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B-Rob wants Miggy back because he doesn't want to have to take on a leadership role on the team.

Andy probably wants Miggy back because he will come CHEAP.

The Yes Fans want him back because they think he is the missing piece.

The Realists (like Paul, KPB and myself) don't want him back because this is clearly out of step with rebuilding.

Mixed messages; A key trait of this front office.

if a fight broke out, jay payton would pop it up to shallow left field, as he did with everything else.

Would signing Hisanori Takahashi be the end of the Mark Hendrickson saga? I certainly hope not
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Not necessarily. - Roch

I really would love to see Miggy back in an Oriole uniform. He may not still have the once vaunted power for an infielder, but the man can still hit. As long as runs cross the plate who cares if its by home run or double. I actually prefer doubles. A string of doubles or hits in general put a tremendous amount of pressure on opposing pitchers and that ain't a bad thing. If we can get Miggy and pair him with a much more mature Markakis it would certainly help. Plus his presence may help Atkins get back to what he once was. Who knows but this would be a risk well worth taking. And, if Josh Bell is ready or Snyder is ready earlier then predicted Miggy is a valuable trade chip if we need to trade him.

I'm thinking B-Rob misses all the patty-cake he and Tejada used to play.

The one thing I don't get...why does Tejada like Baltimore so much? Don't get me wrong...it's my hometown and I'm not hating on it, but if offered the choice to live anywhere I highly doubt Baltimore would be one of my first choices.

I think you just like typing the word "screwball" Roch.

It seems if the brought Tejada back it would have to be with the understanding that he isn't the man any more and could even end up as a bench player. As someone pointed out, this would allow us to replace Andino with a better bat since Tejada can back up at SS. I'm kind of ambivalent about bringing him back, you can certainly argue it both ways, but a vote of confidence from BRob can't hurt.

Oh, and all you whiners are depressing me. How about sticking a sock in it for a day or two?

Roch - Miggy in the 2 hole is starting to intrigue me. At this stage, he may be a humbler, more team friendly Miggy!

Mike

Brummie_Oriole said:
B-Rob wants Miggy back because he doesn't want to have to take on a leadership role on the team. --- Really? Really? I guess he doesn't take a leadership role around the community either?

Andy probably wants Miggy back because he will come CHEAP. --- What is cheap? 5-7 mil. which is probably more than other alternatives like Crede, Blalock.

The Yes Fans want him back because they think he is the missing piece. --- Does anyone really think he is the missing piece? Has anyone said he is?

The Realists (like Paul, KPB and myself) don't want him back because this is clearly out of step with rebuilding. --- Realist; got a good laugh from that one. Stop Gap! What is your better suggestion than bringing Tejada back? Is there a reason you are not a general manager or president of baseball operations?

Mixed messages; A key trait of this front office. --- You my friend are a fool.

Robby B.

Mike said:
Roch - Miggy in the 2 hole is starting to intrigue me. At this stage, he may be a humbler, more team friendly Miggy!

Mike

January 21, 2010 8:57 AM

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Roch,

I thought this was a family board???

Jeff - Not to get "negative Nancy" on you...but what if Tejada doesn't prove to be a valuable trade chip during the first half of the year and it pushes AM to bring up Bell to takeover third? Do you think Tejada will gladly take a bench role for the second half of the year? You don't think he'll pull a "Mora" and call out the skipper and create turmoil for the team? I don't know Tejada personally so I don't know how he would react if that situation would occur but he is a competitor so I wouldn't think he would entertain that idea very well. If the organization really thinks that Josh Bell is the future at 3B then I would rather take a flier on someone to play third who would come cheaper. Or you could take a risk on Branyan to play first and keep Atkins at 3B. I believe Branyan used to play 3B as well so that would give DT more options. The problem is that I think Branyan is looking for more than a 1 year deal. Doubt AM would give him that.

Brummie,
How would signing Miggy to say a 2 year deal prevent the rebuilding process? Also, if you look the last two years he hasn't played in every game (though played in most) so it's not like Trembley has to worry about reaction to giving him a day off. Didn't you say yesterday that you would give Andy credit for bringing him back because as much as your not a fan of the players we received it'd be a 5 for none deal? I think if your not going to go in house to fill 3B/1B this year then Tejada is worth a shot at 3rd. He still can swing the bat (though not as much power). .300 Avg with 40+ doubles isn't anything to scoff at. He is very durable still so you don't have to worry about him breaking down like Crede probably will.

Why not bring Tejada back? Is he not a better player than Crede? Of course he is.

Is he an upgrade over Mora? Defensively no, but offensively yes.

Will he require a long term deal? No, 2 years max and having a guy with a history of driving in 90+ runs every year for 2 years is not a bad thing. We have to remember that Bell and Snyder have proven nothing at the big league level.

Bring him back.

Don't get me wrong Roch,

I love your blog, but sometimes reading the idioticness of some posters on here boils my skin. It's like you wonder where the heck do these guys get off on saying the stuff that they do, and what game are they watching and what news are they listening to. Like no one can do any thing right.

Frustrating.

This fan base has had some really bad GM's and Duo GM's in the past 12 years, Andy McPhail, a proven winner, with the Twins and started the Cubs in a winning direction, has certainly done a great job with this team so far. The deconstruction to reconstruct mantra so far has gone well, building what will be high profile names coming from our farm. If you read other articles written on the O's plenty of people react to what the front office has done and all they can do is rave about what McPhail has been able to do in the short stay since he's been here. They've even gone as far to call the O's their dark horse team this year.

If the rest of the country can notice what a good job our front office is doing, then why can't the morons who are "fans?"

I hardly want to be associated with people that are so negative without a good reason. Cause frankly, none of their reasons are hardly intelligible.

A very good friend of mine just wrote this article which I thought would be worth sharing on here since it has a bit of a baseball twist. Maybe the O's can corner the Cricket market. LOL

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/magazine/8470796.stm

Roch,
Sounds like maybe there's been a sea change with regards to Miggy. In the off chance they are considering him, you think they would/could build something in to his contract as incentive to show up at the ball park on time? That type of demonstration of poor attitude should never be tolerated IMO, especially with a team full of young guys. Do contracts ever include player specifics like that?
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Never heard of anything like that. - Roch

I hear what some are saying about "having interest." But you DONT even consider signing someone and having them take up crucial space on your bench because they are friends with someone else on the team. That excuse to have interest in a player is flat out rediculous.

Lets be honest. This is a team which came pretty close to losing 100 games. This is a team which was an embarassment to the fans, State, and most of all to baseball. As I once read, it doesn't matter what your excuses or reasons are. A team is measured by its wins and losses at the Major League level.

A 98 loss team should be doing more then signing a Atkins or aging Millwood. This team should have been way more active at signing quality players who would have been here longer then a year to compliment the rookies we have in place now.

We clearly do NOT have a solid 1st base prospect in the organization. Snyder is NOT going to be the future of this team 5 years from now. He simply doesn't hit for enough power to justify his position. Bell seems to be a quality prospect who MAY be the long term solution. If this organization is guilty of anything, it is procrastination and getting caught up in the hype of a prospect who might or might not ever pan out. Case in point, when Snyder doesn't pan out, what will be the excuse for not having a plan B. Or is the excuse we have other in house options going to be the one some on here always except.....fact is, we DONT have a plan B. It is all or nothing with a few of these prospects and the future of the Orioles!
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His relationship with Uehara was the last thing I mentioned, and that's the part you focused on. - Roch

Uggh. Brum's complaining again. It must be a weekday.

Is this a w-what day is this? (Roch, you haven't watched it yet have you?).

Anyway, guys, quit complaining about the team, have a beer, chill out and wait for CC and AJ to blow out their arms this year, Lowell and Beltre to hit 0.220 and the Os young pitchers blow past them. We have pkenty of options, much better than the scraps left on the pile. You guys just want Andy to make moves for the sake of making them, and I bet that anyone he signs, you will complain about.

$igning Tak could open a pandora's box. When they see him getting lit up, or just not good enough, how can they cut him without risking offending their boy, Uehara. If they are thinking take a look @ him bec/ he is a friend, then when they have to cut the guy, how do they "save face" for Uehara? Those Japanese players have a different attitude to those things from what I have read. Better not to even venture down that road, leave well enough alone, Kat isn't worth the risk or potential trouble.

I'd tell Hendrickson to chit or get off the pot too. Who does he think he is, Randy Johnson? He better be careful playing the BBD game, he could end up summering in Salt Lake or Vancouver....

GOD I hope the Angels or someone $igns Crede soon & saves the FO from itself...

The Realists (like Paul, KPB and myself) don't want him back because this is clearly out of step with rebuilding.

Haha, these are the same realists that complain when moves are made that are in step with rebuilding. You don't support moves that are out of step with rebuilding, but you also want the team to be judged on wins and losses. Which is it? Rebuilding or win-now? Oh, that's right, your opinions changed based on whatever allows you to regurgitate your same tired nonsense.

Brummie- How is signing a guy like Miggy to a one year contract while a top prospect gets more seasoning in the minors NOT part of a rebuilding plan? I'm pretty sure he's not getting another 6 year contract. The only mixed messages I see around here ARE from you and your posse (Paul, KPB).

I'm not so impressed with this off-season, even if it ends with Bedard and Miggy (although the irony is so awesome). I think next off-season when the landscape of players is a lot more varied, will be more dispositive of whether McPhail has what it takes to turn this team around.

Obviously he has made the team more interesting, but 2011 is going to be purely about results in my books.

You should post an entry called "Cheap Shots" to address all the trolls saying the Orioles only make moves based on money.
Here's some examples of cheap decisions.
NBC stated when moving Jay Leno to 10:00 that they didn't need ratings that high because the show was cheaper to produce than 5 dramas. (So they admitted to being lazy as well as cheap.) Cheap was their word, not mine.
Sony said that rebooting the Spider-man franchise would be cheaper than paying Toby, Raimi, ect. the money they would be making for a fourth installment in the existing franchise. Once again, they used the word cheap, I am merely passing it along.
The Orioles, however, took on significant salary when trading for Millwood. They paid a pretty penny to bring Gonzales here to close for them this season and they still hope to sign another corner infielder before spring training next month. That doesn't include the deal to Atkins, which also cost a couple of bucks.
Are we considered cheap because we didn't offer Holliday 200 million dollars to come here? If so, I am glad we're cheap because his signing was the one of the worst I can remember in recent history. They will not get their money's worth for him, not even close. The Orioles spend money wisely and that is significantly different than being cheap.
Here is a link for the definition of cheap so that all you trolls can learn something. If that is possible.
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cheap

I'm not going to push for Miggy to come back b/c I would rather give internal options a chance at both first and 3rd but being as the O's signed Atkins its not upto me.. I think before we give 3rd to Bell.. why not give Scott Moore a chance? Before we give 1st to Snyder.. why not give Aubrey a chance.. If the O's arent going to win 90+ games..then let the young guys play and get the experience... Now... if the O's are going to sign a 3B, then I think Miggy is the best of the Free Agents available.

I would like to have Miggy back if the price is right. The best thing about him would be that we don't have to carry dead weight in Andino, as Miggy can back up SS. I imagine that he would take to 3B pretty well. He's got a cannon for an arm. The thing that hurt him at SS was his range, which wouldn't be as much of a problem at 3B. Of course, he's not even close to the same hitter, and I would be happy to see him put up a .750 OPS, but .700-.725 might be what he provides.

On another note, do you ever think about banning the clowns who always make the ridiculous comments in every article you write? Depending on what kind of mood you're in it can be funny (in a laughing at them kind of way), but their shtick gets old quick. Also, do you think these guys are related to WNST at all? I wouldn't be surprised if they were.

If AM traded Tejada for Scott, Patton, etc and traded Bedard for Jones, Tillman, etc - THEN - brought them both back without having to give anything up; would that make him one of the greatest GM's in O's history?

Would the "realists" quiet down? Okay, the second part was a bit of a stretch but the first part seems ideal.

Actually B-rob wants Miggy back so they can juice up together , or at least talk about the good old days..............

Roch,

It's amazing to me how some people know the inner workings of Brian Roberts' mind, the behind-the-scenes moves of the front office, and want to label everyone else on your blog. While I have some questions for Mr. McPhail myself at the FanFest, I believe the very fact that other organizations realize the Os are headed in the right direction indicates that AM is doing something right. I wish we'd do more instead of sit on our hands, but I do believe that Andy does this for a living and has been at least moderately successful at it.
I will say that I distinctly remember AM saying that "this year's wins and losses count in evaluating DT" and that we will "develop the arms and buy the bats." Given both statements, I hope that AM is not done with just the acquisition of Atkins. But I also admit that I don't know the behind-the-scenes workings of AM. But I am a bit concerned for DT's situation.

Jim

Robby - right on !

I'm not following the logic behind not giving Tejada another go in Baltimore. It seems like people are using this exploratory move as justification that the front office is being frugal, or just adding washed up players. Is he really washed up? I'm not so sure. He just came off of a .313 average with 14 home runs, and 86 rbi with a .340 on base percentage. Obviously the power is down, but one thing I like is that he hit over three hundred. Adding a player like that for one or two years really isn't such a bad play is it? Our younger guys may not be ready this year, and even if they are there is a learning curve that can definitely be accelerated with a player who has consistently showed the ability to hit major league pitching. We aren't going to win the world series tomorrow, and signing an older player who ultimately could be a valuable part of the organization for a year or maybe more is something that should be looked into. We aren't getting Prince Fielder, Adrian Gonzalez, or any other big huge power bat. As I said earlier who cares how the runs are batted in as long as they pass the plate?

Brummie- I am a realist and why would you not bring Tejada back for a season. We are looking for someone to step in while Bell and Snyder are developing. Move Atkins to 1st, let Miggy try 3rd out since he is actually willing. Nobody thinks he is the missing piece but he is a good player that could fill in. I'd take his numbers over Credes'.

Roch

I will get some cheese for the whine I am reading below your post, some just need to relax and take a vacation. Brian was not trying to sell Miggy while talking on the show yesterday. He injected his perspective of his time with Miggy. I think some are trying to read between the lines a bit too much.

Quick Question:

As it stands right now, do you see the Orioles going with 12 or 13 arms to open the season?
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It's too early to know, but probably 12. - Roch

Wow, Brummie and KPB are turning on B-Rob now? Go figure!

Brummie, I guess trading all of our arms in the farm for Adrian Gonzalez would have been your definition of rebuilding? When you have a strong position player coming up through your system that you don't want to block, you bring in an older veteran for a year. Why doesn't that make sense to you?

Anyone else think the trolls are actually Red Sox fans who get a kick out of getting Orioles fans fired up? They're obnoxious and idiotic enough to be Red Sox fans, that's for sure. They surely aren't Orioles fans.

Brummie - I am actually going to accord you the respect of treating your comments objectively, even though I typcially disagree with about 95% of what you say or how you say it. So this is a serious question, not a flame.

You say that you "don't want [Tejada] back because this is clearly out of step with rebuilding." How so? He (or anyone else they sign) would be coming in on a one year deal, possibly with a club option with low cost buyout for a second year. That would enable the team to continue with the rebuilding without bringing players (Bell, in this case) to Baltimore before they have shown at Norfolk that they are ready and deserving of the promotion. If Tejada can actually be adequate defensively and hit like he has shown the consistent ability to do so, then he would likely be the best overall option of the remaining corner infielders. At least at this point they are down to guys who can't afford to be too choosy about where they are going to be playing in 2010.

I don't see the downside to signing the best available player for the money to start the year, figuring that even if the team HOPES Bell is ready by the All-Star Break, there is no guarantee that he will be. So you have to look at the possibility that whoever is signed will be a key part of the team at least until September. Not that I am sold on Miggy, I have mixed feelings about it, but I don't see how signing him would be in conflict with the rebuilding program.

I just would hope that some fans would not revel in this kind of signing as a great stride in international progress while the O's sat on the sidelines with every legitimate, top tier, and YOUNG international prospect this year.

This is just another International Adam Eaton to go with all the others we signed this year. Nothing to be excited about.

Since we missed the boat on Sano and Chapman I did look up Wagner Mateo just now. And as of 1/6 he was still unsigned. Obviously his huge contract with the Cards was voided due to his eye issue - but are the O's even looking into him? The SF Giants are but are the O's?

After the Cards gave him that $3.1 million deal from ESPN - "General manager John Mozeliak said in St. Louis that if Mateo had been in last month's draft, he'd have been a top 10 pick."

So are we looking into him and willing to take a chance on that eye of his? This would be a great question for the Front Office.

How about a legit international prospect that's fallen down the ranks due to that eye condition (and is more affordable - music to O's Front Office's ears). Instead of mid 30s Asian pitchers with no upside. Let's go with legit UPSIDE for once! At this point Mateo has to be dirt cheap. And absolutely worth the chance.

That'll get a thumbs up from fans who are actually following the international free agent market. The O's haven't given us much else this year.

Roch,

Next time you have a chance to chat with Andy, would you please ask him if the club has had any discussion about Johnny Damon? I know he doesn't "fit" in a position that the O's need, but he is clearly the best hitter left on the market. It's possible that a 2 year commitment, with a solid 3rd year option would get him to sign. He's not getting any interest from the big market clubs, and he's either going to sign a one year deal a la Bobby Abreu, which he would presumably only do with a "contender" or he might go to a "rebuilding" team if the $ is right. The O's would have to move Luke Scott to free up AB's for Damon, but he would really dramatically impact the top of the lineup, and his approach to hitting is something that the young hitters on this team would do well to study.

Roch,

Not sold on the bringing Miggy back but not dead set against it. I guess in depends on the deal he is signed too and what position he would be playing. I think he can still swing the stick enough to help any team he joins. Can't wait for the season to get started, I am sure ready for some baseball.

Roch,

Is Takahashi's "major league offer" the same as Rich Hill's "I expect to sign soon and get a major league contract" comments? Have you heard anything on Rich Hill? Has he retired?
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Not retired. Just not expected to stay in the Orioles' organization. - Roch

@KPB... it was Mora that Roberts patty caked with not Tejada (remember the bobble head mix up?)

That being said... I need to preface this by saying I hate Tejada more than the next guy, even if the next guy was Brummie.

One good thing about getting Tejada is that he is expendable and potentially tradeable if he plays well. This time around he isn't the only option, he isn't THE man. We could put Atkins at third, Wigginton at third (uggh), Turner at third. If he signs and decides not to hustle, not to practice Trembley has options and can sit him for a week or make him play exclusively on Sundays, which seems to be a punishment for players AND the fans.

I haven't received my Fanfest tickets yet, should I be worried? Roch, if they don't come in time I'll need you to open the back door of the Convention Center when I give the double secret knock.

Jay Payton...completely forgot about him.
Roch, speaking of former forgotten players, where's Jamie Walker these days?
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I guess back home. I don't think he signed with anyone. - Roch

Why must everyone who doesn't agree that Andy MacPhail is a fraud of a GM have to be painted with the same brush? Not only do I not see Tejada as a missing piece, but I'd rather not sign him (or any of the other options) to begin with!

I love Roberts and totally respect his opinion. However,that being said, I don't want Tejada back here. I feel like it'd be moving backwards, and the O's have done enough of that over the past 10 years...

Brummie: Please explain how signing Tejada would be "out of step with rebuilding"? You do realize they aren't going to give him the same contract they gave him the last time right?

You are completely fine with them blowing their budget for the next 5-7 years on a Bay or Holliday that would only offer a small upgrade over the outfield they have now. Or you are completely fine with them giving up 4-6 highly rated players for a two year rental of A. Gonzalez, but somehow the signing of Tejada for a year for a few million dollars sets back their rebuilding process?

Tejada is exactly what the O's need, a short term stopgap that doesn't cost much in terms of money or prospects. And unlike Crede, Tejada is pretty durable , and could always play a few games at SS if Izzy can't go. Now I realize there is a concern with Tejada's ability to play 3B, but he is willing (unlike Uggla) and has plenty of incentive to learn. For what its worth baseball people and scouts for years have suggested he would be better suited there for his defense.

I would love for the O's to sign him and Bedard, and add Hendrickson and Takahashi and call it a day. That would be a very good offseason, because you are putting a better product on the field, aren't blocking prospects or limiting future payroll. And on top of all of that if all or some of Millwood, Atkins, Tejada, Bedard and Hedrickson perform well you will have some nice trade chips at the deadline to further bolster this team. Please explain how these aren't good moves, and are somehow hindering the 'rebuilding process'?

Where are they now edition of School of Roch... Bigbie, Gibbons, Matos, Patterson, Steve DeKline, Ponson... SMH!

AK said:

Why must everyone who doesn't agree that Andy MacPhail is a fraud of a GM have to be painted with the same brush? Not only do I not see Tejada as a missing piece, but I'd rather not sign him (or any of the other options) to begin with!
January 21, 2010 11:07 AM
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Bec/ the D'bags have no other retort than to insult or lump anyone that questions the Emperors new robes ,into the same category. Think as they do or...
Now I don't think AM is a fraud, he has made some good trades,but I do think the FO , on direction from above, is being...frugal as the team makes profits. I think he is on board with it too. I also think a few trades have been salary dumps too.
I also agree with you & think Tejada should be passed by, mostly due to the pts Roch made on his status a few blogs/days ago.

Not to keen @ Miggy...Keep the steroids memories a thing of the past. His last season here he seemed he seemed to put himself ahead of the team. Give our prospects a chance to shine at third base. Changing the subject Roch, what's up with Thome? Do you think he has another productive season left and do Thome and the Orioles have interest in each other?
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Have no idea what Thome has left in the tank, but the Orioles aren't looking to sign a full-time DH as long as Luke Scott is on the roster. - Roch

Man i wish there was a way for Brummie_Oriole & KyleProBoller to get blocked from this thing. These hasbeens really get on my nerves.

Anyway i would love to have Tejada back, I hope it happens. along with Bedard.

Brumm-Dummie,

Please forward a link to the latest article you've written.

Let's cut through the crap and prove something here.

You seem so wise and well educated...you don't even let a little thing like correct grammar stand in the way of your budding writing career.

Please post it now or leave forever...frankly, I was sort of hoping the "leave forever" thing would work.

Rock, this was posted on the MLB Rumors website:

MLBTR missed this January 14th signing: the White Sox added Daniel Cabrera on a minor league deal. Cabrera, 29 in May, posted a 0.55 K/BB ratio and 6.00 ERA in 51 big league innings last year.

Hey Roch, Tejada grew up in extreme poverty in a small province in the Dominican Republic. His home city, Bania, is the capital of the province of Paravia, total poulation about 169,000 people. He is among those offering to help the poor people in Haiti, because he comes from the area and grew up in poverty. People should give him credit for what he is doing.

The Orioles have experts, who can compare one athlete with another and determine the best value for the dollar. I am amzed at the number of people, who go into the attack mode on almost every announcement and will ramble on about how the latest decision is terrible and we are doomed. All I can tell you Roch is that I wouldn't want one of them watching my back in a tight situation. Keep up the blog. Love the funny bits, add a lot of smiles to every day!

If they sign Tejada, it would be a HUGE mistake and another step in the wrong direction.
We dont need anymore of his jogging down to first base
or
Crying the blues wanting out of Baltimore

They will probably sign Tejada or someone comparable, why?

$$$$$$$

Well said Steveospeak.

Signing Tejada for a year would be no more harmful to rebuilding than signing Crede or any other fill-in. The Orioles are hoping Josh Bell arrives to at least split time by the all star break anyway. Who cares that he played here before. We're not signing him to be our star offensive player this time. Everyone recognizes that Roberts, Jones, Markakis, Wieters, Scott, and Reimold are more formidable at the plate at this point. He would be here to play third and maybe give us a .290 avg and 50+ RBIs to bat in the 7 or 8 hole.

Chris,

You raise a pretty valid point. Definitely one that holds a lot of merit. We certainly don't need another person in the club house who whines about not getting respect despite poor performance. I guess I'd hang my hopes on him understanding the situation at the onset then anything else. If AM could go to him and say hey we want you to be here, and help out with the young guys who are close to being major league ready, and if they are ready earlier that you would understandingly accept a lesser role then I would be good to go. I could see what you're saying as a definite concern though.

I guess I'm looking at the possibility of signing him in terms of production and not player profile. And you are right, a player's personality should absolutely be in consideration.

Returning to the O's for a one year incentive laden contract would certainly be a humbling experience for Miggy. This might make sense in view of the fact Miggy is now willing to play third base(what choice does he have),and would come at a considerable discount. If it worked wonderful,if not,not much lost and he is probably the best available third base option in the market. As for character concerns,I believe in giving someone a second chance plus Miggy recent behavior in going to Haiti is more than exemplary. Give him a chance...

Roch...any rumbling or grumbling about a good time to show up to fanfest for autographs? any chance a list of times each player may be there comes out before? Thanks dude!
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No list. They Orioles will announce each player and location an hour before they're scheduled to sign (the top of every hour). - Roch

Roch,

Have you commented on the Orioles raising walk up ticket prices on game day? If not, what are your thoughts?
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Buy your tickets before game day. - Roch

Hey Roch,
Just wondering if you knew anything about the color commentator vacancy. Do the Orioles have anyone in mind?
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They might end up rotating a group of former players, depending where they're playing. - Roch

Brummie-

How did you get to the conclusion that Tejeda is the cheap alternative. I'd say it's the total opposite. Crede is the bargain. Do you just complain about everything?

I don't really care to see Tejada back either but if it came down to Miggy or Brummie, I'd be sportin' a Tejada jersey 24/7.

The O's could come out of the off season with undeniable upgrades - even boardering on the exciting. Tejada gives the team far many more line-up options than any of the other retreads we've been discussing - for games against the big boys Tejada at SS, Atkins at 3rd, Wigginton/Aubrey at first, Scott at DH and Wieters, Jones, Riemold, Roberts, Markakis - nine people who can take you deep! IF we sign Bedard and Hendrickson, by June we could have a Bedard, Millwood, Matusz,Bergesen, Guthrie rotation(with Tillman, Hernandez,Berken waiting)- what an upgrade!! Relief - solid.

Sign Tejada, Bedard, and Hendrickson and we are competetive. Unfortunenately, the only signing I'm confident in is Hendrickson - but we'll see. We're closer than I would have ever thought.

@jedd Regarding Wagner Mateo:

I saw a good amount of Mateo down in Jupiter this October during the World Wood Bat Association World Championships (as well as the Bo Jackson 5-Tool Showcase held at the same complex that Saturday night). Incredible 5-tool player with speed, power, solid arm strength and solid defensive instincts.

Unfortunately, in-game he didn't look great against breaking balls, though he squared-up well on fastballs. I think there is a legit concern that his eye-sight is going to limit his pitch-ID -- that is a huge concern when you are talking about a kid asking for seven figures. Were he willing to sign for less, I have no doubt a team would have gobbled him up already.

Hey Roch,

Are you aware of the write-up some contest winner did on his conversation with Trembley? Some pretty nasty stuff about current and former O's players in there.
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Just saw it. Ridiculous. I've known Trembley a lot of years and I can't imagine him saying anything like that to a bunch of fans, even in an informal setting. The lunch was off-the-record and I assume no one was taking notes. Suddenly, weeks later he's being paraphrased. Kate, who does the O's Buzz blog, was there and didn't hear Trembley say these things. That's my last comment on it. But I know you also asked Melewski because it's a slow day for controversy. - Roch

Brummie: You have no problem pontificating that to sign Tejada is a move "out of step with rebuilding," but you offer no alternative.

Well, here's your chance. We'd all love to hear your plan.

So, okay, scratch Tejada, now what do you propose the Orioles do? Sign Delgado? Crede? Thome? Branyan? Start the season with Bell at third? Moore at third? Aubrey at first?

Or perhaps something else?

What's your solution?

I'm sure MacPhail would be simply ecstatic to know what you think. He really needs someone with you level of expertise to guide him.

The O's could come out of the off season with undeniable upgrades - even boardering on the exciting.

Are we all on the same planet? I cant believe someone one post the above statement on this board...and be serious?

Tells a lot about how far some fans have sunk when it comes to the expectations of the Orioles FO

WOW we are sooo sooo much better we all can feel the excitement
Goo Andy
Andy for Congress
Peter for President

Not sure I'd bring Miggy back, because I can't say he hustled alot in his last year or so in Baltimore...and Lord knows he's never seen a ptich he didn't like, but I feel confident he could play 3b. He's got a good glove and great arm. He's just lost the range to play short.

I agree with StevO.

We do not need any more juicers. Why not sign Barry Bonds to play first? We would be just like the Yankees. A questionable world series winner. I would rather use lose clean than win dirty.

Nick came north out of AA ball after a big ST. Why not Bell or Snyder? We need either/or now if not both. We traded our closer for Bell and must have liked what we saw. If he bats left handed only, he is the big bat we thought we needed. To me a basher weights over 200 lbs. He fits the bill. Boy do I miss Walter Young.

The O's could really corner the market on Brittons if they brought back Chris Britton. Apparently his last whereabouts was pitching for the York Revolution. That Jaret Wright trade didn't exactly do wonders for us. The only thing I remember about Chris was he was really heavy. Maybe they should have traded him for Jared from Subway instead.

Good interview with Matusz on the Bowie site:

http://www.baysox.com/news/?id=15496

I'd say bring Miggy back as the most entertaining portion of this upcoming season might be how closely he resembles Mora by around mid-season when the team is close to calling up Josh Bell.

PRICELESS!

Jeff,

I see your points as well and I hope Tejada blows up this year if he were to come here but that's the gamble AM would have to make. It's a lesser gamble with Atkins because I think Tejada would command a larger salary and Atkins gives you more flexibility with his ability to play 1B and 3B. If Bell and/or Snyder come up at some point this year, Atkins could take the other position whereas Tejada is pretty much penciled in at 3B (range is too limited for SS). I would hope Tejeda would understand the direction the O's are headed and would gladly take a lesser role but I think this guy has too much passion for the game and it comes back to the salary issue. AM wants value for these free agents (see Atkins above, Millwood) and I don't think he wants to pay Tejada what he's looking for with the possibility of him giving way to Bell at some point this year and also the possibility of Tejada not producing enough to get anything via trade or salary dump. Again, I think Tejada would definitely be an upgrade for the O's, I just don't see the value he brings. Like you said, we're not winning a World Series anytime soon. Why not take a flier on someone else who is preferably younger and cheaper. If Bell isn't ready anytime soon or gulp (get's injured) you have a player that's cheaper on the books and the O's could always hit the 3B market next year for another part-time rental. I think that's why AM is "letting the market play out" because what's the point of signing a top tier 3B or 1B for 1-2 years? To help get us to 75 wins? What's the point.

Im warming up a little towards Tejada coming back. But are the Orioles dead set on playing him at 3rd? Because that really scares me. I think it would make more sense to try him out at 1b. His glove was never that much of an issue as was his arm and or accuracy.

I kind of like the idea of being able to sign him and use him as a SS if need be or maybe even spell Roberts a day if need be. I dont think Andino played all that poorly but when you only play once a week its hard to stay fresh especially when your young. A veteran like Tejada if he was bounced around a little bit more could actually benefit from being rested 2 to 3 games a week and being a utility guy - if thats the rte the Os envisioned.

It just seems like whomever the Os want to sign they dont want to give more than a one year deal and thats the thing that Im having a hard time understanding why. Izturis,Andino, Atkins, Wiggington and Scott will all be free agents by years end if Im not mistaken and if the Orioles continue to shuffle their feet in free agency and whatever else its gonna be awfully hard to fill 5 positions when they have a hard enough time deciding on 2.

I never answer nitwit responses but I can't help myself here...
Nestor refers to part of my comments with the statement,
"Tells a lot about how far some fans have sunk when it comes to the expectations of the Orioles FO"

I have been consistently disappointed by the FO over the last few years and I've expressed my disallusionment repeatedly. The problem with Nestor and other baseball semi-literates who post cmt's (comments missing thought) is they don't have any way to step back from their negativity and see any progress. Read my post (above). Any comments from the thoughtful posters will be appreciated.

Roch,

Don't know if I'm asking you to preview a blog you plan to write at the end of Spring Training, but I wanted your thoughts on this:

My brother-in-law and I are huge O's fans and we believe in Andy's plan. Andy indicated early on that he hoped to build a contender for 2011. If this club is going to "contend" in 2011, wouldn't you be disappointed with less than a .500 finish this year? I have to believe that if Andy expects this team to win the 95+ games it takes to "contend" in this division in 2011, he must be expecting at least 81 wins this year, right?
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He isn't putting a win total on it. I'd be satisfied if a team that lost 98 games last year can hang around .500 this year. - Roch

Brummie has a friend?

Moving at the speed of MacSnail.......

I hate to admit it, but signing Miggy for 3rd base would be pure genius. Tejada had 199 hits last year with a .313 average, no Oriole was close to those numbers last year. Slotting Miggy in the #2 spot between BRob & Nick gives the O's a highly productive 1 - 7 in the batting lineup, rivaling yes, the hated Yankees and Red Sox. This move allows Josh Bell to continue at AA and move up to Norfolk by June. Combine Tejada with a Bedard signing and MacPhail could easily earn genius status amoung his peers if both Tejada and Bedard have solid years. I can almost taste .500! Go O's!!!

It's good to hear BRob so adamant about what a good teammate Miggy was. I give that a lot of credence. Miggy would also improve our defense. It would move Atkins to first, where his glove at least plays better. And Miggy could make a pretty darn good defensive third baseman. Our pitchers would be thankful.

I'm not sure this makes Andino expendable, however. Wigginton looked horrible at second the few times he was there last year. Maybe Miggy could fill in at second too. I guess he would have to.

All in all, I'm for it because of what Roberts said and what it would do for our defense.

Josh said:

Brummie has a friend?

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Josh beat me to the punch... Well played, sir.

I'm so glad I am the butt of many jokes on here (including Roch's). Keep laughing folks. The FO would love for you to spend your days ripping the dissenters on here like myself, rather than DARING to second guess the pitiful offseason decisions.
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Mine was very clever. - Roch

Brummie,

We will keep laughing as long as you keep posting. Your comments are a joke. Heck, anyone can keep coming back with the same lame comments over & over. I don't care how many alter egos you post under on this blog, but one thing is certain. YOU HAVE NEVER BEEN AN ORIOLE FAN! NEVER!!

See we all get frustrated over the direction of the team at times. I may not like a move, but I'll give it a chance. But not our resident GM in the making. No. You know more than the guys who make a living evaluating baseball talent.

You never offer any suggestions, on how you'd go about improving the team, other than in general terms (that's if you even respond to someone challenging you on this). You never offer an opinion on players we should go after. Nothing other than Monday Morning Quartebacking and negative comments on everything this team does.

So, take your sorry act and attack perhaps a cricket blog. But then again that's something I'm sure you know nothing about either.

Brummie, I asked you to come up with a solution, instead of just carping about what you think is wrong with signing Tejada.

It would be so refreshing to hear something positive from you for a change.

So, where's your solution to the Orioles' need? Here, I'll help you get started. The Realists and I have decided that Tejada's not the answer for the O's because he upsets their rebuilding plans, etc. The answer for the Orioles is _ _ _ _ _ _.

I see no problem in signing a guy who hit .313 last year with 46 doubles and double digit homers. His range wont be as much an issue on third as it was on short. I don't believe we are talking Tony Batista range here. BRING MIGGY BACK....THE DUDE CAN STILL RAKE IT.

Brummie_Oriole said:
I'm so glad I am the butt of many jokes on here (including Roch's). Keep laughing folks. The FO would love for you to spend your days ripping the dissenters on here like myself, rather than DARING to second guess the pitiful offseason decisions.

It's not so much that you are the butt of jokes, it's more that you're an ass on the board. You claim you're a dissenter - and no one has a problem with dissent, seems we had a problem with with your country of origin a couple of hundred years ago and we know how that ended up - the problem is consistency and your inability to offer any thoughts on what should be done. To dissent is to have a difference of opinion. By not offering an opposing view you cannot be a dissenter. Basically you're a one trick pony drawing attention to yourself through negativity. I've been reading this blog for quite awhile and I don't recall seeing a real thought on what you - or those of your ilk - would actually like to see done. You're not daring to second guess you're just bashing. You kind of remind me of a Dallas Cowboy fan. Why don't you go blog with them?

If Miggy comes back to the O's it will be a lot easier for Roberts to score steroids.

I think if they can get Tejada(34? in May) back at a reasonable price then do it. If Bell looks ready by mid season and they can't trade Tejada put him at DH, they want a right handed DH anyway so what's the harm in that.
I would enjoy seeing them get Tejada and Crede(32 in April) to sign, it gives them 2 fairly decent defensive 3rd basemen and when not playing 3rd they can DH which fills that role.
Tejada can be a good clubhouse guy, so can Crede, he was a valuable but over looked member of the White Sox championship year.
Besides, if healthy and with Crowleys help, Crede could post 15-20/ 70-85/ .260-5, not All Star numbers but enough until Bell is ready or a better option signs long term.
Tejada could match his '09 numbers back in the A.L.

Lets get 'em both to sign, it can't hurt.