Mark & Manny Debate The Most Valuable Bro For 2023 | Is it Cedric Mullins or Mookie Betts ? Or…
After 162 Games, The Fellas Debate Who The MVB (Most Valuable Bro) was for this 2023 regular season between Cedric “CM Storm” Mullins and Mookie Betts
Cedric Mullins, Aaron Hicks & Jack Flaherty Are About To Lock Down Baltimore Orioles First Division Title Since 2014
The last time the Orioles hoisted the division title, they had just two MLBbros, Adam Jones and Delmon Young, on their American League Division Series roster.
Fast forward nine years, and the Orioles now boast three black faces in the form of Cedric Mullins, Aaron Hicks, and Jack Flaherty and after defeating the Nationals 5-1 on Wednesday night, they can clinch the AL East division for the first time since 2014 with a win on Thursday.
“I’m extremely impressed by the grit of our team, how tough they are, how we continue to battle,” manager Brandon Hyde said.
As the Orioles set their sights on the division and ultimately reaching the World Series for the first time since 1983, these three MLBbros will undoubtedly be at the forefront of their efforts. However, their success will hinge on their ability to elevate their performance when it matters most.
“The attitude for each of us is that we’re going to be the ones to [get the job done],” Mullins said. “If not us, we know we’re passing it to the next guy, and that’s how the clubhouse scene has been. Just having faith in each other and trust in each other that we’re going to get it done.”
Cedric “CM Storm” Mullins
Mullins, the defensive linchpin of the team as the center fielder and a seasoned veteran who has battled through injuries, faces a pressing challenge. He has struggled at the plate recently, managing just one hit in his last 20 at-bats. Mullins’s defensive prowess will remain crucial, but his offensive contributions will be vital in propelling the Orioles deep into the playoffs.
“He’s a top-tier center fielder, one of the best in the league,” right-hander Kyle Bradish said. “Whenever he’s out there, the ball goes up, you think he’s going to get there.”
“Black” Jack Flaherty
Flaherty, acquired from the St. Louis Cardinals at the trade deadline, has had a rough transition to the Orioles. With a 1-3 record and a 6.68 ERA over eight games (including seven starts) and 33 and two-thirds innings pitched, Flaherty is determined to find his groove. The opposition has hit .308 against him during this span. Baltimore is counting on Flaherty’s talent to shine through as he adapts to his new surroundings and steps up in critical postseason moments.
“It’s been a lot of, ‘Do what you do,’ and, ‘Pitch the way you know how to pitch, and things will go well,’” Flaherty said of the message he’s received in Baltimore. “So that’s a good feeling to have when things kind of haven’t worked out.”
Aaron “The Avenger” Hicks
Hicks, who found himself cut loose by the Yankees earlier this season, has experienced a resurgence since returning from the injured list. In September, he boasts an impressive .351 batting average with 11 RBIs. However, he must maintain his productivity when the playoff spotlight shines brightest in October.
“We don’t have a ton of older veteran presence in our lineup, and so I was hoping that he could come here and just maybe play easy and play like he has nothing to lose, and he did that,” Hyde said.
The Orioles’ resurgence is a testament to their rebuilding efforts, especially their potent farm system that built a team capable of making a deep playoff run. But for Mullins, Hicks, and Flaherty, the limelight may shine brighter with a fanbase yearning for representation of the area to succeed.
Only one of Charm City’s top 30 prospects, Enrique Bradfield Jr., is an MLBbro. This makes it imperative for the trio to showcase their abilities on the postseason stage. In doing so, they not only contribute to their playoff aspirations but also ensure that the pipeline of talent continues to grow in marginalized communities and the culturally rich city of Baltimore.
Adam Jones To Cedric Mullins | The Bros Are Carrying On Tradition In Baltimore With 2023 World Series Dreams
The Baltimore Orioles officially clinched a spot in the postseason Sunday for the first time since 2016. While the excitement around this achievement is palpable, it also serves as a poignant reminder of a bygone era in Orioles baseball, personified by the legendary MLBbro Adam Jones. And as Baltimore embarks on their postseason journey, it is evident that the torch has been passed to a new generation, led by none other than MLBbro Cedric Mullins.
Jones, a transcendent athlete, five-time All-Star, four-time Gold Glover, and Silver Slugger, was the heart and soul of Orioles baseball for over a decade. Jones’s contributions and memorable moments, both for Team USA and at Camden Yards, will forever be etched in the hearts of Orioles fans.
In a symbolic gesture, Jones retired as an Oriole on Sept. 15, despite his last season on the field being in 2019. His retirement ceremony marked the end of an epoch, and his handing over the reins to the next Black staple center fielder in Mullins signaled a new beginning for the Orioles.
However, the rebuild began long before Jones’ retirement.
On Aug. 10, 2018, Jones stepped aside to allow the rookie Mullins to take center stage, symbolizing the transition of leadership.
He mentored and shared his wisdom with young talents who would later become instrumental in the Orioles’ resurgence in 2023. Players like Anthony Santander, Austin Hays, and Mullins benefited from Jones’s guidance during the challenging years of rebuilding.
“When we started to really stink in the summer of ‘17, and again in ‘18, I tried to let the young guys who were coming up — once we did all the trades — let them know that the big leagues are tough,” said Jones, who played 11 of his 14 MLB seasons for Baltimore. “’I’m not going to be this rude veteran to you guys. I’m going to try and explain the game in a crash course because we’re all going to be gone after these two months.’”
“So I just tried to explain to those guys how the Major League life is and give them the best advice I could.”
Following their clinched postseason spot, Hays, Mullins, and Santander reflected on their journey with unanimous jubilation, declaring in unison, “We did it!”
“They are leading this charge,” Jones said. “You hear them talk, they’ve been through the tough years. And to see what they have now, it’s fun that they’re getting to lead it. There’s nothing better than when you go through the mud and then you get out.”
Mullins is resilient, much like Jones during his early days in the league. After returning from the injured list on Aug. 11, he struggled initially but has since risen to the occasion. Now fully healthy, he’s returned to true captain form, making an impact offensively and with his glove. In the crucial month of September, he’s batting .268 with two doubles, three homers, and 16 RBI, heating up just in time for the Orioles’ quest for their first postseason win since 2014.
“This is something I’ve always dreamed about,” Mullins said. “For us to be able to come back from previous years, and now we’re here, it feels amazing.”
Mullins and teammates embody the grit and determination that comes with the Baltimore faithful while bringing their own fun and flavor to the game.
The future of Orioles baseball is bright, and it’s clear that Jones has played an indelible role in shaping that future. And there might not be a better player to carry the Orioles legacy than Mullins.
Mullins Mashes !
Cedric “The Entertainer” Mullins stuns the Astros with a go-ahead three-run homer in the 9th inning on Monday night
“We’re Just Diligent With Our Approach” | Baltimore Orioles Centerfielder Cedric Mullins Leading Young Team To Finish Line
With a roster the average age of 28.5 years-old, the Baltimore Orioles rank 18th in MLB, which tells you that they have a perfect blend of veterans and young guns.
Led by 28-year-old All-Star centerfielder Cedric Mullins the Orioles are currently 91-53, which is good enough for the second-best record in all of MLB, trailing only the Atlanta Braves. As the team tries to navigate the final 18 games of the season, one which will likely end with a playoff berth, its first since 2016, the focus is to stay healthy and finish strong.
Mullins, who in many ways is an elder statesman on the roster is doing his best to lead by example. His play is always up-to-par, and even when his bat isn’t going, he’s one of the game’s best defensive centerfielders. His infectious spirit, and love for the game resonates throughout the club. Mullins has 11 hits, 12 RBI and three homers in his last 15 games. The O’s are 8-2 in their last 10 games.
Mullins Says Team Staying Steady In Approach
His presence was never more evident than on Monday night as the Orioles registered their 46th comeback win of the season, the most in all of MLB. In the 11-5 win over the Cardinals, Mullins went yard for the third grand slam of his six-year career.
Mullins told reporters that the team prepares for a multitude of things every day, and that’s a huge reason why they’ve had so much unforeseen success this season.
“We’re just staying diligent with our approach,” Mullins said. “We go over a handful of guys that are possibly going to be available each day, just having a broad idea of what we want to do against them. When they come in, we just narrow in our focus.”
Mullins definitely demonstrated that on his grand slam, when he took the fourth pitch by righty reliever Andre Pallante, who entered to face him, deep.
O’s Manager Hopes That Hit Was A Sign
The dynamic centerfielder has struggled a bit since his return from an adductor/groin strain that sidelined him for four weeks. Batting just .251 since he returned to the field, O’s manager Brandon Hyde hopes that big hit opens up the floodgates for Mullins.
“He’s a little bit frustrated and wants to contribute a little more,” Hyde said. “For him to get a hit like that at a time new needed it, we weren’t pitching well, and down early … For him to give us that boost, that was huge.”
For the Orioles sake Hyde isn’t the only one who hopes that unlocks Mullins’ hitting prowess, and they can only hope it extends into the postseason. As the Baltimore Orioles seek to make some noise in the “Hunt For October.”
This season Mullins is batting .248 with 14 home runs and 67 RBI. His .772 OPS is one of the better ones for centerfielders. He’s also flashed that speed on the base paths with 17 stolen bases, the injury slowed a lot of that prior to him being out.
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