Kimbrel is biggest Oriole All-Star snub; Catie Griggs named president of business operations

Oriole fans were upset when they learned that only one additional player was named to the American League All-Star team on Sunday.

Starting pitcher Corbin Burnes, who’s a candidate to start for the American League on July 16^th at Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas, got the expected call, joining starters Gunnar Henderson and Adley Rutschman.

In 2023, before the Orioles would go on to win 101 games, four Orioles were chosen: Rutschman, outfielder Austin Hays and relievers Félix Bautista and Yennier Cano.

This year, with the team on pace to win 102 games, there are three. Four Orioles — first baseman Ryan Mountcastle, third baseman Jordan Westburg, outfielder Anthony Santander and designated hitter Ryan O’Hearn — finished second in the voting at their position and none was picked. Grayson Rodriguez, who won his 11^th game on Sunday, tying him with Kansas City’s Seth Lugo for most in the league, wasn’t picked, either.

The worst call, though, was the commissioner’s selection of New York Yankees’ closer Clay Holmes over nine-time All-Star Craig Kimbrel.

Kimbrel has a 2.10 earned-run average, is second to Cleveland’s Emmanuel Clase with 23 saves and has allowed just two home runs and struck out 52 in 34 1/3 innings. Holmes has a 3.00 ERA and 19 saves, none since June 9^th. Since May 10^th, Kimbrel has allowed just one earned run and six hits in 21 innings.

Kimbrel might say he wouldn’t mind the four-day break to spend time with his family. Whenever outfielder Nick Markakis was inexplicably passed over as an All-Star with the Orioles, he always said that, and he meant it, too. Markakis was finally named an All-Star when he was with the Atlanta Braves in 2018.

But Kimbrel has earned a spot on the 2024 All-Star team. He has moved up on the all-time saves list, and his 440 place him behind only Mariano Rivera (652), Trevor Hoffman (601) and Lee Smith (478). Rivera was a 13-time All-Star. Hoffman and Smith were named seven times.

There will be withdrawals because of injuries and starting pitchers unable to participate because they’ll pitch this Sunday. While Rodriguez and Westburg, in particular, are deserving, Kimbrel shouldn’t have been passed over for Holmes.

Catie Griggs named president of business operations

In David Rubenstein’s first major decision as Orioles owner, the team named Catie Griggs as president of business operations.

In its press release, the team said that Griggs will be the first female president of business operations in team history and “will oversee all aspects of the Orioles business operations.”

Griggs, who is expected to start in her new role on August 19^th, has spent the past three years as president of business operations with the Seattle Mariners.

“Catie’s track record of success, diverse business experience, and commitment to excellence made her the perfect fit to lead the next chapter of our business operation in Baltimore,” Rubenstein said. “The entire Orioles organization welcomes Catie as we continue to elevate every aspect of our operation.”

Before her time with the Mariners, Griggs spent four years as chief business officer with the Atlanta United of Major League Soccer.

“I am genuinely thrilled to be joining the Orioles organization. Supporting this storied franchise, the city of Baltimore, and our passionate fans is an incredible honor,” said Griggs. “I look forward to contributing to the team’s success both on and off the field.”

“It is our belief that Oriole fans and the Baltimore community will benefit from the unique experience and perspective that Catie brings,” said Orioles owner and joint owner of Charm City Sports Partners, LLC, Michael Arougheti. “That experience will be especially valuable as we begin work to reimagine Oriole Park at Camden Yards.”

Note: Triple-A Norfolk first baseman Garrett Cooper, who was signed by the Orioles on June 25^th, was named the International League Player of the Week. From July 1^st-6^th, Cooper hit .421 (8-for-19) with four home runs and 10 RBIs.

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