The Orioles behind Rodriguez produced the offense required to support a pitcher in fine form, with Ryan O’Hearn and Gunnar Henderson homering in the second and third innings off hard-throwing 22-year-old Jared Jones.
Through two series, the Orioles are learning where young players fit, how good their ace is even when he struggles and what the weak points on the roster might be.
Here are the things I’ll be watching based on each club’s roster and which factors will influence the continued upward trajectory of the club’s farm system.
Villa is involved in every aspect of player development, from hitting to pitching to fielding, ensuring each affiliate is following the fundamentals and philosophies of the organization. Some players are only a few years younger than he is.
In Burnes’ rise to prominence in the major leagues, perfection is an ever-elusive target. No pitcher is immune to a missed spot or a run on the board. But Burnes has found a routine that works for him.
Hill isn’t new to ownership. He is a part owner of the NBA’s Atlanta Hawks, MLS’ Orlando City SC and NWSL’s Orlando Pride. “You want to establish a vision, you want to give resources, and you want to stay out of the way,” he said.
Lucchino served as the Orioles’ president from 1988 to 1993, and his presence atop the organization helped to steer Baltimore away from the concrete bowl stadiums that were fashionable at the time.
Whenever a billionaire asks for taxpayer money to build a new stadium, these economists are the people explaining that, no, it’s not a good use of public funds. But they love sports. Really.