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Andy Kostka

Andy

Andy Kostka is an Orioles beat writer for The Baltimore Banner, focused on telling stories that revolve around — and away from — baseball. He previously covered the Orioles for The Baltimore Sun, and before that he worked for The Clarion Ledger in Mississippi. Kostka graduated from the University of Maryland and grew up in Rockville.

Latest content by Andy Kostka

Orioles coach Cody Asche joined the organization in 2022 as an upper-level hitting coordinator and made the jump to the major league staff in 2023.
Orioles tap Cody Asche to serve as hitting coach, add Tommy Joseph to staff
Cody Asche, who was Baltimore’s offensive strategy coach last year, worked closely with outgoing hitting coaches Matt Borgschulte and Ryan Fuller.
Baltimore Orioles pitcher Corbin Burnes (39) throws a pitch during a game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Camden Yards in Baltimore on September 8, 2024.
Corbin Burnes said his poor August would cost him the Cy Young. Was he right?
In August, Burnes produced the single worst month of his major league career when he allowed 28 runs (21 earned) in five starts. Let’s consider what his resume would look like if those five starts had gone differently.
Orioles outfielder Colton Cowser hit 24 home runs, tied for the most among all rookies in baseball.
Orioles outfielder Colton Cowser named AL Rookie of the Year finalist
Cowser finished third in the American League among qualified rookies with a .768 on-base-plus-slugging percentage, and his 24 home runs were tied with San Diego’s Jackson Merrill for the most among all rookies.
Akim Davis, a Baltimore teenager who starred in the Orioles’ City Connect uniform video, died in a hit-and-run.
Teen bicyclist in Orioles’ City Connect video dies in hit-and-run crash
When the Orioles unveiled their special edition City Connect uniforms, Davis appeared in a video where he spread word around the city.
Baltimore Orioles relief pitcher Danny Coulombe (54) delivers a pitch in a game against the Los Angeles Angels at Camden Yards on March 30, 2024. The Baltimore Orioles beat the Angels, 13-4, to clinch a series win.
Danny Coulombe has been reliable for the Orioles. So why did they decline his option?
Since his arrival ahead of the 2023 season, Coulombe went from an afterthought to a stalwart in high-leverage situations. But the Orioles, it appears, made the decision on Coulombe by projecting how the 35-year-old may pitch in the future.
Baltimore Orioles pitcher Danny Coulombe (54) delivers a pitch in the third game of a series against the Detroit Tigers at Camden Yards in Baltimore on Sunday, September 22, 2024.
Orioles decline option of Danny Coulombe, pick up those of O’Hearn, Pérez and Domínguez
Before the 5 p.m. deadline, the Orioles must decide on options for left-hander Danny Coulombe (worth $4 million) and right-hander Seranthony Domínguez (worth $8 million).
Baltimore Orioles pitcher Corbin Burnes (39) delivers a pitch in the first game of the Wild Card playoff round against the Kansas City Royals at Camden Yards in Baltimore on Tuesday, October 1, 2024.
Orioles extend qualifying offers to Corbin Burnes, Anthony Santander
The Orioles are now set to get compensation should either player leave in free agency.
ARLINGTON, TX - JULY 15: Anthony Santander #25, Jordan Westburg #11, Gunnar Henderson #2 and Adley Rutschman #35 of the Baltimore Orioles interact during the 2024 T-Mobile Home Run Derby at Globe Life Field on Monday, July 15, 2024 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Daniel Shirey/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
3 Orioles hitters named Silver Slugger finalists for their offensive output
The Orioles could have a player win consecutive Silver Slugger Awards for the first time in two decades.
Colton Cowser had a chance to become the first Orioles outfielder in 10 years to win a Gold Glove award.
Orioles’ Colton Cowser, Ryan Mountcastle miss out on Gold Gloves
Cleveland Guardians left fielder Steven Kwan and Minnesota Twins first baseman Carlos Santana won at their positions.
Trey Mancini of the Orioles celebrates with Sara Perlman, who is now his wife, after the 2021 Home Run Derby in Denver.
Trey Mancini hopes to play again: ‘I have something left to give the game’
As the fifth anniversary of Mancini’s cancer diagnosis approaches in March, the first baseman feels ready — excited — to get back to baseball.
Baltimore Orioles pitching coach Chris Holt watches as starting pitcher John Means (47) pitches in the bullpen before a baseball game against the St. Louis Cardinals on Tuesday, Sept. 12, 2023.
Chris Holt leaves role as Orioles’ director of pitching
Forrest Herrmann, a minor league pitching coordinator, will take over as Baltimore’s director of pitching.
BALTIMORE, MARYLAND - APRIL 15:  Cedric Mullins #31 of the Baltimore Orioles catches a fly ball hit byByron Buxton #25 if the Minnesota Twins in the first inning during a baseball game at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 15, 2024 in Baltimore, Maryland.  All players are wearing the number 42 in honor of Jackie Robinson Day.  (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
Cedric Mullins wows in center field. Was he a Gold Glove snub?
Throughout Mullins’ career, manager Brandon Hyde has lauded the center fielder for his Gold Glove-caliber defense. So why wasn't he a finalist this year? Let's look at the numbers.
DENVER, COLORADO - AUGUST 10: Max Fried #54 of the Atlanta Braves looks on from the dugout in a game against the Colorado Rockies in the first inning at Coors Field on August 10, 2024 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
Let’s assume the Orioles will lose Corbin Burnes in free agency. Here’s how they could replace him.
If Burnes departs, there will be a massive hole in the rotation. The Orioles could fill it through free agency, a trade or an internal option.
Orioles President of Business Operations Catie Griggs speaks with the media at Oriole Park at Camden Yards (Sept. 4, 2024).
Catie Griggs is reshaping the business side of the Orioles with this approach
As Griggs oversees the health of the organization, she realizes the prices, food and overall ballpark experience play as much of a role in bringing fans downtown.
Relief pitcher Cionel Pérez (58) is pulled from the game by head trainer Brian Ebel (middle) against the Los Angeles Angels.
Orioles head athletic trainer Brian Ebel is leaving organization after four decades
Ebel joined Baltimore as a minor league trainer but spent 28 of his 40 years as part of the major league staff.

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