Have Orioles de-emphasized defense? | MAILBAG

Question: The Orioles have a rich history of defense. Three of the top 10 players all time in Defensive Runs Saved (DRS) are Orioles (Mark Belanger, Brooks Robinson, Cal Ripken Jr.), according to Baseball Reference. This current team seems to de-emphasize defense. What happened? From: Timothy Fowler

Answer: Tim, I don’t think the Orioles have de-emphasized defense. Brooks Robinson and Cal Ripken Jr. were both outstanding offensive and defensive players. Belanger was a great defender who wasn’t a strong offensive player.

Gunnar Henderson is an excellent offensive player, and I think he can become a great defender, too.

I think a healthy Jordan Westburg can be a really good defender, too, but two-way players like Brooks and Cal are few and far between.

Question: Do you think there will be a lockout in 2027, and how is it affecting negotiating contract extensions? From: Michael Abrahams 

Answer: Michael, I really want to say there won’t be a lockout because I’m an optimist and I think it would be awful for the game, but the signs are pointing to one.

There’s a feeling that the spate of long-term contract extensions are being negotiated because teams think there might be a salary cap as part of the next Collective Bargaining Agreement.

A salary cap would discourage long-term deals such as the nine-year contract recently signed by Pittsburgh Pirates shortstop Konnor Griffin.

I’m sure I’ll be answering many labor questions in the coming months, though I’d prefer not to, but to ignore it isn’t realistic.

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.