Addressing a few questions
I didn't have time this morning to individually answer your questions - it's much quicker to check for profanities and hit the approve button - so I'm throwing together another entry before heading out the door so I don't appear rude and leave some of you hanging.
My mother taught me better manners than that, and I know she's reading.
The Orioles and Cubs didn't pull off a five-player trade yesterday involving pitcher Rich Hill. That's totally false. Perhaps the "report" was alluding to a second Cubs deal involving reliever Michael Wuertz. That's the only thing I can figure. Hill is coming to Baltimore for a PTBNL. Just one of them.
I still don't believe Adam Dunn is on the Orioles' radar. They seem pretty set in left-handed hitters, and he wants to play the outfield. The Orioles see him only as a designated hitter.
Shortstop Cesar Izturis pronounces his last name as you'd expect - oo-eh-ara. OK, I'm kidding. As far as I know, it's Iz-tur-is.
Luke Scott could be traded, especially now that the Orioles have reached agreement with Ty Wigginton, who could play first base while Aubrey Huff shifts back into the designated hitter role, but I doubt it.
No word on who comes off the 40-man roster to make room for Wigginton, but I'm guessing Scott Moore or Alfredo Simon. Has to be one of them, right?
I really do wish I had titled the prevous entry "Gettin' Wiggi With it," as Lindsay suggested. My bad. I was a little flustered.
The six shortstops last season were Luis Hernandez, Brandon Fahey, Freddie Bynum, Juan Castro, Alex Cintron and Eider Torres. None of them remain in the organization.
I'm told the Orioles received cash for Chad Bradford.
Nobody asked this morning, but I thought that I'd mention it anyway.
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Categories (click for archive)Roch Kubatko | Roch Kubatko Orioles |
Rather than being an indication that they may trade Scott, I think its more likely an indication that they may be close to signing another fairly reliable starter (Looper?) that will give them the confidence that they can start the season with only 12 pitchers.
Well since the Rays are in such a giving mood can they send me some cash too?
I'm very happy that we acquired Hill, but Wigginton sounds like a dud.
He was serviceable in Tampa Bay a couple years ago, but he and Freel seem to cover the same range of positions as backups without either being able to play shortstop. And, I think that Wigginton could easily be a worse hitter than the two guys he's most likely to take at-bats away from this year, Freel and Scott--when you factor in Freel's speed. Worst, here are his home/road splits from last year.
Home .343 .390 .691 1.081 15 homeruns/181 at-bats
Away .234 .316 .380 .696 8 homeruns/205 at-bats
I understand about next year, but this guys doesn't hit enough for a regular job at first or third, and at 33 next year he's not going to be the defensive presence we're looking for at second either. Should have put this 6 million to work signing Roberts.
Roch, did Bynum find a team? I thought he had great potential. I loved his speed, but I guess the O's just needed someone who could play defense.
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Check out last night's "Before going to bed..." entry. - Roch
So much for the rebuilding process as the O's continue to push out their young prospects. Not even giving them a chance to prove themselves at the ML level. Good luck O's, see you in the cellar.....
Roch,
I have been a supporter of Andy McPhail from Day One, and think he's done a good job slowly re-shaping this organization into a contender for the future. He may have another move up his sleeve (pitching), but the one thing left to make this an A+ off-season would be to give BRob the four-year, $40M contract he deserves. After all, it's not my money he's spending. But I really believe Roberts deserves it. Gotta keep the key players when you get them.
Jim
good news re: Wiggington.
any news re: Looper?
as always, appreciate the scoops.
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Nothing new. I should have addressed that topic, as well. - Roch
I agree with Greg.
But Roch, was the cash they received for Chad Bradford in $100s? or in small bills?
And was it in a metal briefcase like in the movies? Or in a sack with a $ on it like in the cartoons?
Were the serial numbers sequential? Or in random order?
And why were people so obsessed with the Chad Bradford transaction?
Really......still? The Chad trade? ughhhhh
I'm not happy about the Wiggington move. The organization has explicitly stated they will carry 13 pitchers, especially with guys out of minor league options such as Hill, Pauley, etc. Now they're saying if Freel or Wiggington are not capable of being the backup shortstop, then Gomez would have to stay and Montanez would not make the team. Either that's the case, or this signifies that McPhail is close to a trade for either Roberts, Huff, or Luke Scott. If that's the case, then lets hope luuuuuuuke will start packing his bags!
Roch...earlier in the off season there was mention of possibly dealing Scott to S.F. for one of there pitchers Jonathan Sanchez. Now with Wigginton here and the stock pile of left fielder and a lefty bat in Huff, what do you think the chances of those talks heating up again? He is only 26 a lefty with bit time strikeout capability and looks like he may wind up getting squeezed to the bullpen out there.
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Don't know of the Giants' interest. Scott is a candidate to be traded, but so hard to predict these things. - Roch
After you posted I thought to myself..he is slammed this morning, how can he answer all those that came at once....good way out...it is been over and over most of this you set straight but you gave us the facts. I agree with you on the picks to be removed from the 40 man roster. There is no one else left hardly to choose from but Moore and Simon. My guess is Moore and if they sign Looper it will be Simon then...geez...what a last couple of weeks...almost daily...good for firing everyone up for sure...hot stove at its best...If they really do sign Looper...diehard O's fan aside..they are going to be pretty darn good, in fact they are going to be pretty darn good even if they do not sign Looper.....MacPhail is a great guy to have in charge of the O's, he is shrewd and smart and I bet you everyone is amazed at the last 2 weeks and the whole off season really. Now sign Roberts. GO O's....
Why are you flustered Roch? Jak hasn't been around much...I wish he would come back to address these recent moves.
thats funny...usually when you think of the rays, you usually don't think of them throwing money around...but yes, i'll take tampa's money as well.
Roenickstein, meet Scottington.
Great move, O's.
The only mistake I have seen from AM is the Bradford deal - from a PR standpoint giving a contending team an important contributor, while telling your fan base you received "cash" is what I would call a bad trade and a bad PR move.
If I was Luke Scott, I'd have to be thinking to myself that my role has decreased even more after the signing of Ty Wigginton. At this point, Scott would be lucky to get 300 plate appearances and more than 60 games with 6 or more innings in the outfield. For someone who wants to be a starting outfielder, I can't see how he can be happy with the way things are shaping up. Of course he isn't really a proven player yet and may not have much choice but to except his role and earn more at-bats with good play, but I wouldn't be surprised if the Orioles traded him before or sometime during the season.
As for who the Orioles take off the 40-man roster... it has to be Scott Moore. It doesn't make sense to keep him now that we have Wigginton. Wigginton plays 3B and 1B and since Moore has to make the team, I'd say release him now so he has options elsewhere.
p.s. maybe we can trade scott and get our #4 starter if Looper ends up going to the Dodgers or something.
Roch, who is the PTBN in the Chad Bradford trade? I'm hoping either Evan Longoria or David Price. Maybe we should throw in Eider Torres and get them both.
But seriously... Wigginton sort of reminds me of Aubrey Huff lite, but with better defensive range. I would think someone-- either Roberts or Scott-- is going to get traded before all is said and done.
The good news is that we're going to have some legitimate competition in camp this year. No more Brandon Fahey vs. Luis Hernandez for starting shortstop and Scott Moore vs. Jay Gibbons for final reserve.
The way I see it, this means Wiggington platoons @ DH with Scott. I think that's a pretty good tandum! Scott always struggles against lefthanders. Scott can still fill in in the outfield once in awhile.
Roch, has Wiggington ever played short. It would be nice to plug him in there every now and then to give us a little pop.
Line up:
Roberts
Mora
Markakis
Huff
Wieters
Scott/Wiggington
Jones
Pie
Izturis/Wiggington?
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As I wrote earlier today, Wigginton hasn't played short, but will get a chance in spring training. - Roch
HAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!! Luke Scott for Jonathan Sanchez...... HAHAHAHHA!!! What Johan Santana wasnt available?!?!?
Roch,
I thought you mentioned that ANDREW said there was nothing about to happen or set for now until the opening of spring training. I guess we can add you to the list of people he duped for the year.
The Wigginton addition is ok as long as it doesnt hinder the addition of Montanez. His bat is just too valuable to leave off this team while keeping the Gomez types.
I imagine that OLE PETER told ANDREW to sign some of these guys at the "hometown discount" or "basement bargain" price. Gotta love our managment....LOL In the meantime we lost out on some really good pitchers and hitters.
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He said he didn't believe anything was "on the horizon," which was true until Wigginton agreed to terms late last night. I talked to him much earlier in the day and it didn't appear that Wigginton was ready to make a decision. But I won't bog you down with the facts. Fire away. - Roch
Jeff W. - Sanchez is 22.
Wigginton $igned, for 2 yrs....as I was trumpeting for months! Say hello to our RH hitting DH/1B. The guy that can spell Mora at 3B, the guy that can PLAY 3B next yr when Mora is gone (if not sooner), & the guy that can give Roberts a day off at 2B now & then.... I am SO glad that Mr MacPhail reads my posts here.
12 pitchers are enough. Keep a backup C & 3 others. They now have 3 quality options for those spots & that gives Capt Kirk some options late in the game. Scott/Pie, Wigginton , Freel, & I suppose Gomez make it.
$igning Wigginton says forget Dunn coming here.... no need to deal Scott. This Pie thing is getting nutty, keep Scott & make SURE Pie isn't just Patterson all over again with less power.
Roster:
12 P any number of combos, let the best 12 step forward....
2 C Zaun & one from the posse
Huff
Roberts
Izturis
Mora
Wigginton
Markakis
Jones
Scott
Pie (although I doubt he "pans" out...)
Freel
& then either Gomez, Montanez (I'd polish off that SS glove now if I were him), or someone else from the pot that can play SS.
Roch - Is it possible that the White Sox rumors heat up again? Scott and Roberts to the WS bringing us back Floyd and Getz?
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Doubt it. Right now, Floyd is penciled in as their No. 2 starter. - Roch
My friend Nicole was crying due to the fact i told her that Luke Scott might be traded. But finally the Orioles look like things are going in their direction.
I don't totally understand Wigginton- even with Millar gone, there's still a cluster at DH/1B/LF unless you get rid of Luke. The only way I could understand this is if their doing it for next year where Mora, Huff, etc are free agents. Most importantly, what kind of message are you sending to Huff? Incredible year last year- is he happy being DH? Huff better be in lineup 6/7 days a week otherwise, i'd be sick!!!
Why are so many people quick to trade off Scott? You face right-handed pitching about twice as often as left-handed, and Luke is a nice asset. A Scott/Wiggington DH platoon would be nice, and on top of Wiggington being able to spell Huff at 1B and Mora at 3B, you have a nice fallback if Pie struggles mightily in LF. There doesn't appear to be a trade market right now, with plenty of FA options still available. Keep all the position players, and explore trades come July when there's more interest. Please keep 13 position players - we have a decent bench for a change, it'd be nice if we could use it (for example, someone who can actually play SS pretty well allowing us to pinch-hit for Izturis late in games).
Roch--Was that Kevin Cash, Dave Cash, or Norm Cash for Bradford?
I'm very happy w/ this move. Wigginton is a nice fit for 1b/3b/dh. He's a hitter w/ some pop from the right side to be a ciunter part w/ Luke from the left side. Luke can leave his gloves at home w/ Wigginton and Freel on the roster. I picture Izturis playing EVERY day.
I still see Donnie Murphy ahead of Gomez (maybe I'm nuts) as backup SS. Murphy's 26 years old to Gomez's 38. Gomez is old enough to play in my league. Donnie Murphy had more homers in an injury-shortened season than Gomes had in the last 2 seasons. Don't really think either will make the opening day roster. My quess is Freel or Mora will be an emergency fillin w/ a quick minor league callup.
Keep wheelin and dealin AM!
Wigginton is dynamite against lefties, one of the best OPS against lefties in the game. If O's go with a three man bench, Melvin Mora could be the back-up shortstop with Wigginton getting substantial time at third to give Mel days off. In this day and age with Melvin you have to beg him to play another position but who knows this could happen. It might make some sense to have a major league ready shortstop at Norfolk for injuries -- perhaps better than Jolbert Cabrera but he could do in a pinch. This could allow the O's to carry 13 pitchers, which they may have to in order to store some of these guys with no options. Good move for 2010 as well with Mora and Huff possibly gone. For two year deal, doesn't block any of O's corner prospects who are at least two years or more away (Rowell and Snider). Moore and Costanzo look to be AAAA and not real prospects.
Might as well dream. I have read in several places that the Padres need a left handed OFer, preferably one that isnt making a lot of money. And the O's have one and the O's have lots of pitching prospects. What say the O's go to the Padres offering Scott, Penn and even Arieta for Peavy. I know Peavy wants to stay in the NL and he wants to play for a contender, but that is where Andy Mc has to do some selling. I doubt if we will see a single ball drop amongst our OFers next season. Not a better fielding trio in BB. The middle of our infield is topnotch. We hit a ton last year. See how easy it is to sell Andy.
Any chance the Orioles could land Ben Sheets. Pitchers and Catchers report very soon, and he's ace caliber on any team (except NY I guess). With what could be a shaky starting rotation, what better guy to anchor the 1 spot. Sheets, Guthrie, Koji, Maybe Pauly than Hill. That could allieviate having to bring up/rush up(like the o's have a history of doing) Bergesen, Matuz, Penn. Especially with talks of the economy affecting contracts, maybe we get Sheets at a lower rate than what he wants, whatever that may be.
I say we take that Tex money we saved and go get him. With what they gave cakes, we could offer Sheets 5 years, 60 mil, and still have Tex money left. thats also a 2.5 million dollar a year pay raise from what he got in MIL.
Who wouldnt want to see Sheets vs. Sabathia on opening day at The Yard.
So now that MIllar has been offered the deal by Toronto, does that mean we'll finally see the end of those faux-Millar posts? Seriously, those things were the new Jack.
I can't wait till Jim Hunter starts referring to Wiggington as "Wiggy".
Hey Roch
I wouldn't trade Luke, he's proved he can hit in the Bigs. Plus, didn't he say his achilles is healthy and that will allow him to be more comfortable at the plate ? If he is 100% healthy, I can see him hitting 30 bombs easily.
Pie hasn't even proved he could hit water if he fell out of a boat.
Andy's been saying since September thet he wanted to add power to the line-up, not subtract it.
Why on Earth would the Giants want to trade Sanchez? Last I looked, they gave 19 starts last year to some guy named Kevin Correia. Sanchez is a 26 year old power pitcher with some success, and I doubt that they want to ship him to us for a 30 year old corner outfielder with bad platoon splits.
Stay the course. If Looper decides he wants to join the club, then that's fine, but I wouldn't go whole hog to pursue him. I'd like to see what Penn, Hill, and Pauley (the OOO club) can do. Boston didn't really want to give up Pauley, but they have Smoltz listed as their #7 starter so they didn't have room for him. Penn has the physical tools and has had bad luck with injuries over the past few years. We've discussed Hill to death. Worst case scenario is that they all suck and have to be replaced with Waters, Patton, and Hennessey. I don't see the harm in that.
Roch - only two moves left for AM and FO to get an A+
1. Extend Brian Roberts
2. Sign Braden Looper
Fellow O fans - Stop thinking like losers - I know where we've been - it's tough. We can actually sit a good player on the bench for the start of the game and have him available for late inning damage. Think of Scott, Montanez,or Mora coming up to pinch hit in the ninth...We do not have to get rid of Luke Scott because we got Ty Wigginton. This is the most exciting O off-season I can remember! ST is going to be awesome. R, please keep us posted on Looper. I've got my April 6 tickets - bring on the Yanks! (I know-but hold any negative comments for a couple days)
Just read that Bud Selig made $17.5 million last year. Is there a bigger waste of money on the planet?
http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=ap-selig-pay&prov=ap&type=lgns
Ok, I spoke too soon. Funny how Jack was gone for a bit while the "Kevin Millar" posts were around...
To JJinBtown
Nice dream...more like a wet one.
I think there's a better chance we go for Sheets than trade away Arrieta for the opportunity to pay Peavy. Don't think Sheets will happen either, but that's my dream.
To Jak, you just attack! Attack Peter! Attack AM! Now you attack Roch (the hand that feeds you)!
Come up w/ some positive ideas of your own, instead of tearing down everyone else.
Seriously, you need some help pal...Zoloft...Prozac...Wellbutin.
Thanks for the clarification on the Hill deal Roch. The next time ESPN put up the news flash it just said "Hill dealt to Orioles," so I'm assuming they realized their mistake.
Am I the only one not in favor of signing Looper?? If he is really cheap go for it, but if Ben Sheets comes down to a one yaer deal for say 2 or 3 million more than Looper I think you sign him and get him for 4 months then trade him for prospects...
A rotation of
Sheets-could be a bargain at this point with 11 days to go...
Guthrie- we know what we are getting here
Uehara-great command but will he keep the ball in the park?
Hill- obviously he makes the team, low risk high reward possibility
Penn/Hendrickson- Penn could be dominate if he could stay healthy
Hendrickson- if not 5th starter than long man out of
pen
Bullpen
Albers- I think he was incredible the couple of times I saw him relief last year
Baez- good situational guy, could go down as one of the worst signing in O's history ( oh wait Albert Belle comes to mind)
Johnson- potential stud for many years to come if he can repeat last year
Sherrill- know what we are getting
Ray- hopefully returns to Ray of old,he should
Sarfate- hope he can keep the walks down he has a cannon
Walker- we know what we are getting
Waters-released, can not eat innings in AAA with prospects there
Liz-Norfolk is where he belonged last year
Patton- BOWIE !!! he's got a long road ahead
Miller- Norfolk.. will be good reliever in minors looks like a AAAA
pitcher to me
Mickolio- Norfolk, electric stuff needs to learn command
Hennessey- Im sorry Roch but he is headed to Norfolk if they sign Looper or Sheets or another pitcher
Thank you Andy MacPhail for not having Burres in a rotation.... although it is a long year....
Roch...help me out here I think Math at OMHS was taught. Ray Sanchez b-day is 11/19/1982, which if I can still add makes him, ummmmmmm 26!
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If that's the correct b-day, that would make him 26. - Roch
Hey that is right, jack has been absent during The Kevin Millar posts... That coupled with the recent interview with Millar saying "Are the Orioles going to win... no, lets face the facts I don't know what direction they are headed." All points to one thing.
Jack is really Kevin Millar!
Done and Done! Go back to Boston i'm tired of hearing about the SOX and the Yanks! (said in an anoying Boston accent)
Roc I heard Jim Leonard and Bart Scott are hoping to follow Rex Ryan to New York, do you know if this is true? Isn't that tampering if its true?
Sanchez for Scott are you kidding? I like Scott, but with us O's fans seeing him everyday I think we see him as more then the rest of the league. We are not going to get a Pitcher with serious and somewhat proven potential for him.
And also how much of an upgrade is Looper over anything we have?