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Mike Elias on Trey Mancini: ‘He’s one of the better hitters in baseball’

By Andrew Gillis

Elias lauds Mancini, says it's not likely O's trade anyone originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington

Orioles general manager Mike Elias indicated Wednesday that the Orioles are expecting Mancini to be the team’s first baseman come Spring Training and the regular season. 

On a conference call with reporters, Elias downplayed the possibility that a trade for any of the team’s veteran players is likely at this time, even though it’s clear the Orioles are in full rebuild mode. 

“We’ve got some talented players, and many of whom have a lot of years of contractual control left and it’s natural to get those phone calls, but it doesn’t mean we’re going to do anything,” Elias said. “But we always do our jobs in terms of fielding calls, working the market, finding out what’s going on out there. But I can’t say that anything is likely.”

Mancini was diagnosed with colon cancer last March and had surgery and went through chemotherapy to beat it. He underwent his last treatment in September and has since made great progress in getting back onto the field.

“He missed a year last year. That was obviously a horrible surprise that we all got in spring training,” Elias said. “But we got him the best medical care on earth, he took it on like Trey Mancini. He’s 100 percent, he’s looking great. We’re just super excited to see him in Sarasota. I think he’s going to go right back to hitting in the middle of our lineup and being one of the better hitters in baseball this year.” 

Late Tuesday, reports emerged that the Braves were interested in the right-handed slugger. 

In 2019, Mancini slashed .291/.364/.535 with a career-high 35 home runs and 97 RBIs. He posted a 135 OPS+ as he became the Orioles’ best hitter in a difficult 54-108 season. 

Now, they see him more as a first baseman with so many corner outfield options on the roster, or in the pipeline. Elias said with Ryan Mountcastle, Anthony Santander and DJ Stewart, and the potential of a Yusniel Diaz call-up this season, they want Mancini getting reps at first. The designated hitter spot is also an option.

“He’s going to be a big part of our team this year, obviously,” Elias said. “To be sitting here, January 27, with the news that we got in March and where he’s at right now, we’re at, I think, the top outcome we could have had. I’m so proud of him and our medical staff for everything they’ve done.”

With some younger talent in the corner outfield spots, the Orioles will certainly be able to keep their lineup a bit less in flux than it had been in the last few seasons.

Willie Mays turns 90 as oldest living Baseball Hall of Famer

By Dalton Johnson
Willie Mays turns 90 as oldest living Baseball Hall of Famer originally appeared on NBC Sports WashingtonIn an age where baseball is losing legends left and right, one man stands alone: Willie Mays. Ten Baseball Hall of Famers, including Hank Aaron and many others from Mays' playing days, have passed away since the start of 2020. Mays remains, as the oldest living Hall of Famer after turning 90 years old on Thursday. Mays being the oldest living Hall of Famer is just another example of his greatness at any age. His unmatched baseball career began in 1948 for the Birmingham Black Barons before joining the New York Giants at 20 years old in 1951 and hitting 20 home runs as the NL Rookie of the Year. His career then was halted by serving two years for the United States Army in the Korean War before returning to the Giants in 1954. He won his first NL MVP that season at 23 years old, hitting .345 with 45 home runs, 13 triples, 33 doubles, 110 RBI and 119 runs scored. Mays hit .315 and averaged 39 home runs, 25 stolen bases, 109 RBI and 118 runs scored between 1955 and 1964 for the Giants, but didn't win a single MVP in that span. He won his second MVP at 34 years old in 1965 when he hit .317 with a career-high 52 home runs, 112 RBI and 118 runs scored. On Thursday morning, MLB tweeted out a happy birthday message from a long list of current stars, as well as Hall of Famers Ken Griffey Jr., Cal Ripken Jr. and Joe Torre. The video began with Los Angeles Dodgers superstar Mookie Betts and ended with San Francisco Giants All-Star catcher Buster Posey.Mays' impact breaks rivalries and extends to all ages. His greatness has been felt from Day 1 to turning 90. There's only one Willie Mays, now and forever.
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