This and that
Reports out of San Diego indicate that Jake Peavy likely will remain with the Padres. We were buried beneath trade rumors during the winter meetings, and the guy doesn't appear to be going anywhere.
Typical.
That's bad news if you wanted Felix Pie in left field next season. The Orioles could have sent Garrett Olson to Chicago, but only if the Cubs could flip him to the Padres for Peavy.
With the Orioles scuffling to fill out their rotation, I'm not sure they can afford to lose another starter. They already let Daniel Cabrera walk out the door.
For readers who are suggesting that the Orioles should relocate to Arizona for spring training, we first have to consider which cities have available space, with so many teams moving out of Florida. And the Orioles have long preferred to stay in Florida if possible.
They'll get a deal done there. It's just a question of where. Vero Beach is back in play and could re-emerge as the favorite after falling behind Sarasota.
For the readers who have asked about Hank Blalock, the Orioles and Rangers discussed a trade during the winter meetings. I'm not sure how much those talks have progressed lately, but the Orioles expressed interest in having him play first base and serve as the DH when Aubrey Huff's in the field, and I assume he's still an option. The Rangers naturally want pitching in return.
The Rangers picked up Blalock's $6.2 million option. Is he worth that much for one season?
At least he's not asking for $180 million. And I don't think the Yankees want him.
As I wrote in a previous entry, the Nationals offered Mark Teixeira $5 million more than the Yankees, but the deals came out about the same because the Yankees gave him a $5 million signing bonus.
A signing bonus on top of $180 million? What a country.
Hopefully, I'll be passing along information about my roast in the next few days. Details are still being ironed out. But it's true: I'll be getting the Schmuck treatment on Jan. 21. Former catcher and World Series MVP Rick Dempsey has agreed to emcee the event.
Before I close for the morning and start making my NFL picks (I'm tied for second in our 17-man pool, and the top three finishers get paid), if you happen to be going to the Ravens game today, enjoy every second that you see Ray Lewis in purple. It might be the last time - unless he signs with the Vikings.
Could this be the Last Dance at M&T Bank Stadium?
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Categories (click for archive)Roch Kubatko | Roch Kubatko Orioles |
I may still be a Colts fan first, but I can't imagine Ray Lewis being anywhere else but Baltimore.
Vero Beach would be awesome!
Can you tell I live close?
The O's have about the same luck with signing players as getting in the playoffs. I'm pretty tired of hearing of failure, so who will the O's sign?
I liked the Donna Summer video, nice touch.
Until the Orioles sign someone better than Olson, he is probably a #3 starter on this team. I am not sure that speedy, light-hitting outfielder trumps Olson's potential as a backend starter as sad as that is. I could see Olson succeeding if he gains confidence and improves his control. He has had some good outings which is something to work with when you have 4 EMPTY SLOTS. We could use the Japanese pitcher and one of the previously mentioned sub-par, low-priced FAs to take D-Cabs spot. I would not push Patton. Liz, Olson, FA, Guthrie, and JJ would be ideal if we were playing the GM game.
I hate to get stuck on JJ, but if there is not a physical reason for keeping him out of the rotation, I can't understand the organization's unwillingness to try the rotation. How many opportunities will he have to protect a lead next season? Starters are far more valuable than relievers. He won't even be protecting leads for the young studs. THey aren't up yet. We have Sherrill, Ray, Baez, and others to close out our 65 wins.
Call me confused. The incremental value of JJ in the rotation as opposed to the bullpen is gigantic. I honestly don't give a flying monkey if "he feels more comfortable in that role."
Anything to ESPN report O's interested in Pudge?
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That came from The Sun's Jeff Zrebiec saying the Orioles have talked to Scott Boras about Rodriguez. ESPN is just passing along the report. I don't think it'll happen. - Roch
Ray will not leave the Ravens. You have to remember, Bischotti is not Angelos. He is committed to putting a winning team on the field each year. He is also committed to keeping his "homegrown" players. He has pride in his team, the city, and the fans!
Now back to the Orioles:
Why is Ole McFail taking a "R&R" vacation during the heat of the Free Agency season. I guess that truly shows "committment" to the team, city and fans! Oh...I guess that is part of the "plan" that no one knows about except him and Ole Peter!
Roch is it true they are considering Pavano, Benson and Colon? How fitting! They are cheap, by signing them they would be handing out there annual glass of kool aid to the fans that just dont know better.
Any news on Brob or Markakis yet Roch? I bet McFail is hard at work on extending their contracts while sitting on the beach reviewing the Profit/Loss statements.
Here is to the New Years....
ISNT THE KOOL AID SWEET!
Hey Roch.... I've heard that sources are reporting that Angelos has invited Dunn to be his guest at the Ravens game. Any truth to this ?
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I think they're carpooling with Redding and Pudge. - Roch
Roch - have you heard anything lately about Jon Garland?
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Last I heard, he was asking for too much money. - Roch
I am sorry but Jack's repetitive nonsense is making this blog unreadable for me.
Orioles should have signed Pudge Rod instead of Javvy Lopez, and again when they signed Ramon Hernandez. They're now going to co-sign him with AARP.
Hey Jack, did you take any time off from your job around the holidays to spend time with your family?
Roch - Maybe you could clarify for me - What is the hold up with Vero Beach? Did I hear correctly that Vero Beach has 5 fields and the Orioles are looking for 7, one for each affiliate? Can the Vero Beach complex be expanded?
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I believe the issue is money made available for renovations - same as Sarasota. I've been to Vero countless times and haven't counted the fields, but I assume they have more than Sarasota (four). - Roch
What about the strange mystery of Hayden Penn? When he first came up people like Jim Palmer were singing his praises as a potential ace.
Now he's almost an afterthought.
What's the real story? Was everyone just wrong about his talent?
Hey Jack, since you can't seem to spell Andy MacPhail's name correctly, shall we start spelling your name wrong as well?...How about Jacka$$ to begin?
Jack, I've tried playing nice and being tolerant but your ongoing rants are both lazy and tired. No one here could possibly believe you are an actual fan. You'd be doing everyone a favour if you spread your misery elsewhere.
The most difficult thing to accept when the Orioles are successful again in the future is the fact that "fans" like you will readily hop back on our friendly little bandwagon.
Every post is the same... "Blah, blah, blah, blah, blah." Lazy, predictable and annoying to those of us who still enjoy supporting the team. So go ahead and make another kool-aid reference and continue to insult ownership and the front office. Keep heaping that negativity Jack... it'll really take you far.