For Teixeira, the choice was Yankees or Nationals
Happy holidays to all.
Did anyone receive an Orioles-related present this morning? I'm guessing there had to be a road jersey in somebody's gift pile.
I didn't want the day to pass without filing an entry. I just hope I'm not hurting the team by keeping my streak alive. Next think you know, Ken Rosenthal will be writing a column saying I need to sit down.
If anyone has taken the tour of Camden Yards, you've heard the story from the press box about Rosenthal's laptop being destroyed by a Cal Ripken foul ball. Rosenthal had written a column the night before suggesting that Ripken end The Streak. The screaming line drive that sent his laptop crashing to the floor was a delicious irony. Or maybe it was a coincidence. I always get those two confused, and I'm not asking Alanis Morissette because she obviously has no idea, either.
I had already filed my notes for The Sun, so I handed over my computer to Rosenthal so he could continue working. He's such a professional, he just took it all in stride. No panic at all, despite having to start over in the middle of the game while on a tight deadline. A lesser columnist would have freaked out.
Rosenthal reacted to the line drive as most of us do in that situation. We save ourselves - which is why our chairs come with wheels. We don't think to close the laptop first before getting out of harm's way.
I've stuck out my hand on occasion in a futile attempt to make a catch, but that ball would have sent my fingers scattering in all directions.
Ripken had no idea what happened until after the game, when former PR director John Maroon rushed to his locker with the news. Ripken's response went something like this:
"Cool."
Anyway, just one more note on Mark Teixeira: I've heard from a reliable source that the first baseman turned down about $5 million more from the Nationals to sign with the Yankees. And the Nats would have gone higher, but were never given the chance. Teixeira jumped at Brian Cashman's first offer.
I guess it wasn't ALL about the money - just mostly about it. Being on a contender every year also brings a certain appeal.
At least Orioles president Andy MacPhail didn't waste all his time and energy on Teixeira while ignoring the club's primary needs. He still worked each day to improve the rotation and find another catcher. He'll continue to look for another bat, whether it's an outfielder, first baseman or primary designated hitter. The "plan" wasn't put on ice while Teixeira gave Baltimore the cold shoulder.
"We didn't miss a beat," MacPhail said on Tuesday.
They just missed out on the local kid.
 |
Categories (click for archive)Roch Kubatko | Roch Kubatko Orioles |
Orioles item? A DVD of the 1966, 1970 and 1983 seasons. Yes, I'll be the lonely bitter old man watching TV and weeping in the corner of the room while everyone else is downing the egg nog.
I want Andy to pick up the beat not maintain the one the O's now have. I just fear it will be more of the same from this organization. I know it's Christmas but I also know there is no Santa Claus , especially in the O's organization. The great fans of Baltimore get business as usual from them and a gift of more Kool-aid.............
From what I have read the Yankees were Teixeira's first choice; the desire to play at home was apparently just a negotiating ploy to get the Yankee's to come in with their exorbitant offer.
Merry Christmas, Baltimore fans!
Roch, Happy Holidays man. Nice story.
What's the news on the BRob front? Hasn't the extension been out there for about a month now? Is he more likely to be moved now that Tex didn't sign?
Sneaky Tex. (We should have kept DCab just for that purpose.) I am still glad for what we already have.
Merry Christmas.
nothing worse than a Maryland Yankee fan. I hope Mark is a huge bust.
Roch, I think you are misstating this situation. If your info is correct the offer by the Nationals that was turned down would be 45 million dollars more than the Orioles. None of us have any idea what his reaction would have been to a similar offer from his hometown team. Personally ,I would have been offended if my hometown team had made no secret of their desire to sign me and then bid less than the team who they forced into the worst TV revenue situation in the history of the sport.
Merry Christmas Roch...I guess everyone has figured out by now that Tex was never really interested in coming to Baltimore unless they blew away the competition and even then probably not...and most likely never really did...glad to hear that the O's are still on their master plan...pitching and another catcher...and good to hear they are after another bat too....first I have heard of that...just as long as they do what ever they feel is best and we all believe in McPhail and his past success record then we all need to move on and be behind the O's and keep the faith...good read Roch....have a nice day with your family.....by the way...83 here in FL today just to rub it in some...
A holiday treat for those that thought the O's ever had a chance to get Tex. All the blogging, hopes and frustration were for naught. Boras never had him going anywhere but the Yankees or Sox, as you can see by the dialogue below. This comes from Newsday, though the accuracy is always in question since it is 2nd hand or worse.
"Here's a summary: An official involved in negotiations gave a rundown of the back-and-forth between the Yankees and Teixeira’s agent, Scott Boras. The Yankees had made a substantially lower offer to Teixeira before the winter meetings; an offer that was quickly pulled once Boras informed the Yankees how much he was seeking. The Red Sox, Nationals, Angels and Orioles bid on Teixeira in the next few weeks, with the Yankees not making another contract offer until late Monday.
Even Tuesday, hours before Teixeira agreed to terms, the Yankees were pessimistic about getting the 28-year-old slugger, the source said. Boras told the Yankees they needed a 10-year deal, with the last two years as player options. That got an absolute no from the Yankees, who had offered eight years and $180 million ($22.5 million per year).
Around midday Tuesday, Boras said Teixeira would agree to an eight-year contract, but only if the average annual value was $24 million per year, making the total contract value $192 million. The Yankees conferred, then told Boras no, that they had made a fair yet firm offer and would hold pat, the source said. Boras responded by saying that Teixeira would likely be a Red Sox. The Yankees refused to budge from their offer, and 20 minutes later, Boras called back and said Teixeira would take their eight-year, $180 million contract offer."
Roch, you should be able to write about better, more positive and productive O's news now that this has passed. Have a great holiday season and happy new year.
I came across this in Websters Dictionary, Thought it was a little harsh, but if the shoe fits!!
Mark Teixeira:
1: one who betrays another's trust or is false to an obligation or duty
2 : one who commits treason
3: a dirty, gluttonous, or repulsive person
4: extraneous matter or impurities risen to or formed on the surface of New York as a foul filmy covering — compare Scott Boras2 b: the scoria of metals in a molten state : dross c: a slimy film on a Baseball Diamond or pinstripes
5: refuse b: a low, vile, or worthless person or group of people
— scum·my \ˈskə-mē\ adjective
Merry Christmas Roch!
Hmm well I am bored. And still pissed off at the O's front office. But...
Three Way Trade:
Yankees get: 2B B.Roberts, CF M.Cameron
Orioles get: 1B N.Swisher, 2B R.Cano
Brewers get: RP G.Sherrill, CF M.Cabrera
Roberts won't be resigning. I just do not see it coming. And he said he wants to win. No team is built better to win right now then the Yankees. Flat Breezy is a good guy but he would be expendable if Ray shows he is healthy. Also who knows how much he will get his 1st year in Arbitration.
Milwalkee gets a closer in Sherrill to replace the retired Torres. And they get a good defense CF in Cabrera. Also they get rid of Cameron and his over-priced contract.
NY gets better defense up the middle. Roberts is a better lead off hitter then Damon and 4 years younger. So they could move Damon in a deal. Roberts also is going to be a Type A so if the Yanks lose him they get a couple of top picks. Cameron is a 20+ HR guy with good defense.
Now for the Orioles:
Swisher is a solid defender at 1st and can play the OF. He is 28 and coming off a bad year. But I really blame that on Chicago. He was put in leadoff spot to start the year and it screwed up his frame of mind at the plate. NY has no real slot for him anymore. Cano is a solid hitter that might enjoy the chance of scenery in Baltimore. Less pressure on him. Both are signed for a few more years at pretty doable contracts.
Freel can hit lead off vs Lefties and sometimes vs Righties when he is subbing. Otherwise I think Mora might be the leadoff hitter.
THANK YOU!!!
Finally someone in print gets it that Ms. Morrissette's "Ironic" has nothing to do with irony and everything to do with simple bad luck!
The irony is that the person who wrote the song about irony doesn't have a clue as to what irony actually is.
Sort of like the well-known singer-songwriter who sang the song called "I Write The Songs" DIDN'T write that song.
And, oh yeah - interesting stuff on Teixeira.
I know this sounds crazy, but what is the Orioles stance on Manny. I know it's crazy talk, but imagine the reaction.
Roch, there's only one holiday today. You can say it. It won't hurt. Political correctness be damned. MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Boy Teixeira will look sexy in stripes. See you opening day Baltimore.
Holiday 4-pack of tickets including Opening Day v Tankees!
Also got a Ravens wool cap!
See you at the Yard!
Merry Xmas Roch!
Hey roch, thanks for the news. I hope you and your family have a good christmas. I just wanted to say thanks for working so hard during this tex derby, even if it came to nothing for the o's at least there were some entertaining articles for me to read while at work. (oh yeah i got an orioles old skl jersey....ripken of course). Merry Christmas Roch
-alex-
That story about Cal always reminds me of the scene in the Natural where Roy Hobbs hits a foul ball at the reporter who suggests he should retire. Of course, that was during batting practice. The fact that Cal did it during a game just makes it all that much more impressive. Not that it surprises me.
Karl - if you don't mind, I'd like to the bitter young man sitting in the corner with you.
Everybody - have a great Christmas and new year. Please be safe. There aren't many Orioles' fans left, so we need to be watchful of each other.
XD23 -
Interesting trade proposal. It certainly would work for everyone involved. I like Cano.
Roch,
Merry Christmas and best wishes for 2009! Great job as usual!! So your hunch, who do you see the O's pursuing as another bat? Or who would you like them to pursue at this point?
By the way, TX Christmas meal, Chorizo, homemade tamales & Shiner Bock! That's how I wash away the Tex debacle!!!
"Iowa O's Fan said: Roch, there's only one holiday today. You can say it. It won't hurt. Political correctness be damned. MERRY CHRISTMAS!"
Just as an FYI, today is the fourth day of Hanukkah as well. So Merry Christmas and Happy Hanukkah!
Adam Dunn, Greg Zaun, Jon Garland, and Mark Henrickson is my whish list plus sign Nick and trade Roberts if he doesnt want to sign now. Any Rumors on this fine day?
Merry Christmas
MERRY CHRISTMAS O's fans, remember Jesus is the reason!
Pray for the Orange and Black!
Let's see, Tim Redding, Mark Hendenricksen, Braden Looper, vs CC Sabathia, AJ burnett, and probubly Derek Lowe? I can't understand why Teixeira would choose the spankees over the Orioles!
If this is not "missing a beat", maybe we should pray for an earthquake!
Is Andy trying to have the worst rotation in baseball next year? I don't get it. Has anyone looked at the back of these guys baseball cards. Its really not that hard Andy, just go to Target, and buy a box of Topps cards and flip them over. Don't just look at the pictures, all the guys stats are on the back! Remember you don't want the guys with the highest ERA!
My 6 year old nephew could do better!
Hey Iowa O's Fan:
First, Merry Christmas to you. Second, Roch isn't being politically correct - there is more than one holiday today: Hanukkah and Christmas (Tonight is the 5th night of Hanukkah).
I think we are better resigning Millar (since we arent going to compete anyway). I really believe that Brandon Snyder will be our 1B of the future. Forget Tex - having Weiters in the middle of our line up will still be pretty solid.
Roch, you write your blog while standing up?
Merry Christmas to all Oriole fans today. For those of you who are no longer Oriole fans after the Teixeira sweepstakes, Merry Christmas to you too. There are more important things in life than to be disgusted or disillusioned by your favourite sports team.
Somebody earlier mentioned they are a bigger Oriole fan now than ever before... good for you! I'm tempted to say the same... I know I am as a big a fan today as I've ever been. I have faith in the front office, faith in the players, and faith that the organization will succeed again.
Baseball for me is a pasttime, a source of enjoyment in a busy and serious world. No one is going to take that away from me and I'm not going to disown it.
The cynics will be howling for the rest of the off season. I'm not going to let them bring me down. The balance of the off-season should be very interesting. I think the team will acquire two key free agents for the starting rotation. I also believe Markakis will be extended. Brian Roberts could still be dealt. A lot depends on what he tells Andy MacPhail. If he indicates that now he wants out, he'll go.
I've been an Orioles fan for 40 years. I see no reason to change now.
Roch,
I was feeling ok with the whole Teixeira thing until I read your piece this morning.
I am 50 years old and have never rooted for any other team like I have the O's! I'm out here in Southern California, and I am an Angels season ticket season ticket holder, an I take an enormous amount of ribbing for being an Orioiles fan. I actually just lost a $50 bet to a friend because I told him three years ago the O's would make the playoff by this year, when I see what Angelos has done to this team I want to throw up! I feel like a Pirates fan!
I know all about rebuilding a team, and how hard it can be.
That being said, when I hear about the Orioles looking at guys Tim Redding, and Maek Hendrickson, I just want to throw my Blackberry against the wall.
Than you come out and say Andy didn't waste any time, didn't miss a beat! Who are you trying to fool!
The biggest pitcher we've signed in the past 10 years is Steve Trachsel! Is that rebuilding? I know we have all these prospects, but how many times have we heard that? And who cares if we develop all this talent, and then can't, or won't spend the money to resign them. What are we, the new 4A team for the Spankees!
Someone has stand up and say enough is enough, and that someone is you my friend! You have the bully pulpit to do it from. You have a lot of peoples attention. Its time for Angelos to sell this team to someone that can bring some pride back! How many times do they think they can fool us?
You know this team is not that far away from being a contender, if we had signed Sabathia, Garland, and Derek lowe they would be right there then maybe you get the home town discount for Tex. But instead we get Tim Redding! O boy! This team will never win with that kind of mindset. Good Luck O's fans. Let's hope Andy finds a new BEAT!
God Bless, and Merry Christmas
Roch,
Why do you not post my blogs when then are "clean" but against Andy MacFail and Peter Angelos. You went from being bitter about MCFAIL not signing Tex to he is the greatest icon the Orioles ever had.
Can we only post on this blog if we like the poison they call kool aid? Is that how your blogs work? If we are against the FO fools and or Peter the Great, then we are not allowed to voice our concerns.
That is a little bias, you think?
Jack
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I think anytime you start hurling insults at me, your chances are reduced. I let it go for a while, but I've reached my limit here. Disagree with me all you want, but don't get personal. It's that simple. And please show me where I wrote that MacPhail is an icon. For that matter, where was I bitter that he didn't sign Teixeira? I guess a lack of reading comprehension also gets old after awhile. Merry Christmas. - Roch
Folks,
Time to stand up and move on. MT is not coming to Baltimore to wear our uniform. It's a shame. Now let's see just who will be here instead.
I'll be here on Opening Day wishing the Os the very best. Still an Os fan to the end. I hope you join me.
Jim
Come on Roch, MacPhail works slower that molasses in January. How hard is it to sign a veteran catcher to fill in until Weiters comes up. We need 4 starting pitchers, any signed??? Any close??? What about a first baseman? Does MacPhail realize Henske can hit left handed pitching and Blalock is horrible away form Arlington??? Fact of the matter he's accomplished very little in the last 11 months and no major impact to the on field product. The one thing he had done is cut salary for ownership. Did anyone actually expect us to be a player for Tex when MacPhail commented during the Bradford deal that "I can use the cash" in the off season. How on earth did we afford a $90 million payroll a few years back without a MLB welfare check and MASN money?? This organization is stuck in the mud spinning..
Merry Christmas
Roch,
I am very dissapointed to read that you only post responses that if you do notlike what we write about McFail or Ole Pete, "your chances are reduced" from you posting them.
Isn't that what a blog is about. To talk about and post different opinions? I didn't know, despite the blogs being "clean" and factual, they would be censored in terms of being posted. Sounds like MASN really has control of this site, and not you? So I imagine that this posting will not be posted either?
Either way, Merry Christmas to you and your family. I just have trouble fathoming how you could work for an employer like Ole Pete. Are you censored on what you can allow fans to say and as long as it is "clean" about MASN and the Ownership? If that is NOT the case, that is not free reporting but merely being forced to be just "another propoganding" tool at Andy McFail's disposal to cover up the truth....the fans are being BONED!
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Again Jack, your inability to comprehend anything I write is stunning. How old are you? Your chances are reduced if you start hurling insults AT ME. Didn't I make that clear? From now on, please have someone read my entries and comments to you. Then have a 10-minute discussion period to make sure you understand everything. Maybe that will clear up the confusion. - Roch
Roch, the "plan" might not have skipped a beat, but what about the "plan to build a winning team"? Where's that one and what is it? The O's do not have enough talent in the minors to contend with the NYY or BOS. Please let us know when you hear about the plan for winning and what that entails. If AM thinks what the O's have currently in the system is enough, he's delusional - just like when he thought Bedard would sign for $30 million, just like when he thought Teixeira would sign for $140 million. And if you happen to find out when he thinks this team is going to contend, can you let us know that too? 2010 - 2012 is not a realistic time frame if they won't increase salary, and improve minor league talent. Just not enough to overcome NYY money.
Roch - so what you saying is that Boras and Tex didn't buy into McFail's plan and don't think the O's will be competitive in 2010 or 2011 or 2012?
What exactly is McFail's projected roster for 2010 or 2011? We hear about the plan, but I have never seen one written detail.
With a lineup of Markakis, Weiters, Tex, Jones, one can only conclude that Boras and Tex weren't convinced of our over-hyped young pitchers.
If McFail was so busy, where are the alll signings? Where are the extensions for Markakis and Roberts?
And where are your stories on the fallout when Boras and Tax indicate that they don't feel the O's will ever be competitive or the O's really weren't bidding? Never mind, I guess you remember Jon Miller.
Roch,
I still have my very inexpensive wish list of Pudge,Zaun,Odalis, and Jason Jennings out there, but I don't think Santa McPhail has seen it. If any O's fans are looking for an additional Full- time 1B guy you might want to put Dimytri Young on your wish list, and please don't wish away Brian Roberts. If all we're really looking for are dedicated, hardworking players with possible All- Star caliber ability we needn't look any where else.
Leon
Roch,
I still have my very inexpensive wish list of Pudge,Zaun,Odalis, and Jason Jennings out there, but I don't think Santa McPhail has seen it. If any O's fans are looking for an additional Full- time 1B guy you might want to put Dimytri Young on your wish list, and please don't wish away Brian Roberts. If all we're really looking for are dedicated, hardworking players with possible All- Star caliber ability we needn't look any where else.
Leon
Roch, I think we all back you on your stand against attacks directed at you. You do a remarkable job, comment when appropriate and do not drink the kool-aid, as they say. Plus, you're funny. Thanks for the public stand in favor of civility.
I am reading all of these nay-sayers and thinking to myself, "Self, are these people for real? Did they really think that rebuilding happened in one season?"
The Rays took 11 years of first round high draft picks to get to where they were last year. . .for those of you who don't remember. . . it was the WS.
If we had been choosing wisely with our high first round draft picks for the past 10 years, we too could have been battling for AL East.
Instead, the FO kept trying to better themselves with foolish trades and free agent signings, often trading those picks away or picking foolishly. But understand how long it took for the Rays to become contenders ELEVEN YEARS!!!! Rome wasn't built in a day and a contender won't be built in one or two seasons.
I am just as anxious as the next guy and with my impending move to St. Petersburg I am agonizing over the crap I am going to take from the Rays fans, but I am realistic. It is going to be, at least, 2010 until we are in a position to contend and likely 2011.
MacPhail and PA showed their willingness to sign Boras clients and pay them when they signed Weiters and they will continue to do so. Until we are on the verge of contending or have one season where we play better than .500 ball, however, don't expect big name free agents, especially those represented by Boras, to want to sign here regardless of where they grew up.