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The Chicago Cubs are reportedly set to pick up the $20 million option in starting pitcher Cole Hamels' contract for the 2019 season http://www.rockiesfanproshop.com/authentic-chad-bettis-jersey , according to ESPN.com's Jerry Crasnick.Chicago acquired Hamels in a pre-deadline trade with the Texas Rangers last season.The 34-year-old was excellent down the stretch last season, as the left-hander went 4-3 with a 2.36 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 74 strikeouts in 76.1 innings across 12 starts for the Cubs.When adding in his time with the Rangers, Hamels went 9-12 with a 3.78 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 188 strikeouts.Hamels is set to enter his 14th MLB season, with his best years coming during a decade-long stint with the Philadelphia Phillies to start of his career. Three of Hamels' four All-Star nods came as a member of the Phillies, and he led them to the World Series title in 2008 and was named World Series MVP.While Hamels wasn't as dominant after getting shipped from the Phillies to the Rangers, he experienced a career renaissance following his trade to Chicago.By keeping Hamels in the fold, the Cubs ensured a strong rotation for 2019, assuming they keep everyone else in place.Jon Lester, Kyle Hendricks, Jose Quintana, Yu Darvish and Mike Montgomery all remain under team control for next season.Darvish only made eight starts last season due to anelbow injury Greg Holland Jersey , but if he doesn't heal as well as hoped, the Cubs have enough depth to fall back on.If Darvish is good to go, however, Hamels' return could allow manager Joe Maddon to strengthen his bullpen by moving Montgomery, a southpaw, back into a relief role.Despite reaching the playoffs in four straight seasons, 2018 was somewhat disappointing for the Cubs since they lost to the Colorado Rockies in the National League Wild Card Game.By retaining Hamels, though, the Cubs have a chance to boast one of the best starting rotations in Major League Baseball next season, and that should keep them in the World Series conversation. The O’s look to earn their first win of the season. Nate Karns takes the mound for the good guys against James Paxton and the Yankees."Things did not go so well for the Orioles on opening day, but that was to be expected. After all, the Yankees won 100 games last season and may have gotten even better over the winter. The Orioles...well, they did none of those things.There will be less pomp and circumstance for game two of the 2019 season http://www.rockiesfanproshop.com/authentic-chad-bettis-jersey , but we do get the chance to learn quite a few bits of information about the O’s roster and how manager Brandon Hyde plans to deploy his players going forward.First of all, the guys are facing one of the better left-handed pitchers in the game, James Paxton. Managers get a little jittery when taking on elite southpaws. We do not know if that is what has happened here with Hyde, but the lineup has some noticeable differences from the one he trotted out on Thursday.Cedric Mullins, who has a history of struggles against lefties, has been dropped. Joining him on the pine is Chris Davis. Benching Davis needs no justification, but it’s still interesting to see. As far as players that are actually starting, Drew Jackson gets the nod in centerfield despite the presence of Joey Rickard, who has major league experience in center. It would seem Hyde prefers Jackson’s defense, or maybe he just wants to get another look at the Rule 5 pick.Defensively, this should be as solid of a lineup as the O’s put forth. Trey Mancini has moved back to his natural position, first base, while the abilities of the outfield remain to be seen with Jackson a newbie in center and Dwight Smith Jr. a relatively inexperienced big leaguer.On the mound is the team’s lone major league free agent signing http://www.rockiesfanproshop.com/authentic-chad-bettis-jersey , Nate Karns. He is expected to serve in an “opener” role today as injuries prevented the righty from stretching out enough to be a traditional starter. Of course, if things go well enough, Karns could go a bit longer. Either way, expect to see the season debuts of a few more bullpen arms that didn’t throw on Thursday.Orioles lineupJonathan Villar, 2BDwight Smith Jr., LFTrey Mancini, 1BRenato Nez, DHJoey Rickard, RFRio Ruiz, 3BDrew Jackson, CFJesus Sucre, CRichie Martin, SSRHP Nate KarnsYankees lineupBrett Gardner Tyler Anderson Jersey , CFAaron Judge, RFGiancarlo Stanton, LFLuke Voit, 1BMiguel Andujar, DHGary Sanchez, CGleyber Torrres, 2BTroy Tulowitzki, SSDJ Lemahieu, 3BLHP James Paxton