Six weeks from now, spring training is scheduled to begin in Sarasota, Florida. Here’s hoping the Major League Baseball lockout ends before then, and the Orioles can begin to prepare for the 2022 season.
If the lockout ends a month from now, a normal six-week spring training would still be possible. There’s been speculation, though, that even if there’s a delay of a few weeks, the regular season that is scheduled to begin on March 31st will start on time.
A shortened spring training likely will affect how the Orioles approach it. Let’s consider the possible impact.
Seeking good stories
One of the most interesting parts of a six-week spring training is the 10 or 11 days between the time pitchers and catchers report and the first game.
That’s the time to get to know some of the Orioles’ new players, although some appear to have little chance of making Orioles’ Opening Day roster.
Many of the lesser-known players of 2021 — pitchers Jay Flaa, Conner Greene, Eric Hanhold, Mickey Jannis, Dusten Knight, Spenser Watkins and Konner Wade and catcher Nick Ciuffo — didn’t begin the season with the Orioles but spent time with them during the season.
Some had interesting stories, and during a normal spring training, they have time to get in some early spring games. Former Orioles manager Buck Showalter used to tell those players in spring training: “The innings are going away.”
In a month of spring training games, there are plenty of innings to fill in Grapefruit League action. But once the starters pitch and play extended innings, there are fewer opportunities—unless a player stands out. In a three-week spring training, the emphasis would be on getting veterans ready to play rather than looking at non-roster players new to the organization.
Watkins will be back in spring training on a minor league contract. So will Travis Lakins, who had elbow surgery last July, and Marcos Diplán, both of whom were removed from the 40-man roster. Lakins was outrighted to Triple-A Norfolk, and Diplán was signed to a minor league contract.
Allowing the kids to play
A typical long spring training would allow plenty of time for the team to look at Orioles of the future.
Grayson Rodriguez, the top pitching prospect in minor league baseball, has never thrown in major league spring training, and the Orioles would like to get a look at him because he’s expected to be recalled later in the season.
DL Hall, who’s rated just behind Rodriguez on the prospect list and is on the 40-man roster for the first time, needs to be seen as well.
Infielders Gunnar Henderson and Jordan Westburg won’t begin the season with the Orioles, but both were in spring training last season. A shortened spring training would mean fewer looks at them.
The Orioles would also like to look at outfielder Kyle Stowers, who began 2021 at High-A Aberdeen and ended it at Triple-A Norfolk.
As for catcher Adley Rutschman, he’ll get all the innings he needs because he’ll either begin the season with the team or spend a short time at Norfolk before coming to the Orioles. Rutschman has been in major league spring training in 2020 and 2021.
Observing the rotation
With only John Means and the soon-to-be signed Jordan Lyles assured of rotation spots, a long spring training would allow manager Brandon Hyde time to look at the younger contenders for the rotation.
Last spring, left-hander Bruce Zimmermann pitched his way onto the team, and left-hander Keegan Akin pitched his way off it, though Akin appeared in 24 games.
Akin, Zimmermann, Mike Baumann, Dean Kremer, Zac Lowther and Alexander Wells need long looks. So do Hall, Rodriguez, Kyle Bradish and Kevin Smith.
Bradish and Smith started at Double-A Bowie and Norfolk last year and are on the 40-man roster. Both could pitch for the Orioles in 2022.
Although the Orioles could pitch some of these starters in minor league or “B” games, a six-week spring training would be beneficial.
Changing plans
It wouldn’t be ideal to have a third consecutive spring training that’s not played as originally scheduled.
In 2020, spring training ended early because of the pandemic. Last year, the schedule was shortened and crowds were severely limited.
Many fans had hoped for a normal spring training in 2022, but the lockout could force them to cancel trips to Florida, hurting hotels and restaurants dependent on tourism.
Even if the lockout ends in time for spring training to begin on February 15th, health and safety protocols in this ever-changing environment must be negotiated.
In some sports, Zoom-only access has resumed. Others are allowing interview rooms, but not locker room access. In a best-case scenario, at least some in-person access should be allowed.
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I was planning to travel to Florida to see 10 days worth of spring training Orioles games. Those plans are canceled! The lockout affects the fans as well as players. The owners are stupid. They are ruining their product.
Not really caring about spring this year. The team doesn't seem to be, why should I?
This league stinks. And if you're a fan of the O's, the stench is getting to be unbearable. Thank you Mike Elias.
Ken Rosenthal fired from MLB for criticizing Manfred?
Fight censorship. It's everywhere. Drink Pepsi.
Coca Cola over Pepsi any day, but on this one I'm with you ... Rosenthal has been a top notch reporter/columnist since his days at the Baltimore Evening Sun, and his firing by MLB Network is rotten.
I’ve always had a neutral opinion on Rosenthal. However, if he is criticizing commissioner Man Child, he’s earned my respect.
Although I've always thought highly of Rosenthal, I agree with BirdsCaps in that smack dab of the middle of this cancel culture or ours, he's earned a bit more respect. Call it what you want ... chutzpah ... sand ... fearlessness or foolhardy ... but Kenny Rosenthal has always called 'em like he sees 'em. I think the word I'd use is 'integrity'.
I know Rosenthal was tenured and respected but am not aware of much else about him. I have neither the time nor the desire to follow him closely.
What’s critical to me is whether or not he got canned as a direct result of criticism directed toward Selig/MLB.
All I read about his termination are the little blurbs I get on my newsfeed, and they read rather predictably from both sides of the spectrum. He thanks them for his time on the job and the opportunity, they respond with similar platitudes. It’s all wallpaper.
However, if Rosenthal actually got the knife if, and only if because he spoke his mind about Selig/MLB, then I’m sickened by that and disgusted with MLB.
Sorry; meant Manfred, not Selig…..
Hope akin has a good spring but who knows if he’s ready with his recovery. Last year he had a golden opportunity and blew it. Smith needs to fix whatever caused him to start walking guys in triple a so hopefully he uses his spring wisely. Bradish and Rodriguez should be up quickly if they get off to good starts. No one worth wild is blocking them.
Rich, thanks for your insights on 2022 season and the importance of a full ST. Will ST start on time just for minor leaguers? Is it even possible? If not, why not?
Minor league spring training will start on time. I wouldn’t think major league spring training for non-40 roster guys will happen.
I don't know, Rich, with the lockout and virus restrictions, whether you'll be able to give us your baseball reports.
But since Florida reportedly has more reasonable restrictions than most places, I hope you'll bring us up to date on your restaurant reviews.
There will be reports, Will. There were reports last year remotely. Who knows his things will be in six weeks? There may be more takeout than usual, though.
I would like to go to ST this year, never been. I don’t think it’s going to happen at this point because of work obligations. We shall see. I hope MLB does the right thing though and settles this before it affects next season.
Hope to see you in Sarasota. It is a fun trip.
Going to Ed Smith for spring training has been on my “to do” list for years. Now that I am in a position to be able to take such a trip, we have the CBA issue and Covid induced airline travel anxiety. I will stand down and avoid the entire imbroglio.
Next year, I reckon.
Look forward to seeing you there, Marty.
They should be at the table trying to coble the new CBA together. For e every week this is a dormant, stagnant issue, I will be a dormant stagnant fan. No games, no TV, no merchandise. Right now the owners and players have ZERO reason to negotiate. What are they losing while the sit and resist coming together in agreement? Nothing, besides a few fans. How is that for feeling valued?
Join the party! Ken Rosenthal for Commissioner!
Rich, a spring training trip has been on my bucket list for a while now. Obviously there’s no way of knowing when covid restrictions will ever end (I an optimistic they will end someday) but when that happens I’m wondering if you have any good tips on when to go, where to stay and other things to do. I know I’d definitely take my clubs and play some golf. Perhaps this is a question for your next mailbag.
Dave, I will be writing an entire post on things to do in Sarasota. I didn’t write it last year because I didn’t go to spring training.
Thanks, I’ll be looking forward to it.
You mean Ken Knows It All got dissed? Whatever.
Nice mature "Whatever" Nellie. Waiting for a nice "anyways" next. Those are awesome!
I hope the O's ownership will wake up and realize they need to tell Elias the waiting period is over, it's time to win now, or they should fire him. The secret sauce is a myth, it ain't working at the plate or on the mound, and it never will. #FireEliasNow, make it trend! I recommend a nice kambacha or apple cider vinegar over Pepsi, but stay hydrated folks!
This is the make it or break it year for Mike Elias. As a season ticket holder I’m sick and tired of wasting money on this team. The orioles have to improve by at least 11 games or this season is a failure. NO MORE 100-loss seasons!!
Thoughts?
Totally agree, must be some accountability…go O’s…
Today, a friend of mine delivered the funniest line I’ve heard this winter about our offense. “I’m not worried… Home Depot is a great place to find hitting coaches.”