Two of the most intriguing prospects in the Orioles’ system are in their summer training player pool. To the disappointment of many fans, catcher Adley Rutschman and infielder/outfielder Ryan Mountcastle aren’t going to begin the 60-game 2020 season with the Orioles.
There was never any chance that Rutschman, last year’s overall top draft choice, was going to play for the Orioles this year. Despite a stellar collegiate record at Oregon State, Rutschman, 22, has played just 37 professional games and was added to the major league camp to learn as much as he could.
Rutschman and Mountcastle will be going to the Orioles’ alternate camp at Bowie, which opens on Thursday.
Both were added to the Orioles’ 60-man player pool last week and have played in intrasquad games.
“I want to be playing,” Rutschman said during a video conference call on Monday.
“The biggest thing for me is getting live at-bats and trying to improve as much as I can right now without that adrenaline and getting the juices flowing. Right now, being at Camden Yards, getting to hit on a big league field, there’s definitely adrenaline going on right now.”
Rutschman had been to the ballpark when he signed but this was his first time in an Orioles uniform.
“When you get on a big league field for the first time and you’re hitting off some of the big league guys, it’s definitely an adrenaline rush for me, being my first time here.
“Being able to stand in in the box, see big league arms, take it in for the first time, it’s something you never get back. It reminds you of the first time I stood in at the College World Series, the first time I stood in at a college stadium with the [Oregon State] Beavers.”
Had the season started on time, Rutschman might have started the season at High-A Frederick and possibly moved on to Double-A Bowie, but there was no chance he was going to play for the Orioles this year.
“You never get that first time back,” Rutschman said. “I’m just hoping there’s going to be another first time at every single stadium whenever that is, just to have that first feeling, it’s unbelievable. It’s so exciting.”
Manager Brandon Hyde doesn’t want to mislead fans who want to see Rutschman with the Orioles without much minor league experience.
“It’s Adley Rutschman’s first full year, and he’s not even getting it,” Hyde said. “That’s got to be a loss in development time, so I’m not going to speculate on when he’s going to make his major league debut or when that’s going to be.”
Mountcastle, 23, hoped to begin 2020 with the Orioles, but the team said it was sending him down to try to master left field, another new position. He has been an infielder.
“I think he had a good year in Triple-A last year [25 home runs, 83 RBIs and a .312 average] and put himself on the map to compete for a job this year,” Hyde said. “He just needs the reps defensively. We moved him around quite a bit. Trying to get him comfortable in left field. He looks a lot better. I like the work he’s been putting in out there, and doing a nice job. I think he’s close.”
Mountcastle acknowledged that he was disappointednot be included on the first list of players to be sent to Camden Yards for training.
“They communicated with me, I think, right before all the names came out, and said I was going to the alternate site,” Mountcastle said. “A little upset, but at the end of the day, they sent me down to Triple-A in the spring.”
Mountcastle was named the Orioles’ top position player in the minor leagues last year as well as the International League’s Most Valuable Player.
Drafted in 2015, Mountcastle has played at each minor league level and is looking to make his major league debut in 2020
“That’s what I’m working towards,” Mountcastle said. “I really hope I get a shot this year, and I’m going to keep working hard to make that dream come true.
“I worked my butt off my entire life just to be a big leaguer, and I want to be able to be up there and help the team win. I think I bring enough to the table to do that, and I hope I get that call this year.”
Mountcastle was able to work out near his Central Florida home during the shutdown that began on March 12 because of Covid-19. Rutschman used the time to participate in some of the Zoom meetings for Orioles minor league players.
Rutschman took some yoga lessons, meditation classes, participated in the team’s book club and even brushed up on his cooking. He enjoyed the healthy options, including baked salmon and pesto chicken.
Most of all, though, he’s enjoying the taste of major league life—even for a few days.
“Just the opportunity to be at a big league ballpark with big league guys, much like at spring training,” Rutschman said. “It’s a tremendous learning opportunity, just being able to be with all the coaches. From a catching standpoint, catching big league pitchers, seeing what they like to do. It’s all been beneficial.”
Intrasquad recap: Tommy Milone pitched five scoreless innings as the orange jersey Orioles beat the white jersey Orioles, 3-0, on Monday night.
Chris Davis, who singled through the infield shift, scored the first run after Renato Nunez singled him to third and DJ Stewart hit into a double play.
The run was scored against Thomas Eshelman, who pitched five innings.
In the sixth, Hector Velázquez allowed a double by centerfielder Austin Hays and a triple by shortstop José Iglesias. The ball was misplayed by Mountcastle in left, who slipped trying to play it. Davis’ single to left scored Iglesias.
Paul Fry pitched the sixth inning in relief of Milone.
Three major league umpires worked the game.
Roster moves: The Orioles added right-handed pitcher Dean Kremer to their player pool. He’ll report to the alternate site in Bowie. Right-hander Hector Velazquez has been optioned to the Bowie alternate site. Infirlder Richie Martin, who will undergo surgery on Wednesday to repair a broken bone in his right wrist, has been placed on the 60-day injured list and removed from the player pool, which now stands at 53.
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I understand mostly what they’re doing w/Rutschman, honestly think they’re just pissing Mountcastle off, if he turns into an above average MLBer, when his time w/O’s is up I’d guess he’s outta there, scary that Rutschman is seeing how they treat him, love to be a fly on the wall when they talk in minor league camp, very complimentary of Hyde to say Rutschman doesn’t even get it...wow...go O’s...
No, Ray. Hyde was saying Rutschman didn’t get his first full pro season, not that he didn’t get pro ball.
I had to read that quote twice going through the article because my initial take was the same as CP's. Very poorly worded by Hyde and I understand how it could be interpreted wrong.
they are building up so much resentment in Mountcastle that when he finally hits free agency there is 0% chance he resigns with orioles. hyde says he had a good year in AAA lol. he won the damn MVP. new gm in elias but it's still run by a no baseball sense Angelos family
Why burn one of his years on a meaningless 60 game season?
Why? So that maybe we could at least pretend to be a major league team?
I wouldn't worry too much about Mountcastle's resentment. How many MLB free agents ever end up staying with a team out of hometown loyalty? Not many. When they become free agents, players almost always make a business decision, taking the best available offer. And that's what the Orioles are doing here, making a business decision about Mountcastle - they would rather have him under team control for an extra year down the road.
Ryan needs to be able to adequately play a skill position in order to launch a successful ML career.
Teams DO NOT groom rookie Designated Hitters. He knows that and the Orioles know that.
Did Griffey Jr end up in pinstripes?...go O’s...
Do we really think that Mountcastle is ready? No position,K's a little too much. BUT the way the O's OF depth is more lean than originally thought his track to the Majors may be speeding up. Speaking of OFers why is Yusniel Diaz never talked about? Is his ship sailing?
I think he's ready. He thinks he's ready. Most likely can play left at least as well as Trey did .. and if he really doesn't have a position, there's this thing called a DH. Oh wait...we wouldn't want to displace Renato Nunez would we?
But hey Al...I'm with you on the Diaz question.
Ryan needs to be able to adequately play a skill position in order to launch a successful ML career.
Teams DO NOT groom rookie Designated Hitters. He knows that and the Orioles know that.
Like I said, he should be able to play left field as well as Trey Mancini did. As far as 'grooming' a rookie DH ... there's a first time for everything. If you can hit .300 and put up 30+ taters, there's room on any MLB team for you.
Mountcastle misplayed a ball hit to him in left field in the intrasquad game just today! When he masters a position or at least doesn't cost them losses like today's game for example, then he will be brought up. By his words, he knows this and his hunger for moving up to the majors will hopefully make him stride to become a gold glove left fielder! And then the Ken Griffey comparisons can begin! Optimistic attitude is a must here. All my fellow optimistic Oriole fans want him to be ready and be at his best when he is brought up and not burn away major league service time like they did and are doing with Sisco kid. All for the pessimistic downers, there's always Tiger or Marlin fans needed.
OK Onesy. Please go away.
One more thing dummy .... you don't "stride" to do anything ... the word is "strive". Maybe your 8th grade education is showing here?
I see no problem putting the rookie Mountcastle at DH. When Eddie Murray came up, he started off as the DH, with Lee May at first base. Look how Murray's career turned out.
Read the whole thing, didn’t compare him to Griffey Jr, that conversation was about free agency & other things, believe me, he isn’t Jr...go O’s...
Wasn't responding to you on Ken Griffey Jr but hoping he strides to be him and if he comes up a little short then what a player he'll be. And as far as BRR is concerned - You keep bringing the rain and I'll keep being the parade!
Hometown loyalty...go O’s...
Mountcastle, Mountcastle! Going around in circles with the guy, it seems like forever. It's easy to find out if he's ready for the Bigs, if someone has the guts. Put him up for the Rule 5 draft and see if another team bites. Then see if he lasts a year and what kind of year he has.
Another subject. Thanks, Rich, for mentioning the umpiring situation. Can you expand a little on that?
The umpires haven’t worked in four months. They need some reps and are working a few intrasquads.
You put Mountcastle in the Rule 5 draft he is gone before you finish typing his name.
Exactly, Ban. I hope we agree that consulting the market can be a good way to settle arguments of value.
Not following this logic at all, so I see the Elias similarities...go O’s...
Why do we have to wait on Mountcastle's arrival? Better yet ... why does HE have to wait on his arrival?
Managements answer: So that he can "master left field"? It's left-freakin-field for crying out out. C'mon Mikey .... if a guy hasn't mastered playing left field by the sixth grade, he should have found another profession long ago.
I'm starting to think that the boy genius is already in Tank Mode. Enough is enough. Play your best players. Reward production.
Boog, we’ve been saying play your best players long as I can remember...tank mode is in full force...no season this year & we’ll lose a position w/draft picks...speculation on my part, but if we have no season no seemed to know where the O’s would pick...Seattle is talking about possibly bringing up their 20 yr old OF...go O’s...
Each
Loss
Is
Always
Special
Nice. Now do one for "Mountcastle."
I must confess: I am so dumb that I have no idea whether he is MLB ready. Nor do I care all that much. And I have absolutely no idea what his marketability and attitude towards the O's will be when he is eligible for free agency...assuming he is still on the roster.
BRR - It's all about service time. MLB and Union just agreed on how the partial season will work. After 5-10 games, RM will be with O's. I think the CBA needs a lot of changes, including this service time rule, but arbitration and FA rules need to change too. There has to be a way to pay bonuses for out performing the contract; there has to be a way for players who underperform to be at risk against a full gurantee. For now, it is what it is. O's can't risk a full year of RM, for him to play in 10 more games this year.
I understand the thinking, but another train of thought is that when his contract is up, pay him to stay home. If you can't afford the price of running a franchise, sell it to someone who can. And don't blame the size of the Baltimore market either.
If you can’t pay big league $ then you shouldn’t own a team, black & white...go O’s...
Here here!
Since when is he one of the best? His MINOR LEAGUE numbers proves he's the best? You also said the same thing about Sisco kid who seems to be another of your "bring him up and play your best" and he's riding the bench as his service time dwindles away. Nice call btw, glad you're not running things. And as far as your reference to playing left field in the 6th grade and the major leagues is no different, this only shows how little you know about baseball, period. And if you want me to go away, why don't you come and make me.
Hey Dipstick....he was the International League AAA MVP last year. He's not one of our the best?
Good thing YOU'RE not running things you dolt. All you ever do is cut & paste other peoples words from around the internet. You've never offered on original thought of your own on this site.
And if you can't pick up on a little literary accentuation (left field 6th grade reference) you're even slower than I give you credit for. Go post your own stuff and get of my back you back woods mamas boy. And get out of her basement. She told me she's tired of you last night.
And as far as you being a professional scout in the past, and personally knowing the real Brooks and Boog ... you are simply a stinking liar. A real scout would realize that 300 at bats isn't enough to judge a talent like Sisco. And if you haven't noticed, he's not riding the bench.
Come and make you? Are you 12 years old?
Take that big foam finger of yours and go away little boy.
Your a real tough guy over the internet azzh0le. Just as I suspected. And I also know he wasn't the International league AAA MVP for his fielding!!! Moron!!! And I don't cut and paste anyone else's words you clueless bastard. All you do is b1ch and complain you old bastard! Give us all a break and become a Rangers fan and give them all your stupid ideas! And as far as Brooks and Boog Powell, I never said I knew them but I do have their autographs and they both met me so kizz my azz!!! And back woods you moron I live in NY and I'll quote someone for you 'If I can make it there, then I can make it anywhere'!!! And I own 2 homes and 3 brand new cars far from anyone's basement. All this from being a hard worker and go getter, you fat azz know nothing!!! Sisco doesn't start which makes him a backup!!! Idiot!!! Not playing your best!!! Moron!!! Which you were crying for to be brought up!!! Moron!!! And stride was a spell check error. Jerkoff!!! So take a deep breath you blow hard!!!
Tough guy? I'm not the one challenging someone to "come make me". And you DID say you met the guys and knew them. You're a liar. You were never a scout for anyone and you never offer any ideas of your own.
PS ...I believe you used STRIDE on purpose. It's a common literary mistake among the less educated. And your writing almost always stinks. And I'm not talking typos and misspellings. You're on a 6th grade writing level. You never ever offer anything on your own. All you do is comment, cut & paste, and post links to back up your arguments.
And another thing...you do this all the time...and I've called you for it before ...and sometimes you get it right. But once again, you misuse a word. Look at your 1st sentence in this last response. IT'S YOU'RE not "your" when the intent is "Your are". 8th grade may be giving you too much credit.
Go ahead ... use more profanity ... it's indicative of your character. Time for din-din....I hear your mama calling.
Onesy should be banned from this site, no one cares about the fantasy world you live, have you noticed we have all disagreed w/one another, that’s what opinions do, you attack people & talk about your living arrangements & girlfriend, good lord, no one cares but you...go to a Yankees site...go O’s...
Disagreements are one thing. Name calling from your pal is another. And there's no fantasy here. The real deal.
make great, rapid, etc. ˈstrides (in something/in doing something) improve quickly or make fast progress (in something/in doing something): Ann’s made huge strides in her piano-playing. ♢ Tom has made enormous strides at school this year.
So your 6th grade education is showing.
I love it when someone can't admit they're wrong, even when proven so.
Those examples you gave are not at all the way you used the word stride. Trying to cover up your ignorance are you? Here is what you said "will hopefully make him stride to become a gold glove left fielder!" The proper word in this sentence would be "strive: ... or to try. BANG!
The word stride is totally out of context is that sentence. Ask any 3rd grade English teacher. Admit when you are wrong.
As far as the name calling, you started it last year. I've never called you a "bit##" or and AZZHo##. I've never used profanity. YOU are the one that started the name calling. YOU are the one that actually wanted to fight me last year, and you challenged me again. How childish can a man be?
Last I checked, International League MVP is/was for all round play, didn’t realize it was for his defensive skills...go O’s...
You're kidding yourself if you think he won this award for his all around play. His hitting outshined everyone else which won him this award. Not bouncing around the field trying to find a defensive home for him.
So stinking what? He was the MVP. Does this not say something about how good he is? Scout ..... bwaahahaaaahahhaaaaa. You're no scout. You are very simply a liar. And of all the names I've called you today ... that is the very worst. Liar...and you know you are. We both know you are. Go to sleep thinking about that tonight and try to do better tomorrow. Grow up man.
More cut & paste...go O’s...
More proving someone wrong! Go O's
You didn't prove anybody wrong.
ESPN puts together 2020 “All-Star” teams following same rules as MLB, they pick Givens & then ask if anyone has a better choice...wow...how low have we sunk...go O’s...
I was thinking the same thing. Where is Diaz in this equation. Are we gearing up for the joke of Stevie again as the fourth outfielder. Hyde unfortunately is another Buck when it comes to making quotes that seemingly made no sense
Puig signs w/Braves...our youngens are better off w/out that clown influencing them...go O’s...
Having seen all the back and forth arguments over Mountcastle we are forgetting one thing-he hasn’t been sent down yet. With the Opening Day roster set at 30 for 2 weeks could actually make the team to start. Mancini out, Dwight Smith Jr. yet to appear in camp, Santander may not be ready Opening Day. They may not want to add Mason Williams to the 40 man roster right away. So Mountcastle could make the team after all. If they are concerned about his service time, they can send him down when the roster shrinks to 28. Outside of Hays they don’t have a right handed hitting outfielder. So all the arguing and name calling could be for naught
Big thumbs up......
RICH: Please consider having someone screen future submissions so as to spare us more of the kind of ugly and voluminous insults appearing in several of the exchanges posted above (and on at least one earlier occasion, in June). The subjective baseball skills of young Mr. Mountcastle are not, IMHO, of huge importance. If differences of opinion on this middling issue can trigger a major loss of civility and a large outpouring of invective, we can anticipate more of the same in the future--not something appropriate for THIS website.
I apologize WorldyView....but this guy has done nothing but personally insult me for the past 2 seasons. I've never been vulgar, and I've never had an issue with anyone on this site until recently. And I've been on this site since the 1st day of it's existence. March 31, 2016.
Again, I apologize to everyone for lowering myself lately. No excuse, I should have simply been mature enough to ignore the attacks.
Sincerely,
Ken H.
KH: I think most of us are very stressed out. It's not easy dealing with a spreading pandemic and the threats of irreparable harm to our Constitution and the U.S.'s position in the world. I try very hard to deal with the increasingly frequent instances of being on the verge of losing my cool. I wish I were optimistic that things will get better in the short-term, but I am not. That's why I want to protect this website as one of my few refuges from the horror show brewing outside my window.
I have no excuses. I/m not stressed. I'm simply tired of being attacked by someone who's sole existence on this site seems to be belittling me. I childishly responded. I've asked this guy nicely to back off, but he just doesn't. I was hoping that I could embarrass him into leaving me alone. It hasn't seemed to work.
Like I've said, I've been on this site since year one, day one. I've posted so many times, that sometimes I feel like it's my site! Never, ever have I had this problem before with anyone else. Well except that one time 3 years ago when I did make Stacey mad by insulting Machado. BTW....Stacey, if you're still out there, we all miss you here at BB.com ... come back! I admit it, Machado rules!!
I promise, I won't contribute to this foolishness anymore. I'm ashamed I ever did.
Thank you for calling me on it.
Boog Robinson Robinson
WorldlyView: my apologies for lowering myself to a certain person that has instigated this whole thing from my very first post. He and his pal called me names like "Mikey" in reference to Mike Elias, then even questioned that I was him because of my upbeat attitude for the job he's been doing. "Scout", when I said I scouted pitcher Emerson Hancock which I did. "Onesy" in my reference to John Means preferred nickname, mommas boy and now a liar among others. A guy can only take so much. I tried to reach out the olive branch recently only to have this continue. Again, my apologies, I had my mom pass away and still having an issue with dealing with it. The mommas boy kind of set me off. But no excuses, you are correct on trying to keep this site as a refuge, I should and will ignore him going forward.
No liar here!!! You're the liar!!! Drop the "him" which I couldn't see that I wrote since it rolled off my screen on my phone and it makes all the sense in the world. "will hopefully make stride to become a gold glove left fielder!" You're a instigator and a liar and keep your stupid crap to yourself. You started all this from my first post and now you're lying about it!!!
Rich: Another example of why screening should be initiated.
Someone needs to take their meds...go O’s...