Baltimore Orioles: Chance Sisco To Begin Year In Norfolk

The roster is just about set for the Baltimore Orioles with notable names being sent to the minor leagues.

Being frustrated over recent moves by the Baltimore Orioles is justifiable. After losing 115 games last season, hope has started to slowly creep in with new organizational philosophies guiding different aspects of this team. Now three days before the start of the 2019 season, fans will not see a handful of intriguing names on the major league roster who were supposed to give fans a reason to watch.

But let’s pump the brakes here. You want this rebuild to work out, right? You trust Mike Elias, right? Moves like those made on Sunday afternoon may not be popular, but they are the right moves for this team, moving forward.

Catcher Chance Sisco, relief pitcher Tanner Scott, and starting pitcher Josh Rogers were sent to AAA Norfolk on Sunday, while catchers Andrew Susac and Carlos Perez were reassigned to minor league camp, along with infielder Jace Peterson. Catcher Austin Wynns will, as expected, begin the season on the injured list.

This confirms what many have speculated this weekend, the Baltimore Orioles will start 2019 with Jesus Sucre and Pedro Severino behind the plate.

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Sisco had a noteworthy spring, hitting .382 with four home runs and a .533 on-base percentage. However, like Yusniel Diaz, Ryan Mountcastle, Austin Hays, and other prospects sent to the minor leagues, Mike Elias wants to ensure the best version of these players appear on the major league roster.

It isn’t about service time with Diaz or Mountcastle and while optioning Sisco is frustrating for many fans, I’m willing to wait a bit for Elias to put his developmental touch on him. A lineup of Chris Davis, Severino, Rio Ruiz, Joey Rickard, and Dwight Smith Jr.doesn’t bring about a lot of optimism for 2019, but it’s not about 2019.

After spending the majority of my childhood summers at Harbor Park in Norfolk, I can vouch that it is a beautiful ballpark to catch a game at. With a stacked lineup and pitching staff set to take the field for the Tides, may I suggest taking in a game, or ten, this season to help get through 2019. There’s talent up and down this farm system and the 2019 season will provide the perfect opportunity to visit these affiliates and catch a glimpse of what’s to come for the Baltimore Orioles.

It just might help keep that hope alive.

The Orioles complete their Grapefruit League schedule today at Ed Smith Stadium against the New York Mets. Audio of the game can be streamed through MLB.com.