Shohei Ohtani is going to likely get a record contract next offseason. Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer are pals now. The Yankees have some question marks. The Orioles and their young roster are hoping to fight for the playoffs this year.
Those are the big storylines on “The Show” podcast this week with Joel Sherman and Jon Heyman. Orioles GM Mike Elias is their guest as he breaks down the Orioles roster, offseason and playoff aspirations.
‘The Show’ Podcast with Joel Sherman and Jon Heyman:
- SHOHEI OHTANI: Probably going to set a record for his next contract. Would the Angels consider trading Ohtani before the trade deadline?
- METS & YANKEES: Jon was at Mets camp. Joel is at Yankees camp. The top of the Mets rotation is an intriguing storyline thus far. Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer were not friends really in Detroit. Now they are established pitchers and seem much closer. How does the Yankees infield shake out? Yankees have a lot of question marks to work out.
Mike Elias Interview:
Orioles GM
- BIG STEP: Took a big step last season finishing over .500. Proud of what the coaching staff has done so far. Took over with nothing but problems in 2018. Goal is to make the playoffs this year.
- PLAYOFFS: It’s a realistic goal. It’s going to be tough, but they will be disappointed if they don’t make the playoffs. There’s a lot of good teams out there, especially in the AL East. The rebuild was about setting the organization up for several years.
- TOP PROSPECTS: They have a ton of talent in their farm system and now guys starting in the big leagues. Adley Rutschman can be a generational catcher like a Buster Posey. Gunnar Henderson is going to get a chance to be an everyday player this season.
- OFFSEASON: Prices were high in the offseason. They went with more in-house options. Their payroll should go up moving forward. Looking back at deciding to trade their closer at the trade deadline last year.