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Roch

Has Andy McPhail given any indication as to what the long-term solution is to the shortstop position? Do you suspect "fill-in" type players until someone from the farm is ready, Givens possibly.
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He hasn't given any indication, but I could see the Orioles doing that until Givens is ready, if he turns out the way they're expecting. I thought Blake Davis could get the job, but I'm starting to wonder, since he wasn't invited to spring training. They like Florimon, so this will be a big year for him. - Roch

I thought he'd take #6, after his good friend Melvin Mora. Hopefully he and Mora can talk about 3rd base.
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As I wrote previously, that friendship was strained at the end. - Roch

Can we ban Taco Bill for bringing this up?

http://gooddell.blogspot.com/2010/01/greg-oden-pictures-greg-oden-dirty.html

OH the HUMANITY!

#9.....I thought that Aubrey looked good last year when he was with the O's...shame he has no spot ..at least today he does not...

I was trying to think who in the past O's wore #9....only Brady Anderson came to mind so I looked it up....here you go below.

Outfielder Brady Anderson (1989-2001) was a good friend and a teammate of Cal for fourteen years, and sported #9 for all but one of them. Brady was a pretty good player in his own right, who is best known for surprisingly breaking the Orioles single season record with 50 home runs in 1996. Additionally, he is the only player in major league history to have a 20-home run, 50-steal season (1992) and a 50-home run, 20-steal season (1996). If you're so inclined, ladies and certain gentlemen, here's some beefcake.

Outfielder Don Buford (1968-1972) batted leadoff during the Orioles' dynasty years. He holds the major league record for grounding into the fewest double plays, with 34 total: one for every 138 at-bats. Compare that to Cal Ripken, Jr.'s record for the most GIDP: 350! Buford also coached for the O's in 1988 and 1994, wearing #2 and #13.

Buford's Orioles predecessor as #9 was another flycatcher, Russ Snyder (1961-1967). He was traded by the Orioles to the White Sox after the 1967 season (along with Luis Aparicio and John Mathias) for Don Buford, Bruce Howard, and Roger Nelson. So not only did Buford take Snyder's place on the team, but he also he took his number.

The most famous player to wear number nine for the Birds is barely remembered for his time in Baltimore. Reggie Jackson came to the team in a 1976 trade with the Oakland Athletics, didn't bother to show up until May, had a slightly subpar year by his standards, and bolted to the Yankees in November 1976 as one of baseball's first free agents. It was a bold gamble by GM Hank Peters and one of the team's rare misfires in the 1970's.
Who's #9?

When the Orioles traded for right fielder Reggie Jackson in April 1976, one of his former A's teammates was the incumbent #9 for the Birds. Catcher Dave Duncan was asked if he would try to hold onto his uniform number, which Jackson had worn in Oakland.

"As far as I'm concerned, there's only one No. 9 in baseball," Duncan replied. "Reggiecan have it the minute he gets here."

Indeed, Reggie sported #9 for his short stay in Birdland, and Duncan switched to #25. It would be Jackson's last season wearing the number, as the next year saw him playing for big bucks with the Yankees. New York third baseman and #9 Graig Nettles was not as charitable as Duncan. The future "Mr. October" took #44 to honor all-time home run king Hank Aaron, who had just retired. Eventually, both #9 (in Oakland) and #44 (in New York) would be retired for Reggie.

Okay, that's enough Yankees talk already.

Expert pinch hitter Jim Dwyer (1984-1988) sported #9 for the second half of his Orioles career. He hit a career-high 15 home runs in 1987, including game-tying and game-winning shots off of Dennis Eckersley.

A few less-prominent nines were first baseman Eddie Waitkus (1955); second basemen Don Leppert (1955) and Billy Gardner (1956-1959); first sacker Bob Boyd (1960); and a trio of outfielders in rookie Mike Reinbach (1974), Mexican-born Carlos Lopez (1978), and Bob Molinaro (1979). In 2002, outfielder Luis Garcia and infielder Luis Lopez split the number.

There is a fascinating trend (to me, anyway) when looking at the list of niners. There are no less than nine catchers, all of them part timers; the last five in succession right up to the present day. In order, they are: Ray Murray (1954); future Athletics and Cardinals pitching coach Dave Duncan (1975); Floyd Rayford (1980, 1982); current auto dealer John Stefero (1983); grouchy Geronimo Gil (2003-2005); Ken Huckaby (2004); Raul Chavez (2006); Danny Ardoin (2006); and Paul Bako (2007). I'm sure it means something, I just can't say what.

Infielder Scott Moore began 2008 as the newest #9, but was sent to AAA Norfolk twelve days into the season.

Roch,

I'll bet you had a STEELY DANtermination when you came up with that title.
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Nicely played! - Roch

Nice reference, Roch.

If Aubrey's lucky, he'll get traded. With Bell and Snyder at the corner's in Norfolk, he'd be fighting Hughes for a back-up corner infielder role at AAA. Not what he envisioned when the 2009 season ended. He could always start at Bowie and hope for an injury. Not that you ever really want to see someone get hurt, but it's part of the game.

A couple of former Orioles with ties to #9.....

Floyd Rayford....watch your weight Miggy (I still picture some of the crazy plays he made when he was playing third with that Babe Ruth physique)

Brady Anderson...well, we know what he has in common with Miggy

Reggie Jackson...blink and you may have missed it

Don Buford...I think, but that's going back to my childhood

And a slew of 2nd string catchers, Geronimo Gil, Paul Bako, Odenton's own John Stefero and more that I can't remember

Roch Said
An Erik Bedard signing would get the media rushing back to Camden Yards, but the two sides didn't appear to be close last week. Bedard's in no hurry to choose a team, perhaps for health reasons. Again, it's anybody's guess.

I'm anybody....I'll take a guess.....Bedard is not quite ready yet, so he get's to wait and see if the Orioles are on pace for another 90+ losing season....if so, then Bedard says, I think I'll take one of my other offers, thanks, but no thanks.......Can't blame him, that's why he wanted out before........That's why it's so important that this team play at or near .500 ball.....Not just for Bedard, but for any impact free agent that we may desire next yr......As it stands now Andy can't even get health records sent to him, that's how bad it is for us trying to attract an impact player.

Number 9, Number 9, Number 9, Number 9, Number 9, Number 9
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That also would have been a good title! - Roch

Roch - does Aubrey play anything other than first? I completely forgot about the fact that his spot would be taken after the Miggy signing.
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I only know him as a first baseman, but I barely know him. Ann Marie...you're up. - Roch

joining the list of Oriole #9s such as Don Buford, Brady Anderson, Reggie Jackson, and, of course, Floyd "Sugar Bear" Rayford.

Oh no, Tejada is taking Brady Anderson's number!

Does he have permission?

Alright. I looked it up and the answer is no, other than some DH and a handful of games in LF. So, I suppose he is destined to be a 4-A player until he leaves the organization via trade or release.

I can't believe he was a 1st round draft pick. He looks like a pretty good average hitter but not what you want as an everyday 1st baseman.

Roch, if (BIG IF, But I think they have a decent shot at finishing within a couple games of .500) the O's are still within 8-10 games of a play-off spot and hangin around .500 or better, do you see McPhail pulling the trigger on a larger trade say the SD 1st baseman, Cabrera?
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Not if it would cost him the young pitchers that he wants to keep. - Roch

I believe Aubrey spent some experimental time in the OF, but he's always played 1B when I've seen him in Akron, Buffalo, Columbus, and Cleveland.

Roch-

With position players pretty much set aside from Turner/Andino and Back-up catcher.

How do you see the bullpen playing out....Assuming they start the year with 12 pitchers and you can safely assume that Millwood/Guthrie/Matuz/Bergesen and Tillman could be the rotation.

With the following players pretty safe bets-
Mike Gonzalez
Jim Johnson
Koji Uehara
Cla Meredith

Who do you see getting the remaining three spots (I would love to see Hernandez in the pen) ???
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I need to see who they add, since they're looking to include a few more lefties. I'll post something closer to spring training. I see David Hernandez in some sort of role (long relief, middle innings). - Roch

Rochy, Rochy, who can I turn to? 867-5309....867-5309. Miggy, don't change your number. 867-5309...867-5309. Slow day at the office...Go O's!

Rock - you're amazing. Can you let me know what the Mega-millions numbers will be for Friday? :)

Ok I wanted to respond to Brummie and Paul in regards to Tejada:

Tejada pleaded guilty to perjury before Congress, Ignoring the fact that half of Congress could be convicted of lying, what Tejada did was wrong but he isn't really the Criminal mastermind you make him out to be. And his perjury wasn't in regards to his potential PED's use, but rather his statement about Palmerio. While I think it is still serious to commit perjury, he was protecting a teammate, which shows value and why the actual players are happy that he's back, because they know he will support them. Not to mention Tejada deserves some credit for pleading guilty while all these other players have lied and maintain their innocence, causing larger legal bills for the taxpayers.

And with the exception of being sworn in, is what Tejada did any different than what you guys do every day on this site. Lie and spew falsehoods. You are the only people with personal agendas on this site, and don't debate the issues but rather attack Andy McPhail, one of the most respected baseball executives out there, and who is widely supported by the Main stream media.

A couple of other things to note, Tejada's probation is up in late March so your statements about him doing anything could get him thrown into jail are quite a bit exaggerated. And as for Tejada lying about his age...SO WHAT. He signed for 2 thousand dollars, and its not as though the A's didn't get a MAJOR return on their investment. If the A's knew Tejada was 19 not 17 (he only subtracted 2 years not the 3 or 4 I've read you imply or outright say), but knew he would have the career he did they would have paid him $2 million. Plenty of other players have lied about their age, in much worse circumstances, I don't hear you demonizing all of them. And can you really fault him for his actions, he's a 19 year old kid from one of the poorest countries in the world, he has the opportunity to make a little money and a livelihood playing his favorite game at the highest level, but has to lie about his age. I'm sorry he wasn't born with the jet set life you had, but I really can't blame a guy for doing that especially when they are so young. And again he's had a really good career, so his age isn't important (and shows that the MLB's SOP of ignoring players who are older than 18 might be a bit antiquated).

Now I perfectly realize that their are some concerns about Tejada, but those aren't what you are primarily addressing. And while they are there I think they are well worth the risk. Please stop questioning the character and morals of a man who while he was unemployed donated his time and money (while risking personal injury or worse) to the ravaged nation of Haiti. Maybe if you actually cared about someone other than yourselves(self) and vendetta against Mr. McPhail you'd realize that you are way off base.

The Ole number 6!!

A Steely Dan reference! Fantastic. Send it off in a letter to yourself....

Russ Snyder #9 1960

The only real number that matters is by which game Miggy will be causing trouble, moaning about the team's struggles and taking phantom shots at Trembley and Andy's stellar roster.

Poor Aubrey...I thought he played well enough last year to earn a decent shot at 1st in 2010. Looks like the position is going to be given to Atkins despite his low #s in 09. Atkins seems like a real gamble to me.

I just got done reading that the Orioles have offered Will Ohman a contract. 32 yr old LHP coming off an impressive 5.52 ERA in only 12 innings of work last year. Even more impressive is hes coming off of surgery to his arm if I read correctly. I cant believe that the Orioles cant hammer out a deal with Mark Hendrickson and they need to stoop to this level of getting a guy like Ohman or even the 37 yr old Japanese pitcher that they where looking at. Is Hendrickson really gonna break the Orioles bank if they give him a raise from last year?

I understand and am completely on board to bringing back Erik Bedard. Thats a different issue, but with these 1 batter specialist pitchers the Orioles are targetting it just isnt making much sense to me.

As far as the number thing with Miggy I cant believe he didnt chose 17. He wanted that the last time he was here and Flannagan said that was BJ Surhoffs number so try another one. Found that ironic, because they paid Miggy all that money to come here the first time and he doesnt even get first dibbs on a jersey. Any number other than 4,5,8,20,22 and 33 I thought would have been arragnged - given the money they game him.

Hey Roch, I think the signing of Sheets to major money is going to have an effect on the remaining free agents. Suppose you are Erik Bedard and your medical records make you like the picture of health compared to Sheets hospital history. He gets $10 million from the As, who gave the money without even blinking, mumbling something about getting a pitcher like Sheets "when he is available" and making an offer within one hour of his public outing to show everyone his arm would not fall off if he threw a baseball. Wanna bet they have this contnract backed up with insurance. Anyway, if I was Erik Bedard, my asking price would go up today, way up.

The Greater Fool Theory continues to confound the experts. As long as there is greater fool to pay for something, no matter what price is asked, people like Sheets can take home $10 million without blinking.

Boy Jon Garland would have looked great in an O's uniform. He has a World Series ring and plenty of postseason and AL experience. And for the price of $5.3m!

But Andy has a plan............

LOL

Does anyone have a link to Anita Marks playboy pics?

OCJ: Thanks for the CHONE link on Tejada. It looks like they do account for things like baserunning and DPs in the WAR projections, while FanGraphs doesn't. I'm not sure about the league factor, though; I would hope both sides incorporate any discrepancy in league strength into the equation already. CHONE spells it out, at least.

I think he will do better than 0.5 WAR this season. His abysmal walk total last year (19) is out of line with his career numbers. Tejada averages 41 walks over a 162-game season (not impressive, certainly, but a lot better than 19), and had at least 40 in each of his previous seasons with the O's. If he can rediscover that better-but-still-limited plate patience, I'll be happy. Also, a lot of his value hit last season was the -22 runs he got for his range at SS. Since range isn't as important at 3B, I would expect that number to come down. All other things being relatively equal, Tejada should be good for at least 1 WAR this year. He's not worth $6m at that figure, but it's closer to $6m than .5 WAR.

Markakis is another fellow who needs to take more walks. He halved his walk total last year, which really cut into his value as an offensive player. Maybe now, with some better bats in the lineup and the big contract a year behind him, he'll get back to taking walks like he used to.

It would be sad if the comments which a fellow poster put on here earlier was true. He said last night Andrew said his FA shopping is finished for the year.

I guess this means he is pretty much set with the position players. Would have loved to see them get a legit cleanup hitter. One which would provide protection for the younger up and coming prospects. Neither Atkins or Tejada is that person. I hope Andy doesn't hold DT too accountable for this season. It is going to be a long and painful again.

Lets be realistic and say......hope we dont lose 93 games.
So that begs the question, are we 5 games better then last year?

The writing is on the wall when they give your number to another player before spring training even start.

Roch -
I frequently read and enjoy your coverage...
Reading through the comments I couldn't help but thing the title could have been ...
nine, nine, nine,.... Yes, Yes, Yes...

Keep up the great work...

BaltJohn, You're missing something here about Bedard, I think. How's he going to wait and see if the Orioles are pace for a 90 loss season unless he waits until after the season starts before signing? And it would take him at least a couple of months to get a feel for how the O's are probably going to do.

On the other hand, the O's aren't going to wait until the season starts to sign him, because they want him to be pitching for them no later than May or maybe early June, the sooner the better. And if the season's already started and Bedard hasn't been in spring training, he's not going to be pitching for anyone, at least not till later in the season, because he won't be ready to face major league hitters.

No, Bedard's got to look at what the team looks like now and decide, because aside from the signing of a reliever or two or making an unlikely trade, the roster is pretty much set for the O's to start the season (Chad Moeller being the exception, who at some point will join the team).

As far as anyone knows, Bedard hasn't even started soft-tossing on flat ground yet, so it's unlikely he's even going to be able to be ready to go the first month of the season. Still, if he's willing to sign an incentive-laden contract, he might be worth a shot.

Another pitcher who's had recent injury issues is John Smoltz. The Orioles haven't seemed to consider him, but I think he could be a real plus in mentoring the youngsters. Last year with the Cardinals Smoltz showed that he can still be effective. Sure, he may be an injury away from retirement, but again that's why there are contacts with incentives. He's a Cy Young winner and future Hall of Famer who pitched for years with two other Hall of Famers (and with Kevin Millwood), served under an excellent pitching coach, started and closed games with distinction at different parts of his career, and helped Atlanta win a World Series. His insights about the craft of pitching would be invaluble and might alone be worth the price of the contract.

Boy this would be a good time for the O's to pounce on the available talent still left in FA. For a team in last place they could use a Johnny Damon somewhere in the lineup, even thought it's already stacked. How about Orlando Hudson, even though we have B-rob already. Not to mention Bedard. Also we could still could sign some minor league contracts for the likes of Hendrickson and my favorite Ryan Garko.

We could stack all of that talent onto a 25 man roster and spend the next few months trading pieces to teams in need. (Damon to a contender, Hudson to someone, etc..) But I completely understand if and why we won;t do it, but it would be nice to see.

I am glad Tejada does not seem to care about getting #10 back. That is one PR landmine that he avoided. Good for him. Saying he does not care where he bats avoids another landmaine. Excellent. I hope he can continue to display this type of interview adroitness. Andy helped him out of a 3rd landmine with the Bell question. Maybe Tejada would have had the smarts to not say he expected to play every day no matter what. Maybe he would not have. Andy kept him out of the chance for trouble there. So far, so good. (Andy's statement was troublesome only if you believe he was being sincere. Clearly, Tejada's playing time has to correlate with his hustle and success - particularly with his success at handling 3b. Andy was likely just assuaging Tejada's ego with his comments)

MacPhail must not have known what he was saying, however, regarding Andino. Carrying Andino all year, when our AAA team is only a couple of hours away (in case of injury) and when we have Tejada who can surely play at least adequately there in an emergency or to give Izzy 3 or 4 days off during the year just seems stupid. I mean, as his defenders were quick to point out, Miggy was the NL All Star at SS, right? (pretty funny, really, to use fan-based all star selection as indication of current skill levels, though, when we know how often the votes are done in ignorance or based entirely on ancient history).

I thought keeping Andino all year was borderline crazy last year, but with Tejada on the team it would just be regular old stupid. Maybe MacPhail was just trying to make Andino feel better and not give up any leverage he might have in trying to move him to another team. If we are so afraid of Tejada at SS that we keep Andino all year long as Izzy's understudy, then the Tejada signing was even worse than I thought.

And let's not kid ourselves, Aubrey is toast. No spot for him now with Tejada and Atkins and Wigginton. Unless we can trade Wiggy which may be in the works. That would also help Andino's case since Wiggy would not be here to backup Roberts at 2nd either.

For those who think batting Tejada 2nd would decrease his GIDP, you need to remember that 182 times of the 255 times that Brian Roberts reached base last year, he was standing on first after a single, walk or hpb. Furthermore, there were a lot of times he was on first after hitting into a force play or reaching via error. He stole only 30 bases, and many of those were steals of 3rd. Add it all up and you will see that while Roberts' propensity for doubles and stolen bases would help some, it would not eliminate the problem entirely. Furthermore, Miggy would come up with the #8 or #9 hitter on first and less than 2 outs a fair number of times as well. So, even batting 2nd, Tejada's GIDP numbers are unlikely to change dramatically.

OCj's points about how hollow a .313 average and 199 hits can be were important ones. Lack of walks and low OBP is a significant problem for a #2 hitter or anyone in the top few spots. Given that Tejada does not strike out much, the low OBP and walk totals are evidence of a hitter that makes great contact but is willing to swing at a lot of pitches. Non-selectiveness is another trait that you probably do not want in your top 3 positions anyway.

So, to get the most out of our new third baseman, let's please play him at SS sometimes to allow pinch-hitting for Izzy and to free up a roster spot from Andino. And let's bat him lower in the line-up. 6th sounds about right. 5th would not even be terrible - the 5th spot often produces double plays anyway.

Roch,
I guess you are looking forward to Florida now that the hot stove has ended for the Orioles.
What is your take on the O's and this off season. Do you think they filled the holes in the roster which stood out last year? Ready to make a prediction on wins for the upcoming year?
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Still too early for that. And the hot stove hasn't ended if they're still working on the bullpen, and perhaps the rotation. - Roch

We Oriole fan Yankee-haters living up here note that former NY Governor Eliot Spitzer was known to his hooker as Number 9.

I hear we offered will ohman a minor league deal?

Brummie_Oriole said:
The only real number that matters is by which game Miggy will be causing trouble, moaning about the team's struggles and taking phantom shots at Trembley and Andy's stellar roster.
.................
Making an utter and complete fool of yourself on the internet in front of a worldwide audience.

So easy a Brummie could do it!

Roch:

Judging by the timing of the Paul and Brummie posts, I can only come to the conclusion that they are on the same break schedule at the Taco Bell. Could we have done more this off-season, maybe, who knows? I can only say that this will be the most anticipated season in recent memory. Plenty of time to be negative once the season starts if warranted. These guys have to be wearing you out, and I can only imagine what's in the posts that don't make the cut. Reminds me of Jurrasic Park when the Raptors kept challenging the security system.

Good. No more jersey controversy. No marketing snafu (2110 Eutaw Street promotion stays intact and all the #10 jerseys and t-shirts already made and sold won't be a waste).

I remember when Willis McGahee wanted to change his number to 21 during the off-season and there was outrage because of all the #23 jerseys already sold... needless to say, they put that idea to rest pretty fast.

I can't believe Johhhny Damon is still out there. I'm glad our outfield is set, but I wouldn't mind seeing Damon in CF.

Grammar Snob,
To true, to true...

From Keith Law at ESPN.com:

6. Baltimore Orioles
A top-10 system despite the graduations of Matt Wieters and Chris Tillman as well as several lower-tier young arms speaks volumes about the organization's turnaround under GM Andy MacPhail and scouting director Joe Jordan.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>

I know the haters are going to really hate that last line, where a respected national baseball writer actually praises Andy MacPhail. By the way, Law only had them at #10 prior to 2009, so despite moving Wieters and Tillman to the majors (top 2 guys on everyone's list, and both top 10 prospects), the OVERALL farm system improved from 2009 to 2010. Not bad for a team that is just trying to make a rich greek lawyer richer.

It doesn't look too promising at all for Aubrey, does it? Well, as long as he comes to camp he has a chance to try and earn a position. If it's not with the Orioles then maybe it's with someone else. If he still has options left the Orioles would be foolish to give him away for nothing. As a fan it sure is nice to see that there are guys in the system who really have the potential to help either by contributing at the major league level or by bringing someone else in trade who fills another need for the organization.

jbalt - just google "Anita Marks", click on the link for "images" and you'll get what you need, assuming you are not behind some kind of filter.

Brett - how's your reading comprehension? That was a MINOR league contract offered to Ohlman along with an invitation to spring training where he would be given the opportunity to show he belongs in the majors. Happens all the time, particularly for left-handed pitchers. Whether or not he accepts likely has no bearing on their discussions with Hendrickson.

Brummie - STFU. (Roch, we can pretend that means "same thread, fairly unoriginal" if need be.) And Brumster, most of the time I do just scroll past your inanity but every once in a while I take a peek to see what idiocy you are spewing at present.

Brummie, I agree w/ you the O's should have pursued Garland. We still need another arm. You can never have too much pitching.

Any rumblings on Bedard or is he still in the woods of Manitoba somewhere???

Oh no. There is no controversy in #9.

While I am thinking of it kudos to Ty Wigginton for taking the offseason seriously. He looks like he has been working out really hard. I saw him at fanfest and didn't recognize him.

Hopefully this translates to less pop ups and good defense at first/third.

If Geronimo Gil wore #9, I THINK it is okay for Miguel to.

Rolex? It only cost me a swatch.

jbalt said:

Does anyone have a link to Anita Marks playboy pics?
January 27, 2010 12:52 PM
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You missed those? There was a link here back when she first pulled into town. Roch has it.

Miguel Tejada said:
Rolex? It only cost me a swatch.
*****
As someone who recently sold off a slew of Swatch Watches on eBay... I have to say, you may have come out ahead if you'd have just gone with the Rolex, my friend.
If you know of anyone who wants to shell out $11k for my Keith Haring Swatch, lemme know. I'll settle for $10k...

This off season was over before it even started for the Orioles.
I can see not getting someone who would block the progression of Bell. But I cannot see why you would not try to solidify your 1st base and cleanup hitter over the past 2 off season. Snyder is not someone good enough to say he is a "cant miss"

We shall see. Lets hope for the best and expect the norm here in birdland

mark c, You mention that you don't think batting Miguel Tejada second would dramatically decrease his GIDP and you're right. But it would reduce them and maybe more than we see at first glance.

Consider this.

Adam Jones struck out 93 times last season, which could be part of the reason Brian Roberts was reluctant to steal second more often. Nothing kills steals like hitters swinging through pitches.

Tejada, on the other hand, had only 48 whiffs and so can be counted on for consistent contact. This in theory would make B-Rob a little less hesistant about going to second. And since Miggy is also better then Adam at going to the opposite field, also opens up more hit-and-run opportunities.

Obviously, any way to take the routine double play out of the equation gives the Orioles more chances for rallies and big innings. As for eight and ninth place hitters being on first, that's not as much of a problem if it's Izturis at first since he had the O's second most steals (12 in 16 attempts--he only played in 114 games, so a 20-30 SB season would be possible if he could stay healthy).

The double plays and lack of walks are a bit of a problem for a two-hole hitter, but I think you and OCj's point about the "hollow" .313 batting average isn't telling the whole story, not when among Miggy's 199 hits were an NL-high 46 doubles. It would be nice if he was more selective and drew more walks, and definitely desireable for someone hitting second, but making consistent contact is just as important a trait for someone batting in that spot and contact is something he can counted on providing.

I'm not necessarily lobbying for Tejada to be hitting in that position; as he said in his press conference, he hit in a variety of spots in the lineup last year. I kind of like him hitting forth, though his power number militate against that (I still believe he'll hit 20+).

But since we're discussing him batting second, you may be surprised (as I was) to find out that he actually hit best batting second in '09, and had a much improved OBP (.396). He also had his most plate appearance in that spot. Maybe he gets more selective batting second, but the results are undeniably there. I guess the "bat Miggy second" people really have a case.

Check it out:

PA AB R H 2B 3B HR RBI SB CS BB SO BA OBP SLG OPS
303 289 41 106 26 0 7 34 2 1 9 15 .367 .393 .529 .922

http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?n1=tejadmi01&year=&t=b

You got that much for those cheap timex throw aways? I should hire you to be my agent.

Hey Roch,

What happened between Mora and Tejada that "strained" their frendship at the end of Tejada's tenure?
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No one particular thing. I just don't think they were as close as everyone assumed. Not saying there were fisticuffs or anything. - Roch

Brummie,

You are an idiot who constantly contradicts himself.

Every time the O's sign a pitcher you bring up how much worse they will be in the American League compared to the National League. Now you pretend (or are just to stupid and have convinced yourself) that the right move is to bring in Garland. Garland was 11-13 with a 4.01 ERA/1.40 WHIP in the National League. Signing someone with numbers like that is a good signing? Come off it, you are reaching way too much.

Paul said:
"Would have loved to see them get a legit cleanup hitter. One which would provide protection for the younger up and coming prospects."

To get that "legit cleanup hitter", we'd have to TRADE all the "younger up and coming prospects", especially the pitchers you know so well from watching them at Bowie. Holliday's first words upon signing were that he wanted to play for a contender. Do you find either his or Bay's contract at all reasonable for the value and for what this team needed? There were no other big bats out there in free agency. I'd ask where you've been all offseason, but you are unwilling or unable to pay attention to facts and realities.

Or is there a legit cleanup hitter still just waiting around for a phone call? Do you have the sand to suggest who that person might be that we should be signing, or to suggest which of our young players you think we should mortgage for said cleanup hitter? You like offering your opinion, so I'm asking, no, BEGGING for you to throw constructive ideas instead of bombs at this blog. At least Brummie makes "suggestions", albeit AFTER the fact and to no better reason than you (to bash the front office for the chill in the air today and the absence of the Big Rock Candy Mountain). Of course, Garland would have switched from "would have looked good in an O's uniform" to "NL retread" the moment we signed him, especially if we got a good deal instead of being taken by an agent. Brummie LOVES the percentage agents get and HATES when his team manages their finances responsibly.

So, what's the right move, Paul? You are courageous enough to question...no, attack...someone in a position of responsibility that you do not share. Are you courageous enough to have any proactive solutions, or just enough to question...I'm sorry, attack...someone else out of context? I'm not interested in you recycling what "Andy promised" or what you believe he promised, nor am I interested in you saying we should get a "better #1 starter" or a "real impact cleanup hitter", I'm looking for actual moves, not concepts. Ths information is out there for you. What's the right move? Or are you afraid of what others will say?

Roch, you also could have used "Eight, six, seven, five, three, O, 9"

TacoBill said:
Grammar Snob,
To true, to true...
---------------------
Too true, too true...

Brummie_Oriole said:

The only real number that matters is by which game Miggy will be causing trouble, moaning about the team's struggles and taking phantom shots at Trembley and Andy's stellar roster.
~~~~~~~~~~~

Interesting. So Brummie is against Tejada because . . . he is too much like Brummie? He doesnt like the Tejada move because he sees in Tejada someone who will moan about the team's struggles and take shots at the manager and GM . . . in other words he doesn't like Tejada because he sees in him a kindred spirit??

I finally saw Anita's playboy pics. I didn't know she was so hot. I should have watched MASN more often.