MacPhail on Markakis
As the Orioles move deeper into the off-season it appears one of their top priorities is signing Nick Markakis to a new, long-term contract. That's if the player and team can agree on the terms.
"I've had some conversations with his representative," O's President of Baseball Operations Andy MacPhail said. "We're just in the very, very preliminary stages there." He added no dollar figures have been exchanged between the sides yet.
MacPhail said he had no concerns over any lingering bitterness between Markakis and the club. Some media reports speculated on that after Markakis' contract was renewed before last season for a salary smaller than some expected.
"No (there is no bitterness), I've talked to Nick and his agent and I haven't gotten that sense," MacPhail added.
If the O's can sign Markakis, it could send a message to fans and potential free agents as well that the Orioles are prepared to take care of their core group of young players.
"First of all, it's a sound baseball move and that's most important," MacPhail stated. "But in this case you would get the added benefit of people understanding the direction the franchise is headed in. It would be a consistent demonstration of those things we believe and are trying to achieve."
I asked MacPhail about the implications of the length of a new deal for Markakis. A three-year deal would take him to six years of service while a contract of four years would buy out one season of free agency.
"There is some comfort in the cost certainty. He's a young player you'd like to have tied up, we've made no secret of that, into his free agent years. There is a risk-ratio for the unexpected, injuries or whatever might happen. Those are the elements you have to weigh on both sides."
MacPhail said the club would not put out any deadline to complete contract talks in this case.
In some other O's news, four players that were in the organization last year are now minor league free agents. They are Brandon Fahey, Omir Santos, Ryan Bukvich and Tike Redman. Pitcher Bob McCrory is back pitching in the Arizona Fall League. He had been held out a few days with some right elbow discomfort but he has pitched twice this week and MacPhail said all is well with McCrory.
The Orioles roster is right at 40 now but will be reduced by four if Kevin Millar, Juan Castro, Alex Cintron and Jay Payton file for free agency as expected after the World Series.
The Orioles are still expecting all their coaches from 2007 to return but the coaches new contracts have not been finalized yet.
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Categories (click for archive)Steve Melewski |
Uh oh, a couple Brandon Fahey fan club members just jumped out the window. I'm more bummed by Redman (but still not that bummed.)
No disrespect to my fellow O's fans...hell...I'm one of those nutjobs who still strongly wants to see Cabrera in the rotation. I KNOW that's crazy.
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Martin:
Any player that is a minor league free agent still could re-sign with the O's. Fahey seems to have a way of making his way onto the 25-man roster at some point every year, the coaches seem to really like him even though we know his skills are marginal for the big league level. As for keeping Daniel in the rotation, you may be a little off your rocker on that one.
Steve