How can Orioles improve their situational hitting? | MAILBAG

Question: I was wondering if you might have any insight into why the Orioles stopped playing “small ball” last season. In 2023 it seemed a lot of the team’s success was due to their hitting behind runners and bunting, whereas last season it appeared they were always hoping for a home run. I recall many instances where they loaded the bases with no outs and didn’t score. From: Craig Askins

Answer: Craig, yours is one of several questions I’ve recently received about the team’s batting approach. Bob Snyder and Randy Maddox of Columbia want to know if the team’s new hitting coaches have a plan for cutting down on strikeouts.

I don’t know that the Orioles were ever a “small ball” type of team. However, they had six sacrifices last season, tied for second lowest in the majors while their 21 sacrifices in 2023 were the sixth most in baseball. I don’t think a sacrifice roughly once every six games is a lot.

The Orioles were 19^th in strikeouts in 2023 and 18^th last season. I think the problem was more that they weren’t hitting well with runners in scoring position last season. They hit .251 with runners in scoring position last season, 17^th in the majors after hitting a major league-leading .287 a year before.

It will be interesting to hear what Cody Asche, who was promoted from offensive strategist to lead hitting coach, and his new assistants, Tommy Joseph and Sherman Johnson, have to say about their philosophies. We should hear from them early in camp.

Question: Who do you envision getting their first opportunity to pitch with the Orioles this year? From: Bill Connor

Answer: Bill, there are three pitchers on the 40-man roster who haven’t pitched in the majors: Luis González, Kade Strowd and Brandon Young. I think it’s likely that all of them will get a look at some point. Chayce McDermott pitched in only one game last season, and I think you’ll see more of him, too.

I would also keep an eye on two spring training invitees — Jakob Hernandez and Nathan Webb. Hernandez allowed just one run on four hits in 11 2/3 innings at Double-A Bowie. Webb missed the last two seasons after Tommy John surgery and an operation on his Achilles’ tendon last season. He was signed to an unusual two-year minor league contract for 2024 and 2025, and I think the Orioles are eager to see what he can offer.

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.