The main issue we have in our starting rotation is the presence of Dean Kramer. The Israeli-American posted an ERA of 6.63 in 2022, which is only marginally balanced by a decent 4.88 the year prior. Given that we don't have anyone in Triple A ready to replace him just yet, I'm willing to give him another year.
His long term replacement may well end up being 2022 Round 2 pick Jonathan Cannon, who put in a solid showing in the Double As. We'll be looking to give him a chance in Triple A this season. If all goes well, he is expected to make it into the major leagues by 2024.
Bullpen
There is absolutely nothing wrong with our bullpen as it currently stands. It may not be the best in the league, but everybody in it is performing decently. The only issue is that there is a huge amount of talent coming through right behind them. In Triple A there is Felix Bautista, Yenzy Diaz, Brayden Lloyd, Luis Perez, Logan Rienhardt, and Kevin Smith. Even more subside at the lower levels. Perhaps we ought to make some space by trading in some assets to strengthen elsewhere.
Catcher
Adley Rutschman is a dynasty player. In his rookie season he scored the platinum stick, an all-star appearance, and the rookie of the year award. In contrast, Garrett Stubbs has looked out his depth. Without anybody in Triple A looking ready to step up, and not really much coming through the system at all, help will need to come from elsewhere.
First Base
Ryan Mountcastle is a solid firstbaseman. He had a strong 2021, and despite something of a downturn in 2022 remained an important contributer. With the departure of Chris Davies plenty of budget space has opened up, offering opportunities to bring in a reserve. Tyler Nevin is the preferred option to come up from Triple A, although Jordan Westburg has also been putting in impressive numbers. With other prospects lower in the minor league system, there is no need for change here.
Second Base
There is a lot going on at 2B for the Orios. Ramon Urias has been putting in excellent numbers over hte past two seasons, admittedly at the expense of some defensive prowess. Michael Stefanic has been playing second fiddle to the Mexican, as well as spending time at 3B; he has managed decent, but not excellent, performances. Then there is #128 prospect Terrin Vavra, who after an atrocious 2021 came into his own in 2022. Stefanic might be looking at a permanent shift to third, with Vavra moving up to fill the spot.
Third Base
Between Michael Stefanic and #185 prospect Diego Castillo, third base is pretty solidly covered. The pair both managed decent numbers at the plate in 2022, and neither are our biggest liability in terms of fielding. Possibly we might take a look at bringing in someone for the more distant future.
Short Stop
Jorge Mateo is a bench player at best in the MLB, but we don't have anyone to replace him. Look out for strengthening occuring in this area.
Left Field
Austin Hays is the best fielder on this team, exempliefied by his back-to-back claiming of the Great Glove award. Unfortunately, his batting hasn;'t quite been up to the mark. Wtih the likes of Jahmai Jones, Daz Cameron, and Ryan McKenna coming through from Triple A, it might be time to see what we can gain from this asset.
Centre Field
Our main main Cedric Mullins continues to dominate in CF. Now on a slightly more expensive contract, expect him to remain for a fair few years yet. Even more good news comes from Jahmai Jones impressive entry into the MLB as a substitute. Not quite a surplus here just yet, but a very satisfactorily filled position.
Right Field
It might be time for Yusniel Diaz and Anthony Santander to go. Julio Rodriguez may well be moving out onto the field, rather than just coming on to face the plate. The likes of Robert Neustrom and Colton Cowser are also waiting for a turn in the major leagues, so expect some departures here.
Things i never expected to see on Daily:- an OOTP story
I've got OOTP21, and it's get the occasional boot up to mess around in the insanely detailed historical periods (especially starting with the '93/94 Mariners and righting all the wrongs that has befallen the franchise since).
Don't know much about The O's so this'll be different
I've got OOTP21, and it's get the occasional boot up to mess around in the insanely detailed historical periods (especially starting with the '93/94 Mariners and righting all the wrongs that has befallen the franchise since).
Don't know much about The O's so this'll be different
I don't know much of anything about baseball, I just like the numbers, so it's going to be interesting one for me too.
valverde321 wrote:
Nice, I'll try to follow along. I dont have OOTP but I have MLB The Show 19 I think, and Julio Rodriguez becomes quite good in that for me.
Hopefully he develops just as nicely for us as he did for you!
I know a lot about baseball if you ever want any help with that aspect of it. Orioles rebuild looks like it's already going in a positive direction in 2022, interested to see where it goes from here. Low budget teams are more fun in manager games cause you may be forced to take some risks with stars.
valverde321 wrote:
Nice, I'll try to follow along. I dont have OOTP but I have MLB The Show 19 I think, and Julio Rodriguez becomes quite good in that for me.
Nice! MLB The Show 19 is the only sports game I've invested any significant time into since PCM 15. It's not perfect but SDS does a better job with it than most North American sports games I think.
RIP Exxon Duke, David Veilleux, Double Feature, and Monster Energy
Baltimore Trade Baumann and Hays for Mondesi and Guzman
Big news coming out of the Oriole's camp today as the announced the acquisition of 2022 All Star shortstop Adalberto Mondesi from the Kansas City Royals. The 27 year old arrived alongside fellow shortstop Jeison Guzman, who made his MLB debut in 2021 before returning to the minor leagues last season. Although fans will certainly be celebrating the arrival of a talent such as Mondesi, there are some concerns about the deal.
The first is in regard to it's cost. Leftfielder Austin Hays was an All Star himself just two years ago, and has just won back-to-back Golden Gloves. Admittedly, his fielding prowess must be taken in the context of his difficulty at the plate. Hays posted .262/.290/.392 in 2022, which was an improvement on the year before - hardly inspiring numbers. RHP Mike Baumann has been managing mediocre numbers for Baltimore's Tripe A setup, although some scouts have suggested a major league role might be in his future. Evidently the Baltimore management felt otherwise.
The other major concern is the cost that a star such as Mondesi brings with him. Hays was on a $2.13M deal, predicted to rise to about $4M during next years arbitration, with a final arbitration year following in 2024. Mondesi's wage of $19.2M is an order of magnitude greater than that. Worse still, he only has a single year remaining on his current deal. Rumours are that the Californian is demanding a six-year extension worth as much as $150M.
Have the Orioles' just traded away a secure outfield piece for a loanee at shortstop, or will they be forced to bite the bullet and place themselves at Mondesi's mercy?
I think this is a great deal. If you get a premium shortstop I think that is always worth the money. Outfielders can be replaced. Get the long term deal done - time to move beyond rebuilding.
As a big Orioles fan will definitely follow this. I am old enough to have watched them win their last World Series win on TV in 1983. Best sporting event I have ever been too was a playoff win in 2014.
I got into sports gaming through a statistical baseball board game. I played OOTP a little a while back but it never felt quite right to me. I didn't love the way they rated the players. But hope you have a great time and bring back the Orioles Magic.
By the way, where is Grayson Rodriguez - he is supposed to be our next star pitcher?
![imgur.com/KlJUqDx.jpg[/img[img]]https://imgur.com/yUygrQ.jpg](https://imgur.com/KlJUqDx.jpg[/img[img]]https://imgur.com/yUygrQ.jpg)
