Should Orioles sign Scherzer and Verlander? | MAILBAG

Question: Why wouldn’t the O’s grab both Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander since they could both be available on short-term deals at an affordable price?  It seems like a low-risk but possibly high-reward strategy. From: Glenn Fuller, Laurel, Maryland

Answer: Glenn, I think it’s possible that they add either Scherzer or Verlander, but not both.

Both haven’t been able to pitch complete seasons in recent years, and it’s unlikely they’ll be able to do so in 2025. Scherzer will turn 41 in July, and Verlander 42 early in spring training.

It would be hard to juggle two future Hall of Famers who couldn’t be counted on to take regular turns in the rotation. You could do that with one, but not two.

Question: Help me understand the role of the minority owners. Are they investors and, therefore, receive financial gains, or do they do it for celebrity status? Can a minority owner such as Michael Bloomberg, with huge wealth help to sign free agents? From: Carlos Vasquez

Answer: Carlos, that’s an interesting question. The Orioles list many  “additional owners” on their website. Bloomberg, former NBA star Grant Hill, Cal Ripken Jr. and former Baltimore mayor Kurt Schmoke are the most well-known to the public. The others are not public figures.

Minority owners usually invest because they want to feel that they’re a part of a team. In Bloomberg’s case, he’s not known as an avid sports fan, but Baltimore is important to him because of his generous donations to Johns Hopkins University’s School of Public Health.

While Bloomberg could use some of his fortune to secure free agents, I can’t see that happening.

Most weekdays, I’ll be answering at least one Orioles question. If you’d like to submit a question, send it to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com. Questions may be edited for clarity, length and style.