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Baltimore Orioles: No surprise that FanFest tickets are still available

By Kristen Bentley

BALTIMORE, MD - APRIL 22: Mark Trumbo #45 of the Baltimore Orioles signs autographs before the game against the Boston Red Sox at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 22, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - APRIL 22: Mark Trumbo #45 of the Baltimore Orioles signs autographs before the game against the Boston Red Sox at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on April 22, 2017 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images) /
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The Baltimore Orioles winter event, FanFest, takes place Saturday and tickets are still available.

And, honestly, this should come as no surprise to Baltimore Orioles fans who were hoping that the team would share some new players at the annual event.

February is just around the corner and the Orioles have yet to fill the three starting pitching spots that have been there since the beginning of November.

Players at the autograph stations

Even though the tickets are still available, the autograph session tickets are not. This should also come as no surprise as autograph sessions are incredibly popular, too. Autograph sessions include popular players like Adam Jones, Trey Mancini, and Mark Trumbo. Hall of Fame pitcher Jim Palmer will be signing autographs as will the two starting pitchers Kevin Gausman and Dylan Bundy. Several prospects will be at the autograph stations including Chance Sisco and Austin Hays, to name a few.

Players you will not see there

Unfortunately, Manny Machado, Chris Davis, Jonathan Schoop and Zach Britton will not be at the autograph stations or at the event, according to the Orioles FanFest information on the website. According to an article in The Baltimore Sun, fans who paid for autograph vouchers for Machado and Schoop will have their credit cards refunded. Machado only attended one of the last three FanFest events.

Britton is recovering from surgery on his Achilles. But, after listening to an interview with Britton on Inside Pitch on MLB Radio Friday afternoon, Britton proudly shared that he is able to put 100% of his body weight on his foot. Davis’s absence from the event is understandable, as his wife just gave birth to twins. And, Schoop has not signed a contract for 2018 and most likely will meet with arbitrators soon.

Not enough activity in the offseason

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With four of the top players not attending FanFest, it is easy to see why so many fans are choosing to stay home. The lack of signings and communication about the team’s direction has become a source of frustration. Season ticket holders will be able to ask Dan Duquette and Buck Showalter questions at a Q & A event between 10:30 and 11:00. Hopefully, a few will get answers to the pitching rotation issues.

Details about the event

There are several events designed for kids and many of the players will be participating in activities throughout the day.

If you do want to see the same team, minus several players, from 2017, tickets can be purchased here. Information about the event can be found here.

Next: Machado should not play shortstop with the O's

Even if you cannot attend, you can follow social media posts at @Orioles and @Oriolebird on Twitter. You can also be alerted to special moments via text by sending FANFEST to 31826.

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