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Friday, October 21, 2016

Columns:  Orioles offseason positional roundup: Relief The Sun 10/21  Ravens, Orioles players divulge their favorite eats around the area The Sun 10/20  A few more health updates MASNsports.com 10/21  Brach undergoes minor procedure on left knee MASNsports.com 10/20  The 2016 postseason could lead to changes in bullpen usage ... or not MASNsports.com 10/21  Camden Yards ranked top ballpark experience by Stadium Journey MASNsports.com 10/20  MLB Rumor Central: Extension unlikely for Orioles closer Zach Britton? ESPN.com 10/20  How Would The Orioles Have Done With Dexter Fowler? CSN Mid-Atlantic 10/21  Next Season Is Crucial For Orioles Shortstop J.J. Hardy CSN Mid-Atlantic 10/20  WATCH: Orioles star Adam Jones poses as a substitute teacher CBS Sports 10/20  Adam Jones Becomes An Undercover Teacher To Surprise Students CBS Baltimore 10/20  Oriole Park At Camden Yards Ranked No. 1 MLB Ballpark CBS Baltimore 10/20  MLB Ballpark Experience Rankings Scout.com 10/19 http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bal-orioles-offseason-positional-roundup- center-field-20161017-story.html

Orioles offseason positional roundup: Relief pitcher

By Jon Meoli / Baltimore Sun October 21, 2016

The Orioles relief pitching was a strength of the team this year and should continue to be one in the future.

With the 2016 season finished, there’s no better time than the present to take stock of the Orioles’ organizational depth at every position around the diamond.

We have broken down every position individually and separated the players all through the system into three categories: who was the man there this year, who else was in the picture, and who is working through the minors to join them. The last installment deals with a present and future strength for the Orioles — relief pitching.

The men: This season, like so many prior, perhaps the most successful and widely respected aspect of the Orioles was their relief corps. For the second straight year, they boasted a pair of All-Stars. Closer Zach Britton was an All-Star the second straight season and Brad Brach took over for the injured Darren O’Day as the team’s primary setup man.

As a team, the Orioles led the American League with a 3.40 ERA from their relievers, and ranked third overall in the majors.

Britton had an historic season, converting all 47 of his save opportunities while posting a 0.54 ERA, even if he didn’t pitch in the extra-inning wild-card loss to the . Brach finished the season 10-4 with a 2.05 ERA in a team-high 71 appearances, and saw his responsibilities grow significantly as O’Day dealt with hamstring and shoulder injuries that limited him to 34 appearances.

Also ascending in 2016 was rookie Mychal Givens, who built on a strong debut in 2015 to strike out 96 in 74 2/3 innings with a 3.13 ERA in 66 appearances. Givens was as good against right- handers as fellow rookie Donnie Hart was against left-handers. Early season struggles for meant the team was without a left-handed specialist for most of the year, cycling through the likes of Ashur Tolliver, T.J. McFarland and Brian Duensing before settling on Hart. The 26- year-old allowed five hits in 44 plate appearances by lefties and allowed one in 18 1/3 innings overall.

Primarily in a long-relief role, Vance Worley quietly had a strong year, posting a 3.20 ERA out of the bullpen and averaging over two innings per relief appearance.

The alternatives: Those six became the fixtures, but plenty of arms came through the bullpen as the season went on — probably too many to list. Overall, the Orioles used 23 relievers, so for these purposes we’ll highlight a select few.

Down the stretch, both Tommy Hunter and Oliver Drake became crucial parts of the bullpen, though they really only had a September sample size to work off this year. Hunter, the former longtime Orioles reliever, rejoined the team after his release by the in late August and had a 2.19 ERA in 12 appearances. Drake, who was up for part of 2015 and early in 2016 with limited success, allowed two earned runs over 12 1/3 innings over his last 10 outings.

The future: The last two winners of the Orioles’ Jim Palmer Minor League Pitcher of the Year awards — Hart and Givens — were relievers, a sign of the value the club puts on developing its own bullpen assets. Some in the organization take more pride in that fact than others, but every level features some impressive relief arms who could come up to the big league bullpen before long.

Pedro Beato (2.65 ERA in 65 appearances for Triple-A Norfolk) and Jason Stoffel (2.44 ERA in 55 appearances for Norfolk and Double-A Bowie) led Orioles minor leaguers in appearances. They were two of a handful of mainstays on a pitching staff that was put into flux by the major league team’s needs all season.

In terms of upside, the closest wave of relief pitching can be found in the Arizona Fall League. Hard-throwing left-hander Tanner Scott, he of the high-90s fastball, had a 4.76 ERA in 64 1/3 innings with 81 and 57 walks for High-A Frederick and Bowie. Another fireballer, 21- year-old Jesus Liranzo, had a 1.87 ERA in 27 appearances between Low-A Delmarva and Bowie.

Also joining them in the Fall League from the Baysox are Jimmy Yacabonis (2.64 ERA in 50 appearances between Bowie and Frederick) and Stefan Crichton (3.73 ERA in 48 appearances for Bowie).

Below them in the system is the wave of relievers that comprised so much of the team’s 2015 draft class, including left-hander Garrett Cleavinger and right-hander Ryan Meisinger. Cleavinger, a third-round pick, struck out 102 batters in 76 1/3 innings between Delmarva and Frederick, while Meisinger, an 11th-round pick, had a 1.57 ERA with 94 strikeouts and 21 walks in 74 2/3 innings for the same two affiliates.

The skinny: There were times this year when a string of short starts contributed to a worn-out Orioles bullpen over the course of the season. But when this unit was at full strength, it was among the best in the game.

The good news is that the whole bunch will be back in 2016, though arbitration raises will make Britton, Brach and Worley more expensive. On top of that, the team will maintain a good bit of flexibility in the bullpen as Hart and Givens have options. The team won’t often find itself to be lacking fresh arms.

Of course, all of this discounts the fact that the Orioles' season ended with a set of head- scratching relief decisions by manager Buck Showalter, who didn’t use Britton at all in that wild- card game. But no matter how the relievers are deployed, the depth and quality of the Orioles bullpen will be a strength for years to come.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/entertainment/dining/bs-lt-athlete-eats-20161020-story.html

Ravens, Orioles players divulge their favorite eats around the area

By Brittany Britto and Sarah Meehan / The Baltimore Sun October 20, 2016

Whether in season or off, year round, athletes gotta eat. Ravens and Orioles reveal where they dine.

Whether in season or off, athletes gotta eat.

Luckily, the Baltimore area is filled with go-to spots where Ravens and Orioles players flock to relax and refuel. Among them, restaurants like Spoons Cafe, the Abbey Burger Bistro and The Food Market have become known for their athlete clientele.

Chef Chad Gauss, owner of The Food Market, which Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco reveres for its tuna, says he considers many of the players as family. The Hampden restaurant has offered personal cooking classes and catering services for players in their homes, he said.

The contemporary American cuisine is surely a draw, but it's also about the convenient location and "come as you are" ambience, Gauss said.

"It's a simple but significant experience for them," he said. "They can come in and be themselves, and not worry about the pressures that might come with a sports bar."

Mama's on the Half Shell in Canton seems to have a similar appeal, attracting athletes like Olympic swimmer Michael Phelps and Ravens kicker Justin Tucker.

"We're a funky couple of restaurants," said Jackie McCusker, co-owner of Mama's on the Half Shell and Nacho Mama's. "We are all things Baltimore. That's why I think it feels so special when someone comes in and chooses us."

Baseball players in particular have few days off during the season, so dining out can be rare — especially for players with young families. "The majority of the time we just stay at home because we're on the road all the time," Orioles pitcher Zach Britton said.

When players do make it out, Baltimore restaurateurs say they make it a point not to give them star treatment. David Dopkin, a partner in Miss Shirley's Cafe, said that's part of the reason athletes return to his restaurants in the Inner Harbor, Roland Park and Annapolis.

"Baltimore athletes just seem to be, in general, just blue-collar, down-to-earth guys," Dopkin said. "They come in the door like anybody else, and usually we're really excited, but we try to play it cool."

Abbey Burger co-owner Marigot Miller said her staff takes a similar approach. "They just treat them like anybody else, which I think is why they keep coming back," Miller said.

But don't take the restaurants' word for it. Here are some Ravens and Orioles players divulging their favorite eats from the Baltimore area, and a few of their post- and pregame food rituals. Ravens

Justin Tucker, 26, kicker

The Food Market: "The Amish soft pretzels with beer fondue are amazing. I like their scallops. I like their wagyu steak frites."

Ryleigh's Oyster: "One of the first places I went to when I was living in Fed Hill my rookie year was Ryleigh's Oyster. [Owner] Brian McComas has become a friend and he's always super accommodating … I'm a fan of their fish and chips."

Mama's on the Half Shell: "It's home to my favorite steak in Baltimore. I'll get a -wrapped filet with crab imperial on top and a bearnaise sauce; that with mashed potatoes and asparagus. To start it all off, you gotta get the beer mussels, and then wash it all down with a [Heavy Seas] Loose Cannon IPA."

Food ritual: Tucker gave a shout-out to chefs Manny Tejeda and Waldemar "Shorty" Martinez at the Under Armour Performance Center in Owings Mills for creating one of his favorite morning foods: egg whites with spinach and cheese, and a Belgian waffle topped with peanut butter and syrup. "Marshal [Yanda] inspired me to do that with the waffles. ... It's a total game changer."

Brandon Williams, 27, defensive tackle

Seaside restaurant: "Great crab cakes, great crab legs, great spot. Bread pudding to die for; literally, it will ruin you for other people's bread pudding."

Pizza fave: "Genova's, but I would really say any pizza place, because I love pizza that much."

At home: Williams says he makes the best PB&J. "I like the ratio of peanut butter and jelly to be more jelly than peanut butter, because you can't keep getting it stuck to the roof of your mouth. So the jelly kind of counters that and makes it more flavorful, and a lot more jelly-like."

Postgame food ritual: "After almost every home game, I go to Seaside, hang out, eat some crabs, crab cakes and bread pudding."

Eric Weddle, 31, safety

Miller's Deli: "The 'signature [combo]' sandwich with pastrami, corned beef and brisket. It was so good, and they have an Oreo brownie that's bomb, too."

Miss Shirley's: "The white chocolate chip pancakes, and the banana split parfait."

Postgame food ritual: "I smash like a gallon of ice cream. I'll go get three different kinds and eat like three different bowls of it. I really like ice cream. I try to sacrifice all week so then I can just eat my face off."

Favorite ice cream flavors: Cookies and cream, birthday cake, rainbow sherbet, Reese's peanut butter cup, rocky road, Haagen-Dazs' strawberry, anything involving caramel.

Kamar Aiken, 27, wide receiver

Jimmy's Famous Seafood: "They have the best crab cakes in town."

The Food Market: "I actually eat [there] a lot. Breakfast and brunch. ... It's pretty good and it's just a nice little area. I would say try everything there, to be honest. Every time I go there, I try something random."

Postgame food ritual: "Gummi worms. ... I'd probably eat a whole big pack a day if I can." Orioles

Adam Jones, 31, center fielder

For breakfast: Simply Marie's, where "anything there for breakfast is money," or Atwater's. "I get huevos rancheros, that's always one of my favorites, and also they have a bacon, [egg and cheese] biscuit sandwich."

Abbey Burger Bistro: Jones has his own burger on the menu, the Simply AJ10: Kobe beef on an English muffin with pepper jack cheese, avocado, jalapenos, bacon, chili pepper mayo, lettuce and tomato, served with tater tots and nacho cheese.

The Food Market: "I really like the steak frites and the sea bass."

Pregame food: "Watermelon, just something to get me going."

Zach Britton, 28, pitcher

Spoons Cafe: "They have a breakfast burrito that's really good."

Abbey Burger Bistro: "I like to try everything on the menu at Abbey Burger because they always have new meats. ... They had kangaroo one time, and I tried that. It was really gamy. I normally stick with like Jonesy's burger."

Tommy Hunter, 30, pitcher

On breakfast: "A lot of us are big breakfast guys. ... It's usually family time, too, so I think that's a little more important, why we like breakfast as much as we do. But we don't eat breakfast till like 11."

Miss Shirley's Cafe: "The cinnamon rolls are a delight. I'm kind of just a regular eggs guy in the morning. Eggs, bacon and maybe some chocolate chip pancakes if they have 'em."

Pregame food: Clubhouse chef Jenny Perez's shakes. "I usually just eat whatever she gives me. ... She's the best."

Caleb Joseph, 30, catcher

Spoons Cafe: The 2-2-2 (two eggs, two pieces of bacon, or ham, and two pancakes or French toast), or cinnamon roll pancakes. "Those are perfect, it's not too much but just enough sweet."

On seafood: Neither Joseph nor his wife likes seafood. "It sucks, especially living around here."

On trying new restaurants: "We don't really try new stuff. We pretty much stick with like P.F. Chang's or the chains."

Hyun Soo Kim, 28, outfielder

Food rituals: "He doesn't really have a restaurant or a food that he like has to eat, but he feels like he's having at least one Korean food per day, post-game or before the game," translator Danny Lee said.

Where to find the best Korean food in Baltimore: Joung Kak

His favorite dish there: Korean pancakes made with seafood, kimchi and scallions. "He likes those deep-fried," Lee said.

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2016/10/a-few-more-health-updates.html

A few more health updates

By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com October 21, 2016

Orioles outfielder Joey Rickard has avoided surgery on his right thumb as the offseason moves through October.

Rickard didn’t play after July 20 due to a torn ligament in the thumb sustained in a collision with the right field fence at Yankee Stadium. The Orioles transferred him to the 60-day disabled list on Aug. 31.

They’re hoping that Rickard won’t need surgery over the winter and compromise his availability in spring training and perhaps opening day. A second opinion from hand specialist Dr. Brian Schofield in Sarasota confirmed the prescription of rest.

The news so far has been encouraging.

Rickard was 5-for-14 in his last four games before the injury. Manager Buck Showalter has often cited Rickard as a crucial loss - a Rule 5 pick capable of playing all three outfield spots and bringing a rare element of speed - that left the club scrambling for a replacement until executive vice president Dan Duquette acquired Michael Bourn and on Aug. 31.

Stubbs recently underwent a minor surgical procedure on a toe on his left foot. He’s a pending free agent after going 3-for-22 with 11 strikeouts in 20 games with the Orioles, who included him on their wild card roster.

The Orioles arranged an MRI for first baseman Chris Davis, who played most of the season with discomfort in his hand. He never went on the disabled list and the club wanted to be certain that he won’t need surgery.

“There’s so many things like that that are going on, you’re always careful about telling truths that hurt innocent people, and Chris wanted nobody to look at it as an excuse,” Showalter said on Oct. 6.

“He had some discomfort there and it was a challenge for him the last couple months of the season.”

Davis homered in five consecutive games from June 7-12, went 11 games without one, then homered in five of the next seven. He went 19 games without a from July 15-Aug. 6, but hit five within a four-game span from Aug. 17-20.

The power came in waves.

Davis opened September by hitting five home runs within nine games, but he came up empty in the last 15 games and the wild card game. His slash line fell from .262/.361/.562 in 2015 to .221/.332/.459 this season.

“We did the X-rays and everything,” Showalter said. “It’s just sometimes you’re in a sport where you can’t give something time to get back to 100 percent and I could stay that about probably 10 or 15 guys.”

Reliever Darren O’Day has avoided surgery on his right rotator cuff after a strain forced him back on the disabled list on Aug. 13. He was reinstated on Sept. 18 and tossed 1 2/3 scoreless innings in the wild card game, stranding two inherited runners.

O’Day made his 21st postseason appearance, including 10 with the Orioles.

Note: The Orioles’ annual minicamp will be held Jan. 8-11 at the Ed Smith Stadium complex in Sarasota.

Invited players will report on the 8th and work out the next three days.

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2016/10/brach-undergoes-minor-procedure-on-left- knee.html

Brach undergoes minor procedure on left knee

By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com October 20, 2016

Orioles reliever Brad Brach underwent a minor medical procedure last week involving the meniscus in his left knee. Nothing complicated and apparently no reason for concern.

Ravens team physician Dr. Leigh Ann Curl performed the surgery, which Brach was told lasted only seven to 10 minutes.

“It was real basic,” Brach said. “It was just like I had a flap tear, a tiny little flap torn on my left meniscus. Dr. Curl told me I was in and out. I got to the hospital at 6 a.m. and was out by 9:30 or 10.

“Real easy, real basic.”

Brach had the surgery on Oct. 11 and started his physical therapy on Monday.

“I pretty much feel close to 100 percent already,” he said.

Brach was hesitant to inform the Orioles of the issue with his knee because it didn’t affect his pitching and he didn’t want to risk losing innings as they fought to gain a playoff spot.

“I kind of held off a little bit saying anything because it’s something I didn’t want to miss any time with,” said Brach, an All-Star for the first time this summer. “It was more walking and running in the outfield. I could feel it when I was stopping.

“It’s one of those things where I didn’t want to say anything, but it wasn’t going away. I finally said something the last week, but it never really affected me during the year.”

Brach went 10-4 with a 2.05 ERA, two saves, 92 strikeouts and a 1.038 WHIP in 71 appearances covering 79 innings. He led the club in appearances and holds (24), and stranded 24 of 27 inherited runners. He was 6-1 with a 0.91 ERA and 0.831 WHIP in the first half and 4-3 with a 3.94 ERA and 1.382 WHIP after the break.

Brach threw 1 1/3 scoreless innings in the wild card game in Toronto, allowing two hits and striking out two.

Arbitration-eligible for the second time, Brach is projected by MLBTradeRumors.com to receive a raise from $1.25 million to $2.9 million.

http://www.masnsports.com/steve-melewski/2016/10/the-2016-postseason-could-lead-to- changes-in-bullpen-usage-or-not.html

The 2016 postseason could lead to changes in bullpen usage ... or not

By Steve Melewski / MASNsports.com October 21, 2016

The dominant bullpen arms have been dominant in this postseason for several teams. They are pitching more innings. Some feel a trend is beginning, one where closers will begin to pitch earlier in games and perhaps throw more innings.

The Dodgers’ Kenley Jansen threw 51 pitches and 2 1/3 innings in Game 5 of the Division Series with the Nationals. The Indians’ has been completely dominant with 11 2/3 scoreless postseason innings. He’s allowed five hits and two walks and has fanned 21. That is 21 strikeouts among the 35 outs he has recorded. Yep, dominant. He has thrown several multi-inning outings.

So we’ll see more of used this way next season, right? Nope, I don’t think so.

In the playoffs, the combination of the importance of the games and the fact that relievers get rest through off-days puts managers in a position to be able to use them differently than during the 162-game regular season. There you need the closers to be available to save games almost as often as you need them. Using a closer for 2 1/3 innings on a Friday night could mean he is not available Saturday and/or Sunday. Zach Britton pitching the ninth two days in a row to help the Orioles go 2-0 sure beats him being unavailable for the second game and a blown lead producing a 1-1 record.

In the postseason, Miller has thrown two innings or more in four of six games. In the regular season, he did that in four of 70 games for the Yankees and Indians. He was mostly a one-inning guy, throwing 29 innings in 26 games for Cleveland and 45 1/3 in 44 games for New York.

In the postseason, Jansen has thrown 1 2/3 innings or more in three of six games. In the regular season, he did that just once in 71 games for the Dodgers.

Managing in the playoffs is different. Take the Division Series for example, where you play two games, take a day off, play two and take a day off and then play one. That is if the series goes the full five games. Two built-in rest days are there for relievers so they can be pushed more, and why wouldn’t you push them more in the playoffs if they are up to it?

So to those that feel we will start seeing closers pitching in the sixth or seventh inning with multiple-inning outings more often, I say don’t hold your breath.

Perhaps this will lead to some changes, however, for those that feel the true save in a game can come in the sixth and/or seventh inning due to the situation and/or opponent batters. But I still think most of these relievers are trained to pitch an inning and they get used to and comfortable with pitching in certain roles. Asking them to change that, even in small doses, may not work as well as Jansen and Miller made it work in the last week or so.

The so-called “high-leverage” situations can in fact come well before the ninth inning. And in this postseason, some very talented relievers have done some very special things. But when the 2017 regular season begins, I don’t expect to see many changes from how managers have run games for many years.

BK’s take: Regular viewers of Brian Kenny on MLB Network will not be surprised that he loves the playoff usage of pitchers like Miller. He sees changes coming and took a second off from patting himself on the back for that to share a few thoughts on this video. He fails to mention the off-days that help make this possible and the fact that, you know, these are the biggest games of the year. Or the fact that relievers, even the best of the best, are not used this way during the season. Where he would see changes coming based off this postseason, I do not.

http://www.masnsports.com/orioles-buzz/2016/10/camden-yards-ranked-top-ballpark- experience-by-stadium-journey.html

Camden Yards ranked top ballpark experience by Stadium Journey

By Brian Eller / MASNsports.com October 20, 2016

Folks, we’ve got a three-peat. Declare it a dynasty.

The staff at the popular sports website Stadium Journey recently released their rankings of the top 30 ballpark experiences in . And for the third consecutive year, Oriole Park at Camden Yards has earned the top spot.

Boog’s pit beef sandwiches and Natty Bohs for everyone!

Like any poll, Stadium Journey’s rankings are subjective and open for debate, but at the very least, seeing Camden Yards place at the top of the list three years in a row is a great tribute to the overall experience fans have come to expect at Orioles games.

Stadium Journey used seven different criteria to determine their rankings, including food and beverage offerings, overall atmosphere, neighborhood where the stadium is located, the fans, the ease of access around and in the ballpark, overall return on investment and any unique features. You can read their complete rankings here, but let’s take a look at some of the specific aspects of Camden Yards that have made Birdland the most enjoyable day at the ballpark. Fan-friendly experience/affordability

This is the main aspect of Camden Yards that the Angelos family stresses each year. Along with improving the club on the field and in the clubhouse, the Orioles are committed to improving each and every fan’s experience at the ballpark. For younger fans, Birdland offers plenty of activities to transform a three-hour baseball game into a day of fun-filled adventure. Camden Yards offers a kids section where little fans can play in the moon bounce or test their arm strength in the pitching display, while fans of all ages are treated to the variety of interactive scoreboard games and insider content throughout a game.

Prices for everything are a big topic of concern for a lot of people, and understandably so. In a world where simply taking a family of four out to eat has become a triple-digit affair, families headed to Camden Yards can still easily enjoy a night out at the ballpark for less than $100, thanks to plenty of affordable seats and dining options.

Fans

No fan-friendly experience would be complete without the fans themselves, of course, and Baltimore’s are some of the best in the big leagues. We see instances of unruly fan behavior on television and the Internet every day, it seems, but rarely does it stem from Camden Yards. Are there rotten eggs among the bunch? Sure, every fan base has them. But taking small children to an O’s game or enjoying an afternoon at the ballpark without worrying about fan violence or excessive inappropriate behavior is still an expectation at Oriole Park, not simply a luxury. Try finding that at your average NFL game.

That’s not to say Orioles fans aren’t loud and crazy. Baltimore has some of the most passionate followers and each night you can hear the cheers from inside the ballpark. John Denver’s “Thank God I’m a Country Boy” has become a staple during the seventh-inning stretch, while hundreds of orange towels are seen waving around in the stands. Attendance this year surpassed two million fans and boasted sellout crowds multiple times throughout the season.

Food

This one’s the most fun section to type. Camden Yards is one of the best ballparks for food, mostly due to the fact that there is an impressive combination of classic favorites and innovative new food options each year. For a lot of Orioles fans, the food discussion starts and ends with Boog’s BBQ. With its iconic smoke wafting over the crowds on Eutaw Street during home games, Boog’s sandwiches, baked beans and kettle chips are the perfect introduction to Baltimore food.

Those who can’t get enough crab dip can find the dish smothered over a variety of ballpark favorites, including waffle fries, hot dogs and even kettle chips in what’s known as The Chipper. Fans of the more classic ballpark food are never disappointed, as Camden Yards offers everything from peanuts, popcorn, cotton candy, hot dogs, chicken fingers, pizza, ice cream and so much more. One other thing to note when it comes to food, Camden Yards is one of the few ballparks that allows fans to bring in outside food and drinks, making it much more convenient and, in cases with larger families, cost-efficient for enjoying an Orioles game.

Success on the field

Buttery popcorn and sweet cotton candy can certainly make the ballpark experience more enjoyable, but when it all comes down to it, it’s the product on the field that truly drives fans into the stands. Fortunately for O’s fans, the Birds have enjoyed a string of success unseen for decades. Since 2012, the Orioles have posted five straight non-losing seasons, secured three appearances in the postseason and captured the 2014 American League East crown, the franchise’s first division title since 1997. And with starsManny Machado, Chris Davis and Adam Jones leading the charge, the Orioles are certainly on pace to be among the top ballpark experiences in 2017.

Orioles fans, we want to hear from you. How often do you make it out to Camden Yards? What’s your favorite part about the ballpark experience? Let us know in the comments section below.

http://insider.espn.com/blog/mlb/rumors/post/_/id/29957/mlb-rumor-central-extension-unlikely- for-zach-britton

MLB Rumor Central: Extension unlikely for Orioles closer Zach Britton?

By Doug Mittler / ESPN.com October 20, 2016

Baltimore Orioles closer Zach Britton would like to cash in on his big season, but it takes two to tango.

Britton has been mentioned as a possible AL Cy Young candidate after he converted on all 47 of his save opportunities with a minuscule 0.54 ERA and a 0.84 WHIP.

The 28-year-old is entering his second year of arbitration eligibility and will be in line for a big raise from the $6.75 million he made this season. Still two seasons away from free agency, Britton told Dan Connolly of BaltimoreBaseball.com that he is open to a contract extension, even though the feeling may not be mutual.

“Both sides have to be agreeable. And that’ll be up to Orioles management and Britton’s agent, Scott Boras. After the season he has had, Britton has major leverage, and the Orioles are often hesitant to agree to a deal after a player’s best year,” writes Connolly.

Orioles executive VP Dan Duquette said earlier this month that he would like to keep Britton for the long term. Connolly, however, cautions that the Orioles traded closer Jim Johnson prior to the 2014 season, just before his salary was likely to reach $10 million in arbitration.

“You saw it with Jim Johnson, once the salary got up to a certain point, he got traded. I think I’m kind of approaching there. So I don’t know how long I’m going to be here,” Britton said. “You see how many relievers are on the move nowadays. But it’d be nice to stay here.”

The Orioles have leverage of their own in Brad Brach, a right-handed set-up reliever who struck out 10.5 batters per nine innings and was named to the AL All-Star team. Brach also is two years from free agency, but he made a more modest $1.25 million in 2016 and could be elevated to closer.

http://www.csnmidatlantic.com/baltimore-orioles/how-would-orioles-have-done-dexter-fowler

How Would The Orioles Have Done With Dexter Fowler?

By Rich Dubroff / CSN Mid-Atlantic October 21, 2016

It was set up to be a great day for the Orioles. First, there was the press conference to officially welcome Yovani Gallardo to the Orioles, and then Dexter Fowler would arrive, take his physical and a day or two later, join Gallardo and his teammates.

Instead, Feb. 25 turned into one of the more bizarre days in recent Orioles history as Fowler, instead of coming to Orioles camp, suddenly appeared in headquarters to re-sign with his old team.

The Orioles were taken aback by the Fowler affair. It caused a spat between Fowler’s agent, Casey Close, and Dan Duquette, and more importantly, made the Orioles scramble again.

Two weeks later, the Orioles signed Pedro Alvarez instead, and Mark Trumbo, who was set to be the full-time designated hitter, went to right field.

In postseason accounts of Fowler’s exploits, there are few mentions of his sudden turnabout. The Orioles offer was reported as three years and $33 million while the Cubs gave him $13 million for 2016 with a mutual option for next season.

Fowler hit .276 with 13 home runs and 48 RBIs and had a stellar .393 on-base average. He also stole 13 bases, just six below the Orioles’ team total.

In the National League Championship Series, Fowler is batting .304 with a home run and three RBIs.

There was lots of speculation about why Fowler didn’t want to join the Orioles. He didn’t want to play right field because he’d always been a centerfielder. He didn’t want to play in the tough AL East. It was never clear, but if he had played right field and Trumbo had been the DH, the Orioles would, undoubtedly, have been better.

Fowler’s WAR was 4.2, the best of his career.

He’ll likely be on the free agent market again this offseason, and if the Cubs don’t re-sign him, he could be a prized catch.

Don’t expect the Orioles to be among the pursuers. http://www.csnmidatlantic.com/baltimore-orioles/next-season-crucial-orioles-shortstop-jj-hardy

Next Season Is Crucial For Orioles Shortstop J.J. Hardy

By Rich Dubroff / CSN Mid-Atlantic October 20, 2016

In J.J. Hardy’s 12-year major league career, he’s played for three different teams, yet he’s never been a free agent.

A year from now, that could be different.

Hardy has twice eschewed free agency for three-year contracts with the Orioles, once in 2011, and again as the American League Championship Series began in 2014.

He probably could have made more money as a free agent each time, but that doesn’t bother him.

The Orioles were overjoyed when he agreed to a three-year extension with a fourth-year option that runs through 2017. Hardy’s three-year contract guaranteed him $40 million, and if he has 600 plate appearances next season, a $14 million option kicks in.

His option also vests if Hardy is traded, which isn’t likely, but as a 10-year major leaguer with five years of service he’d have to agree to.

Hardy hasn’t had 600 plate appearances since 2013, and in 2016 when he had 438, he played in only 115 games.

Not only would Hardy have to be healthy to get 600 plate appearances, but his teammates would have to hit well, too, since manager Buck Showalter usually batted him seventh, eighth or ninth.

His injury in 2016 came when he fouled a ball off his foot and broke it. Hardy missed seven weeks but came back strongly.

He played as often in 2016 as in 2015 when a variety of injuries slowed him, but his offensive numbers moved up. His batting average rose from .215 to .269 and his RBIs increased from 37 to 48.

Not only did his offense come back, but his defense was much better in 2016, too. His defensive WAR increased from 1.1 to 1.3, far off from his Gold Glove seasons of 2012-14, but still fine.

Hardy is never going to hit 30 home runs in a season again as he did in 2011. In his past three seasons, he’s combined for only 26, but he gives Showalter a dependable, heady shortstop who has worked brilliantly with both and Jonathan Schoop.

Hardy came into spring training in terrific shape, and once he returned from his foot injury on June 18, he was rested only three times.

A year from now, Hardy will be 35, and there are not many regular shortstops of that age, and while Machado, who played shortstop when Hardy was injured, would love to play there, the Orioles would like to put that move off for a while.

While Hardy won’t be the biggest story of 2017, it will certainly be one worth watching. If he can have another season like this one, even if he doesn’t have 600 plate appearances, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Orioles extend him for another year or two.

That way Hardy could end his career with the Orioles, and without testing free agency. He’ll say he didn’t miss anything. http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/watch-orioles-star-adam-jones-poses-as-a-substitute- teacher/

WATCH: Orioles star Adam Jones poses as a substitute teacher

By Matt Snyder / CBS Sports October 20, 2016

I've been telling anyone who would listen for about five years that Orioles center fielder Adam Jones is one of the nicest and most fun players in baseball. Allow me to present yet another in a long line of examples here, as Jones poses as a substitute teacher for some lucky Baltimore-area students.

Call him Mr. Herbert Garfield:

As you can see, Jones took the whole class to an Orioles game later that night. There's so much to love there. How about the genuine excitement on the faces of those kids? So good. Kudos to Jones and Bank of America for this one.

http://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2016/10/20/adam-jones-becomes-an-undercover-teacher-to- surprise-students/

Adam Jones Becomes An Undercover Teacher To Surprise Students

CBS Baltimore October 20, 2016

BALTIMORE (WJZ) — Bank of America teamed up with Jones of the to surprise a classroom full of students at The SEED School of Maryland.

Jones went undercover as a substitute teacher at a Baltimore school and surprised one classroom with tickets to that night’s game, helping the students create memories that will last a lifetime.

You can see their reactions below:

The SEED School of Maryland is a statewide, college-preparatory, public boarding school.

http://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2016/10/20/oriole-park-at-camden-yards-ranked-no-1-mlb- ballpark/

Oriole Park At Camden Yards Ranked No. 1 MLB Ballpark

CBS Baltimore October 20, 2016

BALTIMORE (WJZ) — For the third consecutive year, Oriole Park at Camden Yards was ranked No. 1 MLB Ballpark Experience by Stadium Journey.

Every year, StadiumJourney.com ranks the 30 Major League stadiums using the FANFARE scale. The items included in this scale include “the food and beverage in the ballpark, the overall atmosphere, the neighborhood where the stadium is located, the fans, the access (which includes parking, traffic, restrooms, and handicap accessibility), the overall return on investment, and any special or unique features.”

So what is the secret to the Orioles success?

Lloyd Brown of Stadium Journey says,”Instead of tearing down the surrounding neighborhood, they embraced it and incorporated it into the stadium design. In the years since Camden Yards was built the Orioles have concentrated on every element of the fan experience by constantly upgrading the concession offerings, creating special promotions celebrating the diversity of Baltimore’s population and making customer service the first priority for its game day staff.”

http://www.scout.com/stadium-journey/story/1718912-mlb-ballpark-experience-rankings

MLB Ballpark Experience Rankings

Lloyd Brown / Scout.com October 19, 2016

The Stadium Journey staff fanned out to all 30 MLB ballparks to establish this year’s rankings. Each stadium was evaluated based on our FANFARE scale which includes 1) an assessment of food and beverage offerings 2) the overall atmosphere 3) the neighborhood where the stadium is located 4) the fans 5) the access (includes traffic, parking, restrooms, handicapped accessibility and ease of flow on concourses within the park) 6) the overall return on investment and 7) any unique features.

#1 B a l t i m o r e O r i o l e s , O r i o l e P a r k at C a m d e n Y a r d s While the Orioles have not gone to the World Series in recent years, they seem to have a stranglehold on first place in the view of Stadium Journey’s staff and fans. This marks the third straight year that we have named Camden Yards as the Best Ballpark Experience in MLB. So what is the secret to the Orioles success? They knew how to build a ballpark unlike any other stadium at the time. Instead of tearing down the surrounding neighborhood, they embraced it and incorporated it into the stadium design. In the years since Camden Yards was built the Orioles have concentrated on every element of the fan experience by constantly upgrading the concession offerings, creating special promotions celebrating the diversity of Baltimore’s population and making customer service the first priority for its game day staff. Other elements that kept the Orioles rating at the top are the extras surrounding the park, as both Babe Ruth’s childhood home and the Inner Harbor entertainment and restaurant district are within walking distance of the park. Accessibility is another factor that rated highly with both our reviewers and the fans who submitted opinions on the MLB parks.

#2 St L o u i s C a r d i n a l s , B u s c h S t a d i u m St. Louis has long been regarded as one of the best baseball towns in America. It hosted two major league clubs for much of the 20th century in a market much smaller than Chicago or New York. Watching a baseball game at Busch Stadium will leave you with great memories, no matter what team you root for. You will find many nods to the past, with statues of Ozzie Smith, Stan Musial, Bob Gibson and others fronting the stadium, but also a look to towards the future. The Cardinals have set the standard for a baseball themed district outside the stadium walls in the form of Ballpark Village. Now any new stadiums being constructed are looking to include similar developments in their plans.

#3 P i t t s b u r g h P i r a t e s , PNC P a r k A trip to PNC Park is a must for any baseball fan. The food selection is the gold standard among concession offerings through the major leagues. The stadium offers a very picturesque setting for a ball game as it provides stunning views of the Allegheny River and downtown Pittsburgh. Pirate greats Roberto Clemente, Honus Wagner, Bill Mazeroski and Willie Stargell are immortalized in statues on the four corners of the stadium.

#4 S a n F r a n c i s c o G i a n t s , AT&T P a r k AT&T Park’s setting is as spectacular as any venue for any sport. The cozy 42,000 seat baseball cathedral is nestled up against San Francisco Bay amidst a newly gentrified area of the city. For all its beauty, it is also a vast improvement over its predecessor, Candlestick Park, which was infamous for its playing conditions. The Giants and their fans still have a meaningful way to remember the team’s heritage, as statues of Willie Mays, Juan Marichal and Willie McCovey are found at the entrances to AT&T Park.

#5 C l e v e l a n d I n d i a n s , Progressive F i e l d What a difference winning makes. The Cavaliers win the NBA crown and now the Indians have gone deep into postseason play. The fans are enjoying a gigantic new HD scoreboard, between innings entertainment and some of the lowest ticket prices in the major leagues.

#6 B o s t o n R e d S o x , F e n w a y P a r k The bill Fenway Park as “America’s Most Beloved Ballpark,” and they may be right. With its numerous quirky angles, the Green Monster and other unique features, Fenway is often imitated, but never duplicated. Management has not allowed the more than 100 year old park to go stale, as they have invested more than $300 million to keep it modern and ensure its viability into the next century. In an era where cities are building new stadiums to replace parks that are less than 25 years old, it is refreshing to see a classic park not only being used, but thriving in the 21st century..

#7 K a n s a s C i t y R o y a l s , K a u f f m a n S t a d i u m After going to the World Series for the past two seasons, Kauffman Stadium is once again drawing lots of attention. This baseball specific park is known for its fountains of water behind the outfield wall, as well as its huge Crown Vision scoreboard. Another element of interest in the stadium is the Royals Hall of Fame in the left field concourse. While in town for a game, Kansas City has two bucket list activities for baseball fans and foodies. The Negro League Baseball Museum and some of KC’s finest ribs restaurants are just a few miles from Kauffman Stadium.

#8 H o u s t o n A s t r o s , M i n u t e M a i d P a r k Affectionately known as “The Juice Box,” Minute Maid Park combines the old world aesthetics of the Union Station railroad lobby with all the bells and whistles of a ballpark in America’s Space City. Its retractable roof provides a very comfortable viewing environment during Houston’s hot and muggy summers. The old and the new are woven seamlessly together, as you enter through a century old railroad station into a very modern athletic facility. Tying the two together is a railroad engine and coal (in this case Minute Maid oranges) car which sits above the left field wall and runs down the track when the Astros win or a Houston player hits a home run.

#9 C i n c i n n a t i R e d s , G r e a t A m e r i c a n B a l l P a r k Cincinnati has always been a great baseball town and Great American Ball Park continues that tradition. Artifacts from the Reds past are on view at the Crosley Field Tribute as well as the outstanding Reds Hall of Fame and Museum. The stadium continues its old time feel with the twin riverboat smokestacks in center field, which shoot off fireworks when a Reds player hits a home run.

#10 C o l o r a d o R o c k i e s , C o o r s F i e l d Though it is now the third oldest National League ballpark, Coors Field continues to evolve to provide both Rockies fans and visitors a memorable fan experience. The Rooftop is a great example of this. The two story party area in the upper deck offers tremendous views of the field, but also provides dramatic views of downtown Denver and the Front Range. Before or after the game you can enjoy the Lodo entertainment district just outside the gates of Coors Field. This area is home to some great restaurants and clubs, as well as the National Baseball Park Museum, a bucket list site for any baseball fan. Attending a game at Coors Field will truly provide you with a Rocky Mountain high.

#11 S a n D i e g o P a d r e s , P e t c o P a r k The home of the Padres has made a number of changes to enhance fan enjoyment in the last couple of seasons. These include a new high definition video board, new viewing areas in the outfield, an interactive display of retired Padres numbers on the home plate plaza, and gigantic murals depicting Padre greats along the concourses. One other popular addition is the Waterfront at the Pier, a bi-level party deck for group outings to the park.

#12 C h i c a g o C u b s , W r i g l e y F i e l d A season that started with a lot of grumbling from baseball traditionalists about renovations to the 101 year old stadium has been forgotten as the Cubs had one of their most successful seasons ever and the best record in the majors. Many of the upgrades were of structural necessity, but others were to greatly enhance the fan experience. Some of the new amenities include video boards to show replays or highlights from other games, relocating the bullpens to behind the outfield walls and greatly improved concession areas. Wrigley Field is in a category of its own, and rich traditions such as the ivy covered walls and the hand operated scoreboard were carefully preserved during the renovations. #13 D e t r o i t T i g e r s , C o m e r i c a P a r k provides a great baseball atmosphere for fans of all ages. Everyone enjoys the ever-present tiger elements built into both the interior and exterior of the park. Older fans can enjoy the great history of the by visiting the statues of the Motor City’s immortals along the outfield plaza. The younger set can enjoy a ride on the all-tiger carousel found in Big Cat Court. You’ll definitely leave Comerica Park with a tiger tale to tell.

#14 L o s A n g e l e s D o d g e r s , D o d g e r S t a d i u m The third oldest stadium in MLB, Dodger Stadium is neither classic nor retro. It is uniquely LA. You will frequently see television and movie stars enjoying the game along with the crowd. The classic Dodger Blue uniforms have never changed since the team’s arrival in 1963. Its location in Chavez Ravine means that you typically enter at the top of the stadium and go down to your seats, a very unique feature. The 2016 season was memorable for two reasons; the team’s advancement to the playoffs and the retirement of Dodger broadcasting legend and Baseball Hall of Fame member Vin Scully after a 62 year career.

#15 N e w Y o r k M e t s , C i t i F i e l d Citi Field is a physical celebration of New York City baseball. Its outer façade suggests the architecture of old Ebbets Field, the Rotunda salutes a Brooklyn baseball immortal, and the Big Apple still resides in center field to salute Mets victories and home runs. Fans can further enjoy the history of the team in the Mets Museum, which covers everything from the days of Casey Stengel to the Miracle Mets of 1969 to the 2015 World Series.

#16 S e a t t l e M a r i n e r s , S a f e c o F i e l d Safeco Field does the little things well. It keeps fans dry on the frequent rainy days with its retractable roof and on sunny days provides beautiful views of the Puget Sound when the roof is open. The Mariners Hall of Fame salutes many of the team’s elite players such as and Ken Griffey Jr along the concourse behind home plate. Artists have contributed baseball themed art throughout the ballpark, enhancing the fan experience. The food concessions provide a unique menu of Pacific Northwest delicacies such as salmon and Dungeness crab.

#17 W a s h i n g t o n N a t i o n a l s , N a t i o n a l s P a r k is a beautiful, modern facility with lots of fan amenities. Some of the best touches are the décor and frequent signage depicting the history of baseball in the nation’s capital, including both the Nationals and the Senators. The exterior and interior of the park feature in- motion statues of former players and baseball-themed artwork. Nationals Park is also famous for its Presidential Race, a between innings sprint featuring likenesses of presidents such as , , Teddy Roosevelt, and . This race is even more rough and tumble than the actual 2016 presidential campaign, as the competitors are known to push, shove and trip each other in order to win the race.

#18 M i n n e s o t a T w i n s , T a r g e t F i e l d is the first baseball only stadium the Twins have enjoyed since moving to the Twin Cities in 1961. It is an interactive park, with trivia games on the scoreboard, dance competitions between innings and a chance to score a t-shirt during the T Shirt Toss. Like Wrigley Field and Busch Stadium, Target Field truly captures the unique feeling of a Mid-America baseball facility.

#19 A r i z o na Diamondbacks, C h a s e F i e l d Chase Field is the only ballpark the have known, and it serves its fans well. The retractable roof provides shelter from the sweltering sun and temperatures found in the Valley of the Sun, and if that is not enough, there is a swimming pool located just beyond the outfield wall. Arizona has adapted the found in most ballparks by having likenesses of Diamondback greats Randy Johnson, , Luis Gonzalez, and Matt Williams as the contestants. Arizona also scores well as having one of the most affordable tickets in the MLB.

#20 P h i l l i e s , C i t i z e n s B a n k P a r k The are the oldest continuous, single-name, one-city franchise in all of professional sports. This seems fitting, as Philadelphia is a city rich in American history. However the experience offers many modern amenities including a Liberty Bell that lights up when the Phillies score, the Ashburn Alley entertainment area and the crazy antics of the , one of the most entertaining mascots in baseball.

#21 T e x a s R a n g e r s , G l o b e L i f e P a r k in A r l i n g t o n Like everything in , Globe Life Park is just bigger. Its 48,114 seating capacity is tops in MLB. This larger than life theme carries over into the concession offerings, where you can choose from The Broomstick, the Flamin’ Hot Cheetos Dog or the Choomongus, and more Texas BBQ than you can get your mouth around. For entertainment, you have the Ranger Six Shooters dance squad on top of the dugouts between innings, and the Rangers Hall of Fame to visit either before or after the game.

#22 L o s A n g e l e s A n g e l s , A n g e l S t a d i u m Known locally as the Big A, Angel Stadium contains a number of unique features. It is hard to miss the main entrance, as there are two huge Angel baseball caps bordering it. The center field waterfall feature is another aspect not found in most parks. Love him or hate him, the is still around, though he appears in an updated fashion. One other consideration to fans considering making a long weekend to games at the Big A is its close proximity to Disneyland.

#23 M i l w a u k e e B r e w e r s , M i l l e r P a r k has a great baseball history and Miller Park salutes Brewer and Milwaukee Braves greats through a series of statues placed around the park. These notables include players Aaron and Robin Yount, broadcaster and former MLB commissioner Bud Selig. Miller Park also provides uniquely Milwaukee-style entertainment for the fans, including the world famous and the playing of the tune “Roll Out the Barrel” during its 7th inning stretch.

#24 T o r o n t o B l u e J a y s , R o g e r s C e n t r e The only MLB stadium located north of the border has a distinctly Canadian flair in its concession offerings. Fans can sample the brisket, sausage or Buffalo cauliflower poutine. Other menu items include a peameal bacon sausage sandwich, meatloaf burgers or a porchetta sandwich. The Blue Jays have seen a spike in attendance due to two straight appearances in the playoffs after a long drought.

#25 C h i c a g o W h i t e S o x , U.S. C e l l u l a r F i e l d The White Sox made some major updates to U.S. Cellular Field for the 2016 season. Three new state of the art HD video screens were installed to keep fans more informed on the game and show highlights from around the league. Amongst the concession items on the menu are hot pressed Cuban sandwiches, plump tamales and several Asian inspired dishes including steamed buns filled with teriyaki, Mongolian beef and vegetables. The Sox continue to have one of the best pre-game tailgating environment in the majors, second perhaps only with Milwaukee.

#26 M i a m i M a r l i n s , M a r l i n s P a r k The most futuristic park in the majors occupies the former site of the Orange Bowl in Miami. It has a distinctly Latin vibe, from the concessions it offers, to the music played between innings and multiple special promotions. It also has an artistic flair, with a vibrant art sculpture rising behind the outfield wall when the Marlins hit a home run, a very unique bobblehead museum, and other pieces of baseball themed art and a backstop aquarium. Marlins Park draws a great deal of fans from outside the Miami area, as many “snowbirds” from the northern climates spend months enjoying Miami’s tropical climate. The park is also a magnet for ballpark chasers as it is the newest stadium in the majors (at least until 2017).

#27 A t l a n t a B r a v e s , T u r n e r F i e l d The 2016 season marked the final season of “The Ted” serving as the home of the Braves after 20 seasons. The team held a season long series of remembrances of stars and great games that were played in the former Centennial Olympic Stadium. Once the decision was made to move to a new stadium located in the North Atlanta suburbs, the focus was on saluting the past rather than adding new features at Turner Field. Fittingly, Braves legend was on hand to close out baseball at Turner Field, just as he was present when the Braves moved into Turner Field from the old Atlanta- Fulton County Stadium in 1997.

#28 T a m p a B a y R a y s , T r o p i c a n a F i e l d is probably the only MLB stadium in use that was built on a speculative basis. Built in 1991, it sat virtually empty for eight years until the Tampa Rays began as an expansion team in 1998. Unfortunately technology and stadium design made great strides forward during that period, rendering many of Tropicana Field’s features obsolete. The Rays management has made some helpful upgrades to improve the fan experience, including the Hitters Hall of Fame and the ray tank in center field. There has been discussion of building a new stadium in another city nearby or relocating the franchise to another location in country in recent years due to low attendance.

#29 N e w Y o r k Y a n k e e s , Y a n k e e S t a d i u m Yankee Stadium houses one of the sport’s most iconic franchises in the league’s biggest market. The baseball reality is that this in fact is not “The House That Ruth Built” and the Yankees have not been to the World Series since 2009. The retirement of Mariano Rivera and Derek Jeter in recent years have left the team without a true superstar. What the present Yankee Stadium does have is great tradition. It has perhaps the most impressive baseball museum outside of Cooperstown. It also offers Monument Park, a one of a kind salute to the Yankee greats of the past.

#30 O a k l a n d A t h l e t i c s , O a k l a n d A l a m e d a C o l i s e u m The Oakland Coliseum has served as the home of the for 48 years. In that period of time, it has become the last of the dual sport stadiums, as it also serves as the Oakland Raiders home field. This results in a massive amount of foul territory, with fans in the front rows sitting further away than any other stadium in the league. It also lacks many of the amenities found in many of the newer stadiums. On the positive side, the Athletics have a very loyal fan base and the team is typically very competitive in the AL West. It is likely that if legal and territorial issues can someday be worked out, the A’s will relocate to another site in the Greater Bay Area.