22 replies to this topic

[BSLChrisStoner]

I'm not sure when, but I think he will get fired this year and the reason he gets fired won't really be his fault.

 

 

11) The Orioles don't make the Playoffs

 

Kind of the opposite of 1), 3).  The roster has plenty of Talent to compete, but non-Talent factors weigh heavy.  Hyde gets blamed.

 

What are the non-talent factors which are going to hold them back in your opinion?
You are worried about Mountcastle and O'Hearn knowing they're likely on the move, and spots not being immediately available for Mayo and Kjerstad and how that impacts chemistry?

 

 

Topic 14) Bautista is very good, but not at his '23 levels

 

This should be expected right?

He was ridiculous in '23.
Coming off the injury, and missed year... figures to be some rust.
I think he will again be very good, don't think you can expect him to be just as good as he was.

[BSLChrisStoner]

I'll take the over.  I expect GRod, Eflin and Kremer all to have solid seasons.

 

...but on a related point...

 

12) On September 9, Charlie Morton throws 7 solid innings of 1-run ball at home against the Pirates and with a 6 run lead, leaves his hat and glove on the field and retires. 

 

"I can live with that." -CM 

 

Morton has made 30 or more starts each of the last 4 years, and not including 2020, each of the last 6 full seasons. 
As long he doesn't implode, I like that he figures to regularly take the ball, and give the O's a chance. 

 

 

Topic 15) The O's had a winning record vs. each AL Division last year (including an AL East best 32-20 vs. the East) but were just 20-26 in Inter-League play, and were outscored by 40 runs against NL teams. The AL East mark is probably closer to .500 this year, but the record vs. the NL improves. 

[BSLRoseKatz]

What are the non-talent factors which are going to hold them back in your opinion?
You are worried about Mountcastle and O'Hearn knowing they're likely on the move, and spots not being immediately available for Mayo and Kjerstad and how that impacts chemistry?

 

 

Topic 14) Bautista is very good, but not at his '23 levels

 

This should be expected right?

He was ridiculous in '23.
Coming off the injury, and missed year... figures to be some rust.
I think he will again be very good, don't think you can expect him to be just as good as he was.

 

Yeah I think most of the fanbase expects that, if he's around his 2022 production (ERA under 2.30, WHIP under 1, K/9 around 12) we'll be in pretty good shape there

 

Topic 16) O'Neill doesn't clear 100 games

 

He did it in 2024 and 2021 but not 2022 and 2023, so we're seemingly looking at a 50/50 shot there. Would prefer to be wrong here obviously but don't feel great about that injury history.