Maintaining that through June 22nd is great, but it essentially means nothing in the grand scheme of things.
This year that team to chase looks like the Baltimore Orioles.
They’re loaded with young talent and don’t have plans of going anywhere else for a long time.
So far the two teams' matchups have gone in favor of the O’s.
Let’s talk about them and get it all out there.
I’m using this blog to vent.
Where do we start?
Well, the bullpen is obviously going to need a makeover.
Right now who do you trust?
Clay Holmes and Luke Weaver?
People complain about Holmes because he doesn’t strike guys out like a traditional closer.
Would you feel better with guys like Clase, Helsley, or Mason Miller?
No doubt, but there’s not much better out there after that.
Both have looked good, but can you really trust them?
Newcomer Yoendrys Gomez might be an answer for them, but he’s not the savior.
Ian Hamilton is currently hurt, but also hasn’t resembled last year’s dominant self.
Caleb Ferguson, Tim Hill, and Phil Bickford currently round out the group.
Speaking of throwing guys out, let’s focus on another issue catcher.
Once a platinum glove winning catcher back in 2022, Trevino has resorted to a turnstile on the bases.
He cannot throw anyone out to save his life.
Well-timed pitch outs don’t even solve the problem.
Trevino boasts some of the worst arm speed and pop times from a catcher in the whole league.
You will lose in the playoffs if his inability to control the running game continues.
Those are qualities that help you stick around, but the running game problem needs to be solved quick.
They will lose in the postseason if people are stealing on him like they have been.
A little after that though, it’s bleak.
Off the bench there’s Oswaldo Cabrera, Trent Grisham, and Jahmai Jones.
The guys listed below simply have to be better or face being replaced.
you could’t continue to have these players drag the ship down to the bottom of the ocean.
That my friends, isn’t necessarily a gauntlet to navigate as an opposing pitcher.
Gleyber’s performance has been beyond unacceptable.
Coming off back to back very productive seasons, his numbers have plummeted in his contract year.
I think the pressure of playing for a big deal has gotten to him and caused him to spiral.
To me, Gleyber is a guy who mentally needs job security to excel.
This lineup desperately needs him to figure his shit out.
We nearly had that with Judge against the Orioles, but that turned out to be nothing.
Besides him, the internal options are thin.
He had an impactful spring, but had his development cut short after fracturing an orbital bone.
I like his game and think he’d be a fun option if it came to that.
Realistically though, there’s no savior coming up from the farm anytime soon.
Forget Spencer Jones, that’s a 2025 discussion.
Dominguez is months away if that opportunity presents itself.
Everyone and their mother has brought up 1B/3B Ryan McMahon from the Rockies.
Joel Sherman mentioned Alex Bregman today as an intriguing possibility.
Fan fiction has wondered about Pete Alonso (never happening).
There’s a few options out there, but it’ll depend on how aggressive Cashman wants to be.
We can’t be having Jahmai Jones hitting 5th like last night.
Nestor’s resurgence has been a pleasant surprise, and at home he’s as good as it gets.
Cole is back and building up to full strength.
Worth noting his FIP is nearly two runs above his ERA, so regression could be coming.
That’s the kind of wrinkle that can help solve a big area of concern.
Right now the Orioles are simply better than them.
Sure they have pitching issues of their own, but that offense is a motherfucker.
With a tell on Gil or not, they jumped all over him.
Once they get to your pen they abuse it.
They run like hell and swing free 1-9.
Brian Cashman, get to work now.
