Here's the pitch...
The Orioles are looking to add pitching. Any kind of pitching. It doesn't have to be a starter, though adjusting the rotation again remains a possibility.
"I would say right now we'd like to add a corner infielder, but we don't really have to because we can go internally if we need to. But we're still looking at that," president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail said. "And we're still looking at any pitching where we think it would be an improvement."
The club remains open to re-signing Mark Hendrickson. It just hasn't happened as quickly as many of us anticipated.
"We still have interest," MacPhail said. "We thought he did a good job for us. He could really do a couple different things for us. At this stage of our young pitching staff, that has value to it. And we like him in the clubhouse with our guys. But we have to see how some of these other things play out, as far as what we do and how extensive it's going to be and how our roster shapes up. So we can't quite commit yet, but we never pretended that there wasn't interest."
If the Orioles retain Hendrickson, they still could sign a left-handed specialist for the bullpen.
"We'll always sort of stay in the hunt for pitching," MacPhail said.
Erik Bedard remains a possibility for the rotation, but he doesn't seem to be in a rush to sign.
"I think they've always thought this was going to be a late-January type deal anyway, if that," MacPhail said.
Despite the speculation that Bedard might be unavailable to pitch until the second half, the Orioles don't believe his rehab is moving along that slowly.
"Like any free-agent signing, whether it would be Erik or anybody, they'd have to take a physical before so we could try to get a sense," MacPhail said. "I think our guys feel like, based on medical stuff they've seen so far, it's sooner as opposed to later."
No sense asking me about Ben Sheets. The Orioles requested his medical records, but never received them, and he apparently wants to be paid as if he isn't a health risk. There's no match.
You can say the same about Cuban defector Aroldis Chapman, though it has nothing to do with medical records or health. The Orioles never heard back from his representatives, the Hendricks brothers, after indicating how much they were willing to offer. That's a clear sign that he can get more money someplace else.
The Orioles like Chapman. He throws hard, he's young and he's left-handed. But they don't regard him as highly as some media outlets that predicted a bidding war for his services.
Chapman can touch 100 mph with his fastball, but he'll probably have to pitch in the 92-93 range. And not everyone is sold on him - at least not enough to back up the truck.
As I often say, it's not my money, so I have no problem spending big for him. The price of my seat won't go up. If he's a bust, I'm not out a dime.
You can play against everyone or create your own league - and it's Free!
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Categories (click for archive)Roch Kubatko | Roch Kubatko Orioles |
Sounds like Ben Sheets told the O's to talk to the hand. Is this where we're at now? Injury plagued guys that haven't pitched in over a year are telling us they have no interest.
*****DEAL ALERT*****
Go get Brett Myers now! He's flying under everyone's radar. He's got a great pedigree, plus he's can start, close, or pitch in long relief and has playoff and World Series experience. Gives us the flexability to trade Millwood before the trade deadline, or close if need be. Plus - Getting Myers would allow Mark Hendrickson to sign with SOMEONE ELSE! Hendrickson improved his stats mopping up in the last third of the season, stinking up the place when games really mattered.
Im afraid of long term, super expensive contracts for pitchers. Not that I want to see harm to anyone, but I'd love to see Boston and NY regret paying Burnett and Lackey big time money.
Aroldis Chapman and every other international free agent should be drafted into the MLB. I hope that changes.
I hope everyone here who advocates "backing up the truck" for Chapman -- most of whom probably know nothing about him -- will fess up in coming years if he turns out to be a bust, but I know what the chances of that are. Do these same people know that Aroldis left his pregnant wife behind in Cuba? That he's already fired his agent? That, from what I've read, he has little control of either his fastball or his temper? Thanks, but no thanks.
A couple more shoutouts:
John in NYC: You're welcome! Keeping the faith in enemy territory -- you're a hero! You're totally right that not all the prospects will pan out, but then again there'll be a Brad Bergesen or two who's a happy surprise. That's part of the fun!
Anthony: Hello, old friend. I didn't go into the minor leaguers I'm excited about because I'm already embarrassingly long-winded, but I think Bell and especially Erbe could be special. My long-shot prediction is that Arrieta will ultimately be a trade chip, maybe for A-Gon next off-season.
I've been an Oriole fan for 45 years, and I can't think of a better time to be one than right now, when the only place to go is up and there's so much reason for hope. Sometimes I lose my temper at those here who insist on negativity, but I also feel sorry for them. Not our two trolls, who just want attention, but for true Oriole fans who have given in to bitterness and despair to the degree that they can't enjoy this phase, namely the return of a proud franchise to respectability. We may never get this chance again, to get fully behind a young team and put our hearts on the line knowing they could, and probably will, be broken. I just think, win or lose, it's caring -- with thoughtfulness and respect and openness and integrity and wholeheartedness – that’s what baseball, and life, is all about.
So Go O's!!!!! And thanks, Roch, for providing this very special forum that has brought so many terrific, like-minded people together. As I’ve said many times, we're all enormously in your debt.
Obviously, there's no point in reading anything into this, but if MacPhail doesn't sign another corner infielder and goes into the season status quo, I will be disappointed.
To add Millwood, Mike Gonzalez and Garrett Atkins and judge Trembley on wins and losses is simply unfair.
hey Roch-
do you remember when the O's usually come out with their list of spring training invitees? I feel like they typically publish a list of names some day and a lot of the guys on it we didn't even hear about their interest in the players. I keep seeing a bunch of low-risk signings and spring training invitations, I just want to see the O's start making some of them
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Later this month. Don't have an exact date, but shouldn't be much longer. - Roch
They missed the boat on a young, cheap (key thing here), reliever that could have aided that bullpen.... Matt Capps. He & Gonzalez (righty-lefty) would have been a good tandem, for just a year even. That would have backed everyone else up to much more suited roles too.
The Orioles go from we want Hendrickson back and it is a matter of just working out the details to we still have interest.
Sounds like he wants to be paid fair market value and the O's are looking for the perrenial hometown discount.
Roch - Andy didnt mention anything about acquiring a TRUE cleanup hitter. Did that go from a need to an interest that quickly too?
Long season ahead Orioles fans
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Well, how many true cleanup hitters are on the market? That was my point all along. I knew they weren't getting Holliday or Bay. He always said he wanted "bats," and I guess one of them could be plugged into the cleanup spot. - Roch
Hang on, I'm trying to twist the meaning of each quotation so it fits with my preconceived notions of how the front office works (cheap cheap cheap!) and how baseball economics work (spend spend spend!) even though these notions are totally outdated.
Wait for it... ok, I'm there. Now let's write Chapman that $40MM check! Andy is a puppet! Angelos clubs baby seals!
i'd like to see the O's sign Delgado or Miggy to one year deals. Sign Hendrickson and if healthy and he can pitch before june sign Bedard.
Interesting note on Sheets. Last year he tried to get signed, then when there was no interest got surgery. Sounds like the guy likes some shenanigans.
This franchise is really sunk. Two guys refuse to even humor the O's enough to send their medical records to them. Things are no better now than when Syd Thrift made the comment about confederate money. Angelos has really sunk this franchise. Moves like haggling over every penny like we did with Sarasota and Guthrie has really soured the reputation of this franchise.
Roch,
Any indication that Bedard has a desire to come back to the O's?
I don't think Sheets is going to find too many "matches" at all if he doesn't submit medical records. Maybe he's just not interested in coming to Bmore.
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That's my assumption with Sheets. And Bedard has stated that he really liked pitching here. That's one of the reasons the Orioles are interested. - Roch
Jason
"As I often say, it's not my money, so I have no problem spending big for him. The price of my seat won't go up. If he's a bust, I'm not out a dime."
What about us?! The price of our seats may go up. Big Picture Roch, keep your eye on the Big Picture. Talk like that may have your seat moved to the dog house.
Uncovered this gem of a nice-guy ghost of Orioles past:
Astros fill Minor League positions
Former club hurler Driskill mans pitching helm at Double-A
By Brian McTaggart / MLB.com
01/06/10 12:58 PM EST
HOUSTON -- Former Astros pitcher Travis Driskill was named pitching coach at Double-A Corpus Christi on Wednesday after originally being named pitching coach at Class A Lexington in November, and former Class A Greeneville pitching coach Rick Aponte will fill the opening in Lexington.
Driskill retired in 2007 after 15 seasons in professional baseball as a player and two seasons as a pitching coach at Rookie League Greeneville. He appeared in 57 Major League games and was 11-14 with a 5.23 ERA in parts of the '05 and '07 seasons with the Astros.
OrangeCrayonJesus,I like your attitude and your colorful waxy name..
The only pitchers that are free agents i would go after would be Bedard 1 year deal with an option, and bullpen probly Calero or Joe Beimel on 1 year deals. Hey Roch any word on what players are goin to fanfest or when the list is coming out??. Thanks
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I should have something for you next week. The Orioles are expected to send out another release with updates. - Roch
The bottom line is that there is not much out there in free agency that is a significant upgrade over what we have with "internal options". I'm talking pitching and corner infielders both. Andy has rightfully put the top pitching off limits in trades. Still with the coming 40 man and 25 man roster crunches to come, perhaps there are trade possibilities once the free agent market has played out. Generally the free agents sign earlier in the process while trades seem to be around the winter meetings or closer to spring training.
I certainly don't want to go another round of let's trade spare parts for a superstar posts, but it does seem like we might be more able to satisfy some needs via trade rather than through signing a free agent. Perhaps a few spare parts could be traded for one or two better parts though.
JPA, if we played in the NL or frankly another AL division I would be right there with you as to the timing of gambles. But being in the east, there is no real margin for error in free agent signings or trades. It just costs to much money to play consitently when you know the Yankees and Sox will be playing every single year. If the young core we have gathered are the real deal, we are going to have to pay a bundle in a few years to keep them. So I would rather only have long term free agent signings with sure things (eg. Tex last year, Albert the Great anytime etc.). Spending the Holiday money on them instead of him s an example. As for bigtime blockbuster trades, our young crop hasn't reached their highest value yet. I think next off season we will know much more about which young ones are the long term future and which we aare willing to move for other needed pieces. Also wwe will better know our needs that could be met through free agency. Since we will still not be championship worthy this coming year no matter what free agent dollars we spend this year, I am willing to support "bottom line" cost containment expenditures for one more year. Any longer than that and we are squandering crucial time of our window of opportunity. A year from now, I'll be dusting off you old posts and saying "yeah what he said". As other folks have posted, I really want us to set up a model to consistently compete, not flash on the scene once a decade (though even that would be an improvement). Don't ever think you will be thrown in with the "nattering nabobs of negativity" (showing my age with that one). You are a class act.
Mr. Chef13 -- right on!
Roch your patience, and professionalism still impress me. I really support your general stance that unsavory folks have speech rights too....It's one of the prices of freedom. Keep up the awesome balancing act.
Roch, With someone named Hendrix as an agent, Chapman's going price is probably "'scuse me while I kiss the sky."
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Nicely played, Ken. You took some liberties with the spelling of the agent's name, but I'm totally fine with that. Kudos. - Roch
Roch,
Thanks for the info on Sheets. I don't think it was commonly known that he was unwilling to provide his medicals.
He obviously doesn't have a clue that he doesn't have a clue.
If we were to sign a healthy and productive Delgado I would prefer that it be as a DH because Aubrey is a plus defender at 1B. Do you think there's a market for Luke?
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Not a huge one, since he's widely regarded as a DH and his poor second-half didn't enhance his value, but some teams could use his left-handed bat. - Roch
Luke Scott is actually a serviceable fielder. UZR and the +/- system both have him right around average. It's a shame that he's being pigeon-holed like that. I feel like there are far inferior left fielders who have starting jobs and that Scott could help a team in the field as well as at the plate.
Roch, unrelated but can you explain to me why baseball writers fail to vote a guy in like Alomar on the first ballot, but he'll definitely be in next year. What's changing from this year to next? Same with Dawson, what changed that all the sudden this year he was able to get in. If you aren't good enough to get in on the first ballot, how should you be able to get in at all?
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It's a bit of a mystery. Some writers just feel that players shouldn't be voted in on the first ballot. - Roch
I just feel bad for Mr. Trembley....he is being graded more on wins and losses now and yet he is not getting a team that can even come close to competing. The Yankees and Red Sox were already 20+ games better last year and they have done nothing but improve themselves way beyond what the Orioles have done so far....even the MARINERS have dramatically improved more than we have. I support the plan, but it is getting old hearing day after day, "let things play out...."...."grow the arms, buy the bats..." there was a RH middle of the order bat out there in Matt Holliday....I think I remember hearing Mr. Trembley say he needed/would like a middle of the order RH bat....Yes Holliday would have given us a surplus of OF's but you can deal from a position of strength....wasn't that the theory with bringing in 30+ pitchers last year..."strength and competition"?
And what is this deal with Hendrickson? He wants to come back...a player actually wants to play for the Orioles, and according to Mr. MacPhail "he did a good job".....so what is with the delay? Get it done. I guess I now know what it is like to watch paint dry.
Baltimore is not a small market team....it is frustrating to be run like one.
Great "Live Chat" today on the Sun's Website with Brendon Ayanbadejo of the Ravens -
I liked this question and answer:
Question (not mine):
[Comment From DARNELL]
WHATS IT LIKE PLAYING FOR AN OWNER LIKE MR BISCIOTTI? WOULD YOU LIKE TO END YOUR CAREER HERE IN BMORE.
And his answer...
"Brendon Ayanbadejo: I love Mr Bisciotti. He makes you want to play your hardest. While being hurt I sat in his box and saw first hand just how much he loves his raven players.
He is not a business man when it comes to us. He does what ever he has to do to make sure we have the best.
A lot of owner run a team on a budget. And when you don't pay for expensive items that players need to perform their best their play suffers as a result"
Night and day kind of thing...night and day.
orange crayon jesus said:
I hope everyone here who advocates "backing up the truck" for Chapman -- most of whom probably know nothing about him -- will fess up in coming years if he turns out to be a bust, but I know what the chances of that are. Do these same people know that Aroldis left his pregnant wife behind in Cuba? That he's already fired his agent? That, from what I've read, he has little control of either his fastball or his temper? Thanks, but no thanks.
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Once again you nailed it correctly ocj. It speaks volumes about those who say Angelos should throw the money at Chapman without knowing squat about him, are the same ones who claim Hobgood is a total bust. Says a lot about the depth of their baseball IQ doesn't it?
I've read a lot of posts on other teams fan sites saying "Luke Scott would be a nice add!" The ones that come to mind off the top of my head are Braves, Giants and Mariners, but I'm sure there were others as well. I believe there are team execs that feel that way as well. Maybe just not at our asking price?
Roch,
If the O's were labeled as "one" of the teams who had available funds to be active this winter, why is the FO haggling so rediculously with Hendrickson?
Do they know how this makes them look to the fans and free agents?
Or do they even care about the two entities?
Paul
We missed the boat on Sano. Maybe a call back to up the offer a bit for Chapman might not be a bad idea, rather than waiting for him to sign with an AL East competitor. How can other teams keep doing this? The Twins get Sano, and the Jays probably Chapman, but we can't despite more revenue. Both are solid rebuilding type players. I don't get it.
As to Hendrickson, he should have been signed a while ago, sounds like dickering over peanuts.
There are other relievers out there like Kiki Calero or Jose Arredondo who would be very good bargains. Certainly, superior to Sarfate and Albers.
As to Bedard I'd like to see it, but of course his medical records should be examined, and it would have to be a heavily incentive laden contract.
Something seems wrong. AM talked about weighing this year on wins, but the moves have been so small compared to our competitors in the AL East.
We've got to make up almost 20 wins off last season to get to 500. 20 wins in the AL East while teams are improving around us, is not easy. The moves made thus far may get us to 70 wins, but never to 80.
KyleProBoller said:
This franchise is really sunk. Two guys refuse to even humor the O's enough to send their medical records to them.
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Sounds to me Sheets is hiding an injury. And who's the second guy? If you mean Bedard, you're wrong. He already shared his medical files.
Hey Roch, any chance the Hendrickson delays are because we want him to sign a minor league deal? What is the 40-man roster at right now?
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It's full, but I don't think that's the issue. - Roch
Things to Consider »»»»
» Tim Lincecum's rookie season (2007)
24G 24GS 0CG 146.1IP 122H 70R 65ER 12HR 65BB 150K 7W 5L -- 4.00ERA
» Brad Bergesen 2009
19G 19GS 1CG 123.1IP 126H 52R 47ER 11HR 32BB 65K 7W 5L -- 3.43ERA
Brad was better in CG, R, ER, HR, BB, ERA & Tied for W-L with 5 less starts. That can't be a bad sign. Players hit just .266 off him. 2.34 BB/9. 50.1% of batted balls are Ground Ball's. 32.4% Fly Ball (those previous 3 stats were better than the 2009 Tim Lincecum as well).
» Brian Matusz: In his 8 starts he was 5-2, pitched 44.2 Innings.. gave up 23 ER with 38 K's. 7.66 K/9, 2.82 BB/9
» Chris Tillman: His 2-5 record didn't show it but in 65 IP he gave up just 39 earned runs. When he works ahead in the counts (0-2, 1-2, 2-2) batters hit .145 off him. The guy is 6'5" and has what we need. Just keep the ball down(not fastball crockshots which is the reason he gave up 15HR's) see what i did there?, work ahead - and stay ahead and Chris will be just fine.
Schoolman,
Mark Hendrickson in limbo is becoming "curiouser" every day. My simple - but enquiring mind - dislikes unanswered questions rattling around in the schoolhouse, not to mention overheating my E.M.
It seems to me that Mark has been assured of a roster spot; and, he has acquiesced in delaying signing to permit the Warehouse to add players without Mark reducing the roster until we are ready to finalize our spring training 25-man.
If he signs before we exhaustively sift through the talent pool, we will not have as much flexibility to add new Birds to the nest.
Pitchers and catchers report on Feb. 17th and the balls will be rolled out around 9:30 AM on March 18th for the first workout - 40 days from today (if you don't count both today and the 18th).
Roch, was it mentioned what stage Bedard's rehab is at? Last update was in mid-December, and at that time he had not begun his throwing program. Has he started one since then?
Also, are there going to be podcasts of the Hot Stove programs?
Thanks!
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I didn't get any specifics on Bedard. And I can't answer the podcast question because that's so beyond what I do. I'm hoping somebody can jump in here and assist us. - Roch
I'm sorry we didn't grab Kotchman from the Sox. Great glove at 1B, still younger than Aubrey, and has several years MLB experience. He's not a star, he's not a big power guy, but chances are good that if given the job and healthy he'd post an 800 OPS and be a solid gap hitter. He might have fit well batting second for us.
For those interested in the UZR fielding statistic, tangotiger has a brief linked column that addresses concerns about its variability from year to year, which I know I’ve complained about several times. He comments that to compare fielding and batting, you need roughly two years of fielding stats for every one year of batting stats, since players get about one fielding chance for every two at-bats (corner outfielders get fewer, shortstops more). He suggests using FanGraphs’ Last Three Years feature and rounding to the units digit.
Using this method, the best right field arm in the AL over the last three years belongs to . . . Nick Markakis, easily. In a tight race, Adam has the third best arm in center, although I’ll bet that goes up. Sadly, both Nick and Adam come up with negative range scores. Here’s the link:
http://www.insidethebook.com/ee/index.php/site/comments/taking_the_uzr_out_of_uzer_error/
"I would say right now we'd like to add a corner infielder, but we don't really have to because we can go internally if we need to."
In other words, if internal options are cheaper, the O's will go thst route.
Meanwhile the Yankees and Red Sox continue to improve their teams.
This is Budget Baseball!
Hey Roch,
I just got back from the Wizards game at the Verizon Center. Cal was there. He was sitting right next to the Orlando Magic bench. Do you know if he's friends with one of the Magic's players or coaches?
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I don't know, but I might find out later today. I'm watching football with the head of the PR company that represents him. I'll ask. - Roch
Vlad Guerrero got an offer from the Rangers, $7 mil for one year. I guess the market is playing itself out. I don't see us any closer to adding a clean up hitter. $7 mil for Guerrero seems reasonable.
I don't understand how the Orioles plan to compete in the AL East or the AL for that matter if they don't have a bat, I would take a big bat, but right now I would just take A bat.
If Vlad the Impaler signs for $7 I guess that puts the people we are looking at in the $3 to $6 mil range, $6 if we are overpaying.
I don't think MacPhail can complain about the job Trembley does if he doesn't give him a #4 for the lineup. Not that I am huge fan of DT's Bubblegum and Shoestrings Sunday Lineups.
Roch,
Without pushing the envelope as its common knowledge that MASN is owned by the Angelos'. But where is there any accountability? Develop the arms and buy the bats, sound familiar? Or Mr. Angelos saying he would spend the money when the time is right, has anyone defined "right time"? As a 50 year fan, I feel betrayed that this team is NOT reinvesting in the product on the field. 26 of 30 teams in annual payroll and the 3rd most profitable team of 30? Something just doesn't add up. What is enticing me to buy tickets or merchandise to see a decent AAA team. And why isn't anyone asking these questions to those who should be answering them.
Brummie_Oriole said:
"I would say right now we'd like to add a corner infielder, but we don't really have to because we can go internally if we need to."
In other words, if internal options are cheaper, the O's will go thst route.
Meanwhile the Yankees and Red Sox continue to improve their teams.
This is Budget Baseball!
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You're so right Brummie. So please leave this blog and find some other team/blog that suites you. Please.
Gonzalez should be the lefty specialist. He's a waste as a closer for $6 million a year.Why would you sign Hendrickson AND a lefty specialist? Just because someone is available and willing to come here isn't a reason for signing him.For the O's to get better,they need better players. They're really not that much better off than they were last year,despite spending $19 million.No decent player is going to sign for one year to play 1st.I'd give Branyon 2 years and if someone else emerges then trade Scott and move him to DH.They should have signed Marquis for 2 years instead of trading for Millwood and his $9 milion contract.They should have signed Capps for the closer and let Gonzalez be the lefty specialist.The bullpen is still extremely weak.
Roch-
This doesn't seem like that long ago.....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Njz_RwAAfk&feature=related
My assessment of the Hendrickson situation: If Andy can find someone cheaper which keeps payroll below the 2009 level, then bye bye Mark.
But if they can't make the numbers work, they'll squirm and keep Hendrickson.
Roch:
Good show last night with Bordick. If you read into what he said about teaching the young players how to really play this game the way it is supposed to be played, gave me convidence that the O's are on the right track. Starting at the lower levels with proper instruction is something that has been missing since Cal Sr. He seems very happy to get started and it seems he's already has.
As for Millwood. I got the same vibs from what he had to say, except his comments about "a place to stay". He didn't say a "place to live." Sounds like a short term solution, but that fine. We can trade him in the middle of the year and get some good prospects if he doesn't want to resign.
Hope you didn't need your new shovel during the last snow.
JO
orange crayon jesus said:
I hope everyone here who advocates "backing up the truck" for Chapman -- most of whom probably know nothing about him -- will fess up in coming years if he turns out to be a bust,
I expect the same from you in a few years when Hobgood turns out to be nothing more then a signability pick. We wasted this years 1st round draft on a over weight feel good pick.
Roch-
I was just reading where the Brewers are thinking about offering a minor league deal to Mulder, but may not have the money.
If Mulder can be signed with a minor league deal, the O's would be crazy not to explore that.
I mean, they offer 1 to Hill, who is a total risk.
Is Mulder not worth Hendrickson money? I mean, here is a cy young winner, at age 31. Someone has to win comeback player of the year.
I think that is a steal.
I also think they should offer Vlad a 5 or 6 million dollar deal to outbid Texas, and bring in that RH DH. Again, if he has fully healed, 35 years old is not beyond a big comeback type season.
They took a shot on Raffy back in 04, at age 37.
I just see so many ways they could get better just sitting out there, and they are not doing a freaking thing.
Letting the market play out. At the same time killing every fans hopes 4 months before the season even starts. It really sucks being out of it while there is snow on the ground, and I'm still screwing up the dates on my checks.
Roch said (re: Cal Ripken)...
I'm watching football with the head of the PR company that represents him...
Roch, that's not Ray Schulte by any chance, is it? If so, please say hi to him for me.
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No. I'm referring to Maroonpr, which counts Ripken Baseball as a client. - Roch
Brummie and KPB,
I have a question for both of you. You both harp that the Skanks and Sux do nothing every year but improve their teams. If this is true them why is there not a corresponding improvement in the number of wins? I mean to read what you two uninformed fools type they should be winning 150 games each this year, huh?
Common sense tells me they are not improving but just maintaining the status quo. Apparently that is something the both of you are lacking.
In 2002 our triple A affiliate the Rochester Red Wings basically told the Orioles where to go and even gave us the bus fare to get there. That ended the LONGEST MiL/ML affiliation in baseball(41 years). At the point in time we were ranked the worst organization in baseball. BOTTOM OF THE BARREL! For 2 years in a row now we have been ranked in the top 10. That is even more impressive this year if you consider just how many top prospects we graduated to the majors last year.
I would suggest to the both of you that the next time you decide to post that you do some honest and bona fide research before you open your mouth and show us again just how stupid you are in the area of baseball.
However I personally won't mind if you just continue with your posts as they are as I do need a good laugh once in while.
MacPhail says we don't need a corner infielder because we have "internal" options.
Great. Another lousy season ahead, in 2010.
Andy, please go out and UPGRADE this last place team.
If Wigginton or Aubrey are in our Opening Day lineup at one of the corner infield positions, it will be another LOSING season in Baltimore.
And it will be 3.5 consecutive years of ineptitude under the Great MacPhail.
Upgrade the team now, please. Your time is running out...
-- Sometimes doing nothing is improving. The Orioles are putting their pitchers (and the entire team) in a position to improve by not getting rid of them for some over-the-hill right handed power hitter they'll have for one year. As I've written before, Trembley last year presided over the crumbling remnants of the paper shack he took over, because very little that went wrong was his fault. This year, the actual rebuilding begins. Right now, he'll have a young staff with lots of potential and the following defense up the middle -- Wieters C, Roberts 2B, Izturis SS, Jones CF. Now, if you can't get guys out with those people behind you and a second Gold Glover out in RF, you have a problem. At this point, I think you have to consider a RH power hitter playing a corner infield position a luxury item unless you're willing to go multi-year, big dollars. I'm not convinced it would be smart to do given what's out there.
-- The draft is coming soon, and we're near the top again. Time to draft a legitimate power hitter in round one and pony up some cash to make it happen pronto. If you insist on pitching, get a lefty starter. To win in the AL East, you need to trot out as many lefties as possible, because there are too many LH power hitters and too many close RF porches.