Good morning and happy Monday, Birdland! Hopefully the spring-like weather over the weekend really hammered home the point that baseball is truly just around the corner. As full-squad workouts continue in Sarasota, let’s take a look at what we can learn from the weekend’s links.
The O’s traded a minor-leaguer to the Los Angeles Dodgers for LHP Vidal Nuno. Nuno has something that Buck loves: minor-league options.
Some Thoughts on Nuno and DFA’ing T.J. McFarland
Need more Nuno? Dan Connolly of Baltimore Baseball has you covered, and includes some thoughts on the corresponding move to make move for the new lefty – designating T.J. McFarland for assignment. Dan has a nice little debate with himself about why the move does or doesn’t make sense.
Orioles Assemble Interesting, Flexible Pitching Depth
Even more Nuno! Matt Kremnitzer of Camden Depot takes another look at the Birds’ pitching depth, now that guys like Nuno, Gabriel Ynoa, and others have been brought into the fold. Many fans expected the O’s to go out and sign a guy like Doug Fister once Chris Tillman’s injury issues came to light, but as Matt points out, Dan Duquette has stayed true to his usual philosophy of roster flexibility. I like it.
Orioles Not Having Extension Talks with Manny Machado
Manny Machado told reporters on Friday that there have been no additional talks about a contract extension recently, and “politely,” per the Baltimore Sun’s Eduardo Encina, asked them to stop asking about it. Camden Chat’s Mark Brown reminds us that Adam Jones signed his extension during the middle of the 2012 season, his second arbitration-eligible year, which Manny is now entering, giving us a glimmer of hope that it could still happen this summer.
Most Loved Oriole Contest – Championship Round
Speaking of Manny & AJ…they’re squaring off in the championship round of the Most Loved Oriole contest over at O’s Uncensored. Voting opens today and goes through March 3, so head on over and let your voice be heard.
