Arbitration updates
The Toronto Blue Jays offered arbitration to pitcher A.J. Burnett, and the Milwaukee Brewers did the same with pitchers CC Sabathia and Ben Sheets.
Since they're all Type A free agents (and I assume that doesn't mean they have anger-management issues), their respective teams would receive two draft picks as compensation if they sign with other organizations.
The Blue Jays declined to offer arbitration to former Orioles catcher Gregg Zaun.
I remember when he spelled his first name "Greg" with the Orioles and later added the extra "g" at the end. Left us all confused for a while.
The Yankees didn't offer arbitration to their eight free agents, including pitcher Mike Mussina, who announced his retirement, pitcher Andy Pettitte and right fielder Bobby Abreu.
Catcher Ivan Rodriguez and former Orioles pitcher Sidney Ponson also are on that list. So is pitcher Carl Pavano.
Meanwhile, and I swear I'm not making this up, the Penn State senior who dresses up as the Nittany Lion mascot was arrested on a DUI charge and might miss the Rose Bowl.
The kid's name is James Sheep.
Practically writes itself.
Was James Sheep wearing the mascot suit when he got the DUI?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
No, but he apparently had so many students piled in front of him while he was driving, it would have been difficult to tell. You provide a nice visual, however. - Roch
A Sheep led to slaughter, so sad.
Roch - two related questions.
Do you ascribe to the "Where there is smoke, there is fire" theory meaning that the Orioles have really talked Olson trades and others are really interested?
If so does it mean they think they will sign a couple starters or that one of their minor leaguers are ready to step up or just that they have given up on Olson?
Any thoughts?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I wouldn't necessarily say they've "given up" on Olson, but if a team like San Diego likes him and is a potential match, and the Orioles can fill a need or bring in a five-tool prospect, they'll move him. And he's certainly in danger of falling behind some other young pitchers in the organization. - Roch
It's a shame this kid James Sheep couldn't have been around a little earlier with the Pittsburgh Pirates. What a fine addition to the rotation Sheep would have been, joining Moose, Veale, and Lamb.
Yeah, even you, Roch, can't make stuff like that up. That's comedy right there. It should win an ESPY. I always thought mascots were smarter than the average bear. That's where I am apparently wrong...
Back on to my usual note...
http://www.ironbirdsbaseball.com/ironbirds/roster/index.html?player_id=267
Who knew (or cared, actually) that he was out of baseball for (ONLY!) '06-'07???
I thought it was much earlier than that. How does one find out his injury status? (that's my way of asking if you'll do it for me, kthx!) and how soon can we get him in baltimore?!?!?!?
And I can neither define nor orginate the Tim Spooneybarger love. Jennifer has Kevin Millar (and B-rob, and Luke, and...), I have Tim.
Greg Zaun getting some backup playing time might be secretly good.
Defensively he hasn't lost much of the glove. In fact, if you take his defensive stats, last year he had an above-average Range Factor (6.87) with good fielding percentage (.987) and threw out a good share of runners (40%). Quiroz had a below-average Range Factor (4.56), very good fielding percentage (.996), and average arm (30%). Both guys throw out runners average or better. Zaun's ankles are ball-bearings cus he can move in any angle. Quiroz caught everything that was thrown his way as long as he didn't have to move. Zaun's game-calling may be, far and away, his best contribution to his team, which I can see both our pitchers and Wieters learning from.
Zaun's bat has maybe lost a tick but, he is still a good situational bat who can take a walk, but come on now. All he has to do is beat out Quiroz. Quiroz's best 2008 offensive contribution was striking out and staying out of the double play. If anyone here thinks it's closer than that then, Roch, could you ask MacPhail to organize a Zaun vs. Quiroz foot race?
And of course, as many Os fans here might already know, Zaun has a natural Oriole connection through Oriole Great, Dempsey. We've got to play these angles to get quality guys here when we can.
I want to also mention a quiet non-arb guy: Adam Dunn.
Yes, yes, he catches the ball like a Dodgeball player and runs like a tree. But once you get past that, isn't he somewhat interesting for an AL team? A true career DH candidate? No, he won't be a Harold Baines, Paul Molitor, or Edgar Martinez. Not enough "Pure Hitter" in him. Maybe a Jay Buhner? Yes, he'll be the only hitter to challenge Johan Santana for the League lead in strikeouts. Though remember that his true value is his ability to trot like a Clydesdale around the bags 40 times a year. Maybe not a awful player to have, say, at #5-6 in the order?
I think his value just went up because he won't require draft pick compensation to nab him, and, since we are a team who has picked up similarly challenged Strikeout Sluggers in the recent past, you gotta think. My gut feeling doesn't think MacPhail would go for it. I might have just accidentally presented a fair argument against the move. Actually nevermind.
Roch- Let me ask you a question. I was looking at what the Cubs had left in their farm after getting Harden and so on. Not Much. In fact, maybe it is because I know our farm better then most but, I think we are right up there with one of the Best in the game. We have a ton of pitching and some nice position prospects. Anyway, I know that Peavy would never come to Baltimore, but, he is to average 15 million a year through 2013, which is a super bargain when looking at Santana, and CC's offers. If the Pads want Olson, how much further would they have to go to work a deal with the O's? Is Vitters rumored to be in that trade? Would something like Olson, Arrieta, Snyder, and another 1 or 2 mids get Peavy and if it could would you do it?
Or, if the cubs need to make room for Peavy, can't the O's sugar up the pot and maybe bring Harden or somebody back to B-More?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Peavy wouldn't approve a trade to Baltimore, so that's out. There's talk that the Cubs might have to shed some payroll for Peavy (Harden, Marquis). But the Orioles might not like Marquis' price tag or Harden's past health issues. - Roch
Looks like the rays made a Jack Cass out of the O's on that deal
As usual, I'm into what Basemonkey's cooking...I'd take a shot at Adam Dunn, just for the pleasure of seeing him bat against the Blue Jays and JP (opened my big fat mouth) Ricchardi. I'd take a chance on Dunn way before the 'not to be mntioned' LF from Philly who can't hit, field, not run, but who'll still end up making many more millions than I ever will.