How can any fan be happy with Orioles’ offseason moves? | MAILBAG

Question: How can any fan be happy with the Orioles’ offseason? Didn’t sign anyone that will put more fans in the seats. Comment about that. From: Tim Lee 

Answer: Tim, the object isn’t to “win” the offseason. It’s to win in the regular season and, yes, while the Orioles have signed free-agent starters Charlie Morton and Tomoyuki Sugano, reliever Andrew Kittredge. catcher Gary Sánchez and outfielder Tyler O’Neill, those additions didn’t get the fanbase juiced.

If the Orioles had re-signed Corbin Burnes and/or Anthony Santander, would that have excited the fanbase? Other than signing Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki or slugger Juan Soto, I don’t think there was a headline-grabbing signing to be made.

I think winning will put fans in the stands, and judging the team’s prospects by their offseason signings isn’t a great way to predict how the 2025 season will turn out. 

Question: Your most recent article about concession prices undoubtedly pleased many fans but I don’t drink alcohol. Is there also going to be value pricing for soft drinks and water? Are specialty-item vendors also being encouraged to hold the line on pricing? From: Bob Coren

Answer: Bob, I received a number of additional questions about the new menu. The Orioles say that 16-ounce refillable soda cups and 16.9-ounce bottles of Dasani water will be sold for $4.: Lawrence Severe is hoping there will be more gluten-free items on sale.

I don’t know the answer to Bob’s question on specialty item vendors nor can I provide information on more gluten-free products. Hopefully, I’ll be able to address them as the season approaches.

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.