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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

Baltimore Orioles pitcher Corbin Burnes (39) reacts after throwing a pitch during a game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Camden Yards in Baltimore on September 8, 2024.
Corbin Burnes, Anthony Santander reject Orioles’ qualifying offers
By declining the qualifying offer, Burnes and Santander don’t close the door on a return to Baltimore.
Baltimore Orioles outfielder Colton Cowser (17) speaks with teammates in the dugout during a game against the Chicago White Sox at Camden Yards in Baltimore on September 3, 2024.
Colton Cowser is thoroughly ‘goofy.’ And that explains his rise.
The Orioles’ outfielder is a finalist for American League Rookie of the Year, which will be awarded Monday night.
Parts of the left-field wall at Oriole Park will be moved in nine to 20 feet.
After moving it back, the Orioles plan to bring left-field wall in
The move comes after the baseball operations department realized the wall had become something of a “distraction” for hitters, particularly right-handed batters.
Cal Ripken Jr. played his entire career, from 1981 to 2001, with the Orioles.
Cal Ripken Jr. says a player can find ‘intangible values’ in staying with one franchise
Although he did not say the names Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman, it felt as though it was a thinly veiled speech directed at two of Baltimore’s young, homegrown stars.
The Orioles continue to make changes to their staff of hitting coaches.
Orioles promote Sherman Johnson to major league hitting staff
Johnson worked with several of the Orioles' top prospects, such as infielder Coby Mayo. He also spent time in Baltimore occasionally as a guest coach.
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.

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