How much of a disappointment has the current group of Orioles been? | MAILBAG

Question: Can we officially say the rebuild was a bust? The Adam Jones teams did a lot more than the current bunch with (arguably) less talent, and they had a pretty subpar farm system at the time. From: Joe Cipolla

Answer: Joe, this is a most interesting question. It’s too early to say that the rebuild was a bust. Even if this group doesn’t make it to another postseason, they did win 101 games in 2023 and qualified for the postseason in 2024.

Yes, far more was expected out of them, but I think you need to wait another year or two—maybe longer—to make a definitive conclusion about this group.

Now, on to your other point. Before 2012, the Adam Jones’ group was labeled a disappointment, and even after they made three playoff appearances from 2012-2016, there are a lot of fans that consider them underachievers, which I don’t, because they didn’t win a game in the ALCS.

The current group’s core—Adley Rutschman, Gunnar Henderson, Jordan Westburg, Colton Cowser and Jackson Holliday—was drafted while that group’s core was more of a mix of homegrown players-Nick Markakis, Manny Machado, Jonathan Schoop, Matt Wieters and Zack Britton combined with players acquired by trade—Jones. J.J. Hardy, Chris Davis, Chris Tillman, among others.

I think that group had far more talent than this one. Look at the bullpen arms: Britton, Jim Johnson, Darren O’Day and Brad Brach. The current group’s only true standout is Félix Bautista, who’s only pitched one complete season, 2022.

Let’s look at this question again in 2027 and 2028, but for now, I take the Jones-led group. This team has lots of potential, and been a disappointment, but not a bust.

Question: At High-A Frederick, Ike Irish and Wehiwa Aloy are crushing it, as is Victor Figueroa (cannot believe he isn’t in our top 30 prospect ranking).  Why the hesitation in moving them up to AA?  From: Jason Blind

Answer: Jason, I’ve wondered that myself, but Irish and Aloy are in their first full season in pro ball. Figueroa is in his second. The guess here is that they’ll be moved up within the next couple of weeks and that they’ll get a taste of Double-A ball this year.

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.