Episode 33 - Dear Maria

MLB.com prospect analyst Sam Dykstra joined Paul and Ryan this week to dig into the Orioles' farm system. In the infield, we talk about Jackson Holliday's torrid pace, Jordan Westburg's value to the team, Joey Ortiz's performance thus far, and some notes on Connor Norby and Cesar Prieto. Is Coby Mayo destined for a move to the outfield, where he might join Colton Cowser and Heston Kjerstad? For pitching, it might be time to move DL Hall to the bullpen and Cade Povich has been great. We also break down who has the best tools in the farm.

Ryan had the opportunity this week to chat with Orioles prospect Luis Almeyda, who was the jewel of the Orioles 2023 international class and signed for a club record $2.3 million signing bonus. We talked about his journey, what he has learned along the way, where he gets his inspiration, and more centered around baseball. Then, in an effort to get to know Luis Almeyda the person, we talked more casually about life outside of baseball, his interests, superstitions, nicknames, music, MLB The Show and much more.

Alex Fast, Orioles fan and Vice President of Pitcher List joined Paul and Ryan this week to discuss all things pitching. We touch on why Yennier Cano and Felix Bautista are so formidable at the backend of the Orioles bullpen, what roles best suit guys like Mike Baumann and Tyler Wells, what happened to Cionel Perez, the struggles and successes of young arms in the rotation, a few left-handed pitching prospects, and what tools to use when evaluating pitchers. What would Alex do over the next month if he were the O's GM? Also, is Ryan Mountcastle as unlucky as we think he is? That and more on this week's fun episode.

The Orioles are 21-10 after winning their seventh consecutive series, taking two of three from the Kansas City Royals to wrap up a stretch of games against easier opponents. Beginning Friday, they play 22 consecutive games against teams that currently have winning records, including their next nine against the first place Braves, Rays, and Pirates. As the schedule gets difficult, the pitching will have to improve if the Orioles want to keep pace. In this week's episode, Paul and Ryan break down what went right and what went wrong against the Royals and preview the month to come.

The Orioles' offense has sputtered lately, but the pitching has been unbelievably good and the O's have won six straight. Their schedule continues to be friendly for another couple weeks before a difficult May. The team will have a couple difficult decisions to make when Dillon Tate and Mychal Givens rejoin the bullpen soon, as the currently struggling members of the 'pen are out of Minor League options. We cut Brandon Hyde a break this week and enjoy what has been a fun week of baseball. Paul and Ryan are also on a mission to bring the fans together in singing along to Ryan Mountcastle's walk-up song, "Dear Maria, Count Me In" by local band All Time Low.

Ryan and Paul discuss Ryan Mountcastle's record-tying 9-RBI night, Austin Hays' hot start, and Adley Rutschman's brilliance. It hasn't been all sunshine and rainbows, though, as the pitching staff has gotten off to a rough start and a few key hitters have contributed little. Of course, it wouldn't be an episode of this podcast without a bit of complaining about Brandon Hyde's managerial decisions. The O's have some roster decisions to make now that the 15-day window for optioned pitchers to remain in AAA closes on Friday. We also tease Orioles Jeopardy!, which will take place in the off-season.

Note: this episode is best enjoyed visually. Check out our YouTube @givethatfanapodcast. Opening Day is just hours away and we're joined by Dillon Atkinson to break down the 26-man roster and make some fun predictions for the season. Using a set of online-generated wheels to match players with statistics, we take turns setting over/under bets for the 2023 Orioles season. We also discuss Grayson Rodriguez being omitted from the MLB roster and when we should expect to see him and some other prospects who are knocking on the door. And, of course, our predictions for the Orioles record. Will they make the playoffs this year for the first time since 2016? 

Paul and Ryan talk about some MLB The Show 2023 O's player rankings. Felix Bautista has the best overall with Adley close behind. Who isn't getting enough love? Kyle Gibson has been announced as the Orioles' Opening Day starter with Dean Kremer to follow. Grayson Rodriguez is struggling, Anthony Santander is playing first base, and Mike Baumann is officially a relief pitcher. Colton Cowser and Heston Kjerstad were optioned to Minor League camp. Ramon Urias was scratched but not traded. That, some whiskey, and a few cats on this week's episode.

In our first episode since the conclusion of Orioles Podcast Feud, and our first normal episode in over three months, Paul and Ryan are back to catch up on the goings-on of Spring Training. Anthony Santander and Dean Kremer are representing the Orioles in the World Baseball Classic and doing it well. The O's rotation is taking shape while the bullpen has injury concerns and a few other question marks. The offense looks great, Austin Hays might be a dude again, Ryan Mountcastle is hot, Heston Kjerstad looks like the No. 2 overall pick, Adley is Adley, and the backup first baseman competition is on fire. That and more in this week's Give That Fan a Podcast. Rest in Peace, Luis Andrés Ortiz Soriano 9.17.2002 - 3.11.2023

Note: this episode is best enjoyed visually. Check out our YouTube @givethatfanapodcast. Our double-elimination off-season tournament wraps up with a championship rematch between The Bat Around and Florida Prospect Report to determine the winner of Orioles Podcast Feud. Survey prompts in this episode: Fill in the blank: the first thing I do when I enter Camden Yards is _____. Name a year in which the Orioles won the American League East. Name a player the Orioles have selected in the MLB Rule 5 Draft in this century. Name a 2022 Orioles player who was born outside of the United States. Fill in the blank: Ryan _____. Thank you all for following along with Orioles Podcast Feud. It's been a blast and we will have a similar tournament next off-season. For now, Ryan and Paul will return to our normal show to bring you weekly Orioles content. Twitter: @GiveThatFanAPod YouTube: @givethatfanapodcast