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Wouldn't be a 7th or 8th inning set up guy be a big strain on his arm? It seems with the young guys on the staff, that there will be a great need for type of reliever meaning he would be warming up a lot. Seems to me he'd be better suited as a long reliever if he works more than two pitches because he'd hopefully not have to be used as frequently. Although what he is making salary-wise, he's probably to pricey for a long reliever.

Roch - what do you think his ideal role would be?
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Maybe something similar to Bass last year. If a starter is knocked out early, he can give you two, three, four innings. I could also see him being effective in the ninth, when called upon to get three outs. - Roch

Since my posts have come under a lot of scrutiny recently, I will try to "reel it in" without Roch having to remind me.

Koji has potential to be a serviceable MLB player, but he needs to get in better shape and learn how to be a bit less timid on the mound.

I have no doubt he can do this, but I think we all need to lower are expectations for the guy. Koji is an average pitcher, nothing more, nothing less. He will have moments of brilliance and moments where he frustrates us. In a few years the breakup will ensue and the O's will find another average player to fill Koji's role.

Koji will always be remembered as:

1. The first player from Japan to play for the Orioles.
2. An average Japanese pitcher who the Front Office tried to sell to the fans as a Cy Young type guy.
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When the Orioles signed Koji, MacPhail noted that he could go to the bullpen if he didn't work out as a starter. I don't recall Koji being promoted as a "Cy Young type guy." - Roch

I understand why he is getting ready in Japan, its his home and all, but it does concern me that nobody is there to see him prepare. It makes me almost expect another year like last year. And the news that he only uses two pitches effectively is worrisome as well. I know we are all basically counting him into the pen, but if he isn't as good as someone else I have no problem not giving him a bullpen spot.

Roch, reading the below article this morning made me wonder why the O's or the Stadium Authority haven't done anything like this for Brooks. This topic has been brought up each year on every blog. I'm sure all O fans would love to see one for him put up. Has this topic come up in official circles? A number outside the gate is not a proper statue.

"PITTSBURGH (AP) -- Hall of Famer Bill Mazeroski soon will be able to walk down Mazeroski Way on Pittsburgh's North Side and see a statue depicting him hitting one of baseball's most famous homers. Mazeroski's voice was shaky throughout a brief talk Friday as a miniature version of the statue that will be erected outside PNC Park in his honor was unveiled. Former teammates Bob Friend and Dick Groat watched nearby. Mazeroski has received nearly every award and accolade a player can earn, but this was something special."

Konichiwa...

If Rick needs me to I'll take the trip to Edo and give an evaluation of Koji. Gotta warn him though I am a tough critic.

I love sushi, saki and have been brushing up on my Kurosawa films through Netflix.

I'll sing any song in karaoke problem is I've never ever been invited for a second song. Also, the only Japanese I know was taught to me by the Wu Tang Clan... Jiwon Bong would be earning his money.

domo arigato (mister roboto)

I'm not expecting much from Koji.
The best we can hope for is that he's ready to be a long reliever, but he's durabilty seems to be an issue.
right now it seems like a lot of money for a lot of nothing, but I hope he can pitch the whole season.
He's good enough when he's out there.

Good thing Andy is has stockpiled us with young arms. With this being his free agency year, I can't imagine we'll resign him unless he has a break out year with us.

Whew, thanks Roch. Just in time. I was going through a little withdrawal this morning. I feel better with my O's fix now.

One thing I've learned this offseason is that optimally a manager needs to have his guys available to pitch on back to back days. I don't like that we may have to treat Koji like we had to treat Baez (and maybe Mickolio). We need to start winning!

Koji gets the prima dona treatment? He better get people out. How about finding out what is causing the fatigue and fixing it?

Also, I thought we were going to increase our presence in Japan. Why "don't (we)have anybody there to look at him." What would it cost to pay a Japanese consultant to go take a look at him? Also, lots of expatriates in Japan who could at least take some video and send it back almost instantly via the Internet for review.

Let's start acting more like a "world class" major league organization.

It's real nice to have more depth and extra flexibility in the bullpen this year. I can see Uehara in virtually any role because he throws strikes. He could even serve as a longman. I'm thinking his role will depend on the performance of others. If a guy like Mickolio proves to be healthy, he may serve as more of a setup man while Koji slides back to middle relief. As long as he can stay healthy, Koji should contribute. And now that the Orioles are more familiar with him, they'll have a better idea of how to use him.

I'd like to join the legion of fans who wish Dennis Sarfate well. I don't see any reason to believe he did anything other than give it his best. As for his frustration over being DFA'd, who wouldn't feel the same way? I doubt he'll remain in the organization, but I wish him the best of luck and a legitimate opportunity to prove himself.

As for who is removed from the roster, Gabino (G-A-B-I-N-O, not Gambino, not Garbino) seems a likely candidate though I'd like to at least give the guy a chance. And even though Alberto Castillo has been reasonably effective every time he gets a chance, he may be on thin ice as well. I suppose Craig Tatum is another candidate since it is almost a foregone conclusion that Moeller will be the back up. However, there is one scary thought... what if Wieters was ever to go down with an injury? We'd have a pretty serious hole to fill in the short term. Would the team be comfortable with Moeller and Tatum for several weeks or longer? Or would they look to sign a free agent catcher with more Major League experience? If the answer is the latter, then I can't see any justification for keeping Tatum on the 40-man roster.
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Assuming Moeller makes the team (and I am), I think they'd be comfortable with him if Wieters wasn't going to be on the DL for an extended period. - Roch

WOW Hold all tickets!

Koji is over in Japan throwing and they have no one to see how he is really doing? They will have to send someone to see?

You mean there is not ONE SINGLE Oriole scout in Japan who could see how he is really doing?

So much for the improved international scouting?

SMOKE & MIRRORS
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How did I know you were going to jump all over that one line? Kranitz doesn't know for sure whether anyone has seen Koji. He just means there isn't someone over there who's watching him on a regular basis. I doubt that a scout would check on Koji and immediately call Kranitz. MacPhail and the medical staff would get those reports, and if necessary, Kranitz might be notified of something. - Roch

Roch,

After watching Koji a couple of times last season, I thought his pitching style would be more suited to long or middle relief. In addition, looking at some of the older Japanese pitchers, they seem to fare quite well in late inning relief well into their late 30's.

Haven't posted in a while, but I read your blog every day! Between you and Steve, well all I can say is I hope the team realizes how fortunate they are to be represented in the media by the both of you. Great stuff always!!

As for the off season additions, well Andy did another fine job of negotiating through a very limited market. I would have liked to have added Bay's bat, however our lineup should produce quite nicely. Wasn't sure how to react to Miggy's signing, but after taking a longer look at the acquisition, I believe it will work out to the O's benefit. It's only a 1 year deal, and the guy can still hit, albeit not with the power he once displayed. Not sure if he becomes a solid 3rd baseman or not, but the skills are there to make the transition. And Miggy seems a little wiser and a bit more humble this time around. If Garrett Atkins finds his swing, by working with the Crow, this team will score runs.

As for the pitching, well Gonzales certainly has the stuff to close, hopefully he stays healthy. I'd have preferred Valverde, but I'm OK with this addition. And if he proves a reliable closer, it's worth surrendering a 2nd round pick. The addition of Millwood will really help this team. I've watched Kevin pitch in Texas and Atlanta. This guy knows how to pitch, and eats up innings every year. Is he a true # 1? Well for this team, yes. It allows the other starters on this team to slot into a spot which should produce better match ups for us, and hopefully results in a longer outings by the starters.

All in all, Andy has put this franchise back on the road to contention, by adding depth and talent to the minors, and not over paying dearly for aging vets with little to offer. What a refreshing approach. I'm pumped for the season.

Instead of spending the time to get a pitcher in better shape to increase his stamina......

Go the easy route and simply put him in the bullpen to pitch every couple of days. Whatever happened to the conditioning program in this organization? Could this be the reason we have so many players hurt each Sept and fade like a rock in water?
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Or maybe they think he'd be more effective in the 'pen and they'd rather go with Millwood, Guthrie, Matusz, Bergensen and Tillman. Just a thought. Are we going to do this all day, Paul? - Roch

Hi Roch...snowing there? It is 75 here in Ft Myers Beach....just rubbing it in...I thought Uehara pitched great at times last year...but with the O's not knowing him that well then...DT seemd to play it by ear as to when to take the guy out of a game and he seemed to be leaving him a little to long several times. He for sure had health issues but was a darn good pitcher lots of the times. Give him less innings witht he same kind of stuff he displayed last year and I think he will do very well. They said over and over last ST that he had his own routine so let the guy do his thing....if he is ready and healthy then DT can use him better this year knowing a bit more of what to expect...at least that is my take anyway.
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We were told it would start snowing in the afternoon, so of course it started in the morning. Already a few inches on the ground and still going. - Roch

Two pitches for a reliever, one who is a legit strikethrower, is plenty enough.

The fact that we signed a bonafide MLB closer in Gonzalez really changes the picture here. I think there's some chance he can end up being an Okajima-esque type who can own an inning per game (6th-7th). If Jim Johnson returns to owning the 8th, the Os shorten the game by 2-3 innings with 3 reliable arms in the backend. Aside from the multiple innings guy, it leaves the rest of the pen to matchup in the 6th. That makes a strong bullpen.

Remember 2005, when Rodrigo started out in the bullpen? He'd be used often, might go anywhere from one to three innings, and was lights out (this role for Rodrigo was one of the few things Mazzilli did that I really liked). I'd love to see Koji fill that sort of role, and I think he's got the profile to pull it off.

Rk
was in NY TIMES this am...I think they need to visit SOR for some comedy sketch ideas...

january 30, 2010
Coaching Baseball Rookies for the Limelight
By BENEDICT CAREY

LEESBURG, Va. — Many of the 104 teenagers and young men who gathered at a resort here this month will soon be very rich, and some may be larger than life: household names, tabloid celebrities, possibly even worldwide brands.

The world’s top baseball prospects, they came to attend an annual three-day session called rookie camp, meant to prepare them for life under the lights: how to live with the attention, how to make it last, how to enjoy it.

The therapists and former major leaguers who work in the rookie program say the psychological challenges are the most daunting in its 18-year history — even more so than when the chief problem was illegal drugs.

In just the past year or two, experts and players say, the culture of celebrity — aided by cellphone videos, social-networking Web sites and round-the-clock sports coverage — has grown so all-consuming that it has thoroughly invaded players’ lives. It can inflate their fame, or spoil it, far faster than most can mentally adjust.

The camp is a joint venture of the 30 teams’ owners and the players union that uses psychological tools like role-playing and group discussion to demonstrate and deconstruct the pitfalls of living in the public eye.

This year for the first time, it included a presentation dedicated to nutritional supplements (which can contain banned substances) and a stronger emphasis than ever on the power of video and social-networking sites to follow athletes almost anywhere.

Cellphone video technology, which has taken off in the last year, can circulate embarrassing images in minutes, turning a private night out into a talk-radio scandal. And the athletes’ newfound visibility and wealth can make them easy prey for dubious investment schemes.

“You get on ESPN once and people you haven’t talked to in years come out of the woodwork and somehow find your phone number,” said Bud Norris, 25, a pitcher for the Houston Astros who was called up from the franchise’s Triple-A team in Round Rock, Tex., in the middle of last season.

There are other pitfalls, too, the young prospects were told. A quick ascent can make a player overconfident in other realms of his life, convinced that his good instincts on the field translate easily into good decisions off it; likewise, struggling players can quickly lose self-assurance in all areas of their lives.

“Some of these guys will get to a point where they see how valuable they are, how important they have become to their teams and to the sport,” said Dr. Robert Pyles, a psychiatrist in the Boston area who has consulted with the program for most of its history. “That’s when there’s the risk that the lid comes off and the narcissistic beast comes out. The idea is give them some advice before they get to that point.”

And, at least as important, to provide some psychological tools in case their career slumps.

“If you’re performing well, and so is your team, there’s nothing better,” said Billy Sample, a retired outfielder and, until last year, one of a roster of former players the program brings in to advise the rookies. “But if you’re scuffling, or if you feel you’re on your way out, I mean, it feels like there’s nothing worse.”

The jump into the big time can be particularly disorienting for baseball players, who, before they make the major leagues, rarely play in front of crowds as large as most college basketball and football stars do.

“These guys come straight from playing in Elmira, Duluth, Tidewater, to the big stadiums and the media,” said Gene Orza, chief operating officer of the players union. “Their transition is far more abrupt than maybe any other sport.”

Draped over their chairs in a ballroom at the Landsdowne Conference Center in this suburb of Washington, the prospects — each team sends its top three or four — looked like a cross between a Psych 101 class and a GQ shoot, complete with designer jeans and prime-time facial hair.

Between the lectures, Second City, the comedy troupe based in Chicago, staged skits illustrating common traps that fame sets for its chosen vessels. Officials from the players union and the commissioner’s office help provide content. In one, a wife at home with a young child fumes when her husband will not answer his cellphone late at night (he had a double-header and forgot to tell her).

“See, that’s why I’m not getting married,” one Orioles prospect mumbled to another.

Another player, from a National League Central team, shook his head and called out, “Nah, he should be communicating more,” sending a ripple of general approval through the class.

In another skit, a player’s sister introduces him to a friend of hers, a man who is soliciting money for an Internet start-up company. The player — played by a Milwaukee Brewers prospect — puts the man off repeatedly, telling him he does not think it is a good idea.

“So — you are thinking about it!” the man replies.

Norris, the Astros pitcher, said the scene rang true.

“Happened to me three times already — an Internet company, one was skin care, and I don’t remember the other,” he said. He passed on all three.

“Living in the limelight is awesome so far,” he said, but added, referring to the rookie camp, “What I like about this is that it makes you think about the things you’ll face in much more depth than you may have.”

Bob Tewksbury, a former pitcher who has worked at the rookie camp for years — and who played the sister’s friend in the Internet start-up skit — said the play-acting was invaluable but, in the end, still acting.

“We can’t make it completely realistic,” Tewksbury said. “That player was prepped; he knew what was coming.

“But give me that guy when he’s in a bar, after a few beers, when he’s looser. That’s another story. When you’re living that life, traveling, staying out as late as you want, dressing nice, chances are you’re going to be more confident and reckless.”

And when the life seems to be slipping away because of injury or poor performance, players can hit the other extreme, losing all confidence in their decisions. At the end of each day at the conference, the players split into small groups to talk about their personal concerns in private, with a therapist and a former player on hand. Dr. Pyles, the psychiatrist, said that a player in one group spoke about being sent back down to the minors after breaking a leg.

“He talked about his coaches, his mentors, all these people who’d supported him and made him feel special before the injury and who went away in a second,” Dr. Pyles said. “Instead of a superstar, he was nothing. Nothing.

“These guys play not only because they’re good at it but often because the performance euphoria is a good way to deal with their personal demons. Take the sport away, and, well, they need a way to cope with what’s left.”

After that first long day of sitting, talking and raising their hands, the players finally got a break just before dinner. About a dozen of them met in the lobby, in sweats now, with gloves under their arms, staring out at the patchwork of icy snow on the resort grounds.

Then they headed out into the cold to play baseball.

Paul (Jack) - do you ever go to any Orioles games? With the negativity that you constantly spew I can't imagine you really being a fan. I've been frustrated the past 12 or 13 years too and I've been known to criticize the front office & manager with the best of them, but it is hard not to see the positives.

The first piece of the re-building puzzle has been put in place rather nicely with the young pitching of Bergeson,Matusz & Tillman already here. If they continue to develop this year the team can move on to the next phase. Even if a couple of them regress, we still have Arrieta, Patton & others waiting in the wings.

This past off-season was the wrong time to "Buy the bat" as it was a weak free agent class and none of the players available would have put the O's over the top. See how the young guns continue to develop this year, as well as Josh Bell, and then if all works out pretty well, move on to the next phase next off-season and buy the bat, when the field is much stronger.

I'm not drinking the Orange kool-aid (I hate kool-aid) but I truly believe the team is finally going in the right direction.

So, you and Brummie continue to spew the endless repetative negativity and the true O's fans on this blog will support our team and enjoy watching these young guys develop.

Have a nice day in your gloom & doom world, Paul (Jack)

Roch, I must agree with Paul on the Kranny comment.

Either the communication problems with Andy are now extending to the coaching staff, or our scouting presence is still minimal at best.

True, Kranny would probably not get a direct communique from a scout if they saw Koji workout, but shouldn't Andy have passed on the news ASAP if he got intell from a scout?

Kranny needs to know what he has to work with this spring. If Andy has any kind of update on our "stellar" signing from last year, he should be right on a conference call to Trembley and Kranny.

Furthermore, if the O's don't have anyone scouting in Japan at the moment, then where is the progress in our international scouting? Japan is a hotbed for baseball talent. The O's should have at least one guy there 365 days a year scouting talent (and checking up on the progress of broken down pitchers).

Andy told us we were going to expand our presence abroad.
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You agree with Paul? No way! What if there's no "news" to pass along, Brummie? Koji's throwing, which Kranitz knows. He'll see Koji in spring training in a few weeks. - Roch

Uh oh............ I know how we all LOVE Keith Law.

He ranked the top 100 prospects in baseball

http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/insider/columns/story?columnist=law_keith&id=4861174&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fmlb%2finsider%2fcolumns%2fstory%3fcolumnist%3dlaw_keith%26id%3d4861174

Hmmm, I don't see our stellar draft choice from last year on there......

But take a look at #72, MIKE LEAKE, who was chosen AFTER Hobgood and tore up the AFL.

Boy he would have looked great in an O's uniform. Leake could have been at the Yard by 2011, or earlier. And he could replace Milltread after this year.

Matusz, Tillman, Bergy, Leake. That would be a rotation to reckon with.

Afterall, as Andy always says "In the history of baseball, no one ever had too much pitching."

I wish just for one day I could read your blog, and then read the comments by other O's fan's, but STILL, there or two guys that have to respond MULTIPLE times to each and every blog, they never miss responding, MULTIPLE times....it's getting sooooooo tiring!

Roch,

The way you throw it back right at Brummie and Paul is making my day on this snowy, cold day in Delaware.

I do have a question, how did Koji get along with his teammates last year? Was he to himself, which is understandable given the language and cultural differences, or was he part of the team and hung out with teammates outside the ballpark?
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Players worked very hard to make him feel welcome from the first day. He spent a lot of time with his trainer and interpreter, but he also mixed in with his teammates. - Roch

Sorry, for another post. This is it for me today. I promise.

More from Keith Law's list of top prospects:

Guys on the top prospect list who were chosen AFTER Hobgood (draft pick/Law's rank/College or HS). Please note the large number of high school players.

Zach Wheeler 6/84/High School
Mike Leake 8 72/College
Jacob Turner 9/80/High School
Drew Storen 10/92/College

Tyler Matzek 11/22/High School WOW, the 22nd best prospect and he is right out of high school? And to think Andy was considering this guy.

Aaron Crow 12/87/College
Grant Green 12/93/College
Shelby Miller 19/39 High School
Jiovani Mier 21/94 High School
Kyle Gibson 22/89 College
Jared Mitchell 23/95/College
Mike Trout 25/49/High School

12 guys taken AFTER Hobgood in the first round are already top 100 prospects including Matzek and Miller who were both HS pitchers.

But we have the Gatorade player of the year, so Andy and Joe must have made a good choice.

Budget Baseball!

HE IS DEFINETLY A QUESTION MARK. THATS WHY YOU WILL SEE THE O'S KEEP AN EXTRA RIGHT HANDED RELIEVER LIKE MEREDITH, ALBERS, OR MICKILIO AND SEND BERKEN OR HERNANDEZ OR BOTH BACK TO NORFOLK. CAN THE o'S RELY ON KOJI? NO THEY CANT. THEY WILL HAVE NO IDEA WHAT THEY WILL BE ABLE TO EXPECT FROM HIM. THIS IS A CONTRACT YEAR FOR HIM SO HOPEFULLY HE'S IN GOOD SHAPE AND READY TO GO. HE CAN BE AN EXCELLENT BULLPEN ADDITION BUT I'M NOT CONVINCED HE WILL LAST THE WHOLE YEAR.

Roch, In fairness to Brummie, concerning his assertion that "the Front Office tried to sell to the fans as a Cy Young type guy," I think he has a case...to a degree. He's probably thinking of Andy MacPhail's introduction of Koji at the press conference, when MacPhail said, "I think when you're the first of anything there's often a special burden that follows being the first, and we're very fortunate as an organization to have a pitcher who is as celebrated and accomplished as Koji Uehara is. His illustrious career includes, as are well aware, are Rookie of the Year Award in Japan; he's won what we'd consider the Cy Young Award and he's won it twice in Japan and he has been an All-Star on no less than eight occasions in Japan." (see video link below)

http://baltimore.orioles.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?content_id=3743846

So, yeah, on this one I think Brummie's right about Uehara being promoted as more than a middling pitcher. I would object to the pharase "the Front Office tried to sell" as if there was no foundation to the claim. Clearly, and here's where I part company with Brummie when he calls Koji "an average Japanese pitcher," which is refuted by the accomplishments enumerated above, which shows something clearly different.

Even if one focuses on his brief Oriole career, it's still a bit above average, albeit it not Cy Young worthy. His ERA was a respectable 4.05 and he would have been sub-4.00 had it not been for a rough outing in Texas was he was knocked around for seven earned runs. Had he had enough innings to qualify, Uehara's ERA would have been among the top 20 of AL starters. (Of O's starters in '09, only Bergesen was better at 3.43. Millwood had a 3.67, which was good for eight-best in the league.)

Koji's command was head and shoulders better than anyone else on the staff, striking out 48, while yielding only 12 walks. While he could have gone deeper in games, he still went five or more innings in 10 of his 12 starts and six or more six times. He was by no means a liability for the Orioles and a healthy Uehara could really strengthen the bullpen this year.
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He was introduced as someone who accomplished a lot in Japan. MacPhail was listing his achievements over there. Why wouldn't he? That doesn't mean Uehara was being sold as the next Roger Clemens over here. He wasn't even the Opening Day starter. - Roch

Roch,
Did anyone try to get Koji to go to one of the fitness training institutes like the one in Arizona. If he was having issues last year, that seems like it would have been a good idea.
So what if the Orioles don't have anyone watching Koji, do they have someone "scouting" any of the other guys in the off season. These guys are adults, they shouldn't have to hold there hands in the off season. It is Koji's responsibility to show up to camp in shape and ready to go. If he doesn't, then its on him.
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I agree that a fitness facility would have been a good idea - Dice-K's at API - but don't know if it was suggested. Koji has his own routine back home. And he was coming off an injury, so not sure what he would have been cleared to do. - Roch

Roch,

I like the Bass comparison. I think that will be the perfect role for him. I really dont think you can go wrong with this. Lets say one of our starters is not having a great outing and goes six innings... we could do Koji, Berkin or David Hernandez in the seventh, jj in the 8th and Gonzo in the ninth.
I also like the fact that over half the guys that are in the pen are capable of 3 or 4 innings. half of them have experience as starters. Hendrickson, Hernandez, Berkin, and Koji. It is a darn good thing to have when you have young pitching in the starting rotation.

Wow, I hate to be the guy who steps in and looks like he's defending Brummie (cuz I can't stand the guy 99% of the time), but there may be something to his comments about the O's overhyping Koji a bit.

I do distinctly remember hearing MacPhail utter the words "Cy Young equivalent" several times when Koji was being introduced. Am I upset about it? No, not really. MacPhail was telling the truth. If I was him I probably would have said just about the same thing. I just hope that we get more than 3 months out of Koji this year or this is really going to look like a questionable signing when all is said and done.
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Yes, as in, he won the "Cy Young equivalent" over in Japan. That isn't the same thing as saying he'd win it here. MacPhail was listing Uehara's acheivements in Japan. Would everyone prefer that he didn't? Those achievements were recited as a reminder that Uehara wasn't signed simply to open the doors to the Asian market. He was supposed to be a valuable member of the staff - at least when healthy. But I don't think anyone was clearing room for his Cy Young Award. - Roch

Hi Roch,

Thanks for the info.

Signing Tejada for only 1 year implies to me that the plan is that he will be with the O's for 2010 only. I thought they may want to have the option of bringing Tejada back in case Bell isn't ready sometime in 2010 or at the start of 2011. If Bell is ready by 2011, then couldn't Tejada split time between DH and 3B?

By bringing Tejada back, I was hoping he would stay more than 1 year. Any thoughts on your part? --twb026
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I didn't expect one year, let alone two. They didn't want to sign a corner infielder for more than one year. Unless Bell's 2010 season is a total disaster, he'll be the starting third baseman in 2011. - Roch

I have been a fan for 50 years and this year’s team looks better then any team we have fielded in the past 10 years. AM is doing a great job. We didn't need to spend the big money this year, especially sense the players weren't there to be had. And get off Holiday and Bay, we didn't need them. I spite of what some think AM will spend the money when the time is right and the right player is there. Next years FA market looks 110 times better then this years. By that time we will have a better idea for what we need. Looking at our line up this season, it's going to be hard for other teams to pitch around anyone. There is plenty of protection through the line up except maybe the #9 slot. I think everyone will be pleased with the power we will have and the runs scored. It all comes down to pitching and defense and we will be improved in those areas. The relief corp also looks like it will be solid this year. Give our young guys a chance before throwing them under the bus. I feel really good about this team and can't wait till ST. Isn't the orange Kool Aid cold?
Buy the way; I started to look to see who is making comments before I read them. I live a long way off and I like to read the blogs that, Pete, Steve and Roch have to keep up with my favorite baseball team.
Some of the whining, repeated negative comments over and over again are out of line, off the subject, and not worth the time to read them. This is a shame, because I like to read all the views of the fans, positive or negative, but some you take the enjoyment out of reading the blogs. Have a great day.

Is this show broadcast on MASN too? I keep missing it... I can't record the radio! I remember it being on MASN last year. Is there anything you can do?

Thanks for doing the show and the blog! I think Koji in the bullpen is a great idea. He can't last as a starter in the Major Leagues. This 'aint Japan... or Seattle...
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It's radio only this winter. I don't influence the MASN programming, but I was hoping that the show would be televised again. - Roch

Brummie you ALMOST did it! The first half of your first post was a good balance of decency and reality. Your comments on Koji were pretty much right on.

But unfortunately you proved your stupidity as your posts went on. Hobgood may very well prove to be a bust. But do you really think that because Keith Law doesn't have him on his list that he is useless and it was a wasted pick? Most of the kids on that list will never be heard from again, and kids whose names are not on that list will make the best MLB players. Rowell was a pick that the front office was praised for and he looks like he will turn out to be a bust. I think you could build a stronger case that because Hobgood's name is NOT on the list, that actually makes him a stronger prospect.

Bob F and the rest of the class - IF YOU IGNORE BRUMMIE, KPB, JACK AND PAUL THEY HAVE NOTHING TO FEED OFF OF!

DON'T READ THE COMMENT, DON'T RESPOND TO THE COMMENT.

Will they go away when we start winning! I think 162 wins will not satisfy you know who. What a misserable life they have. Keep up good work Rock. Have you got the news on Anita? What's that all about.
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She's pursuing some national opportunities. I'm sure you'll see her on television again. - Roch

At the start of last year, my expectation was that Uehara would be a serviceable starter. Now I'm hoping he'll be a serviceable reliever, but I won't be surprised if he keeps visiting the DL. He seems like a good guy and who could blame him for wanting to stay in his native country in the off season. Still he seems like he's kind of worn out at age 34. I don't think the Asian market is worth any more effort than we are putting into it. Japanese players in their prime rarely come to the US.

From Law's chat wrap, on his 100 prospects:
Kyle OH: Were Miller and Matzek better pitching options for the O's in the 1st round last year?

KLAW: I had those two rated over Hobgood in June because of higher ceilings. That's really it. Doesn't make Hobgood a bad selection, though.

JaxDog said:
Roch, reading the below article this morning made me wonder why the O's or the Stadium Authority haven't done anything like this for Brooks. This topic has been brought up each year on every blog. I'm sure all O fans would love to see one for him put up. Has this topic come up in official circles? A number outside the gate is not a proper statue.
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I'd love to see a bronze statue of Brooks laid out, parallel to the ground, catching Johnny Bench's line drive in the Game 5 of the 1970 World Series.

Hmm, let me get this right. Our pitching, as stated by our illustrious world famous baseball guru "sucks", but if we were only to add a #72 ranked prospect Mike Leake who destroyed the AFL, (which has been known to terrorize superstars of every ilk) we would have a "rotation to be reckoned with". Ok, someone tell me, if this makes sense exactly how many games per week will Mr. Leake be required to pitch to overcome the shortcomings of Andy's rag-tag overhyped losers? I do not wish to attack anyone, as we all have our opinions, but, I am confused. In the words of Desi Arnaz "Brummie, you got some 'splainin' to do.

Go O's!

hey JaxDog...A statue of Brooksie is in the works, and should be up by next year.. it will be on the street facing Pickles Pub and Sliders i believe....

long overdue

I'm a Koji fan in Japan.
Here is a Japanese TV show broadcasted on Jan. 25.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWNdzidOA7Y
It's in Japanese but you can sort of see how he is working out and throwing a ball (and speaking Japanese).
He told the other guy (who was an ex-player of Yomiuri Giants) that he was thinkng about throwing more cutters and changeups.
By the way, I'm a close follower of your blogs, Roch. Thanks for all the great entries!
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Terrific stuff. Thanks for sharing. - Roch

Ray in Israel, "Isn't the orange Kool Aid cold?" LOL

Chuck Thompson would be proud! (R.I.P. - Actually, you could have made it slightly more Thompsonesque had you made it "Ain't the orange Kool Aid cold?" but that would be nitpicking.)

And yes, Andy does seem to finally have the team back on the right track after the Orioles' Lost Decade.

Are we going to do this all day, Paul? - Roch
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Well, Roch, own fault. Maybe the next time you're offered the chance to have your own blog you'll read the fine print of the contract more closely; you know, the clause where it lists part of your job description as babysitting. LOL

"Bumblebee", Thanks for the great Koji clip. Could you tell us briefly what he said about his season with the Orioles and his remarks about Jeter and Matsui. (By the way, what is the language of the subtitles? Korean?)