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Jon Meoli: The value the ‘middle children’ of the Orioles’ rebuild still bring
They are some combination of overlooked and undervalued, but they’re reliable and now experienced contributors to a team that has perennial playoff aspirations.
Baltimore Orioles first base Ryan Mountcastle (6) smiles after singling and scoring a teammate during a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Camden Yards on July 29, 2024.
Jon Meoli: Coby Mayo is right that returning to Triple-A has its pitfalls. There’s upside, too.
Without any kind of place for Mayo on the Orioles’ opening day roster, this feels a lot more like a case of delayed gratification than grave misjustice.
Coby Mayo plays first base in a Grapefruit League game against the Detroit Tigers last month. He is learning that position after spending most of his time in the minors at third base.
Inside the Dugout: Early returns from the Orioles’ offseason signings
It seems like at least where the Orioles’ free agent additions are concerned, things are largely going according to plan.
Orioles pitcher Charlie Morton takes the field with catcher Adley Rutschman ahead of a Grapefruit League game against the Detroit Tigers.
Inside the Dugout: Revisiting the Orioles’ starting rotation
There‘s a lot to consider as the Orioles prepare to open the season without Grayson Rodriguez.
Grayson Rodriguez throws a bullpen session during Spring Training at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, Florida.
Jon Meoli: Dean Kremer knows what he brings to the Orioles’ rotation. And they’re going to need it.
It shouldn’t take a crisis, real or perceived, for the value of someone like Kremer to be apparent.
Pitcher Dean Kremer was one of the key players the Orioles received in the trade for Manny Machado that signaled the start of the team's rebuilding process.
Jon Meoli: Fighting the urge to worry about the Orioles’ spring injuries
I just have a feeling that this is going to be a wall-of-worry situation, where the obstacles and reasons for the Orioles to falter keep piling up and they push higher anyway.
The success of the Orioles’ season will depend a great deal on Gunnar Henderson, who is out with an intercostal strain during spring training.
Inside the Dugout: Will Gunnar Henderson get even better?
The forecasts are for Henderson to be in the same neighborhood as last year in some senses, but not all.
Baltimore Orioles shortstop Gunnar Henderson (2) returns to the dugout after flying out during a Grapefruit League game against the Detroit Tigers at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, Fla. on Tuesday, Feb. 25, 2025.
Jon Meoli: Enrique Bradfield Jr. took advantage of his time in major league camp in a unique way
Bradfield spent time with Jordan Westburg and Terrin Vavra soaking in what was essentially an infielder’s cheat sheet on the best and worst places hitters can bunt, depending on their positioning.
Elite speed gives Orioles prospect Enrique Bradfield Jr. opportunities to do things other players cannot.
Jon Meoli: Nate Webb’s journey to the mound for the Orioles was long. His family saw firsthand.
“Any day with a uniform, I still have a chance,” Webb said. “That’s just my goal: to keep that uniform for as long as possible.”
Jessie Webb and her 4-month-old son, Jonah, watch her husband, Orioles pitcher Nate Webb, throw a live bullpen session during spring training in Sarasota, Fla.
Inside the Dugout: What the fun vibe in Sarasota says about the Orioles’ culture
This team is uniquely charming and charmingly unique.
Young Baltimore Orioles fans beg for autographs ahead of a Grapefruit League game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, Fla., last week.
Jon Meoli: The Orioles protected 3 unique pitchers this winter. Here’s their catcher’s perspective.
Catcher Maverick Handley, right, during spring training last season, likes what he sees from three pitchers the Orioles protected over the offseason.
Jon Meoli: The scene at Orioles pitcher Tomoyuki Sugano’s first live bullpen session
“I wanted to communicate with the catcher, and I was able to do so with Adley,” Sugano said.
Orioles right-hander Tomoyuki Sugano speaks with interpreter Yuto Sakurai after his first bullpen of spring training.
Inside the Dugout: What I’m watching at Orioles spring training
It’s a moment in time, yes, and one that mostly separates the offseason from the playing season.
Baltimore Orioles outfielders leave the main field during Spring Training at Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, Fla. on Tuesday.
Jon Meoli: David Rubenstein still believes the Orioles can win Mike Elias’ way
The question this season will beg is, will the ownership group think the front office’s approach is enough to win? So far, it seems so.
Baltimore Orioles owner David Rubenstein speaks with guests visiting Ed Smith Stadium during spring training in Sarasota, Florida, on Monday.
Jon Meoli: If the Orioles’ offseason is done, what should we make of it?
The Orioles could have an All-Star-caliber performer at every position on the infield, catcher included, and have more outfielders than they’ll know what to do with. The bullpen is full of experience. We’re really just talking about a rotation that has plenty of capable participants and no true ace.
Mike Elias and the front office signed seven major league free agents and are carrying a payroll near $160 million entering camp. But the Orioles still lack an ace.
Inside the Dugout: We may have a drama-free spring training
Saying this has the makings of a drama-free camp out loud probably ensures that won’t be the case, but I’m quite looking forward to the possibility of it.  
Baltimore Orioles pitcher Grayson Rodriguez (30) delivers a pitch during a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Camden Yards on July 31, 2024.
Orioles announce $21 million player development facility in Sarasota featuring hitting, pitching labs
Once spring training is complete, the Orioles will begin work on the 42,500-square-foot facility.
The Orioles are planning to build a player development complex at the Ed Smith Stadium Complex in Sarasota, Florida, with the approximately $23 million facility to feature a hitting lab and pitching lab for major leaguers and minor leaguers to utilize.
Jon Meoli: What are the Orioles trying to do with all these outfielders?
With Colton Cowser, Cedric Mullins, Tyler O’Neill, Heston Kjerstad, Ramón Laureano and Dylan Carlson, you have a reasonably priced group of outfielders you can deploy in favorable matchups as Brandon Hyde, his staff and the front office deem fit.
Colton Cowser celebrates his three-run home run against the Los Angeles Dodgers with Cedric Mullins.
Inside the Dugout: What stood out at the Birdland Caravan
I didn’t learn a lot this past weekend at the handful of Birdland Caravan events I went to, but the takeaway was meaningful.
Cedric Mullins celebrates with teammates at home plate after hitting the game-winning two-run home run against the Minnesota Twins.
Jon Meoli: It’s been a year of change, as promised, since David Rubenstein’s Orioles takeover
Orioles owner David Rubenstein adjusts his jersey on the field at Camden Yards on opening day.
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