Why did Orioles let Coulombe go? | MAILBAG

Question: Do you have any insight on why the Orioles let Danny Coulombe go in the offseason? It seems it was a choice to keep Cionel Pérez over him. From: Alan Spencer

Answer: Alan, I was surprised by the move. I thought keeping Coulombe at $4 million was an easy choice, but I was wrong, and they could have kept both Coulombe and Pérez, I thought.

My guess is that they were concerned about Coulombe’s injury history. He missed about half the season after surgery for having bone chips removed from his left elbow.

So far, the move hasn’t worked out, and I wished they would have kept Coulombe.

Question: Why haven’t the Orioles learned anything from getting swept by KC in the playoffs and recent beat-downs by a young team like the Reds and Nats that play similar “whatever it takes” old-school baseball? That is fundamentals like working a walk if you’re leading off to get a runner on base instead of swinging out of your shoes; hitting the other way if they leave a gaping hole due to a shift; hit to the right side or bunt guys over when there’s a man on and no out in a tight game. From: Greg Allen

Answer: Greg, I think this is where the absence of Colton Cowser is felt most. I think he could bunt for hits, steal bases and be aggressive as well as add power. I know Jackson Holliday has bunted and stolen bases, but when they get Cowser back, which might not be into June, they’ll become a more diversified offensive team.

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.