Ryan Minor, the Baltimore Orioles infielder who became part of baseball history when he replaced Cal Ripken at the end of his record-setting consecutive games streak in 1998, has died. The University of Oklahoma — where Minor starred in baseball and basketball — said he died of cancer Friday. The Orioles also released a statement on social media.
Craig Kimbrel expressed a bit of urgency after joining the Baltimore Orioles. After winning 101 games and an AL East title, the Orioles are now a reasonable destination for any free agent hoping for an immediate shot at the postseason, and for a reliever like Kimbrel, the opportunities go beyond that. After closer Félix Bautista had Tommy John surgery, Baltimore had a significant need in the bullpen, one that the Orioles tried to fill by acquiring Kimbrel on a $13 million, one-year deal.
The Baltimore Orioles added reliever Craig Kimbrel to their bullpen Wednesday on a one-year deal for $13 million, the team announced. The deal agreed to on the final day of winter meetings also includes performance bonuses for the right-hander, who turns 36 in May. The Orioles will become the eighth team for Kimbrel, who spent this season with Philadelphia and earned his ninth All-Star nod. The Orioles said in a social media post the deal includes a club option for 2025.
ST. PETERSBURG — The Rays’ Kevin Cash finished third for the American League Manager of the Year award. Brandon Hyde, who led the Orioles to 101 wins and the East division crown, was the winner, getting 27 of the 30 first-place votes by members of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America, based on regular-season results. Bruce Bochy, who went on to lead the Rangers to the World Series .