Bringing The Oriole Way back to Baltimore

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What's up everyone. First time posting my Franchise here on OS, but I was a long time poster over on the TheShownation.

I will be running with my Orioles and picking up with the 2018 season and on for posting as I wanted to get through the 2017 season to the offseason to make some major moves to improve this team as you will see.

I am using OSFM Draft Version for rosters and Amor and Swords V 4.0 sliders. Also, I do 30 team control. I hope you guys enjoy it as much I enjoy playing and posting about it.

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Re: Bringing The Oriole Way back to Baltimore

2017 season review and Offseason Review:

Prior to the 2017 season getting underway it was announced the Oriole GM Dan Duquette was relieved of duties and replaced by the youngest GM in the history of the Game Shawn Crosby. During, his introductory press conference Mr. Crosby talked a lot about ensuring the future of the team, bringing back "The Oriole Way" to Baltimore by building this team through the farm system and mentioned that the phone lines are open at the Warehouse. If a team wants to discuss a trade, I will always listen, I may laugh at them and hang up but I will listen to any deal. He also mentioned that the Orioles will become "Super Aggressive" in the International Free Agent Market.

Within 24 hours, Shawn's very first moves saw the team sign international free agents Shohei Otani the possible next great Japanese export. The team also added Victor Mesa jr from Cuba, 18 year old C prospect Daniel Flores from Venezuela, and a 18 year old SS prospect Wander Franco from the Dominican Republic.

The Orioles then proceeded to underachieve as they went 81-81 in 2017 under new their new GM with starting pitching was the downfall with Dylan Bundy being the only starter who pitched to an ERA under 4. At the 2017 deadline, Shawn wasted no time backing up of his promise of trying to ensure the future of this team as CP Zach Britton was traded to the Washington Nationals for SP prospect Erick Fedde (68 ovr, B pot) and OF prospect Juan Soto (63 ovr, B pot). SP Chris Tillman was also traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for SP Walker Buehler (62 ovr, B pot) and OF Sterling Heredia (55 ovr C pot) Shawn would also move SP Wade Miley to the Marlins for a couple prospects and DH/OF Mark Trumbo. The Trumbo deal would not take place until the offseason however.

There was one more deal Shawn tried to make reportedly that involved Manny Machado going to the New York Mets inexhange for a starting pitching prospect, Amed Rosario and another player or two. According to report Shawn was insistent that the Mets include Steve Matz in the deal and the Mets balked at that took the offer off the table. Both clubs denied any deal being in place and Shawn mentioned when he was hired he would listen to any offer no matter the players. Rumors swirled this irritated Manny however, Manny signed his 1 year 17.5 million dollar arbitration contract this offseason. No reports have surfaced if any long term deals were discussed.

At his end of the year press conference, Shawn mentioned after his meetings with Owner Peter Angelos that the Orioles will be huge players in the free agent market and boy were they ever. The Baltimore Orioles signed free agent Yu Darvish to a 4 year deal worth 15.5 million a year. The Orioles would then ink a deal with free agent OF JD Martinez to a 5 year 65.5 million dollar deal to make him the starting right field for the birds. Wellington Castillo was resigned to stay on as the starting catcher while prospect Chance Sisco becomes ready. The O's would also bolster their pen by inking deals with former Oriole Pedro Strop and former Pirate closer to three year deals to help anchor the pen.

The last major free agent signing was a late one but could be a very important one. The O's signed IF Hernan Perez to a 4 year 10 million dollar deal. Perez is expected to take over starting duties at third as Manny is expected to become the everyday SS with the departure of JJ hardy. Perez will also serve as the possible utility infielder.

The Orioles would also add some depth signings by adding minor league free agents 2B Juan Robles (68 ovr, B pot), 3B Isiah Lorenz (73 Ovr, A pot), LF George Livingston (75 ovr, B pot). These depth signings along with a great draft that saw the Orioles add SP Christopher Coffman (73 ovr, B pot), 1B Anthony Romero (70 ovr, A pot) has the Orioles farm system looking the best it has looked in decades.

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Re: Bringing The Oriole Way back to Baltimore

Spring Outlook:

As the Orioles head to into Spring Training, expectations for the birds is high as new Orioles JD Martinez and Yu Darvish take the field in Sarasota for the first in their new threads.

While those two are guaranteed their roster spot there are some question marks about this roster. Who will be the number 5 starter? Who will be the starting left fielder? Will they go with a platoon in left field? Who will be the closer? After signing Pedro Strop and Tony Watson will one of them emerge as the closer? Or will incumbent's Brad Brach and Mychal Givens have a saw.

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Re: Bringing The Oriole Way back to Baltimore

With 10 games left in Spring here are where the battles stand for the open starting spots:

5th Starting Pitcher:

Gabriel Ynoa: 2-2, 3.32 ERA 1.20 WHIP in 21.2 inning pitched
Alex Asher: 1-1, 2.47 ERA 1.14 WHIP in 22 innings pitched
Erik Fedde 2-2, 6.14 ERA 1.86 whip in 17.2 innings pitched

Starting Left Fielder:

Joey Rickard: .180/.260/.205 4 RBIs
Hyun Soo Kim: .275/.367/.420 2 HRs, 5 RBIs
Craig Gentry: .333/.389/.420 1 RBI
Paulo Orlando: .430/.478/.540

Utility Infielder:

Isiah Lorenz .343/.376/.450 0 Hrs, 2 RBIs
Juan Robles: .289/.328/.414 2 Hrs, 7 RBIs
Johnny Giavotella: .240/.290/.310 1 Hrs, 1 RBI

Closer:
Tony Watson: 2 saves, 0.00 ERA in 16 innings pitched
Brad Brach: 0 saves, 4.50 ERA in 13 innings pitched
Mychal Givens: 1 save, 2.25 ERA in 17 innings pitched
Pedro Strop, 0 saves, 7.67 ERA in 12 innings pitched

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Re: Bringing The Oriole Way back to Baltimore

2018 Baltimore Orioles Opening Day Roster Depth Chart - 2018

• Catcher
• Welington Castillo
• Chance Sisco

• First Base
• Chris Davis

• Second Base
• Jonathan Schoop
• Juan Robles

• Third Base
• Manny Machado

• Shortstop
• Hernan Perez

• Left Field
• Hyun-Soo Kim
• Craig Gentry

• Center Field
• Adam Jones
• Joey Rickard

• Right Field
• JD Martinez
• Paulo Orlando

• Starting Pitcher
• Dylan Bundy
• Yu Darvish
• Shohei Otani
• Kevin Gausman
• Alec Asher

• Relief Pitcher
• Tyler Wilson
• Brad Brach
• Pedro Strop
• Mychal Givens
• Tanner Scott

• Closer
• Tony Watson

• Designated Hitter
• Trey Mancini

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Re: Bringing The Oriole Way back to Baltimore

Top Prospects by position:

Pitchers:

Erick Fedde (75 ovr, A Pot) Currently ranked as the 19th best prospect in Baseball. ETA 2018
Christopher Coffman (70 ovr, B pot) ETA 2019
Hunter Harvey (67, B Pot) ETA 2020
Tyler Kolek (67 ovr, B Pot) ETA 2020
Cody Sedlock (64 ovr, B Pot) ETA 2021
DL Hall (62 ovr, B Pot) ETA 2021

Position Players:

C: Daniel Flores (64 ovr, A Pot) 42nd best prospect in baseball. ETA 2020
Chance Sisco (68 ovr, B Pot) ETA 2018

IF: 3B Jomar Reyes (66 ovr, B pot) ETA 2020
SS Ryan Mountcastle (66 ovr, B pot) ETA 2019
SS Wander Franco (64 ovr, A pot) 24th best prospect in baseball. ETA 2020
3B Isaiah Lorenz (73 ovr, A Pot) Number 1 ranked prospect in baseball ETA 2019
1B Anthony Romero (75 ovr, A POT) 10th best prospect in baseball. ETA 2019

OF:

LF George Livingston (75 ovr, B pot) ETA 2019
CF VIctor Mesa Jr (66 ovr, B pot) ETA 2019
RF Austin Hays (66 ovr, B pot) ETA 2020
RF Juan Soto (63 ovr, B pot) ETA 2021

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Re: Bringing The Oriole Way back to Baltimore

Season Preview:

The Baltimore Orioles enter the 2018 in search of their first World Series title since 1983. They come into the season with lofty expectations after signing Yu Darvish to anchor the staff, JD Martinez to help anchor the lineup. The O's who last year sold off some pieces to restock the farm such as Zach Britton, were replaced during the offseason with former Pirate closer Tony Watson as well as former Oriole Pedro Strop. The Orioles will look to those two often as they both are coming off of great years that saw Watson convert 37 saves and Strop pitch an ERA under 1.50.

The Orioles weren't the only ones to strengthen their pen in the division as the Red Sox signed lefty Jake McGee, the Yankees added Wade Davis to an already amazing back end of the pen. The Red Sox offensively added Melky Cabrera, while the Yankees added power hitting third basemen Todd Frazier to an already powerful lineup, the Rays who last year at the deadline acquired Kyle Schwarber for Jake Ordorizzi return mostly the same lineup from the second half of last year but they also added former number 1 prospect Jurickson Profar whose contract was not renewed by the Rangers. The Rays are hoping the change of scenery helps him. The Jays stood pat during the offseason but did sign Josh Donaldson to a long term deal worth an average of 21 million a year over 4 years.

Looking around the AL, the White Sox made possibly the biggest splash of the offseason as they signed Jake Arreita to a 5 year deal worth an average of 24 million a year. They also added Francisco Lirano and Josh Tomlin to the rotation that suddenly looks very good with Jose Quintana still there for now. The Minnesota Twins signed Mike Moustkaks to a 4 year worth an average of 16 million a year to add more power to a lineup that already features Miguel Sano.

The AL should be very interesting this year and the AL East is stacking up to be anyone's division as it has been since 2012.

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Re: Bringing The Oriole Way back to Baltimore

Opening Day: MIL @ BAL

Tray Mancini walks it off in the bottom of the 9th to send the Orioles home winners on opening Day




Baltimore, MD

MIL (0-1) 0
BAL (1-0) 1 F

Win Tanner Scott (1-0)
Loss Vidal Nuno (0-1)
Save N/A

After 8 scoreless innings, Tray Mancini (2-4, HR (1), RBI (1)) breaks the scoreless tie with two outs in the bottom of the 9th with a solo shot to left to send the fans home Happy on Opening Day with a 1-0 victory.

Dylan Bundy was masterful as he struck out 10 over 8.1 innings of shut out ball. He allowed just 1 hit to Ivan Dejesus Jr which was a comebacker that hit off his foot and DeJesus beat it out. The Orioles themselves only managed 4 hits, with two of them coming from Mancini including the walk off homer. Adam Jones and Chris Davis provided the other two hits.



The O's are off tomorrow but are back at it on Wednesday as Yu Darvish makes his Oriole debut against former Oriole pitching prospect Zach Davies.

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Re: Bringing The Oriole Way back to Baltimore

April 4th MIL (0-1) @ BAL (1-0)

Errors and runners left stranded doom the Orioles as they lose 6 to 2



Baltimore, MD

MIL (1-1) 6
BAL (1-1) 2 F

Win Zach Davies (1-0)
Loss Yu Darvish (0-1)
Save: Michael Blazek (1)

The Orioles strand 9 runners on base including 6 in scoring position as the Brewers win 6 to 2.

The Brewers broke the scoreless tie in 4th when Manny Machado threw a routine ground ball into right when attempting to start a double play which allowed a run to score. The Brewers would score twice more in the inning as the rookie Kyle Wren (1-5, 2 RBI (2)) would follow up the error with a two run single to make it a 3-0 game.

The Orioles would get a run back in bottom of the 4th on a Welington Castillo (2-4, RBI (1)) RBI single. The Brewers would break it open in the 7th as Travis Shaw (3-4, HR (1), 3 RBI (3)) would drive in two runs on a two run single off of Pedro Strop to make it 5-1. Shaw would smash a solo homer in the 8th onto Eutaw street to make it a 6-1 game. JD Martinez (3-4, 2B (1), RBI (1)) would drive in a run in the 9th to make a 6-2 game but would once again be stranded on base as the Oriole lose.

Former Oriole prospect Zach Davies shined bright under the lights at Camden Yards tonight as he tossed 8 innings of 1 run ball on 8 hits and struck out 8. Darvish in his Oriole debut gave up 3 runs only 1 earned in 6 innings of work and struck out 5 and walked 2.




Kevin Gausman will make his season debut tomorrow as the Orioles look to take the series.

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Re: Bringing The Oriole Way back to Baltimore

April 5th MIL (1-1) @ BAL (1-1)

The Orioles walk it off for the second time in the series to win it 8-7.




Baltimore, MD

MIL (1-2) 7
BAL (2-1) 8 F

Win Pedro Strop (1-0)
Loss Vidal Nuno (0-2)
Save N/A

For the second time in this series the Baltimore Orioles defeat the Milwaukee Brewers on a walk off, this time it was Chris Davis (2-5, 2B (1), RBI (1)) with the game winning RBI double in the bottom of the 9th to give the O's the 8-7 victory.

The Brewers took an early lead in the first as Kyle Wren (0-4, RBI (3)) drove in a run on Sac fly and then Ryan Bruan (2-4, HR (1), RBI (1)) blasted a solo shot to put the Brewers up 2-0. The lead wouldn't last long as the Orioles came right back in the bottom of the 1st with three runs of their own. Trey Mancini (1-5, HR (2), 2 RBI (3)) got things going with a two run shot down the left field line to tie it then Jonathan Schoop (2-4, RBI (1)) would give the O's the lead at 3-2 with a RBI single. Adam Jones (2-4, 2B (1), 2 RBI (2)) would make it a 4-2 game with a RBI single in the bottom of the 3rd. The lead would hold until the 5th when Kevin Gausman imploded following another error by his defensive who committed two on the night. The first two runners would reach base to begin the inning then Jett Bandy (2-4, 2B (1), 2 RBI (2)) would bring them home on a two run double to tie the game at 4. Then Jonathan Villar (0-5, RBI (1)) would drive him in on a fielder's choice to give the Brewers the lead.

The O's would regain the lead in the 6th as Hernan Perez (3-4, HR (1), 2 RBI (2)) blasted a two run homer off his former team to put the O's up 6-5. Adam Jones would later in the inning drive in his second run of the game to make it 7-5. Keon Braxton (2-4, 2 RBI (2)) would tie the game back up at 7 in the 8th with a two run single off of Brad Brach with the base loaded. Then the O's would walk off winners with the Chris Davis game winning RBI double.

Kevin Gausman who took a no decision only lasted 5 innings as he gave up 5 runs, only 2 earned on just 4 hits and struck out 5.




The Orioles now hit the road for the first time as they head to Cleveland to battle defending AL champs for a three game weekend series.

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Re: Bringing The Oriole Way back to Baltimore

Series Preview against the Indians

The Baltimore Orioles hit the road for the time this year after taking two of three from the Brewers as they head into Progressive Field to battle the Defending AL champs the Cleveland Indians for a four game set. The Orioles will head into the series 2-1, and will see the Major League debut of Shohei Otani in game 1 of this series. Otani who was signed out Japan, spent last year in AAA where he went 12-8 with a 3.10 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP.

The Cleveland Indians enter the series 3-0 on the year after sweeping the Minnesota Twins in their opening series. The Indians once again last year won the AL Pennant but failed to capture that World Series as they dropped the World Series to the Cubs for the second straight year in 7 games. The Indians in the offseason did not make any major additions to their clubs as they added CJ Cron, Ryan Rua, and Brandon Phillips in free agent deals. CJ Cron who is the starting first basemen dominated that opening series by going 7 for 15 with two homers and drove in six runs. Their pitching staff remains the same as Corey Kluber, Danny Salazar, Carlos Carrasco, Andrew Miller, Cody Allen as return looking to finally capture that World Series title.

Two powerhouses in the AL square off for the first time this year, who will gain the upper hand early in AL supremacy, stay tuned to find out. Here are the starters for the four game set:

Game 1: Shohei Otani (Season Debut) vs Trevor Bauer (Season Debut)
Game 2: Alec Asher (Season Debut) vs Cody Anderson (Season Debut)
Game 3: Dylan Bundy (0-0, 0.00 ERA) vs Corey Kluber (1-0, 3.86 ERA)
Game 4: Yu Darvish (0-1, 1.50 ERA) vs Carlos Carrasco (1-0, 3.52 ERA)

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Re: Bringing The Oriole Way back to Baltimore

April 6th BAL (2-1) @ CLE (3-0)

Chris Davis blasts two homers including the game winner in the 11th to give the birds a 5-3 victory



Cleveland, OH

BAL (3-1) 5
CLE (3-1) 3 F/11

Win Tony Watson (1-0)
Loss Dan Otero (0-1)
Save Brad Brach (1)

Chris Davis (3-5, 2 HRs (2), 3 RBI (4)) slams two homers including the game winner in the 11th to give the O's the victory and spoil the Indians the homer opener.

For the second straight night it is a Chris Davis hit that gives the Orioles the victory in their last at bat. This time it was a two run homer that got out of here in a hurry that gave the O's a 5-3 lead in the 11th. Brad Brach would earn the save after closing the game out and stranding the tying runner on base. All three Oriole wins so far this year have in their last at bat.

The Orioles did take the early lead in this one as Manny Machado (2-5, RBI (1)) drove in a run on a RBI single back in the 1st. The Indians would tie in the 5th on a Jose Ramirez (1-5, RBI (2)) RBI ground out. The Indians would then take the lead in the 6th as Ryan Rua (1-4, 2B (1), RBI (2)) drove in the run on a RBI double. Chris Davis would tie the game up in the 7th on his first homer of the year and the game. The O's would then break the tie in the top of the 9th on a Jonathan Schoop (1-4, RBI (2)) Sac fly RBI to make it a 3-2 game. New Oriole closer Tony Watson would come on in the bottom of the 9th and blow his first save opportunity as an Oriole as he gave up a solo homer with 1 out to Jason Kipnis (2-4, 2B (1), HR (2), RBI (4)). Then in the 11th Chris Davis for the second straight game would win the game for the O's just this time he blasted a two run shot that also scored Manny Machado who singled ahead of him.

Shohei Otani who made his major league debut pitched alright as he gave up 2 runs on 4 hits through 6 innings of work. But he did allow 3 walks and flirted with dangerous all night as went into deep counts (2-2, 3-2) on 60% of hitters and fell behind 55% of the batters he faced.




O's look to push their win streak to three as Alec Asher will make his season debut against Cody Anderson.

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Re: Bringing The Oriole Way back to Baltimore

April 7th BAL (3-1) @ CLE (3-1)

The Indians destroy the birds 14 to 3



Cleveland, OH

BAL (3-2) 3
CLE (4-1) 14 F

Win Cody Anderson (1-0)
Loss Alec Asher (0-1)
Save N/A

Edwin Encarnacion (2-5, 2 HR (4), 5 RBI (10)) and Jose Ramirez (3-4, 2 3B (2), HR (1), 6 RBI (8)) combine to drive in 11 runs as the Indians destroy the Orioles 14 to 3.

Surprisingly this game was actually tied at 1 heading into the bottom of the 2nd as Joey Rickard (3-4, 2B (1), RBI (1)) doubled in Chris Davis to tie it 1 following Francisco Lindor's (2-5, 2B (1), 3B (1), 2 RBI (3)) RBI ground out in the bottom of the 1st. However, in the bottom of the 2nd the Indians would break the game wide open as they score six times including a bases clearing three run triple from Jose Ramirez which would be followed up by a Francisco Lindor RBI double, then Edwin Encarnacion would hit his first of two homers, this one being a two run blast to cap the inning off. The Indians added one more in 3rd to make it a 8-1 game on a Lonnie Chisenhall (2-4, 2B (2), RBI (2)) RBI double.

The Tribe would six more runs between the 6th and 7th innings combined as Jose Ramirez would drive in three on a three run blast in the 6th and then Edwin Encarnacion would drive in three on a three run blast of his own in the 7th to make a 14-1 game. The O's did score twice in the 9th on a Chris Davis (2-4, 2B (2), HR (3), RBI (5)) solo homer and a Adam Jones (1-4, RBI (3)) RBI single to make it 14-3.

Oriole starter Alec Asher lasted just 2 innings while giving up 7 runs on 7 hits. The only Oriole pitcher to not allow at least three runs in their outing was Darren O'Day who pitched a scoreless 8th inning.




Dylan Bundy (0-0, 0.00 ERA) takes the mound tomorrow afternoon as the Orioles look to rebound against Corey Kluber (1-0, 3.86 ERA)

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Re: Bringing The Oriole Way back to Baltimore

April 8th BAL (3-2) @ CLE (4-1)

Dylan Bundy shuts down the Indians as the O's win 5 to 1.



Cleveland, OH

BAL (4-2) 5
CLE (4-2) 1 F

Win Dylan Bundy (1-0)
Loss Corey Kluber (1-1)
Save N/A

Dylan Bundy tossed 8.1 innings of 1 run ball while allowing just 3 hits and struck out 7 and picked up his first victory of the year as the Orioles beat the Indians 5 to 1.

The offense was led by the top of the order, as the 1-2-3 hitters combined to go 6 for 12 with two homers and drove in all five runs. In the top of the 3rd Trey Mancini (2-4, HR (3), 2 RBI (5)) and Manny Machado (2-4, HR (1), 2 RBI (3)) went back to back with RBI singles to put the O's up 2-0.



Then in the 6th Mancini and Machado go back to back with solo shots to chase Kluber from the game take a 4-1 lead. Paulo Orlando (2-4, RBI (1)) would add a RBI single in the 7th to put the O's up 5-1. The Indians lone run came in the bottom of the 4th on CJ Cron (1-3, RBI (7)) RBI single.





Orioles look for the series win as Yu Darvish (0-1, 1.50 ERA) looks to rebound from a bad first outing of the year. Carlos Carrasco (1-0, 3.52 ERA) oppose him.