue reading “Orioles lineup vs. Yankees: 9/13/20”Orioles vs Yankees Lineups: 9/12/20
After dropping both games of Friday’s double header, the Orioles head into game three against the Yankees , now trailing them 3.5 game for the wild card spot.
Continue reading “Orioles vs Yankees Lineups: 9/12/20”Orioles vs. Yankees Doubleheader Game 1: Lineup 9/11/20
Due to a rain out Thursday night, the Orioles and Yankees are now billed for a doubleheader, with game one beginning at 4:05 p.m. ET.
Continue reading “Orioles vs. Yankees Doubleheader Game 1: Lineup 9/11/20”Orioles visit Yankees for crucial 4-game set: Series Preview and Game 1 Lineup 9/10/20-9/13/20
Hey, do you see that in the distance?…it’s getting closer! What it is?
Yes, ladies and gentlemen, it’s the wild card. And it’s much closer than you may think!
Heading into this next four-game series against the Yankees, the Orioles’ season and Wild Card hopes hang in the balance. With the Yankees leading only 1.5 games ahead of them, the O’s have a legitimate chance to snag that second spot with two weeks left or reversely fall completely out of contention.
Minus a bullpen hiccup in game two against the Mets that resulted in a 7-6 loss following a 5-0 lead, the Orioles are on a hot streak, winning six of their last nine.
Over that streak, starting pitching has been fantastic, with help from rookies Keegan Akin and Dean Kremer. John Means finally found his groove over the past weekend, and the trio hopes to continue that success in the Bronx.
The bullpen for the Orioles has been solid, despite being completely shaken up at the trade deadline. Now without Mychal Givens and Miguel Castro, the Orioles bullpen has still been able to finish games.
Over the previous week, pitcher numbers have followed their success, as the O’s pitching staff has a collective 2.47 ERA, with help from a much improved 1.14 WHIP. With five wins in the last week, it’s no surprise, as the pitching has been consistently giving the Birds offense a chance to win games when games are needed to be won.
The offense seems as though it hasn’t stopped hitting since September started, and that wouldn’t be wrong statement. Five players have on OPS over 1.00 in the month, including DJ Stewart, who has a 2.09 in September.
In a time when a playoff run is visible, the team collectively leads the AL in OPS in September and also has the second most runs scored. That’s how you push yourself into the postseason, especially if that success can be replicated in this four-game series.
We will see the matchup of Keegan Akin and Gerrit Cole once again in game one. Cole shut down the Orioles last week before he was beaten up in the 7th inning, allowing an earned run, along with four un-earned on his way to his third loss of the season.
Akin will look to continue his hot streak, entering his third start with a 2.08 ERA and 15 strikeouts. He completely shut down the Yankees lineup in his last start, not allowing a run and striking out eight.
The Orioles will also face J.A. Happ and Masahiro Tanaka, two pitchers this Orioles squad have gotten to previously. Splitting this series or possibly taking three of four would set the Orioles up in a fantastic spot to finish the last two weeks with a Wild Card spot.
Keys to the Series:
1. Starters must battle later in games
Over the last week, we have seen the benefit of our starters being able to go deeper into games. The bullpen stays fresh and sets them up in the right situations.
2. Work the Yankees pitchers’ counts up
The Yankees bullpen has not been the greatest, and getting to them as quick as possible is beyond beneficial. Working counts, taking pitches, and getting runners on base to give chances with RISP will be make-or-break in the series. The Yankees can score runs, so we need to as well.
3. Get up early, and offer run support
Pitching in games with a lead will give the Orioles pitchers some leeway. With a young pitching staff, they have fared very well when the Birds have led early in games.
Here is the starting lineup for game one:
1. Cedric Mullins CF
2. José Iglesias SS
3. DJ Stewart RF
4. Ryan Mountcastle LF
5. Pedro Severino C
6. Renato Núñez DH
7. Rio Ruiz 3B
8. Hanser Alberto 2B
9. Pat Valaika 1B
Keegan Akin LHP
Don’t miss the O’s, as they play their biggest series of the season, starting tonight at 7:05 p.m. EST on MASN and the Orioles Radio Network!
Orioles vs Mets lineups: 9/9/20
The Orioles come roaring into game two against the Mets following an 11 run night for the offense on Tuesday. Six batters had a multi hit game, the O’s hit four long balls, and Cedric Mullins was a HR shy of the cycle. Backed by a solid start by John Means, the Orioles continued their hot streak to start this series.
Game two will feature Jorge Lopez on the mound opposite of Rick Porcello. The Orioles lineup is highlighted by DJ Stewart at cleanup who has hit four homeruns in the last three games.
Here is your Baltimore Orioles starting lineup:
1. Cedric Mullins (S) CF
2. Jose Iglesias (R) SS
3. Renato Nunez (R) DH
4. DJ Stewart (L) RF
5. Ryan Mountcastle (R) LF
6. Rio Ruiz (L) 3B
7. Hanser Alberto (R) 2B
8. Chance Sisco (L) C
9. Pat Valaik (R) 1B
SP: Jorge Lopez RHP
You can catch tonight game on MASN, or on the radio at 105.7 The Fan!
Go O’s!
Orioles split series with Mets: Series Recap 9/8/20-9/9/20
NY state of mind, huh? The red hot Baltimore Orioles rode into Citi Field on Tuesday to begin a two game series against the Mets, which is part of an 11 game stretch against New York teams. The Birds got on the subway to Queens scorching hot having won their last 3 over the Yankees, and 5 of their last seven between the Mets and Yankees.
Game one of this interleague series would be no different for the Orioles, as the pitching was superb, and the offense is showing it can survive without Anthony Santander. John Means entered this game winless, and finally pitched like we all expected him to.
Through five innings, John Means was dealing. Means threw 97 pitches, 64 of which were for strikes. Anytime a pitcher can throw quality strikes 65% of the time, you will have a chance to win. The only run scored on John Means was a solo shot in the second, admittedly his one mistake of the game when he left a fastball chest high over the middle of the plate.
Don’t talk bad about DJ Stewart. Actually, keep it up, it’s working! In the second inning DJ Stewart sent a line drive into the upper bleacher seats in right field, just as MASN commentator Ben McDonald was speaking on the loss of Anthony Santander and having to play Dj Stewart instead. The Birds went up 2-0.
DJ Stewart has now homered 4 times in 3 games, netting multi RBIs in three straight games, and has surpassed an OPS of 1.000.
The Orioles offense were simply bullies in this game, with six orioles hitters having two or more hits. Also, while 4 for 11 with runners in scoring position isn’t fantastic, 7 of the Orioles 11 runs came with 2 outs which included two of the four home runs in the game.
The Orioles scored every inning from the second through the fifth, leading after five with a score of 9-1. Ryan Mountcastle blasted his fourth homerun, as well as Rio Ruiz supplying am Earl Weaver to score 3 run. Pat Valaika joined Stewart, Ruiz, and Mountcastle in the home run train, sending his sixth of the year into the New York night in the 8th.
With a 11-2 win by John Means and the Orioles (20-21), the Yankees (21-20) now sit only a half game ahead of the O’s for the second wildcard spot.
GAME 2:
Picking up right where they left off a night before were the Orioles in game two. The O’s offense gave Jorge Lopez immediate run support in the first inning, following a pair of RBI singles by Cedric Mullins and Ryan Mountcastle. The RBI by Mountcastle extended his streak of games with a RBI to five.
In the first two innings, the Orioles netted 10 base hits, 9 of which were singles.
Waiver claim Jorge Lopez got the start in this game, leaving with less success as opposed to his last start. Giving up five runs through 4.2 innings, Lopez left the game in the fifth after the Mets climbed back to cut the O’s lead to 5-3.
I can’t believe I’m typing this again, but DJ Stewart for the fifth time in three games, homered to give the Birds a 6-3 lead. It was first in his career off a left handed pitcher, and his fifth on the season.
The Mets would cut the lead to 6-5 in the fifth, however, the Orioles were striking with bases loaded in the sixth. With two outs and Rio Ruiz at the plate, Ruiz sent a fly ball seemingly over the head of right fielder Michael Conforto. In some bout of magic athleticism, Conforto was able to track the ball over his head and make what ultimately turned out to be a game saving catch as it saved three runs.
The Mets tied the game with a home run in the bottom of the sixth, and sealed it in the eigth with a Pete Alonso long ball.
A struggling bullpen tonight helped drop game two of this series 7-6.
The Orioles travel across New York City to start a four game set against the Yankees on Thursday starting at 7:05 pm ET. Be sure to check thebaltimorebattery.com on the web, Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter to catch our series preview!
Orioles vs. Mets: Lineup 9/8/20
The Orioles visit the New York Mets Tuesday evening, kicking off a two-game series to start the road trip.
Continue reading “Orioles vs. Mets: Lineup 9/8/20”Orioles take on Mets in short series: Series Preview 9/8 – 9/9
Over the weekend, the Orioles rode the youth train to a 3-1 series win against the Yankees. The O’s seek to keep the momentum rolling, as they pay a visit to Citi Field for a two-game series with the New York Mets.
Continue reading “Orioles take on Mets in short series: Series Preview 9/8 – 9/9”Young O’s pitchers Kremer and Akin light up weekend series
Coming into the four-game series against the New York Yankees, the Orioles sat at 16-20 and had lost their last 18 to the Evil Empire. After trading away Mychal Givens, Miguel Castro and Tommy Milone, the Orioles pitching staff was looking much different.
Continue reading “Young O’s pitchers Kremer and Akin light up weekend series”
Youngsters shine vs. Yankees; O’s take 3 of 4: Series Recap 9/4/20-9/6/20
The Baltimore Orioles entered this four-game set vs. the New York Yankees having lost their last 18 against the Evil Empire. Looking to turn things around, the Orioles also had a chance to be somewhat of a playoff spoiler for the Yankees. With the Rays comfortably ahead in the AL East, taking two, maybe three games out of this series could very well drop the Yanks down to the seventh or eighth seed.
Continue reading “Youngsters shine vs. Yankees; O’s take 3 of 4: Series Recap 9/4/20-9/6/20”
Dean Kremer called up for first start, O’s vs Yanks lineups: 9/6/2020
The Orioles and Yankees put an end to this four-game set today, with the Birds in a position to snag the series win. Following a beautiful starting outing by LHP Keegan Akin, another young Orioles prospect gets the bump today, as RHP Dean Kremer gets his first start in the major leagues!
Continue reading “Dean Kremer called up for first start, O’s vs Yanks lineups: 9/6/2020”Orioles vs. Yankees lineup: 9/5/2020
The Orioles come off a doubleheader against the Yankees on Friday where they were finally able to snap the losing streak against the Yankees that stood at 19.
Continue reading “Orioles vs. Yankees lineup: 9/5/2020”Orioles lineup vs. Yankees for game 1: 9/4/2020
The New York Yankees are coming to town, looking to continue their win streak against the Orioles. With the Rays comfortably ahead of the Yankees in the AL East with a lead of five games, the Orioles certainly would pick a good time to end that losing streak today in game one of this doubleheader.
Continue reading “Orioles lineup vs. Yankees for game 1: 9/4/2020”Orioles vs. Yankees: Series Preview 9/4-9/6
After splitting a two-game series with one New York team, the Mets, the Orioles welcome the New York Yankees to Camden Yards for a four-game set beginning with a doubleheader on Friday.
Continue reading “Orioles vs. Yankees: Series Preview 9/4-9/6”
Ryan Mountcastle: Future is now
For months Orioles fans begged and begged for star prospect Ryan Mountcastle to be called up to the Majors; on Aug. 21, that wish came true, and he has lived up to expectations thus far.
Orioles lineup vs. Mets, 9/2/2020
The Oriole offense came alive last night, as they continued to ride the hot bats of Anthony Santander and Renato Núñez to a 9-5 victory over the Mets.
Orioles lineup vs. Mets: Tuesday, 9/1/2020
Despite the fact that they possess a worse overall record, the New York Metropolitans (15-20) come to Baltimore (15-19) tonight with their sights set on making the playoffs.
Continue reading “Orioles lineup vs. Mets: Tuesday, 9/1/2020”
Orioles vs. Mets: Series Preview 9/1-9/2
The Orioles were able to salvage one game of their weekend series with the Blue Jays, but in the world of Major League Baseball, there is no rest for the weary. The Birds are back at Camden Yards for a two-game set with the Mets and a familiar face. Among the flurry of trade deadline deals around the league, the Orioles sent pitcher Miguel Castro to the Mets for pitching prospect Kevin Smith.
Orioles deal Miguel Castro, acquire prospect Kevin Smith at Trade Deadline
Just before the MLB Trade Deadline passed at 4 p.m., Aug. 31, the Baltimore Orioles made a move to acquire left-handed pitcher Kevin Smith from the New York Mets. The Orioles shipped relief pitcher Miguel Castro to New York in exchange for Smith. This trade concludes a month in which the O’s made four separate trades.
Continue reading “Orioles deal Miguel Castro, acquire prospect Kevin Smith at Trade Deadline”
Keegan Akin gets first MLB start, O’s vs. Blue Jays lineup: 8/31/2020
On the busiest day of the season, the 14-19 Baltimore Orioles look to avoid the break today, as they face off against the Toronto/Buffalo Blue Jays.
Continue reading “Keegan Akin gets first MLB start, O’s vs. Blue Jays lineup: 8/31/2020”Mychal Givens traded to Colorado Rockies
The Orioles are starting to clear house, as they have traded Tommy Milone to the Atlanta Braves and now Mychal Givens to the Colorado Rockies, according to Jon Heyman.
Orioles lineup Sunday, August 30, 2020, vs. Toronto (3:07 pm EDT)
The Orioles try to end their Buffalo blues this afternoon, as they take on the Toronto Blue Jays, who have done nothing but beat the Birds every game this season.
Continue reading “Orioles lineup Sunday, August 30, 2020, vs. Toronto (3:07 pm EDT)”Trade season starts; Tommy Milone shipped to Atlanta
With the ever-growing shadow of the August 31 Trade Deadline looming above all of baseball, the Orioles have decided themselves as sellers and kicked off this trading season.
Continue reading “Trade season starts; Tommy Milone shipped to Atlanta”
Orioles lineup vs. Blue Jays: 8/29/20
After a heartbreaking loss in extra innings last night, the O’s try to turn it around in game two against the Blue Jays tonight.
Continue reading “Orioles lineup vs. Blue Jays: 8/29/20”Orioles lineup Friday, August 28, 2020, vs. Toronto (6:37 pm EDT)
Tonight, the Orioles head north, but not quite as far north as the title above suggests. Although the Blue Jays were cleared by city and provincial governments to play their home games in Toronto’s Rogers Centre (still thought of as the “Skydome” by traditionalists like myself), the Canadian government denied their request.
Thus, the O’s are headed to Sahlen Field in Buffalo, New York, the normal home of the Buffalo Bisons. In case you were wondering, bisons are not buffalo; there are significant differences, including the fact that bisons have a large hump at the shoulders.
Speaking of hump, it is about time for John Means to get over the hump, and start showing us that his success in the first half of 2019 was not an aberration. That will mean that Means’ ERA needs to head south, for it presently registers at 10.13.
Further, we cannot lose sight of the fact that we are at the midway point of this slice of a baseball season, and that the Orioles (14-16) have just 30 games remaining. This fact makes the pending showdown in Toron…Buffalo all the more important, for the Birds sit just a game and half behind the Blue Jays (15-14) for the 8th and final slot in MLB’s expanded playoff format.
Therefore, let’s lay a Baltimore beatdown on these Buffalo Blue Jays, and head north in the standings of the American League East!
The Orioles lineup for today is as follows:
1. Hanser Alberto (R) 3B
2. Anthony Santander (S) RF
3. Jose Iglesias (R) DH
4. Renato Núñez (R) 1B
5. Pedro Severino (R) C
6. Ryan Mountcastle (R) LF
7. Pat Valaika (R) 2B
8. Andrew Velazquez (S) SS
9. Cedric Mullins (S) CF
John Means LHP
First pitch is at 6:37 p.m. EST, and you can catch the game on MASN2 or on the radio at 105.7 The Fan!
*If you tune in at 6:36 p.m. EST expecting baseball, just wait a minute.
Let’s Go O’s!
Orioles vs. Blue Jays: Series Preview 8/28 – 8/30
After losing two straight to the Rays and postponing their game on Thursday, the Orioles travel to Buffalo this weekend to take on the Toronto Blue Jays in a three-game series.
Continue reading “Orioles vs. Blue Jays: Series Preview 8/28 – 8/30”
Orioles drop 2 games against Rays, Thursday’s series finale postponed: Series Recap 8/25/20 – 8/27/20
Baltimore lost two close games to Tampa Bay in a quick road trip to Tropicana Field to fall to 14-16 on the season.
Orioles lineup Thursday, August 27, 2020, vs. Tampa Bay (6:40 pm EDT)
Tonight, the Orioles look to salvage the last game of a hard-fought series against the division-leading Rays. Tampa, despite battling a season-long injury plague (star center fielder Kevin Kiermier is the latest victim, leaving last night’s game with back spasms) has won 15 of 18 and surged into 1st place in the AL East.
Continue reading “Orioles lineup Thursday, August 27, 2020, vs. Tampa Bay (6:40 pm EDT)”
Orioles lineup vs. Rays: 8/26/2020
The Orioles go into game two of this three-game set against the Rays in Tampa, looking to even this series at one game a piece.
Continue reading “Orioles lineup vs. Rays: 8/26/2020”Orioles begin important road trip vs. Rays: Series Preview 8/25/20 – 8/27/20
The Orioles came back strong last week after a six-game losing streak to win two in a row versus the Boston Red Sox. The Birds will look to keep the momentum going this week, as they travel to Tampa to take on the red hot Rays. The Orioles enter the series at 14-14, four games behind the American League East leading Rays who are 19-11.
Continue reading “Orioles begin important road trip vs. Rays: Series Preview 8/25/20 – 8/27/20”
Orioles lineup vs. Rays: 8/25/20
The Orioles look to keep up their winning ways, as they take on the division-rival Tampa Bay Rays in St. Petersburg.
O’s split series with Sox: Series Recap 8/20-8/23
The struggling Baltimore Orioles hosted the Boston Red Sox for a four-game series starting on Thursday. Coming into this series having lost their last four and losing possession of third place in the A.L. East, the Orioles desperately needed some wins in this series.
Continue reading “O’s split series with Sox: Series Recap 8/20-8/23”Orioles lineup vs. Red Sox: 8/23/20
After arguably the most exciting game of the year last night, the Orioles look to split this four-game series against the Red Sox with back-to-back wins.
Orioles lineup vs. Red Sox, Dwight Smith Jr. DFA’d: 8/22/20
The Orioles look to end their week-long losing streak tonight, as they take on the Boston Red Sox in game three.
Continue reading “Orioles lineup vs. Red Sox, Dwight Smith Jr. DFA’d: 8/22/20”Orioles lineup vs. Red Sox, Mountcastle promoted: 8/21/20
It’s an exciting day in Birdland, as the O’s take on the Boston Red Sox in game two action. But that isn’t the exciting part!
Continue reading “Orioles lineup vs. Red Sox, Mountcastle promoted: 8/21/20”
Anthony Santander: O’s unlikely MVP
With many obstacles standing in the Orioles way in 2020, maybe none reached the heart of O’s fans quite as much as the news of Trey Mancini being diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. The 2019 Orioles MVP, losing Mancini was a dagger in the heart off and on the field. So, what happens when your best player goes down? Some else must step up. That is exactly what Anthony Santander has done.
Continue reading “Anthony Santander: O’s unlikely MVP”“Why Not” or “Try Not?” Birds are too cold and too hot
Numbers can be fun. They can be quite revealing, too. The first 25 games of the Orioles’ 2020 season, which are still representative of an overachieving, competitive ballclub, are full of fun numbers.
In fact, from a statistical standpoint, this club has been either surging or slumping the entire year. As a fan, I am simultaneously surprised and somewhat stupefied.
For a team that has lost well over 200 games the last two years, the 2020 Baltimore Orioles’ suddenly emerging as a contender is certainly a stunning turn of events.
However, the rational part of our mind realizes that when it comes to stunning occurrences, they tend to usually be accompanied by end results that are either very positive, or, on the contrary, very negative.
Continue reading ““Why Not” or “Try Not?” Birds are too cold and too hot”
Orioles lineup vs Red Sox: 8/20/20
The Orioles look to get back in the win column, as they begin a four-game series against the Boston Red Sox tonight from beautiful Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
Continue reading “Orioles lineup vs Red Sox: 8/20/20”Orioles vs. Red Sox: Series Preview 8/20/20 – 8/23/20
The Orioles barely get a chance to lick their wounds after being swept by the Blue Jays, as the Red Sox come to town for a four-game series beginning Thursday night.
Continue reading “Orioles vs. Red Sox: Series Preview 8/20/20 – 8/23/20”
Orioles swept by Randal Grichuk, drop all three to Toronto
The Orioles have been swept in a three-game series against the Blue Jays this week, frustrating fans, as two of the games were very winnable if not for fundamental mistakes.
Continue reading “Orioles swept by Randal Grichuk, drop all three to Toronto”
Orioles lineup vs. Blue Jays
The Orioles look to prevent a series sweep from the Toronto Blue Jays, as they get ready to play game three this afternoon.
Orioles lineup vs. Blue Jays: 8/18/20
The Orioles look back to get in the win column tonight, as they face the Toronto Blue Jays in game two.
Orioles lineup vs. Blue Jays: 8/17/20
The Orioles begin a three-game series against the Toronto Blue Jays tonight from beautiful Oriole Park at Camden Yards.
Continue reading “Orioles lineup vs. Blue Jays: 8/17/20”