Columns

COLUMN | Jackson’s mere attendance speaks volumes to his personal buy-in. After he passed on a $750,000 contract stipulation last season, we know what Jackson is willing to trade for not coming to OTAs.

COLUMN | There, like a $20 bill left on the sidewalk, former U.N. Ambassador John Bolton dropped a fragment of truth. “It hangs by a thread at this point,” he said in Annapolis, “whether we’re going to come out of this better after it’s over than we were before we went in.” He was more right than he knew.

COLUMN | Tampons and menstrual products are essential to being able to participate in society for people with periods. A new bill would provide them for free in Maryland state buildings. There is some controversy about it, but I don't see why.

COLUMN | These are extremely uncomfortable decisions the Orioles are forcing opposing managers to make, and there’s too much quality at the top of the lineup to not punish teams.

COLUMN | By the time James Appel, a top Maryland Republican finance expert, set off for the Bahamas in November 2023, he and his wife had upgraded to a 65-foot luxury yacht. That’s what got the Annapolis man in trouble.

COLUMN | Wendell Rakosky is a professional Sinatra tribute artist. What’s it like? I guess you could say he did it Frank’s way.

COLUMN | Julian Reese, Bub Carrington and Cam Whitmore grew up in the same basketball circles. Now their NBA dreams have become a reality — together.

The Orioles' uneven start doesn’t mean anything in the context of a six-month season. It’s just not what this particular season needed to separate everything that will happen going forward from everything that happened last year.

With two scoreless innings in Nunez's debut Saturday, one of the most improbable stories in baseball may only be getting started.

COLUMN | If the U.S. Supreme Court decides to disqualify mail-in ballots that arrive after Election Day, Maryland voters will mostly be OK. The unlikely hero? The U.S. Postal Service.

COLUMN | As Harborplace’s planned refurbishment continues to progress, it must remain a third space welcoming to all — or it won’t work.

With Baz’s five-year, $68 million deal, the Orioles have bet on him to be a meaningful part of their rotation for the rest of this decade — and having him in place will help them build that out however they see fit.

COLUMN | While there are bigger fish for the Orioles to nail down extensions with, Shane Baz is a great early entry who keeps the organization pointed in the right direction to lock down more players.

COLUMN | Like that famous beat, the search for a Maryland state song goes on. The newest contender is “The Heart of Maryland.” It’s a little bit country and a little bit politics.

COLUMN | When COVID-19 hit, the Orioles ended the long-standing practice of letting fans in early to watch the home team take batting practice. The opportunity finally returned for early arrivals.

Everything Albernaz did in spring training to set the Orioles up for success was intentional. On opening day, it paid off.

COLUMN | The Orioles caused a stir within their fan base last season by changing the Birdland membership tiers and displacing a number of members from their seats. After a few months, most fans who spoke to The Banner remain season ticket holders, but they are cynical about the direction of the program.

COLUMN | It’s strange when you stack up just how many facets of the Orioles are better — the lineup mix, the rotation, the manager — to still feel uneasy about their chances. A lot of that has to do with how last year went.

COLUMN | Baltimore City living has its highs and lows, like parking issues and potholes, but it shouldn’t have to mean that your trash can goes missing.

If there’s anywhere the Orioles get the benefit of the doubt, it’s maximizing value by identifying pitchers who might help and guiding their development to make that true. That doesn’t make it any less risky.