When the Orioles signed Chris Bassitt, the idea that Dean Kremer might be sent to the minors was both obvious and unbelievable. Now that it's done, Mark still can't believe they did it. Also in this episode, dipping into the mailbag for a Blaze vs. Jackson question and thoughts on the defense generally.

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Opening Day is now just nine days away and the Orioles haven't answered many of their lingering questions other than who's starting on Opening Day. Mark thinks about the state of the infield before dipping into the mailbag to try to assess potential O's free agents who could be worth getting the qualifying offer from the team.

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With about two and a half weeks to go until Opening Day, the Orioles could still go a number of different ways with their roster. Mark looks at the open questions to be settled before March 26, all of which is assuming no trade or injury comes along to change the picture before then.

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We've made it to March, where there will be real Orioles baseball later this month. Yay! In the meantime, Mark is continuing to ponder the case of Heston Kjerstad and lately even wondering about this "three homers" business from Vance Honeycutt. Plus, in the mailbag, a question about some front office movement and what it might mean for future Orioles drafts.

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If there's spring training news, it's usually not good, as we learned last week with the surprise (to us) injury to Jordan Westburg's elbow. Mark talks through the possibilities for Westburg's recovery timeline and his likely replacement. Also in this episode, thoughts on big early spring narratives, particularly Pete Alonso's leadership.

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There were no surprise starting pitching injuries as the Orioles reported to camp. Even without that, we got a surprise pitching signing of Chris Bassitt. For position players, Jackson Holliday and Jordan Westburg are each dealing with something. Mark contemplates the impact of each of these on the roster in this episode.

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With Framber Valdez signing last week, it's official: The Orioles came up empty-handed in the high end of the starting pitching free agent market. Mark wonders whether there will be regret about this in the years to come. Plus, thoughts on the out-of-nowhere trade of Kade Strowd plus prospects for utility infielder Blaze Alexander.

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It's cold in Maryland and the hot stove has gone cold too while seemingly everyone waits to see where Framber Valdez ends up. Since Mark is on Framber Valdez or bust for the Orioles rotation, he's getting impatient about it. Also, chatter on top 100 prospects and what the O's need to see from the farm this year.

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Everybody in Birdland, hope you're staying warm and safe! In this week's episode, Mark looks at a couple of the recent starting pitching trades and how they mostly just further confirm that the Orioles will either end up getting Framber Valdez or nobody else.

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With the way the free agent market has shaken out, the Orioles are down to Framber Valdez or bust when it comes to possible high-end additions. Mark is on team "sign someone who was good last year" and not on team "sign someone who is older than Mark" (Justin Verlander). Plus, a look at the rest of the AL East and what they've done this offseason.

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