How much do Orioles use analytics in deciding on acquisitions? | MAILBAG

Question: Mike Elias most likely bases his decisions on the analytics staff. I expect that the analytics group analyzed Trevor Rogers, Charlie Morton and Kyle Gibson, and concluded that they would be effective pitchers. Would appreciate your thoughts on this. From: Fred Matos, Annapolis

Answer: Fred, the Orioles have a huge analytics group, and they study everything. Of course, they studied Rogers, Morton and Gibson. Rogers had an excellent start on Saturday night, and Morton was much improved in his start on Monday.

As for Gibson, the Orioles had a year’s worth of experience with him in 2023, and I think if they had signed him before spring training, he would have been much better than he was in those four trying starts.

Question: Why do some Oriole players have the T. Rowe Pirce patch on their left sleeve and some on the right? From: Kevin McLaughlin

Answer: Kevin, most players have it on the sleeve where it gets the most visibility. Left-handed batters generally have it on their right sleeve while right-handed batters have it on their left sleeve. It’s up to the players, though. If a player doesn’t want it on the side where it’s most visible, they have the right to move it.

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.