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The Orioles
With David Sheinin
Washington Post Sports Reporter
Thursday, April 12, 2001; 1 p.m. EDT

What does the 2001 season hold for the Baltimore Orioles? Will last year's reorganization help the team? Will the younger players be able to hold their own?

Washington Post sports reporter David Sheinin will be online to take your questions and comments on the Orioles, this season and baseball in general.

Submit your questions and comments before or during today's discussion.

Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.

Washington, D.C.: The Os had a big draft a year or two back. Any news as to how some of these prospects (or other prospects) are doing?

David Sheinin: Hello. That big draft year you're referring to was 1999, when the Orioles had seven of the first 50 picks (mostly due to compensation for the free-agent losses of Palmeiro and Alomar). Two players from that draft are considered arguably the franchise's top prospects: center fielder Keith Reed, a "five-tool" guy, and left-hander Richard Stahl, who is 6 foot 7 and has drawn comparisons to Randy Johnson. It's still early in the minor-league season, but both could arrive in the majors by the end of 2002 or 2003.

The Planet Vulcan: It seems to me that although the Orioles are only 4-4 (hardly World Series material), their pitching staff has performed above expectations so far this year. The logical question is, can they keep it up?

David Sheinin: It's really amazing the Orioles have won four of these first eight games, considering who they have been playing and how they've been hitting. The problem is going to come when these 4-3 games start turning into 7-3. Obviously, Cal Ripken isn't going to continue hitting .091 and David Segui is not going to keep hitting .143. So the offense WILL get better. But at the same time, Pat Hentgen can't be expected to keep pitching eight innings and allowing one run each time out. Something has to give.

Raleigh, N.C.: What kind of an effect has the new strike zone had on the game so far this year?

David Sheinin: The strike zone has had a large effect, based on what I've seen so far. The problem is, there seems to be even a wider variance than before, from umpire to umpire and from crew to crew. I'm still seeing strikes called on pitches a few inches off the plate, which was supposed to be eliminated. The high strike is being called the way the league wants it to. But I think this is going to be a year-long story, spiked with controversy, if it doesn't gain some consistency.

Arlington, Va.: Can this be a .500 team this year? Seems to me that 80 wins would be a fantastic accomplishment, and something to build on.

PS- Make sure to update us occasionally on Mora's wife and quintuplets.

David Sheinin: I don't think there is much chance of this team finishing .500. But I think the win-loss record this season almost misses the point. This is a transitional season, and it could be painful. But it was something that had to be done in order to stabilize the long-term picture. They could surprise me (and everyone else), of course. But .500 is asking a bit much. I would say 75 wins would constitute an excellent season.

Washington, D.C.: Has any team in major league ever had no players reach the 20 home run mark? It looks like this Orioles squad might.

David Sheinin: That is a good question, something I would have to look up. I'm sure there were teams in the pre-Ruth dead-ball era that didn't have any players who hit 20 homers, but it probably has been a long time since it has happened in the modern era. The thing is, the Orioles have several players with 20-homer POTENTIAL -- Richard, Ripken, Segui, even Bordick (who hit 20 last season). But they don't have anyone (like Albert Belle) who you KNOW

West Palm Beach, Fla.: What are the feelings in the Orioles clubhouse about the Sports Illustrated article that made Peter Angelos and Syd Thrift look like fools? What was your opinion on it? Was it accurate based on what you've heard about their player dealings?

David Sheinin: Obviously, that article was not very well-received around the organization. I heard Peter Angelos was incensed (understandably), particularly about the caraciture that depicted him squeezing the life out of an oriole, under the headline "Bird-brained." I had heard many of the same stories that ultimately made it into the Sports Illustrated story -- and actually have written about one or two of them -- but it is difficult to justify writing an entire story based on nothing but unnamed sources. I thought the story was largely accurate, but perhaps unbalanced, since it did not give the Orioles ample opportunity to rebut some of the claims.

Ashburn, Va.: Is this Cal's last year? Do you see the Orioles making any major trades this year?

David Sheinin: I'm surprised it took this long for someone to ask about Cal. The answer is: nobody knows. Ripken's early-season slump has raised the volume of the chorus of people clamoring for his retirement, but he is showing signs of coming out of it. He hit three rockets last night in Boston, but only one fell in for a hit. If he is still hitting .091 in June, we might have a problem, but for now I think he believes he can produce, and I have learned the hard way never to write him off. On your second question, I doubt there will be any blockbuster trades made by the Orioles this season, unless they get to July and feel they have a chance to make the playoffs (highly unlikely). Otherwise, they are prepared to let their youngsters take their lumps.

New York, NY: How can the O's management claim to be rebuilding with all the over-30 players in the lineup? If you want a true model for rebuilding, look at Oakland, Chicago White Sox, or even Montreal -- teams that actually place faith in "unproven" young players whose minor league numbers indicated that they might succeed in the majors.

David Sheinin: This questions gets at the very heart of what the team is doing. You are right: many of their "kids" are actually not kids, such as Brook Fordyce, Melvin Mora and Chris Richard. Syd Thrift likes to say he isn't interested so much in "chronological" age as baseball age, and all of those guys play young. The Orioles have decided to retool and get younger, but they did not have the major-league-ready prospects in their system to do it from within, so they acquired a handful of players like the ones I named, who will bridge the gap until the farm system begins producing wholesale players, and these guys like Fordyce and Mora and Richard will then become the veterans when that starts to happen. Those teams like Oakland and Montreal that you have named had their own kids ready to play when the time came to rebuild. The Orioles don't.

Arlington, Va.: How is the O's clubhouse doing? Do they have any natural leaders who can keep the team motivated?

David Sheinin: The clubhouse is actually quite pleasant these days. (Read into that what you will.) And several leaders have emerged. Among pitchers, Pat Hentgen has drawn raves for his leadership. He stepped into this situation as a free agent and began establishing himself from the first day of spring training. Jason Johnson actually credits Hentgen for much of his own success this spring. For being such a young player, Jerry Hairston also seems to possess that leadership quality -- and actually, given the newness of this roster, he is one of the longest-tenured Orioles.

Crofton, Md.: How about Willis Roberts performance last night? I thought he pitched great...7Ks in 4 innings. Is this guy for real?

David Sheinin: This guy is for real, and then some. It appears the Orioles are grooming him to be a closer, rather than as a starter. It makes perfect sense. He has that kind of stuff -- a two-seamed sinking fastball (around 91-92 mph), a hard four-seamer (96-97), a slider and one of the best splitters I've seen in a while. The amazing thing with him is that he slipped through the cracks for so many years. Two teams released him, and the Orioles just happened upon him in the Dominican winter league.

Parking lot at Memorial Stadium: What's the latest word on Scott Erickson's return? Is it possible that he could pitch for the Orioles this year?

David Sheinin: What are you doing in the parking lot at Memorial Stadium? Dude, the team moved over to Camden Yards a few years ago. Anyway, Erickson is rehabbing on his own and almost certainly will pitch by the end of the season, barring a setback. The Orioles are thinking August, but Erickson may be thinking July or even earlier.

Laurel, Md.: Who are the most exciting prospects on the Baysox and Keys?

David Sheinin: Keith Reed. Ed Rogers. Richard Stahl. Beau Hale.

Sprignfield, Ill.: Dear David:
As a longtime Cardinals fan, I can tell you that the Redbirds had no 20 home run hitters in four consecutive seasons in the early '80s ('81-'84; '81 was a strike season with about a third of the season lost to the strike). The '82 Cards were World Champs and hit a grand total of 67 home runs. Wow -- how baseball has changed...

David Sheinin: Well, there's our answer. Thanks for the input. I guess the Orioles are looking to turn the clock back. The difference was, those Cardinals teams were great teams. This one is not.

Arlington, Va.: Do you think Mike Hargrove will stay around through these rebuilding years? Do you have any sense that Angelos has or will alienate him like so many others? I think the O's are lukcy to have him.

David Sheinin: Hargrove has a million reasons per year to stick around.

Columbia, Md.: Could we trade Angelos?

David Sheinin: He has a full no-trade clause.

Burlington, Vt.: Are the O's truly the laughingstock of baseball? Has incompetence dominated the recent player purge and farm re-stocking? Is there real hope?

David Sheinin: The honest answer is yes. Being around the game and hearing people talk, most folks scoff at what the organization has become. However, the Orioles are trying their best to change that perception. Bottom line: the only way to disprove the doubters is to win. And the Orioles believe they are building a winning team. Until then, they will take their hits. As Hargrove has said, "We're an easy target right now."

Arlington, Va.: Will it be easier to get decent tickets with a transitional team playing or is the Camden Yard pull still as strong as ever?

David Sheinin: The attendance is going to be one of the stories to watch this season. I'm quite interested to see to what degree fans still support this team. It was interesting that after an obvious sell-out on Opening Day, the next two games drew very poorly (in the 35,000 range). The Orioles have never drawn fewer than 3.2 million since moving to Camden Yards in 1992, but this might be the year they fall short. Good seats still available!

Arlington, Va.: David,
Although I realize this is billed as an Orioles chat, I am curious if you have any insight on the possibility of a National League team EVER coming here to D.C. Is it true that Mr. Angelos has enough pull to control whether or not a team can locate within 50 miles of the Orioles?
Thanks much.

David Sheinin: Wish I could give you some good news here. But that issue seems to have died completely, replaced by the sexier concept of "contraction," in which struggling teams are simply folded.

Bowie: What were the terms of Belle's buy-out?

David Sheinin: Tom Heath wrote a great story about this very topic in today's paper. Check it out. But in a nutshell, the Orioles are still responsible for his $13 million annual salary, and an insurance company will reimburse the Orioles at 70 percent.

Reston, Va.: First, let me say that I think you are one of the best beat writers in the country. The O's will be terrible this year, thanks once again to the worst owner in sports: Peter Angelos. First question: Do you and Boswell sit next to each other in the press box? Secondly, what's up with Fred Manfra? Is there a clause in his contract that he can't criticize the O's no matter how poorly they perform. I've listened to the guy for years now (first with Jon Miller and now with Jim Hunter), and I've never heard him say one thing critical about the birds! Thankfully we have you and Bos! I miss Jon Miller and The Angel! Thanks from Michael in Reston

David Sheinin: Man, I sure like you.... Even though you ask strange questions. Yes, I sit next to Tom Boswell in the press box when he comes out. I don't know "what's up" with Fred Manfra, but if you feel he and Jim Hunter are too easy on the Orioles, it's probably because they have to be. The team controls its broadcasters.

Bloomfield, N.J.: I know this is tugging on Superman's cape but isn't it about time that Cal Ripken hang up the spikes? The game lost a wonderful man and player in Willie Stargell this week and all the appreciations I read not only included talk of his illustrious career but a little bit about his sad last few years as a player where he simply couldn't measure up. Certainly all evidence points to Cal not only not only being unable to measure up to his own legacy but fitting into a category somewhere below barely serviceable at his position. It's become quite sad watching this once great star plodding his way to a finish line he already earned the right to pass.

David Sheinin: I don't think Ripken will continue playing if it becomes obvious he can no longer contribute. However, the player himself is always the last to know, and it becomes even more difficult with a superstar player. Ripken believes he can produce. I'd say he deserves the benefit of the doubt for now. The problem will come if he's hitting .150 in June and the team must make a difficult choice. I think it is still conceivable Ripken gets it together and has a very good season (and entertains thoughts of 2002). He might also fall apart completely. But his back is sound, and that is the most important thing right now.

Washington, D.C.: The Sporting News also is bashing the O's owner, management and team fairly hard. I'm thinking of ending my 30 year subscription just because of this.

The O's may not be a very good team but come on...

David Sheinin: The national media has been particularly hard on the Orioles, no doubt.

Gaithersburg, Md.: From interviewing the players, which of the NEW guys (joined team since June of last year) impresses you as being the best quote, sharpest wit, etc?

David Sheinin: Jerry Hairston is a gem for us as writers. I realize he is not exactly new, but he is a young guy who will be with the team for a long time. Other "good quote" guys: Fordyce, Kohlmeier, Mora.

Burlington, Vt.: What are the prospects of picking up John Hart?

David Sheinin: Interesting question. It's tough to write a story about this because nobody will address it on the record -- it's very touchy when the job is currently filled. But I'd say there is a chance Hart ends up with the Orioles, although I think he is eyeing the Dodgers situation more closely.

Va.: Where can I buy an Orioles ticket? And what the average price? Thanks.

David Sheinin: Go to theorioles.com.

Manassas, Va.: Is this pitching staff for real? Can they maintain this stellar pitching until the bats come around?

Also, do you think Willis Roberts will eventually be a starter, or is he more suited for middle relief?

David Sheinin: I think it's unrealistic to expect the Orioles to continue pitching at a 3-something ERA, but it is conceivable that the rotation could be strength, particularly if Ponson and Johnson have solid seasons. I think the Orioles are grooming Roberts as a closer.

Washington, D.C.: You have been able to see the Red Sox some in the past couple weeks. What are your impressions of the team and what do you think their chances are for making the playoffs?

David Sheinin: I can't see the Red Sox unseating the Yankees for the division title, but the wild card is conceivable. To me, the red Sox simply don't have enough pitching. Despite Nomo's incredible start, it's basically Pedro and four guys.

Bethesda, Md.: It seems like the O's are already heading, like last year, to the bottom of the ladder. Does Anglos realize that he is a bad owner, or do you think he thinks of himself as the savior of the city?

David Sheinin: I think Peter Angelos sees himself as someone who saved baseball in Baltimore, and honestly, he probably did. But it is also true he has made some questionable decisions. Nobody cares more about the Orioles than him, but sometimes you can care too much and not see the damage you cause.

Washington, D.C.: Whatever happened to Ryan Minor and Calvin Pickering? Are those guys still playing?

David Sheinin: Minor was traded to Montreal this winter for a closer prospect named Jorge Julio (in what looks like a steal for the Orioles). Pickering is still with Class AAA Rochester. He has battled weight problems and injuries, but is said to have slimmed down considerably. He still has enormous power potential, and is still too young to give up on.

Washington, D.C.: Any chance the O's will move Segui, Conine, or DeShields so Gibbons and Richard will get the plate appearances they need to develop?

David Sheinin: They can't move Segui (not with a four-year, $28 million contract). It is still possible they will move Conine. However, Richard is playing basically every day (he missed four games with a shoulder injury this week), and they feel Gibbons needs to be brought along slowly, since he had never played above AA until this year.

Arlington, Va.: Maybe one of the reasons the O's youth movement isn't so youthful is that Syd Thrift is about 80, so everyone looks pretty young to him. I'm forty, and I remember him being at our high school games before he started working for the Pirates.

David Sheinin: Syd is 71 or 72, and he is the oldest GM in the game. However, even his detractors admit that he works as hard (or harder) than any of his younger contemporaries.

Washington, D.C.: Any chance of Jay Gibbons getting some more ABs? I think he may be a young Oriole player with a future.

David Sheinin: Gibbons has huge potential as a home run hitter, but the Orioles are trying to protect him by putting him into situations where he has a chance to succeed -- i.e., against right-handers who throw a lot of fastballs. He is still young (23) and developing as a hitter. Also, he does not play a position too well, which is a drawback.

Burlington, Vt.: Can you give real assessments on the club's farm pitching: Stahl and crew...
What about the trade's additions? From what I gather there's little to no talent w/the exception of Rivera, who's damaged goods to begin with...

David Sheinin: Right now, Stahl and Beau Hale are the prized pitchers in the organization. Hale is in his first year as a professional, but it is conceivable he could be promoted to the majors by the end of this season, without even one full year in the minors. More likely, he will be given a chance to make the team next spring. Most of the additions from last July's trades have been busts, such as Rivera. But Rivera is still young and could come back from shoulder surgery as good as new next season.

washingtonpost.com:

That was our last question today. Thanks to David Sheinin, and to everyone who joined us.

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