352 replies to this topic

[TwentyThirtyFive]

I saw some speculation online that the Os could move Mateo to CF and they could call up Westburg. Dont think it would be Westburg. I think it would be Ortiz to play SS. They only have 39 on the 40 man right now if my math is correct. Thats why I think it will be Cameron that they add and call up but we shall see. He provides good defense at all 3 OF spots.

[Mackus]

Cowser is mandatory as soon as he's ready. Ready, not healthy, so let him play a few AAA games to shake the rust off, but he shouldn't need weeks of a rehab equivalent.

[TwentyThirtyFive]

Im not even sure Cowser is back yet. If he is tomorrow would be his first day. Maybe Bob knows

[BaltBird 24]

Bob said he's close. I'd give him a week. If he's back on track after 2 series I'd give him the call.

[BobPhelan]

Elias said he was days not weeks away earlier this week. So I would guess he is back at least at some point this week. Never heard anything hinting that it was a serious injury.

Hudson Haskin will be back with Norfolk this week after playing in Aberdeen this past week.

Stowers hurt too, don’t know his prognosis.

[glenn__davis]

Bob said he's close. I'd give him a week. If he's back on track after 2 series I'd give him the call.

 

Well a week in the minors would be 1 6-game series.  But agreed that that seems sufficient.

 

But, the Orioles are very slow to call guys up to MLB.

[BSLSteveBirrer]

Whatever they do they need to inject some spark into the offense. Losing Mullins is a serious blow.

[Mike B]

This is the first real stress point of the season.  The Orioles are not hitting, and now they lose the catalyst of the lineup.  I would be surprised if it is not Cameron for the short term then they will call up Cowser when he has gotten 10-15 AB's after he returns.

[Nigel Tufnel]

Here's what the Sun said about potential replacements:

 

Regardless, they would need a position player in Mullins’ place, likely one capable of playing center or at least the outfield, and the club has an opening on its 40-man roster that allows for a variety of options. Outfield prospects Colton Cowser (left quadriceps) and Kyle Stowers (right shoulder) are on Norfolk’s IL, making Daz Cameron perhaps the most logical fit if Baltimore seeks a center fielder; he would need to be added to the 40-man roster. The Orioles could also choose to bring back infield prospect Joey Ortiz and use a combination of McKenna, Vavra, Ryan O’Hearn, Adam Frazier and possibly Jorge Mateo to fill Mullins’ space in the outfield. Deploying Frazier or Mateo, regulars on Baltimore’s infield, in the outfield could create playing opportunities for Ortiz or Jordan Westburg, an infielder who is the Orioles’ No. 4 prospect but is not yet on the 40-man roster.

 

Orioles’ Cedric Mullins exits game vs. Guardians with right groin strain (baltimoresun.com)

[Mackus]

I'd be in the trainer's room with a contract offer if I were Elias.  Float the idea of long-term security while Ced's facing an IL trip.  Perhaops the last opportunity to buy somewhat low since they didn't pursue it (I'm assuming...) after last season.

[Mike B]

I'd be in the trainer's room with a contract offer if I were Elias.  Float the idea of long-term security while Ced's facing an IL trip.  Perhaops the last opportunity to buy somewhat low since they didn't pursue it (I'm assuming...) after last season.

This is the Orioles.  They put off spending money for every possible second.

[Mike B]

I don't like the idea of playing Mateo in CF.  It feels like that would weaken 2 spots defensively.  

[TwentyThirtyFive]

I'd be in the trainer's room with a contract offer if I were Elias. Float the idea of long-term security while Ced's facing an IL trip. Perhaops the last opportunity to buy somewhat low since they didn't pursue it (I'm assuming...) after last season.

That seems inappropriate. Like I know youre literally not saying to walk into the training room and do it. I thimk its a bad look to do that when someone just got hurt though

[TwentyThirtyFive]

I don't like the idea of playing Mateo in CF. It feels like that would weaken 2 spots defensively.

Not at SS. Ortiz is a G. Not sure how Mateo would play in CF. I know there were reports around ST that he is capable though.


And obviously no two players are alike but I did find it interesting that Tatis was one of the higher ranked RFs in defensive metrics so far. A guy with imited OF experience who has seemingly transitioned well

[makoman]

I don't doubt Mateo could do it adequately, he's played CF in the past (321 innings in pro career including 74 in MLB). I don't see the point though. I am assuming he would just be an adequate CF, not a gold glover or anything, due to lack of much experience. His bat plays only because he is a GG caliber SS--if he's only adequate in the field his bat shouldn't be in the lineup. McKenna probably has a similar bat and is actually a CF, so that would be a better option IMO. But I'd rather get Cowser/Haskin up if healthy.

[TwentyThirtyFive]

It could work. You would need to see how Mateo tracks. The arm obviously better than Ceds's. I wouldnt bet against him being a very good CFer. That said, yes, I think McKenna is also a pretty solid defensive CF. So there would be no real reason to move Jorge. I have no problem in general with more D up the middle though. For example, if Stowers were healthy Id def be in favor of McKenna in CF and Stowers as the 4th guy vs trying to move Hays to CF or play Stowers in CF. I need D up the middle

[TwentyThirtyFive]

I wonder when official announcements are usually made. I fully expect it to be Cameron but there are other options

[Mike B]

Cameron is the obvious choice, but if it were me, I would have either Cowser or Haskins on the first plane as soon as they are healthy.

[Mike B]

I just looked at Cameron's stats at Norfolk and they are decent.

Cameron is a RH hitter so maybe he is a duplicate of McKenna, but he is supposedly good defensively.

 

Right now, he is hitting .267,  7 HR, with a .358 OBP and a .840 OPS.  he also has 10 steals in 135 AB's.

 

He probably is a 4 AAA player but maybe he can get hot and hold the fort until Cowser or Haskins get the call.

[Mackus]

I'd rather play McKenna than Cameron, but I'm fine with Cameron being added for depth behind McKenna until Cowser is ready in a week or whatever.