We love the starting rotation but about that untested bullpen? Luke Jones and Nestor get you ready for Opening Day and beyond with a full preview of the 2026 Baltimore Orioles and where the Birds will be flying in the American League East this summer – and hopefully, into the fall.
Opening Day and Local Sports Scene
- Nestor Aparicio welcomes listeners to WNST AM 1570 and mentions the excitement of opening day week.
- Nestor shares his experience in Medellin, Colombia, and encounters with baseball fans wearing various team jerseys.
- Nestor and Luke Jones discuss the challenges of the past year in local sports, including the Orioles and Ravens.
- Nestor expresses optimism about the Orioles, predicting they will win 90 games and emphasizing the importance of pitching.
Orioles’ Pitching and Managerial Changes
- Luke Jones agrees with Nestor on the need for a return to normalcy in local sports and discusses the Orioles’ poor start last year.
- Luke highlights the positive vibes in the Orioles’ clubhouse under new manager Craig Albernaz.
- Nestor and Luke discuss the importance of veteran leadership and accountability in the team.
- Luke mentions the improvements in the pitching staff over the past year and the potential for the Orioles to be a wild card team.
Starting Pitching and Bullpen Concerns
- Nestor and Luke delve into the Orioles’ starting pitching, expressing confidence in the rotation’s potential.
- Luke discusses the importance of Dean Kramer’s absence and the emergence of Grayson Rodriguez and Kyle Bradish.
- Nestor and Luke highlight the potential of young pitchers like Chris Eckman and Trevor Rogers.
- Luke expresses concerns about the bullpen, noting the absence of proven high-leverage relievers.
Minor League Talent and Bullpen Depth
- Luke mentions the potential for minor league pitchers like Trey Gibson and Nestor Herman to contribute later in the season.
- Nestor and Luke discuss the importance of having reliable bullpen options to close out games.
- Luke highlights the challenges of relying on unproven relievers and the need for a high-leverage arm.
- Nestor and Luke agree on the importance of the bullpen in maintaining momentum and winning games.
Defense and Offense Outlook
- Nestor and Luke shift the conversation to the Orioles’ defense and offense, expressing confidence in the team’s hitters.
- Luke emphasizes the importance of the bullpen in maintaining leads and preventing late-game collapses.
- Nestor and Luke discuss the potential impact of new acquisitions like Pete Alonso and Taylor Ward on the offense.
- Luke highlights the need for the Orioles to perform consistently in both pitching and hitting to be successful.
Managerial Decision-Making and Bullpen Management
- Nestor and Luke discuss the role of the manager in bullpen management and the importance of data-driven decisions.
- Luke expresses concerns about the bullpen’s ability to handle high-leverage situations without proven arms.
- Nestor and Luke agree on the need for a reliable bullpen to support the starting pitching and offense.
- Luke mentions the potential for minor league pitchers to step up and contribute to the bullpen later in the season.
Final Thoughts and Future Outlook
- Nestor and Luke wrap up the conversation by reiterating their optimism for the Orioles’ season.
- Luke emphasizes the importance of the bullpen and the need for a high-leverage reliever.
- Nestor and Luke discuss the potential for the Orioles to surprise and compete for a playoff spot.
- Nestor expresses excitement for the upcoming season and the potential for the Orioles to be a contender.
