Will O's talk contract with Huff?
It could be an interesting two months for O's first baseman Aubrey Huff. His name is sure to come up in trade rumors leading up to the trade deadline. He can become a free agent at the end of this season.
O's president Andy MacPhail is certainly open to keeping Huff an Oriole beyond this season, but said the sides have not had any contract talks this season.
"Not yet, not to say that there won't be but at the present time, let's just play baseball," MacPhail said.
He said "sure" the O's are open to talking contract with Huff's representatives and it's possible the sides could begin a discussion on the contract topic later in the year.
"We'll see. I'm not big on deadlines or policies. Sure (we are open to talking). We've got plenty of time."
Huff is batting .263-8-39.
In 2008 he was named Most Valuable Oriole when he led the AL in extra-base hits. He hit .304-32-108 with 48 doubles. He was 3rd in the league in doubles, 5th in slugging, 6th in RBI and 9th in homers.
"Aubrey has really been terrific," MacPhail said. "I think he's been helpful with the young players as well, helping them make the transition to the Major Leagues."
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Categories (click for archive)Orioles News | Steve Melewski |
Steve do you think Huff would be bitter in anyway if we traded him and then approached him in the offseason about a return? He has been around baseball long enough to know how the business works, so I am hoping he would be understanding.
As far as any Mora trade speculation, we all know Melvin will finish his contract out here. I just hope we don pursue any reclamation projects like Attkins or Bill Hall.
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I've heard people mention a scenario like that with Huff. I guess it's possible, but once he gets into free agency anything can happen. - Steve
I hope we resign him and Mora as well. If I recall the free agent market is pretty bare at both of those positions. Am I wrong Steve? Who are other options?
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Here is a list of free agent first baseman and third baseman.
First Basemen
Carlos Delgado NYM
Jason Giambi * OAK
Ross Gload * KC
Aubrey Huff BAL
Nick Johnson WAS
Adam LaRoche PIT
Robb Quinlan LAA
Matt Stairs PHI
Mike Sweeney SEA
Jim Thome CHW
Chad Tracy ARZ
Third Basemen
Adrian Beltre SEA
Hank Blalock TEX
Geoff Blum HOU
Joe Crede MIN
Pedro Feliz * PHI
Chone Figgins LAA
Troy Glaus STL
Mike Lamb MIL
Melvin Mora * BAL
Steve
I certainly hope we keep him. He's been hitting the ball hard on the road trip, a different park and we wouldn't be talking of his slump. In this trade market, I'm really not sure what we could get for him prospect wise either. It's going to be a tough market I think.
Huff is a key part of our future. We should keep him if the price is right. He still has some good years left. He gets hot around this time of year and we can use those numbers.
Unfortunately, you've got to play the percentages. Once a player is 33 or older, their best years are in the past. Use the Red Sox as a model - they let Damon, Clemons, Pedro go in their prime. Let Huff and Mora move on. Fill their spots via trade if you have to but don't resign either. Matter of fact, the O's should have let Mora go the last time.
Steve, Huff's made it clear that he'd prefer not to be traded anymore at this stage of his career. He likes playing for the Orioles and would like to be part of the winning once the youth movement starts bearing fruit.
Considering that as well as his productivity and veteran clubhouse presence, a trade seems unlikely. Consider this. Despite his latest "slump" (hard to think of him really being in a slump as hard as he's been hitting the ball without anything to show for it), ESPN.com has him projected to finish the season with 23 HR and 112 RBI--those numbers should start rising again soon. (I'm thinking the return to Camden Yards is just what he needs to get going.)
The difficulty with a deal at the trade deadline is that the O's won't get anywhere near what they got for Erik Bedard and Miguel Tejada (and maybe nowhere near what he's worth), because as a free agent Huff will be rightly perceived as a two month rent-a-player. True, he could be a difference maker for a contender, but with him there's no guarantee he'll resign with that club.
Also, considering his age and the peaks and valleys of his career, teams may try to use that to lower the price.
Now, I'm not saying that MacPhail wouldn't entertain an offer and even pull the trigger on a deal if he could get fair return, but we know from his tough bargaining in talks for Brian Roberts that he won't give Huff away.
Adrian Beltre is a FA after the season. If we fill 3rd via FA...he's the best that will be available. I'll take his gold gloves and his 20-25 HRs 80-90 RBI. K's alot, doesn't hit for average, but brilliant defensive work and solid power #'s.
My only issue with re-signing Huff would be that he potentially blocks Brandon Snyder. You could move Huff over to third base if Mora leaves. Or you could make Snyder the DH-- although what then to do with Luke Scott?
Either way, it seems like Snyder is on his way to Baltimore by early next season, and I personally want there to be a spot ready for him.
Huff on a 2yr deal would be nice-Is he looking for anything more long term, if so you let him go.Other than Johnson(who has been injury plagued)I see no FA I'd rather have.As for mora you have to consider the option, again who would take his place, If scott moore could stay healthy I'd so go with him next year-Some one mentioned beltre and his gold gloves..He's got a .953 FP thus far his lowest since 2001 (8errors),I expect his defense to decline as he gets older-And he'd cost as much as Mora and want multiple years-
Steve- Extending Huff would be a HUGE mistake. He is a defensive liability, and only above average for 1/2 a season.
Get what you can for him, or let him go and take the comp. pick.
Then let snyder take over next year or sign a legit power hitter. Isn't Fielder a FA after this year?
Do you see the O's making a play for Pujols?
If they really want to win, long term, and not have to worry year to year, they would go after Pujols and throw down the gauntlet to the rest of the AL East.
Roberts Matusz
Snyder Arrieta
Markakis Tillman
Pujols Patton
Jones Bergy
Weiters
Reimold
SS
3rd
Tell me that doesn't make the playoffs!!
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Ryan, I guess one can dream, but no I don't see the Orioles getting Pujols.
I don't see as a liability on defense either. I see him as average, maybe a tick above. Remember he led the AL in extra-base hits last year. The entire league, think about every great hitter he beat out. - Steve
if the o's can get some value for huff trade him. they can always try to sign him after the season is over to a 2 yr deal. i doubt the o's would want to bring mora back at $8 million though they could try to get him to sign a one yr contract for much less guaranteed money with incentives. right now the o's only possible player in the minors who could play 3rd is scott moore and he keeps getting hurt. at first base snyder probably will play out the season in bowie (like reimold and hernanadez did last yr.) and start next yr at norfolk. from all accounts he still needs work defensively and this is only the 2nd yr he has shown some prowness at the plate. maybe the o's will package baez and guthrie to a contender and pick up a high quality 3rd base or shortstop prospect. baez is a free agent after this year and guthrie certainly isn't the second coming of jim palmer. the o's have quite a few potential starters still in the minors and you have to figure tillman, arrieta and patton will be given a shot at making the team by next april at the latest and matusz could be in baltimore by the middle or latter part of next yr. with those 4 plus hill, koji, guthrie, bergesen, berken and hernandez you have 10 guys going for 5 spots in the rotation with maybe one or two of the remaining going to the bullpen. the others could go via the trade for young position players or younger pitching prospects. all in all not a bad problem for the orioles to have. i also don't think, just a gut feeling, that trembly will be back next yr. they could move up norfolk's maanger and pitching coach or try to go after bobby valentine. i would hope the norfolk pitching coach who was the pitching coach at bowie last yr would be brought up. the young pitchers did well with him last yr and this year.
I'd rather go after Nick Johnson and his .400 OBP. He has a history of injuries but he ok so far this year. At third I wouldn't mind having Mark Derosa.People are looking at Beltre of his Dodger time,he hasn't been that great in Seattle.
Anyway,I wouldn't give Huff more than one year.Mora, see ya later.This guys been a dog in the middle of the line up all year.
The O's still need a big game changing bat.I don't even think they've won when trailing after 7 this year and the late inning offense woes go back several years.The Yankees have 20 come from behind wins this year alone.
Steve- I almost forgot, how will you guys be covering the draft? Just the top couple picks? I wanted to see your guys thoughts and maybe Jordan's thoughts on who and why.
If you are gonna do anything that is. Don't feel obligated just for me. lol.
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We will have a lot of coverage here tomorow, check often.
I will be doing some video stuff live late tomorrow afternoon and into the draft as well. - Steve
I'd be shocked if Brandon Snyder isn't our 1st baseman next year. But then again that could all change when he gets moved up to AAA. But if he continues to tear it up he needs to our everyday 1st baseman in 2010. That being said, I'd still love to see Huff stick around. He played a decent third last year in the few games they threw him out there. What do you think the chances are they would resign him and move him to third for a season or two? I'd imagine he'd be cheaper, and probably more productive offensively than Mora would be if we excercised his option. Any thoughts?
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I think I am in the minority in thinking Huff could handle third on a full-time basis. That is probably not a direction the club would go in. Plus he would want a contract for more than a season or two and will get it on the open market.
Steve
I think we should trade Huff NOW. Get something for him and send him somewhere we will never see him. He is worth trading. Bring in a guy like Adam LaRoche. With a minor league the way it is the O's may not even have to look outside to Organization for a replacement to Huff. At least someone who has a little more speed.
Agree? Huff is worth moving?
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The only way I can answer that is you need to know what is coming back in return. With a player in the last year of his contract the return would not be as good. Plus some fans really under estimate his bat. He is likely to drive in over 100 runs again this year, those players don't grow on trees. - Steve
Does MacPhail have a track record from Chi or Minn to let us know whether he will eventually trade some pitching for a young SS or 3B? If we get to the point where we are satisfied with the rotation in Baltimore and have another wave or two of regarded pitching coming up, is there anything in his background to guide our expectation for that second or third wave going to another team for a position player to fill a hole as opposed to a free agent signing to fill that hole?
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I don't know if we can know that by looking at the past. But I'm sure he'd love to be in that positon in the future. Young, talented pitching is sought by just about everyone, if any team has a surplus, that team will be sitting pretty. - Steve
Steve- Answer this....The Red Sox call, they will trade Lars Anderson and Josh Bard for Huff.
What do you do?
I would be like Jesse frickin' James pulling that trigger.
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Isn't Anderson their number one prospect. Why would they part with him for a 32-year-old they might sign as a free agent after the year. Also, did you mean Daniel Bard the pitcher, not Josh the catcher. Why would the O's need a catcher.
Ryan, I don't think that is reallistic at all. - Steve
Steve- your right, I crossed my Bards. I was refering to Daniel Bard the shut down reliever.
I don't know that Anderson is their #1. But, he is blocked right now by Youkilous. Anyway, I don't know why they would do anything. I just know they are really in dire need of a DH to fill the void of a poopi pappi.
Huff was the best DH in MLB last year. So, if the O's had some leverage.
Steve-Answer this... The Rays call, they will trade Longoria and David Price for Huff and throw in a lot of cash to boot. What do you do?
Honestly Steve, 99% of these hypothetical trade proposals shouldn't be dignified with a response.
Get real folks.
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I'll do that one if they throw in Shields. - sm
Huff is an important piece of the offense. He too is a very important part of the team chemistry for the young players to hang their hat on. In
all likelhood he has 2 more good years.
So the question is not who is out their that will be a free agent. None are better or as good as Huff. Do we have some one ready next year as a 1b. The answer is no. This year is not a playoff year. If we trade we can use someone else at 1b in the pinch. More likely someone is going to come demanding Scott. Scott can play LF. He may in time be able to play 1b. So for now he is the O's DH.
So the decison to "TRADE or Not To Trade". If we are offered 2 High quality young talents at the AA or AAA levels. YES we have to trade Huff and / or Scott. No I do not want this. Yes from the franchise futrue stand point. It is necessary to let the option play itself out.
One last point no one will offer anything for Mora. Mora may be at the end. He has been a valuable piece for the O's . But he has diminished offensive skills. So sign him to 1 year extension for defensive reasons.
My bet this trade period likely to go in ordr pf my probability:
Huff
Scott
Baez
Sherrill