How Opening Day starter John Means can take next step as Orioles’ ace

Three years ago, John Means was a non-prospect, bound for Double-A Bowie for a third straight season and contemplating retirement as he wondered whether he could fit into the Orioles’ future plans.

All the 27-year-old left-hander has done since is make his major league debut, represent Baltimore in the All-Star game, finish second in American League Rookie of the Year voting and get named the Orioles’ Opening Day starter for the second straight season.

A tired arm prevented him from following through on last year’s announcement, the first hurdle in a season of challenges, but he bounced back with four dominant starts in September to leave himself and the Orioles leadership assured of his…