For those who haven’t been keeping up or didn’t particularly want to watch the World Series, perhaps because their team wasn’t in it or maybe you’re one of the people who are still rather salty about the whole Astros cheating fiasco from a couple of years back now, BUT! The 2022 MLB season finally came to a close at the beginning of November, with the Houston Astros taking home the title after a 4-2 series win over the Philadelphia Phillies.
Now that the 2022 season is behind us, we get to focus our attention forward as the 2023 season starts March 30th, which is a little over four months away now. Today we’re going to be looking at the Baltimore Orioles, what they’re planning on doing in the offseason and how we think they’ll do moving into the new season. Would they be able to make a push into the playoffs perhaps or will they JUST miss out again by a few wins? Only time will tell.
source: USA Today
There are promising signs for the Orioles, big improvements were already made last season and if they can build off that, then a playoff run may be on the cards for 2023. In the 2021 season, the Orioles were knocked out of contention for a playoff spot by AUGUST 28th. But in the 2022 season, they managed to make it all the way up until October before they lost their shot. While it’s bad for Orioles fans that they missed out, it’s a great sign that things are finally clicking into place. But what do they need to do to take that one extra step?
Firstly, there are rumors that the Orioles are looking to sign a few players. Two big names they’ve been linked with are Trea Turner and Jacob deGrom. DeGrom could be just what they’re looking for to shore up any pitching issues they have and having a shortstop with the pace that Turner has to offer could really help change their fortunes. Whether those signing come to fruition or not is another story altogether though, as they’re just rumors for the time being. Of course, they aren’t the only players the Orioles have been linked with but we all know how those rumor mills turn.
Something a lot of fans talk about when it comes to pushing a team forward in pretty much any sport, though it doesn’t always work, is changing the manager/coach and in some circles of the Orioles fandom, people have been talking about this. But would getting rid of Brandon Hyde really be a great idea? After taking over in 2019, Hyde hasn’t really had what anybody would say is the easiest job in the world. But he has shown that he is capable of turning around a rather disappointing team and in a relatively short time, his win% with the Orioles has improved dramatically. If nothing else he definitely deserves a chance to make that final push.
So, since we’ve got games or anything to look at just yet, today we’re going to be looking at who the favorites to win the World Series are for the 2023 season. But first, since we’re already talking about the Baltimore Orioles, it makes sense to start with them, right? SO, if you think the Orioles are looking like a World Series-winning team, you can currently get them for somewhere in the +4000 region. A $5 stake on a +4000 team will net you around $205 return. Not too bad but, could they really do it?
Now, checking out some of the Top Maryland Sportsbooks for who they think will be the favorites for this season. We’re going to check out the top 3. The favorite, much to our surprise are the Los Angeles Dodgers, who come in at +500. The team that got knocked out of the playoffs in the Division Series by the San Diego Padres will return $30 from a $5 stake. The Astros are +550 to go back to back that will see a $32.50 return and the 3rd favorite is currently a tie between the New York Mets and the Atlanta Braves at +900, a $50 return from $5.
Finally, if you’re feeling particularly spicy, we’re also going to look at the three LEAST likely teams to win the World Series according to the experts. The LEAST likely team first would be the Oakland Athletics, the team with the worst W-L in the MLB last season, as they ended on 60-102, yikes. You can get them at +25000 to win it all, that’ll get you a $1,255 return from $5. Next are the Washington Nationals at +20000, $1,005 return from the same stake, followed by the Pittsburgh Pirates at +15000, that’s a $755 return. Stranger things have happened, right?
So, Orioles fans. Firstly let’s talk about last season. You weren’t far off making the playoffs. It was a pretty good season but it could have been better of course. Considering how the Orioles performed, what do you think needs to change as we move forward into the 2023 season? Are they any specific players you want rid of? Any players you think can change the game enough to make a difference and snatch up a playoff place for this coming season? OR if you think this current roster IS IT, what do you think they should work on most to take that next step?
Now for baseball fans in general. Starting with, who are we representing? How did your team manage last season? If you’re an Astros fan try not to rub it in too much, but I get it. Then the same questions above apply for you guys too! What would you like to see your team do better in the 2023 season? Finally, PREDICTIONS! We’ve seen who the experts think will take the world series, but what do you, the fans, think? Who’s going to go all the way? Also, who do you think WON’T go all the way but will surprise everybody, by either being better than expected or worse than expected. Let us know! Until next time, take care guys!
