MacPhail on first base and the rotation
Even though there have been reports that the Orioles are pursuing a right-handed hitting first baseman, O's president Andy MacPhail indicated today that he would not be unhappy if Aubrey Huff winds up as the regular there.
"I'm certainly open to Aubrey being that guy. He has some interest in doing it. He had an outstanding season last year and we're fortunate to have that internal option. But, it even goes beyond Aubrey being able to play first. He can play third and he can DH. We're not, in no way, shape or form, relegated like we were in finding a catcher. We did have to find a catcher, but we don't necessarily have to find a first baseman because we have a perfectly attractive alternative."
MacPhail was asked about filling out the rotation and if more signings are likely for the rotation?
"I don't know that we are going to want to get so veteran-loaded that we preclude ourselves from giving innings to those guys who were viewed as prospects here in the past. But at the same time, as things open up as the market opens up towards the final stage, we're obviously going to have to be very cognizant of that and balance that, too."
He added the O's are leaning towards giving Danys Baez a shot at the rotation in spring training. He also confirmed the O's are close to signing a catcher and Roch Kubatko has reported that the O's are close on a deal with Gregg Zaun.
MacPhail was asked if Koji Uehara could become the team's number two starter?
"That will be up to Dave and Kranny how they sort them out. It's a cliché, but the fact of the matter is, the media puts a number on them, ranks them, but its five starters and whoever is out there that day is your No. 1 starter. That's what we think of that. Those are things we have time to work out. Those things become self evident after spring training."
By the way, 50 reporters attended the Uehara press conference and 25 of them were from Japan. There were reporters from 12 different Japan media outlets and also attending were representatives from the Embassy of Japan.
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Categories (click for archive)Steve Melewski |
Please explain something about the Oriole’s logic in free agent signings.
If the birds have nobody in the system to come up and play first base then why are they reluctant to sign someone like Wigginton especially when they were ready to spend 140 million on Teixeira? Wouldn’t he and Huff be adequate position players since they can play other positions and DH? Besides the birds need another big bat to help huff in the line-up.
Also, it seems several good pitching prospects have signed with other clubs that the Orioles could have used for a year or two or three until their prospects become seasoned in the minors. Instead they seem content to buy a retread (Trachsel) or plug someone like Olson, Burres or Liz in a spot in the rotation that is beyond their talent level. Again if they were willing to spend big on Teixeira why not spend far less and sign pitching talent that can carry them long enough for the young arms to develop in the minors?
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Joe, just because they were going to spend 20 million per year on one particular player doesn't mean they have 20 million just sitting there for anyone. They could still be pursuing Wigginton all MacPhail said today was that they would be okay with Huff at first if it turned out that way. Derrick Lowe at 15 million per season is not a fit here right now. I've said numerous times now I still think they need to signing another mid level starter before spring training starts. - Steve
J Manuel of BA in his ESPN chat today
"With their lineup and bullpen the O's would be a trendy pick to be a surprise if they had any starting pitching"
How could the O's not be seriously pursuing Sheets,Garland and Wolf considering the lack of a market for these guys? Answer:Angelos is cheap
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Eric, it's Andy calling those shots, blame him if you want. I still think he could sign someone but he said today he won't overpay just to add a few wins in 2009. I'm guessing that answer won't make some fans feel any better about the pitching.
Steve
Why were the media silent on asking MacPhail about B Rob and Markekis negotiations?
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Because Andy is often coy about these negotiations and doesn't negotiate through the press. One person with knowledge of the B-Rob talks told me there's not much new to report on that front right now. - Steve
i am happy with Hendrikson and Koji for now.....we have so many guys
on the bubble---let Liz, Penn, Baez, Olson, Burres, Bergesen, Waters, Bass, Patton, Albers, etc. fight it our for the remaining 2 slots.
agree?
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That could be what happens. I'd like to see one or two of that group break through. I don't see Bergesen getting a real shot just yet. Patton may have to wait a bit as well. Sure would be nice to see someone in that group suprise us.
Steve
Steve
This team stinks of being cut down for a sale. Maximize progfits then sell. Thoughts???
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I think the chances of me being named commissioner are better. No chance and no sale. This team could be sold for huge dollars at any time, they don't need to trim a few million for that to happen. I say no chance that happens. - Steve
Why don't we just keep Millar for another year (I mean, he's only got a few good years left in him), but don't use him every single game, switch on and off from him and Huff.
And what about Chris Tillman? He had an outstanding season last year with Bowie. Why not call him up? We don't wanna put him out there with him having no run support and losing the game lowering his confidence and ruining him, but why not give him a shot. We need to work on pitching, 1st base isn't thaaaat big of a deal right now.
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I would love to see Millar come back in a part-time role. As for Tillman, his time will come but it's not now. The O's have rushed so many young pitchers over the years with poor results (Ponson, Cabrera to name just two) it's time to take a more conservative approach with these young arms like Andy MacPhail wants. We all can't wait to see them get here but let's make sure they are ready to win when they get here and let them get the training where they should - in the minors.
Steve
-Brooke
Steve,
It is a must that the Orioles add another veteran starter before pitchers and catchers report next month. With MacPhail himself saying that it is a possibility that Uehara could end up in the bullpen, we have no sure thing besides Guthrie. We need to add a guy that could give us 150+ solid innings. There are plenty of options still available.
Do you think we'll make this happen?
AM has to realize that we can't go into the season with so many ???'s in the rotation.
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I don't see much chance of Uehara ending up in the pen. He was brought here and paid starters' money to start. He could wind up in the pen a few years down the road, however. I wouldn't mind at all seeing the signing of one more starter. I'm for it. - Steve
who is the most underated Orioles minors player that has a chance to make it as a starter/ potential allstar in the majors?
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I remain high on Reimold and Brandon Snyder, but they are not underated by anyone I don't think.
I've seen David Hernandez pitch in the minors and I really like his stuff. He could be a suprise here in the next year or two. If healthy, Bob McCrory and Jim Hoey can bring major mid 90's heat, they have a lot of potential.
Brett Bordes was a lefty reliever who pitched at Delmarva last year. He is a side armer and can be very tough on lefty hitters though he really struggled at Frederick. Someone to track this year.
Miguel Abreu, second sacker last year at Frederick, has a lot of tools. I would not project him as an all-star, but in a year or two he could at least push for maybe a utility role with the big club.
They are years away, but pitchers like Rick Zagone and Oliver Drake are already making solid impressions. - Steve
Steve
what about the overrated players?
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I'm going to cop out on that one right now, since I didn't get to see one minor league game last year. Plus why label a young kid trying to make the bigs as overated. - Steve
Hey Steve;
Is it just me that feels like the "rebuild" effort is falling short of being a full blown rebuild?
Shouldn't we really being trading Roberts, Huff, Mora, etc. Anyone who is NOT in the future plans should be traded for prospects.
We have very little the way of prospects at 3B,SS,or 1B. Huff, Mora, and Roberts are Free-Agents at the end of 09.
Doesn't this look like a recipe for disaster?
Even if Snyder looks great this year, he won't be able to step in next season and neither will Billy Rowell.
It looks as if 2010 will be a patch work year as well...
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I don't think the plan was ever to tear it completely apart. You still need to field a team. Plus older players in the last year of their contracts like Huff and Mora may not bring a lot back in trade, not elite prospects anyone like a Tillman. Roberts on the other hand would have some value in trade. - Steve
Steve,
I want to give Andy MacPhail the benefit of the doubt as far as the direction of the team, and will at this point. He has made a couple really good trades, and added some interesting pieces with Koji & Freel. However, that said, I think Andy can make a few moves that signal a true change here in Baltimore, and still remain true to his vision.
I'm OK with what he's added so far this off season. What I'd like to see is Andy sit down with Sheets agent and say, look, the market for your client is progressing the way either of you envisioned. That said, Ben is a quality pitcher and person. The kind I'd really like to build the O's around. Let's see if we can hammer out a short term deal that if Ben stays healthy pays him as a true front line starter should be paid. Give him a 1 yr contract with second yr that kicks in should he hit 175 innings. That would go a long way to aiding Andy in the current make up of the team and possible long haul. Then work on extending Roberts & Markakis. Get it done. Finally or simultaneously, sign Wigginton to the yr deal. Good versatile player ith some pop.
If Andy could pull something like that of, he's still on track off his rebuild, and has added quality pieces without breaking the bank. And it gives the O's some credibility for the new direction of the team. Your thoughts?
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I don't know if they could get Sheets for that but if they could it would not be a bad move. The market for this guy seems non-existant, can that really be. Is he hurt that badly? The Rangers? They still will work on B-Rob and Markakis although it seems more likely for a Robers deal then new contract at this point. Congrats to Brian on his upcoming wedding. - Steve
Why does it feel like I'm the only person who understands that Mora cannot be moved? He's 37 years old, making $8 million, and has a full no-trade clause. He lives in Fallston and has quintuplets in 2nd or 3rd grade and will not be waiving his no-trade clause to go anywhere he can't commute to (meaning Washington or Philadelphia).
A lot of what I read and hear from the Baltimore fans takes me back to about 20 years ago. I heard a 12-year old (or so) kid call up the local sports talk program and say "Jim Traber sucks. Why can't we trade him to the Yankees for Don Mattingly?" If you, as an Orioles fan, don't think a particular player is any good then why on Earth would some other team give us valuable players for him? That's just not very smart, and I have always thought Orioles fans were very astute.
I'd like to see the O's sign Sheets to a 3 or 4 year deal with a moderate salary (say $7-8 million per) with another $7-8 million in reachable incentives for games started or innings pitched. If he's healthy, then Sheets is easily worth as much as Derek Lowe, and he's young enough (30) to fit in with the movement.
Agree with mstrchef13 on Sheets, as long as the contract is incentive-heavy. I think he's a sensible signing, and solid trade bait (read: top prospects) if healthy.
And call me crazy, but I could see Hennessey making the roster and even the rotation (though probably not Opening Day). 2008 was a disaster, but his prior work was solid (if unspectacular). The next Guthrie?
Steve-
I am starting to worry. You sign your young players. In the modern day game, you have to, or their gone in 6 seasons. Plain and simple. "The Plan" is to lock up the youth. Markakis is the center of that plan. And yet, seeing him file for arbitration breaks my heart. I know he isn't going anywhere for 3 more seasons. That isn't the point. We are supposed to buy into "keep coming to games, we are going to lose, but, it will be worth it", yet they are not keeping up their end of the bargain.
To me, 2010 is far-fetched, 2011 is looking bleak too.
Lets assume the arms are ready in 2010 and 11.
1-Guthrie
2-Tillman
3-Uehara
4-Matusz/Arrieta
5-Bergeson/Hernandez/Arrieta
OK, fine, but after 09, Mora, Huff, and Roberts are gone.
So here is the lineup....
1- ???
2- Jones
3- Markakis
4- ???
5- Weiters
6- ???
7- Riemold
8- Snyder
9- ???
When we failed to sign Tex, to me, Snyder became the only in house and Free Agent option at 1b. How are we going to compete? Where are these spots going to get filled with? The Free Agent market over the next 2 years is dead. We will have to sign veterans again, and that gets us back into trouble. On top of that, Markakis could be gone, with Jones the year after. I am losing faith in "the plan".
Say, Miclat and Hoes tear it up this year. There is your 1 and 9 hitters and middle infield. But, is that competitive?
I am worried. Ease my mind buddy.
Also, I think that they should move Rowell over to 1B right now. Let him worry about his offense only. He is very, very immature. The scouts say he is the kind of talent that makes you shake your head at his lack of commitment and enthusiasm. Don't you agree that he should be moved to 1b and protected right now? He is not gonna make it at 3rd or SS.
Please, tell me where I am wrong here so I can feel a little better. But, don't tell me the Markakis situation isn't annoying. Pedroia, no problems. Longoria, no problems. Utley, Howard, Hanley R., Reyes & Wright, no problems. Why does it always seem the O's are having issues.
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Ryan, man you are pessimisic today. They don't have to fill holes two or three years down the road with only home-grown talent first of all. Try not to worry about 2010 just yet and when those other players' salaries come off the books there is money to sign others. Whose to say they don't re sign Huff for 2-3 more years at first base. Or they don't trade B-Rob and get a young second baseman in return. The scenario you described is just not going to happen. You are way too down over this. Plus, if they do have a surplus of young pitching at one point that could bring a lot in trade. Deep breath, Ryan. - Steve
Why spend a couple extra million just for a few more wins in 09? Unbelievable.
The reason gambling in sports is illegal and so frowned upon, and just plain bad is because... here is an example:
When you go to a Ravens game, and are so invested in the outcome. You soar high when they win, and are a mess for a week when they lose. You want to know that they are giving 110% effort to win each and every game. That is why you pay to see them.
If you find out that a player is gambling and dogging it, it corrupts the whole thing. He is robbing the fan and the city.
I can not believe that Macphail made that comment publicly. That is the attitude of this franchise now. I am so worried that we really might not win again in my lifetime. If signing a player for 5 million instead of 3 million gives us a better chance of winning 3 or 4 more games... IT SHOULD BE A NO BRAINER. Thats basically admitting that they are tanking on purpose to save money. What other team has these philosophies? Do you honestly believe that if Bischotti owned this team, they would have 11 losing seasons and 12, 13, and 14 in the chamber?
"Uh, yeah, there is a better option, but who cares about 69 wins vs. 73?"
I DO DAMN IT!!!! What if the Yankees get the wild card by 1/2 a game?
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Ryan, the man can't win with the fans. If he admits they are rebuilding and he's not going all out to win this year, you get upset. If he came out and said we are trying to win this year, you'd call him out on that. Please relax and let him build this team. He was not here for all the losing and can't be accountable for it. He can only fix what is now there and when your opponents (two of them) can spend 200 or more million, it can't be done as fast as the fans want. And yes, deserve.
The Ravens are having a great year and should be congratulated for that. They went 5-11 just last year. Due to the cap, things change fast in the NFL and the Ravens don't compete with two huge spending teams in their division. It is hard to compare the two yet many fans want to. - Steve
Steve- do you at least agree with me that Rowell should be moved to 1B now though?
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Maybe eventually Ryan. But why not keep him at third this year at Frederick where he will likely start the season? Give him every chance, it's the minors where they need to learn and grow. If it turns out he can't play there, he can be moved later. But no doubt there have been some reports that his defense needs work. - Steve
Is this the same McPhail who said the Os had to add 2 quality starting pitchers in October. The Os sign one questionable starter in Uehara and now its all about not blocking all the young quality arms? Are those the same young arms that stunk up the joint in September. And then to add insult to injury he actually mentions Danny "Instant Offense" Baez as a possible starter. It did not take Andy long to learn the new "Oriole Way".
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I don't ever remember him putting a number on the amount of starters he wanted to sign. He got two if Hendrickson winds up there. We can debate the quality. I have higher hopes for Uehara than you seem to.
Remember, when healthy, which he was not last year, Baez can be decent. His career AL ERA is 3.98 and he saved 41 games a couple years ago. Why not give him a shot at starter since you have a surplus of righties in the pen. It's a longshot that he can help in that role, more likely he'll probably wind up as a middle reliever.
Like you, I am far from sold on the current makeup of the rotation despite it having a lot of candidates for jobs. - Steve
Do you know what teams are intrested in Roberts? Would it benefit the Orioles to trade Roberts or take a pick, what would be the deal with the pick, what would we get?
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If Roberts left the O's via free agency, he would likely be a Type A free agent, meaning the O's get two drafts if they lose him. They would get the team that signed him first round's pick, unless that team has one of the top 16 overall picks, plus a supplemental pick between the first and second rounds. The top 16 picks are protected. You only get a first-round pick from a team if it is after pick 16. Under this scenario the O's would get the team's second-round pick plus a supplemental. Hope you got all that.
If they can't resign B-Rob, I would prefer a trade. High draft picks are nice but they are not guaranteed to succeed. You would get more proven talent and/or prospects in a trade, I think.
Both Chicago teams and Cleveland have been mentioned as having interest in Roberts, but you never know here since the O's don't volunteer info on trade talks.
Steve
Would any of theese get a Roberts trade done or are they too much?
Nicholas Additon, Peter Kozma, Deryk Hooker, and David Freese-Cardnals
Ronny Cedeno, Felix Pie, and Josh Vitters-Cubs
Emmanuel Burriss and Tim Alderson-Giants
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John, I don't have a lot of knowledge on some of these guys so I can't offer much of an opinion here. Roberts is a premier talent and leadoff hitter that plays excellent defense. You would think he could bring something pretty solid in trade, but then again having just one year left on his contract brings the price down a bit. A team that acquires him could run the risk of losing him after just one season.
Steve