This morning marks my last story minus a Nashville dateline until probably Friday. I’m boarding a flight in a few hours and landing into the next phase of baseball’s offseason.
The Winter Meetings are held this week at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, a space so large it has its own mayor. Families come from all over the country to check out the holiday decorations and ask, “Has anyone seen my kid?”
The Orioles are searching for starting and relief pitching.
The first media session with executive vice president/general manager Mike Elias will be held Monday afternoon in his suite, and all 30 executives will be available Tuesday afternoon. Manager Brandon Hyde will have his own scrum Tuesday afternoon in “Delta Lobby A,” which I’m hoping is within a 25-mile radius of the workroom.
(I’ll stop complaining about the location today. That’s my promise to you.)
The Orioles have the 29th pick in the first round of Wednesday afternoon’s Rule 5 draft.
I’m bringing a carry-on bag, laptop and questions. The rest is up to Elias and Hyde. What they’re at liberty to divulge and what is decided.
I’m wondering …
Have there been follow-up discussions from the general managers meetings in Arizona?
That’s supposed to be the time to lay the groundwork, to get a better read on the trade and free agent markets. This is a standard opener in suites.
How many teams and agents did Elias meet with today?
Also a Winter Meetings classic. Monitoring suite traffic. Finding out how busy Elias is while also knowing that his day isn’t over after he’s done with us.
Is a trade for pitching more likely than a free agent contract?
Elias is exploring both options. He won’t dismiss one. But he might begin to get a feel for the best tactic.
How much cash weight can the payroll hold?
Don’t expect an exact calculation and definitive budget. That isn’t happening. But perhaps we can get a better sense of how far the club can go, what’s a realistic pursuit of certain free agents.
Can any rumors be put to bed?
This is one of my favorites. An answer isn’t always forthcoming, but it’s a chance to do everyone a favor. Spare Elias the questions and save the media from wasting its time.
Following on the above idea, is there interest in Japanese right-hander Naoyuki Uwasawa?
Uwasawa has been posted by the Nippon-Ham Fighters of Nippon Professional Baseball, and some Japanese media are citing U.S. sources as saying the Orioles are prepared to offer him a multi-year deal to work as a fourth or fifth starter. Would the Orioles really do that? Is there concrete confirmation available on this subject?
Any concrete decisions on the roles for Tyler Wells and DL Hall?
They could start or work in relief. I’m curious whether the team already has informed them or if it’s willing to let the situation play out in spring training. Seems easier to do your offseason business if you know how they’re going to be used. Wells was told over the winter of 2021 that he’d report to camp the following spring as a starter, and to be ready to train as one.
How’s Dillon Tate?
At the risk of sounding like I’m obsessed with Tate, I’d like to know if he’s 100 percent recovered from forearm/elbow injuries or where he is in his rehab. If the Orioles are penciling him into their bullpen. Anything that qualifies as an update.
Any progress made on the 13 arbitration-eligible players tendered contracts?
This could be a back-burner issue. The sides don’t have to exchange salary figures and think about hearing dates until Jan. 12. Shortstop Jorge Mateo signed for $2.7 million, reliever Keegan Akin for $825,000 and outfielders Ryan McKenna and Sam Hilliard for $800,000. On hold are Wells, Tate, Anthony Santander, John Means, Danny Coulombe, Cedric Mullins, Austin Hays, Ryan O’Hearn, Ryan Mountcastle, Cionel Pérez, Cole Irvin, Jacob Webb and Ramón Urías.
Is Elias in the market for a right-handed-hitting outfielder?
In other words, whether he needs to replace switch-hitting Aaron Hicks. He could want someone besides McKenna.
Could the Orioles ignore the crowd in their infield and sign a veteran?
Adam Frazier is a free agent and seems easy to replace if you take a head count. However, the Orioles might want another veteran who could supply leadership and serve as insurance. Lessen the reliance on a young prospect.
