Allen McCallum and Luke Jones join Nestor for a full Orioles preview for Opening Day
Allen McCallum and Luke Jones join Nestor for a full Orioles preview for Opening Day
Luke Jones
Dear Alby: Welcome to Birdland and the low bar of high expectations
Before Grondahl and Bader and Griggs and Fine grab you and tell you all about me and my decades of orange civic mind crimes of baseball passion, let me make this clear: I am a true believer. I think the 2026 Orioles can win.
Our expert panel discusses what’s in store for Orioles this summer
We don’t convene two generations of WNST ballpark reports often enough but when Allen McCallum and Luke Jones join Nestor to talk Baltimore Orioles baseball, it’s always a good day on the Maryland Crab Cake Tour. The trio navigate Opening Day and beyond from Costas Inn in Dundalk with a resounding: “Play ball!”
Luke Jones and Nestor welcome Trey Hendrickson to the Baltimore Ravens discuss wild free agency week
We can’t say it hasn’t been interesting, compelling or without drama. Just before the start of free agency, the Baltimore Ravens agreed to terms with Cincinnati Bengals defensive lineman Trey Hendrickson after nixing a massive deal with the Las Vegas Raiders to bring Maxx Crosby to Owings Mills. Luke Jones and Nestor discuss all of the fallout and the decisions and risk tolerance of Eric DeCosta.
Luke Jones and Nestor discuss the debacle of Maxx Crosby deal for Baltimore Ravens and DeCosta
By Wednesday morning before the NFL free agency deadline, Eric DeCosta opted to sign Trey Hendrickson but it was four days with the thoughts of having Maxx Crosby that energized the Baltimore Ravens’ fan base right up until an Owings Mills medical nixed the deal. Luke Jones and Nestor discuss the debacle of Maxx Crosby deal for trust amongst players and agents and teams with the Ravens and DeCosta.
Ravens sub in Trey Hendrickson for $112 million after passing on Maxx Crosby
We can’t say it hasn’t been interesting, compelling or without drama. Just before the start of free agency, the Baltimore Ravens agreed to terms with Cincinnati Bengals defensive lineman Trey Hendrickson after nixing a massive deal with the Las Vegas Raiders to bring Maxx Crosby to Owings Mills. Luke Jones and Nestor discuss all of the fallout and the decisions and risk tolerance of Eric DeCosta.
The debacle of Maxx Crosby deal for DeCosta and Ravens
By Wednesday morning before the NFL free agency deadline, Eric DeCosta opted to sign Trey Hendrickson but it was four days with the thoughts of having Maxx Crosby that energized the Baltimore Ravens’ fan base right up until an Owings Mills medical nixed the deal. Luke Jones and Nestor discuss the debacle of Maxx Crosby deal for trust amongst players and agents and teams with the Ravens and DeCosta.
Luke Jones and Nestor recap early free agency transactions, comings and goings of Baltimore Ravens
It’s been a whirlwind two months since Tyler Loop’s kick sailed wide right in Pittsburgh and the Baltimore Ravens have made massive changes, including in the ideology of winning right now vs. making first round draft picks. Luke Jones and Nestor recap the wild early free agency transactions and comings and goings of the roster of Jesse Minter and the myriad of holes for Eric DeCosta to fill this spring.
Luke Jones and Nestor react to Ravens loss of Linderbaum and addition of Crosby during early NFL free agency
No one is shocked that center Tyler Linderbaum isn’t returning to the Baltimore Ravens given the amount of money the
Ravens suddenly have a massive hole in middle of offensive line
No one is shocked that center Tyler Linderbaum isn’t returning to the Baltimore Ravens given the amount of money the Las Vegas Raiders invested in the Iowa stalwart. But, as Luke Jones and Nestor react to the tampering period and early free agent signings, it’s clear the defense improved with Maxx Crosby but it’s now on Eric DeCosta to put together a credible offensive line for Lamar Jackson.
Back when we thought Maxx Crosby was coming to the Ravens
Luke Jones and Nestor recap will early free agency transactions and comings and goings of Baltimore
Luke Jones and Nestor bring depth of Orioles pitching into focus as Kittredge goes down in Sarasota
As we march through spring on the road to Opening Day, Luke Jones and Nestor convened at Costas Inn in Dundalk to discuss the bullpen concerns of the Baltimore Orioles as pitching and innings come into focus as Andrew Kittredge goes down in Sarasota.
Bullpen depth and health continues to be a massive spring concern for Orioles
As we march through spring on the road to Opening Day, Luke Jones and Nestor convened at Costas Inn in Dundalk to discuss the bullpen concerns of the Baltimore Orioles as pitching and innings come into focus as Andrew Kittredge goes down in Sarasota.
Luke Jones and Nestor welcome Maxx Crosby to the Baltimore Ravens in biggest trade in franchise history
The impact of the Maxx Crosby trade will be felt over years but the first reactions of Luke Jones and Nestor are succinct: this is the biggest trade in franchise history and very against many of the principles of the Baltimore Ravens. Here’s why it makes sense for Eric DeCosta – and Lamar Jackson!
Luke Jones and Nestor discuss Orioles spring training pathway to Opening Day and roster spots
As we watch selected spring training games on what’s left of the MASN television network, we see opportunity and the summer ahead for the Baltimore Orioles. Luke Jones and Nestor discuss the Sarasota innings and at-bats and what they’ll mean for skipper Craig Albernaz and the Birds as Opening Day looms and injuries abound in Florida.
Ravens deal for the Mighty Maxx and instantly become Super Bowl favorites
The impact of the Maxx Crosby trade will be felt over years but the first reactions of Luke Jones and Nestor are succinct: this is the biggest trade in franchise history and very against many of the principles of the Baltimore Ravens. Here’s why it makes sense for Eric DeCosta – and Lamar Jackson!
Injuries open new path to an Opening Day roster spot in Birdland
As we watch selected spring training games on what’s left of the MASN television network, we see opportunity and the summer ahead for the Baltimore Orioles. Luke Jones and Nestor discuss the Sarasota innings and at-bats and what they’ll mean for skipper Craig Albernaz and the Birds as Opening Day looms and injuries abound in Florida.
Luke Jones and Nestor discuss World Baseball Classic and interest and impact on MLB
With Opening Day three weeks away, the structure of Major League Baseball changes dramatically as many players including Gunnar Henderson report to World Baseball Classic duties and games that feel far more competitive than spring training. Luke Jones and Nestor do some long toss on this international tournament that has produced some classic moments. Will you be watching?
Luke Jones and Nestor talk Lamar Jackson and nitty gritty of tampering week in NFL free agency
It’s a big football week in Owings Mills. Eric DeCosta has a lot of work to do. The Baltimore Ravens have some real roster building to do this offseason. Let’s start with Lamar Jackson in the right contract and Tyler Linderbaum hitting the tampering market for a deal.
Finding the WBC mojo as spring training splinters for MLB players
With Opening Day three weeks away, the structure of Major League Baseball changes dramatically as many players including Gunnar Henderson report to World Baseball Classic duties and games that feel far more competitive than spring training. Luke Jones and Nestor do some long toss on this international tournament that has produced some classic moments. Will you be watching?
This is the week Lamar Jackson and Ravens need to get organized on money
It’s a big football week in Owings Mills. Eric DeCosta has a lot of work to do. The Baltimore Ravens have some real roster building to do this offseason. Let’s start with Lamar Jackson in the right contract and Tyler Linderbaum hitting the tampering market for a deal.
Luke Jones and Nestor listen in on DeCosta and Minter in Indy with Lamar and Linderbaum on Ravens brain
The Baltimore Ravens brain trust have assembled in Indianapolis preparing to pick 14th in the NFL Draft in April but the minds of Luke Jones and Nestor are on two massive contract issues that will need closure before the free agency tampering begins in two weeks. First up is the Lamar Jackson restructure but the real market value for center Tyler Linderbaum and the salary cap tolerance for general manager Eric DeCosta will come into full focus before March 11.
Luke Jones and Nestor discuss expectations of new Orioles manager Craig Albernaz this season
With changes made in leadership with both professional sports franchises in Baltimore this winter, it’ll be Craig Albernaz leading off for the Orioles with an early-season testing ground that already include key injuries and a suspect bullpen. Luke Jones and Nestor discuss the expectations of the new Birds skipper and the vital signs of life for a team with high hopes in a crowded AL East Division.
Luke Jones and Nestor discuss expectations for new head coach Jesse Minter and how Lamar improves
They won’t kickoff until September but what are the early signs of “success” for the new Baltimore Ravens head coach and his youthful staff? Luke Jones joins Nestor to discuss the expectations of a rookie leader and what’s going on behind the scenes in Owings Mills with the Lamar Jackson re-negotiations and Indy combine realities of Eric DeCosta.
The Linderbaum decision looms large for Ravens and DeCosta
The Baltimore Ravens brain trust have assembled in Indianapolis preparing to pick 14th in the NFL Draft in April but the minds of Luke Jones and Nestor are on two massive contract issues that will need closure before the free agency tampering begins in two weeks. First up is the Lamar Jackson restructure but the real market value for center Tyler Linderbaum and the salary cap tolerance for general manager Eric DeCosta will come into full focus before March 11.
How will we know if Jesse Minter is doing a good job?
They won’t kickoff until September but what are the early signs of “success” for the new Baltimore Ravens head coach and his youthful staff? Luke Jones joins Nestor to discuss the expectations of a rookie leader and what’s going on behind the scenes in Owings Mills with the Lamar Jackson re-negotiations and Indy combine realities of Eric DeCosta.
The “Alby Effect” and how it will affect and infect Orioles youthful energy
With changes made in leadership with both professional sports franchises in Baltimore this winter, it’ll be Craig Albernaz leading off for the Orioles with an early-season testing ground that already include key injuries and a suspect bullpen. Luke Jones and Nestor discuss the expectations of the new Birds skipper and the vital signs of life for a team with high hopes in a crowded AL East Division.
Luke Jones and Nestor discuss Jordan Westburg injury and hopes for Coby Mayo at third base
It’s less than ideal so far in Sarasota that two emerging, young Orioles stars in Jackson Holliday and Jordan Westburg are already lost for the start of the MLB season. Luke Jones and Nestor discuss what it means for Coby Mayo and newly-acquired Blaze Alexander now that grapefruit baseball has begun and jobs are available in Baltimore.
With Westburg down, Orioles renew high hopes for Coby Mayo at third base
It’s less than ideal so far in Sarasota that two emerging, young Orioles stars in Jackson Holliday and Jordan Westburg are already lost for the start of the MLB season. Luke Jones and Nestor discuss what it means for Coby Mayo and newly-acquired Blaze Alexander now that grapefruit baseball has begun and jobs are available in Baltimore.
Luke Jones and Nestor discuss the complicated complications of MLB labor situation and Orioles role
We’re all excited about the possibilities of the 2026 MLB season but the clouds of labor war are percolating even in spring training. Luke Jones and Nestor discuss the complicated complications of six decades of Major League Baseball labor history and the bubbling situation for a salary cap. And what will the role of the new Baltimore Orioles ownership be in the looming dogfight?
Luke Jones and Nestor discuss the Ravens coaches press conference and message for Lamar
In the aftermath of a unique press conference amongst an entirely new coaching staff in Owings Mills, Luke Jones and Nestor discuss the Baltimore Ravens new regime with old faces and new spaces in the hierarchy who must hold all of the players accountable to improve upon last year. Starting with Lamar Jackson.
Luke Jones and Nestor discuss NFL owners and accountability and profitability
The NFL continues to rule the sports world even in the slowest of times. Luke Jones and Nestor discuss the NFLPA report cards on franchises and transparency and accountability amongst billionaires who can’t even get an Epstein List regular who just hired John Harbaugh to come to light and off their ownership ledgers. We’d ask Steve Bisciotti about it, but of course he’s evaporated again for a while…
What is the real message for Lamar from the “new” Owings Mills?
In the aftermath of a unique press conference amongst an entirely new coaching staff in Owings Mills, Luke Jones and Nestor discuss the Baltimore Ravens new regime with old faces and new spaces in the hierarchy who must hold all of the players accountable to improve upon last year. Starting with Lamar Jackson.
As MLB moves toward inevitable labor war, where do Orioles fit into the battle?
We’re all excited about the possibilities of the 2026 MLB season but the clouds of labor war are percolating even in spring training. Luke Jones and Nestor discuss the complicated complications of six decades of Major League Baseball labor history and the bubbling situation for a salary cap. And what will the role of the new Baltimore Orioles ownership be in the looming dogfight?
Profits are up, accountability is down and internal report cards are a no-no for guys like Steve
The NFL continues to rule the sports world even in the slowest of times. Luke Jones and Nestor discuss the NFLPA report cards on franchises and transparency and accountability amongst billionaires who can’t even get an Epstein List regular who just hired John Harbaugh to come to light and off their ownership ledgers. We’d ask Steve Bisciotti about it, but of course he’s evaporated again for a while…
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.
Luke Jones and Nestor take a Harbaugh tour of new Minter coaching staff with Ravens
They won a lot of football games in Baltimore while John Harbaugh was the coach of the Ravens. Luke Jones and Nestor take a full look at the new coaching staff of head coach Jesse Minter and how some old friends like Anthony Levine and Anthony Weaver return with the same Hard Ball coaching wind under their purple wings. Familiar is comfortable in Owings Mills with the new regime.
The unmistakable purple air of Harbaugh around Minter
They won a lot of football games in Baltimore while John Harbaugh was the coach of the Ravens. Luke Jones and Nestor take a full look at the new coaching staff of head coach Jesse Minter and how some old friends like Anthony Levine and Anthony Weaver return with the same Hard Ball coaching wind under their purple wings. Familiar is comfortable in Owings Mills with the new regime.
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.
