Twelve Orioles Thoughts as World Baseball Classic competition begins
Adley Rutschman enters a pivotal 2026 after enduring struggles and injuries over the last season and a half.
adley rutschman
Luke Jones and Nestor take another swing at Orioles spring with Westburg and Holliday injured
There are certainly reasons to be optimistic that the Baltimore Orioles won’t repeat a last-place performance in the American League East but losing two blue-chip, emerging players before March doesn’t lift hope. Luke Jones and Nestor take another swing at spring in Birdland with Jordan Westburg and Jackson Holliday injured before the team takes the field in Sarasota.
Taking another swing at spring training without Holliday and Westburg
There are certainly reasons to be optimistic that the Baltimore Orioles won’t repeat a last-place performance in the American League East but losing two blue-chip, emerging players before March doesn’t lift hope. Luke Jones and Nestor take another swing at spring in Birdland with Jordan Westburg and Jackson Holliday injured before the team takes the field in Sarasota.
Projecting 2026 Orioles’ Opening Day roster ahead of Grapefruit League opener
Will Colton Cowser be able to handle center field every day?
Luke Jones and Nestor discuss Orioles addition of Bassitt and Holliday injury along with pitching strategy of Elias
It’s already been a short week of additions and subtractions as the Baltimore Orioles sign veteran starting pitcher Chris Bassitt on a $18.5 million one-year deal and lost Jackson Holliday to a broken hamate bone, which changes the Opening Day lineup. Luke Jones and Nestor reset the Birdland expectations as Mike Elias still has some work to do on the bullpen and there’s action gearing up in Sarasota as spring training baseball begins next week in Florida.
Adding Bassitt for real money and losing Holliday for real time
It’s already been a short week of additions and subtractions as the Baltimore Orioles sign veteran starting pitcher Chris Bassitt on a $18.5 million one-year deal and lost Jackson Holliday to a broken hamate bone, which changes the Opening Day lineup. Luke Jones and Nestor reset the Birdland expectations as Mike Elias still has some work to do on the bullpen and there’s action gearing up in Sarasota as spring training baseball begins next week in Florida.
Twelve Orioles Thoughts at start of 2026 spring training
Luke Jones offers his latest orange musings as pitchers and catchers report to Sarasota.
Luke Jones and Nestor discuss that one more arm Orioles need before Sarasota to compete in AL East
The new ownership group reached deep into the monetary reserve to sign slugger Pete Alonso in Baltimore but what’s up with the pitching? Luke Jones and Nestor discuss that one more arm the Orioles need in the rotation – not to mention a too-thin bullpen – in preparation for pitchers and catchers to report to the refurbished facility in Sarasota.
Are the Orioles really “armed” for April?
The new ownership group reached deep into the monetary reserve to sign slugger Pete Alonso in Baltimore but what’s up with the pitching? Luke Jones and Nestor discuss that one more arm the Orioles need in the rotation – not to mention a too-thin bullpen – in preparation for pitchers and catchers to report to the refurbished facility in Sarasota.
Max Weiss of Baltimore Magazine talks sports and holiday eats with Nestor at DiPasquale’s
Did you know that Tom Davis was once in a movie scene in Baltimore with the legendary Al Pacino? We did and Max Weiss has promised Nestor a full treatment of all memorable local movie history in the next edition of Baltimore Magazine. They continue their holiday chat about bad referees, big money Orioles signings and what’s on the table at Di Pasquale’s in Canton on the Maryland Crab Cake Tour.
Luke Jones and Nestor discuss Alonso emergence at Camden Yards and what Orioles must do next
The newest and shiniest Baltimore Orioles addition arrived for a bizarrely timed Friday afternoon press conference at Camden Yards and won the day. Luke Jones and Nestor discuss the Pete Alonso emergence at The Warehouse alongside David Rubenstein, Mike Elias and Scott Boras and what the future holds for the slugger, whom the owner compared to Frank Robinson coming the Charm City.
Maxing out on local sports and lousy officiating
Did you know that Tom Davis was once in a movie scene in Baltimore with the legendary Al Pacino? We did and Max Weiss has promised Nestor a full treatment of all memorable local movie history in the next edition of Baltimore Magazine. They continue their holiday chat about bad referees, big money Orioles signings and what’s on the table at Di Pasquale’s in Canton on the Maryland Crab Cake Tour.
Pete Alonso looked the part and won The Warehouse press conference
The newest and shiniest Baltimore Orioles addition arrived for a bizarrely timed Friday afternoon press conference at Camden Yards and won the day. Luke Jones and Nestor discuss the Pete Alonso emergence at The Warehouse alongside David Rubenstein, Mike Elias and Scott Boras and what the future holds for the slugger, whom the owner compared to Frank Robinson coming the Charm City.
Luke Jones and Nestor discuss all aspects of Pete Alonso coming to the Baltimore Orioles for big money
It’s not our money and it made the baseball team better so there will be no complaining about Mike Elias taking the money of David Rubenstein and Michael Arougheti and investing in a legitimate attempt to win. The Baltimore Orioles got better with the signing of slugger Pete Alonso but they get $155 million better? Luke Jones and Nestor take a deep dive into the Birdland splash of MLB free agency.
That’s Alonso money for a Baltimore Orioles first baseman
It’s not our money and it made the baseball team better so there will be no complaining about Mike Elias taking the money of David Rubenstein and Michael Arougheti and investing in a legitimate attempt to win. The Baltimore Orioles got better with the signing of slugger Pete Alonso but they get $155 million better? Luke Jones and Nestor take a deep dive into the Birdland splash of MLB free agency.
Orioles agree to five-year, $155 million deal with five-time All-Star first baseman Pete Alonso
The 31-year-old has hit 34 or more home runs in each of the last five seasons.
Searching for the soul of the Baltimore Orioles at Camden Yards
The Baltimore Orioles finished in last place, lost a half a million fans at the gate at Camden Yards and are searching for a soul this offseason while watching the rest of MLB hang bunting and play October baseball. Luke Jones attended the bizarre Tony Mansolino and Mike Elias press conference at The Warehouse on Monday. Nestor watched on his computer. Here, they discuss the word salad and measure the strategy of David Rubenstein and Michael Arougheti.
Dear Catie Griggs: When Orioles fans ask why I don’t have an Orioles media credential, I’m sending them to you for answers
I’m pulling for you to fix the Orioles on-and-off the field, even if you continue the bizarrely petty Angelos family tradition of willfully, purposely and strategically mistreating me and restricting a legitimate professional working local media member from asking you serious questions in the David Rubenstein “Next Chapter” era.
“We all want the same things here.”
Wishing and hoping for a better brand of Orioles baseball next summer
We are loving these offseason baseball conversations but will the Hot Stove heat up enough to energize the Baltimore Orioles fan base for the first time in a generation? Time will tell. Ron Cassie of Baltimore Magazine joins Luke Jones and Nestor for a Baltimore baseball offseason primer of hopes and possibilities for David Rubenstein and Michael Arougheti to step up and into the big leagues of MLB payroll.
Ron Cassie of Baltimore Magazine joins Luke Jones and Nestor for a Baltimore baseball offseason primer of hopes and possibilities
We are loving these offseason baseball conversations but will the Hot Stove heat up enough to energize the Baltimore Orioles fan base for the first time in a generation? Time will tell. Ron Cassie of Baltimore Magazine joins Luke Jones and Nestor for a Baltimore baseball offseason primer of hopes and possibilities for David Rubenstein and Michael Arougheti to step up and into the big leagues of MLB payroll.
So, what do we expect from Craig Albernaz in Baltimore?
Is it the job of the Orioles manager to recruit the community? Well, someone or something has to be a part of driving the Baltimore baseball brand forward this offseason. Luke Jones and Nestor welcome new skipper Craig Albernaz and discuss their hopes for improvements and acquisitions in this offseason that Mike Elias will be judged daily on progress.
Luke Jones and Nestor discuss Orioles welcoming of Albernaz and hope for Elias offseason of acquistions
Is it the job of the Orioles manager to recruit the community? Well, someone or something has to be a part of driving the Baltimore baseball brand forward this offseason. Luke Jones and Nestor welcome new skipper Craig Albernaz and discuss their hopes for improvements and acquisitions in this offseason that Mike Elias will be judged daily on progress.
Luke Jones and Allen McCallum join Nestor at State Fare for Orioles offseason primer and Albernaz insights
When it’s time to put a baseball round table together, we gather at least a hundred years worth of media and institutional insights about the Baltimore Orioles like no other group. Longtime MLB media analysts Luke Jones and Allen McCallum join Nestor at State Fare in Catonsville on the Maryland Crab Cake Tour for an Orioles offseason primer and plenty of insights on the hiring of new Birds manager Craig Albernaz and everything that needs to be on the checklist of Mike Elias in the coming weeks at Camden Yards.
Welcoming new Orioles skipper Albernaz to Camden Yaaaahdds
When it’s time to put a baseball round table together, we gather at least a hundred years worth of media and institutional insights about the Baltimore Orioles like no other group. Longtime MLB media analysts Luke Jones and Allen McCallum join Nestor at State Fare in Catonsville on the Maryland Crab Cake Tour for an Orioles offseason primer and plenty of insights on the hiring of new Birds manager Craig Albernaz and everything that needs to be on the checklist of Mike Elias in the coming weeks at Camden Yards.
Examining the pedigree and hire of Orioles manager Craig Albernaz
As the heavy lifting of the offseason begins for the last-place Baltimore Orioles, the first step is complete. New manager Craig Albernaz brings plenty of fresh blood and great recommendations but as Luke Jones and Nestor point out, the players the team acquires this offseason and the maturation of a bevy of young, high-ceiling prospects will decide his fate in the dugout. It’s still baseball season in Baltimore!
Luke Jones and Nestor discuss Orioles managerial hiring of Craig Albernaz and leadership of Elias
As the heavy lifting of the offseason begins for the last-place Baltimore Orioles, the first step is complete. New manager Craig Albernaz brings plenty of fresh blood and great recommendations but as Luke Jones and Nestor point out, the players the team acquires this offseason and the maturation of a bevy of young, high-ceiling prospects will decide his fate in the dugout. It’s still baseball season in Baltimore!
Washington Post baseball legend Dave Sheinin joins Nestor at Costas to discuss everything Orioles and World Series
Our favorite longtime Washington Post baseball writer Dave Sheinin joins Nestor at the new Costas Inn at Timonium Race Track to discuss everything Orioles and World Series on the Maryland Crab Cake Tour. Birdland ownership, management, the manager, big money and how to start winning again at Camden Yards?
Sheinin the light on getting serious about Blue Jays and World Series
Our favorite longtime Washington Post baseball writer Dave Sheinin joins Nestor at the new Costas Inn at Timonium Race Track to discuss everything Orioles and World Series on the Maryland Crab Cake Tour. Birdland ownership, management, the manager, big money and how to start winning again at Camden Yards?
Luke Jones and Nestor discuss Orioles strange end of season press conference and words and deeds of Mike Elias
The Baltimore Orioles finished in last place, lost a half a million fans at the gate at Camden Yards and are searching for a soul this offseason while watching the rest of MLB hang bunting and play October baseball. Luke Jones attended the bizarre Tony Mansolino and Mike Elias press conference at The Warehouse on Monday. Nestor watched on his computer. Here, they discuss the word salad and measure the strategy of David Rubenstein and Michael Arougheti.
Finding the bright spots – and concerning realities – in Orioles awful season and last place finish
With the arms of Trevor Rogers and Kyle Bradish seeking to play Yankees spoiler in The Bronx on the final weekend of the season, Luke Jones and Nestor discuss the end of an awful Orioles campaign and look to next year and wonder where the level of optimism for the fan base should be amidst all of the awfulness – on and off the field for David Rubenstein, Michael Arougheti and Catie Griggs. First up: who is Mike Elias going to hire?
Former Royals reliever Jeff Montgomery checks in with Nestor from Kansas City to talk pitching, arms and MLB labor issues
Three decades of baseball and sports radio friendship with former Royals reliever Jeff Montgomery comes full circle as Nestor checks in with his Kansas City broadcast pal on the eve of another Lamar Jackson visit and talks pitching, young arms and the never-ending MLB labor wars that will be surfacing again next season.
Getting a shot in the arm of baseball knowledge from Kansas City
Three decades of baseball and sports radio friendship with former Royals reliever Jeff Montgomery comes full circle as Nestor checks in with his Kansas City broadcast pal on the eve of another Lamar Jackson visit and talks pitching, young arms and the never-ending MLB labor wars that will be surfacing again next season.
Luke Jones and Nestor discuss Trevor Rogers and Kyle Bradish as Orioles best offseason news for 2026
There hasn’t been much to provide offseason hope for a last place baseball team but Luke Jones and Nestor agree that the emergence of Trevor Rogers and encouraging return of Kyle Bradish to the top of the Orioles rotation helps ease some pressure on a Birdland offseason of unrest for Mike Elias and a franchise in search of better pitching and awakened, youthful bats next spring.
One, Two and Who? The promise of Rogers and Bradish for Orioles in ’26
There hasn’t been much to provide offseason hope for a last place baseball team but Luke Jones and Nestor agree that the emergence of Trevor Rogers and encouraging return of Kyle Bradish to the top of the Orioles rotation helps ease some pressure on a Birdland offseason of unrest for Mike Elias and a franchise in search of better pitching and awakened, youthful bats next spring.
Luke Jones and Nestor step back to assess Orioles progress and realities for offseason needs
Where do the Baltimore Orioles go in this offseason of many needs and even more questions about their young talent? Luke Jones and Nestor debate the team’s youthful core, including Gunner Henderson, Adley Rutschman, and Jackson Holliday, noting the need for improved performance and health in 2026.
What “needs” does Elias see in the current state of last-place Orioles?
Where do the Baltimore Orioles go in this offseason of many needs and even more questions about their young talent? Luke Jones and Nestor debate the team’s youthful core, including Gunner Henderson, Adley Rutschman, and Jackson Holliday, noting the need for improved performance and health in 2026.
Mark Mussina returns to discuss Orioles collapse, Cal 2131 memories and the unappreciated greatness of Lamar Jackson
Three decades after doing sports radio here at WNST-AM 1570, it’s always a pleasure to welcome Mark Mussina (yes, he’s the younger brother of Hall of Famer Mike Mussina) back to Baltimore share his wisdom of a life in sports and observation. Always insightful, humorous and teaches us something we didn’t know.
Sports cartoonist Ricig joins Nestor to discuss plight of Orioles and flight of Ravens to Buffalo to start season
Our favorite sports cartoonist Mike Ricigliano has been a recurring cast member for four decades on the local scene. In preparation of another Baltimore vs. Buffalo war, Ricig once again shared his twisted Western New York roots and Orioles heart with Nestor at Koco’s Pub on the Maryland Crab Cake Tour. And how he’d draw up another Super Bowl parade…
Mark Mussina returns to discuss Orioles collapse, Cal 2131 memories and the unappreciated greatness of Lamar Jackson
Three decades after doing sports radio here at WNST-AM 1570, it’s always a pleasure to welcome Mark Mussina (yes, he’s the younger brother of Hall of Famer Mike Mussina) back to Baltimore share his wisdom of a life in sports and observation. Always insightful, humorous and teaches us something we didn’t know.
As Orioles continue to flail, Ravens set to sail into Buffalo with Super Bowl expectations
Our favorite sports cartoonist Mike Ricigliano has been a recurring cast member for four decades on the local scene. In preparation of another Baltimore vs. Buffalo war, Ricig once again shared his twisted Western New York roots and Orioles heart with Nestor at Koco’s Pub on the Maryland Crab Cake Tour. And how he’d draw up another Super Bowl parade…
