Do the right thing
If you've been keeping those fingers crossed that catcher Robby Hammock would re-sign with the Orioles, he signed a minor league deal with the Colorado Rockies. Says so right here in Baseball America's latest minor league transactions.
Hammock will dress in the same spring training clubhouse as Melvin Mora and Jay Payton.
Also, catcher Gustavo Molina, who appeared in seven games with the Orioles in 2007, signed a minor league deal with the Boston Red Sox.
Best of luck to Kevin Millar as he tries to stick with the Chicago Cubs after agreeing to a minor league deal (according to ESPN). I've learned never to count out Millar, who will vie for a backup role.
When I asked president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail whether the Orioles had narrowed their bullpen targets to Will Ohman and Hisanori Takahashi, he noted that their interest wasn't confined to left-handers. They've apparently floated at least one minor league offer to a right-hander.
Here's the list of remaining major league free agent right-handed relievers, courtesy of mlbtraderumors:
Joaquin Benoit (32)
Chad Bradford (35)
Kiko Calero (35)
Eric Gagne (34)
Edgar Gonzalez (27)
Tom Gordon (42)
Kevin Gregg (31)
Jason Isringhausen (37)
Jorge Julio (31)
Mike MacDougal (32)
Seth McClung (29)
Guillermo Mota (36)
Joe Nelson (35)
Chan Ho Park (37)
Tomo Ohka (34)
Troy Percival (40)
Duaner Sanchez (30)
Rudy Seanez (41)
Russ Springer (41)
Julian Tavarez (37)
Luis Vizcaino (35)
David Weathers (40)
Jeff Weaver (33)
Jamey Wright (35)
McClung is reportedly close to signing with the Marlins. Gregg and Calero also have been linked to them at various times.
We still have a lot of names on the market two days into February, and not just relievers.
Hank Blalock, Russell Branyan, Carlos Delgado, Joe Crede and Erik Bedard have been tied to the Orioles this winter, but they remain unsigned.
We've debated whether Jermaine Dye would make sense for the Orioles. He's still out there.
At what point do these guys start getting a little nervous?
Ryan Garko finally signed with the Mariners yesterday. The Orioles had him on their board, but preferred Garrett Atkins at first base.
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Categories (click for archive)Roch Kubatko | Roch Kubatko Orioles |
Ohhh I get it
I would take Bradford back in a heartbeat. No other name out there interests me, though. I think I would want for Jorge Julio to pay my salary in order to play... but that's neither here nor there.
In general I applaud McPhail's moves and in a vacuum Atkins is probably slightly better than Garko but Garko was had for 500K and Atkins cost 4.5 million. I think I would rather have that extra 4 million in pitching or the draft.
I also don't want Gabino DFA'd to make room for a 36 year old with a lifetime ERA of 5.00. Otherwise keep up the good work.
At what point do they get nervous....I was thinking the exact same thing yesterday. Will Damon end up signing some where for $3M a year? Probably not but man these agents put their players on THIN ice.
The only two names that jump out at me on that list are Kimchi and MacDougal.
how in the name of JoBu is Jorge Julio only 31?!?
also, is there any chance the O's (or any team) would invite a player or players to "try out" for a day in spring training- like NFL teams sometimes do before signing them as free agents?
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Not these guys. - Roch
Roch,
Looks like some guys able to be had at bargain prices. Does that increase the possibility of a trade for someone like Luke or Wiggy (since there are replacements available) or decrease the chances (since other teams have other possibilities)?
Do you see any creative ways to stash someone who's value would be more in July? This looks like a classic opportunity to buy low, sell less low in five months. I have to admit, Dye still looks appealing to me.
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Not sure if it increases the possibility, but Scott and Wigginton are two trade possibilities. Not saying the Orioles are looking to move them, but they're two guys who would bring interest. - Roch
Roch,
I never understood the logic of keeping Luke Scott and having him serve as a full-time DH and backup outfielder. Hear me out. Hank Blalock, in my opinion, is sort of the same player as Scott, but at least Blalock provides corner infield backup service at 1st and 3rd. Yes he is as streaky as Scott, but both possess moderate to big home run potential from the left hand side. I would say that it is necessary to do the "Right Thing" and get rid of Scott and insert Blalock in this lineup. Not only would this allow Trembley to not have to worry about inserting Scott in the outfield, but this makes Pie the de-facto outfielder when Reimold, Jones, and Markakis are not playing. I know I have no idea about Scott's true trade value, and I assume its next to nill, but having a DH that can serve as corner infield backup makes much more sense to me than having a DH who only plays in the outfield when the O's have such great outfield depth.
Roch,
From the free agent RP list one name jumps out at me and that's Kiko Calero. He was fantastic last year for the Marlins. Maybe he was asking for too much $ and remains unsigned for that reason at this late date. I would also think Chad Bradford is worth a look but we have Merideth and they are essentialy the same pitcher. Our bullpen has been improved but I think that we can still do more. I have my doubts about counting on Koji. I like both Mickolio and David Hernandez on paper as relievers but neither has any real ML track record there. Although Mickolio looked great in his short stint. They are both power arms. Hendrickson is a proven asset in long relief and JJ will be back as the set up guy and hopefully up to his '08 standards. Gonzalez should be fine at closer but bullpens are the hardest part of the team to predict from season to season. We spent a small fortune on Walker and Baez a few years ago and we know, all too well, what happened there. This is an area where there is always strength in numbers.
I have a feeling that these guys got nervous a while ago. Teams just have too much young talent right now to justify bringing these kind of relievers in. Without steroids, I have a feeling that we're going to see less and less long careers, even among our favorite Orioles.
Am I the only one who never even glances at the right side of the homepage ( The nats side )? Just wondering...
It is about time that teams learn that Jorge Julio just plain stinks. He has been passed around the league and blows 9th inning leads every where he goes.
Did Jamie Walker sign or just drop off your list?
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He's a lefty. My list is right-handers. - Roch
The Gnats are on the home page?
The free agent the O's really needed was Tex , they missed the boat on him and will be paying the price for ten years ........................He would have come here if the O's overpaid him , don't care what he says now , it was all about the money...................Because the O's are lead by Peter the Great , it will be ten more years of rebuilding , what a joke,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,the great fans of Baltimore deserve much better then constant rebuilding , at what point do the great fans of Baltimore stop believing in him ? All this periferral stuff the O's are talking about is meaningless , just like the gams the O's play in August and September.................the O's are a joke...............wake up people....................
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Thanks for the inspirational talk. And if it was all about the money, Teixeira probably would have signed with the Nats. Repeat after me: He wasn't coming here. - Roch
"Here's the list of remaining major league free agents, courtesy of mlbtraderumors:"
Roch, please revise this so that we will not have to read about those names left off the list. Thanks........
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Not sure what you're asking. Revise it? - Roch
are people honestly still whining about Tex? Roch how do deal with answering the same comments from certain posters over and over again?
I bet some of these guys end up dropping off the planet, much like Luis Gonzalez or Shawn Green... I'd really like to see Cousin Hank come to Baltimore, but it is highly doubtful. Delgado would be worth a look as well, but it all revolves around - do you move Wigginton or Scott... and can you do so? Nevertheless, I am really excited for this season, especially being able to see full years of Reimold, Wieters and Matusz...
FanSince54 said:
"Here's the list of remaining major league free agents, courtesy of mlbtraderumors:"
Roch, please revise this so that we will not have to read about those names left off the list. Thanks........
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Not sure what you're asking. Revise it? - Roch
Roch,
I think he's saying he wants you to say "here's the list of remaining free-agent right-handed relief pitchers." Although, it was pretty clear to most of us what you meant, if you just read that lead-in, it makes it seem like those are the only remaining free agents, regardless of position.
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The entry was about right-handed relievers, so I figured it was obvious. I revised it. - Roch
Roch...I think FanSince54 is saying clarify that your list is just right-handed pitching FA, not every FA....it took me a little while to catch that too.
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I revised it, but the entry was about right-handed relievers, so I figured it was obvious. Sorry for the confusion. - Roch
http://img.waffleimages.com/9c11b0a871ea259a6edc16b74223fdc4f406dd6f/9c11b0a871ea259a6edc16b74223fdc4f406dd6f.jpg
I would take Chad Bradford if need be....he is an OK pitcher...the rest do not do it for me....I would rather have the young guys pitch....I would take Dye to to platoon with Scott.....but i think that we can keep the guys we do have sharp if we stay as we are on position players. I would thibnk that these unsigned guys would be real worried with just over 2 weeks till ST...there are few names of position players I am sure will get a deal soon...Bedard...he must be not going to be ready for ST or someone would have gotten him by now..even the O's.
Sorry, my suggestion: "Here's the list of remaining right-handed major league free agent pitchers, courtesy of mlbtraderumors:"
Roch: Is anyone from MASN in Miami for the Super Bowl? Seems like the kind of event you need to be at.
Calero & Gregg stick out like sore thumbs... on the left hand of course. They would be steals to get on a look see minor league deal.
If I am those guys listed, I am getting my English/Japanese dictionary out....
Roch. . .glad to see Millar get one more shot. . .hopefully he can finish out with the Cubbies, and then go on to a broadcast career, or whatever it is he wants to do.
Love the fact that he started in the independent leagues, and made his way to a successful big league career, like George Sherill.
Again, thanks for the updates.
Chad Bradford can still pitch. He was doing well when we traded him to Tampa Bay. Groudball pitchers are valuable. Would like to see him back.
Chad Bradford? Who did we ever get for that guy in the trade?
I would NOT trade Wigginton! He is too versatile, 1B, 3B, 2B, even SS in a pinch, OF, can PH... how many guys out there can do all that & have some pop too?
Same goes for Scott...why deal him & probably get lesser value? Deal him in July if they must if & when the team is struggling to stay near .500.
Jeff B. - Thanks a lot for the info on Oahu. Pearl Harbor is something I definitely want to visit. I will definitely be looking into the places you sent, thanks again.
Could it be possible that the PTBNL for Chad Bradford is actually Chad Bradford.
I would have to think long and hard about that one.
thats what she said.
Calero Calero Calero Calero, PLEASE let it be Calero...
Stats:
http://www.fangraphs.com/statss.aspx?playerid=1676&position=P
1.95 ERA and 69Ks over 60 IP, why is not to love about this guy!?
Roch, who is your pick of the remaining relievers? Do you think we should be extremely selective in who we add as we are likely to additional Safarte-like problems?
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Calero can probably get a major league deal, so it won't be him. I'm surprised they're looking to add another right-hander, since they have so many. It could be a minor league free agent. Don't have any names. - Roch
Spats -
Thanks now I'm all discombobulated thinking if Bradford could actually be himself as the PTBNL.
For those who want Bradford back, he wasn't pitching last year like he did when he left Baltimore. In 2009, in 10.1 innings over 20 games, he had a 4.35 ERA, with 22 hits and 2 BB (+1 IBB) for a 2.323 WHIP.
Roch,
What is the knock on Percival and Isringhausen?? I would think they would be great to have as a backup plan incase Gonzo doesn't work out. Also are you hearing anything about the possibility of Dye getting signed by the team. He would be a great fit at DH!
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Age and injuries. As for Dye, the Orioles aren't looking to add another position player. - Roch
Speaking of the right thing, has there been any word about arbitration with Guthrie? I don't remember hearing anything about it for a week or two now and arbitration time is upon us. They aren't that far apart so it shouldn't be that hard to compromise.
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I'll pass along what I have. - Roch
why not eric gagne
steve in phx-
No problem. I'd love to be back there right now instead of working my way through snow to get to work. I'll also send a shout out to the Kona Brewing Company beverages, especially the lager. You can find it around here in some grocery stores, but well worth it.
Kiko Calero is nasty! His breaking ball is one of the best I've ever seen. IMO.
They should def. make a move on him.
Brian said:
I would NOT trade Wigginton! He is too versatile, 1B, 3B, 2B, even SS in a pinch, OF, can PH... how many guys out there can do all that & have some pop too?
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Thank you Brian. Finally some love for Wiggy. I just can't understand why everyone in the SOR enjoys slagging Wiggy. He did everything asked of him last year. I think he played just about everywhere but the battery and played hard and pretty well most times. Sure it was an adventure when he went out to short or second but he gave it hell and didn't suck.
He didn't let moving all over the diamond affect his hitting like it would with some guys either. Sorry haters, but I'll take a versatile guy that busts his butt every day over some of the geezers that have been mentioned around here lately.
How about a Jorge Julio reunion...I kid I kid
The roster is pretty much intact. There is no need to add another vet position player. Adding another arm or two to a minor league deal makes sense. Ohman seems to be a fit by name alone. I am stunned that Calero is still around, he's had a great career ??
Roch,
They can do the "right" thing, as long as they don't do the "Wright" thing.
Tried that once a number of years ago, he failed miserably.
Repeat after me: He wasn't coming here. - Roch
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But you are forgetting to add the most important clause! ... for the amount of money the Orioles deemed acceptable.
If anyone ever really wants something it can usually be had for the right price. Not saying the move was right or wrong, but it is not that black and white. I also feel there isn't too much reason to revisit a dead issue.
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Once again, I'll write that Boras made it very clear in that D.C. meeting that Teixeira wasn't coming here. He never got back to them after that initial offer until Teixeira reached agreement with the Yankees. I guess the reason we're revisiting it is because so many people still think Tex really wanted to come here, if only the money was right. And for some reason, it gets brought up (and I'm not referring to you) in a post that has nothing to do with him. - Roch
Jusbob said:
Brian said:
I would NOT trade Wigginton! He is too versatile, 1B, 3B, 2B, even SS in a pinch, OF, can PH... how many guys out there can do all that & have some pop too?
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Thank you Brian. Finally some love for Wiggy. I just can't understand why everyone in the SOR enjoys slagging Wiggy. He did everything asked of him last year. I think he played just about everywhere but the battery and played hard and pretty well most times. Sure it was an adventure when he went out to short or second but he gave it hell and didn't suck.
He didn't let moving all over the diamond affect his hitting like it would with some guys either. Sorry haters, but I'll take a versatile guy that busts his butt every day over some of the geezers that have been mentioned around here lately.
February 2, 2010 12:48 PM
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Jusbob... I could not agree more with what you said.
Also, I have never been anti Wigginton, in fact, I was mentioning here last year, about this time, that he would be a good pickup considering the needs & who was available.
jeffChill, Jaret Wright and Jamey Wright are the same person? When did this happen? Does he come with Lee Mazzilli as his pitching coach?
Ty Wigginton was the pop up king last year. Sure he was great filling in but when the game was on the line you could expect him to swing at the first pitch AND pop up.
I guess one good think about Millar going to Chicago is he won't miss the start of all the Red Sox games. He'll at least get in the first hour playing in the Central.
Jeff Weaver would be a suitable replacement for Chris Waters. And remember... "Just say no to Jorge Julio".
Wigginton can play all of those positions terribly. His defense is deplorable at 1st, 2nd, SS, and 3rd. He has no range. It's not versatility if you can't play the position well. His only value is as a bat; and that's either as a pinch hitter or as a regular hitter. Anything part-time and all he does is pop-out.
Roch, For me, getting rid of Chad Bradford was one of the very few missteps in Andy MacPhail's rebuilding project, letting go of a quality reliever for essentially nothing. I still can't figure what he had in mind by making that trade, because it didn't do anything to help the team in the short run (it did open a roster spot, but with no one of value to fill it) or the long run, as the Orioles didn't get anywhere near Bradford's value in return). It made no sense to me then and doesn't to this day.
As much as I'd like to see Chad back in a Orioles uniform, at this point it doesn't make a whole lot of sense, since the presence of Cla Meredith in the bullpen make Bradford redundant. After all, they're so similar that they're basically the same pitcher, right? Okay, Bradford's more pronounced in his submarine delivery--nearly to the point of knuckle-scrapping--while Cla's more sidearmed, but the effect is similar to batters, who see such pitchers so rarely.
We don't need any more of the FAs on the market unless a hole somehow develops during spring training. I certainly don't want to sign one to replace Luke or Wiggy as some have suggested, that seems pointless and counterproductive to me. We know what they can do and it sounds like they want to be on the team. I would hope the only reason we'd move one of those guys is to bring someone else up.
The only thing working harder than Roch today is his Delete Button. LOL
So let's try this again.
The list of guys left available for the bullpen is a sad sad list. As critical as I was of Andy last year for doing squat with the pen, he has done a decent job this offseason ridding the pen of various retreads and rejects. Albers needs to go, but otherwise I am satisfied with how the bullpen is coming into form. Gonzalez is NOT closer material, but let's wait until a tragic blown save against the Yankees or Sox before you guys admit Paul and I were right all along.
Signing any of these players on the above list would set the bullpen back and leave Andy resembling a bargain shopper on X-mas eve.
Leave well enough alone and add Berken and DH to the pen.
"I would NOT trade Wigginton! He is too versatile, 1B, 3B, 2B, even SS in a pinch, OF, can PH... how many guys out there can do all that & have some pop too? "
Fine, he can play all of those positions, but he can't play any of them well. And last year he did a poor job hitting. There's a reason why Atkins and Tejada got contracts and that's because Wiggy isn't trusted to play either position.
At 3.5 Million, he really needs to be able to contribute something other then being a placeholder. I mean, if he can hit decently but is a poor fielder that's one thing. Or if he can defend two positions adequately but is a below average hitter, then that works.
I don't think we need to worry about Wiggy being traded as no one is going to want him.
Any Oriole fan that says they didnt want Teixeira here is full of it. But what people forget is at the time of the classic interview with MASN where he said it was a dream to play here and this was his team and yadda, yadda, yadda it was the year in which the Orioles signed Miggy (the first time), Javier Lopez, Rafiel Palmeiro, Sidney Ponson and traded for Sammy Sosa. They looked like a team that was gonna try and compete. Once the ceiling caved in on that, the only chance the Os had at getting Tex in uniform was to trade for him and hope to hammer out an extension. I would have loved for him to be here BUT I for one am not mad at him signing with the Yanks (had he been traded for and than bolted I would have been furious) . Im mad that the Orioles havent been good enough to get even their hometown boy signed. Because why would you go to a team that will pay you 200 million dollars and you will be lucky to win 80 games or go to a team that will pay you 200 million dollars and they probably will win 100 games and be in the playoffs every year? Its business not personal. He wanted to win and felt the Yanks where the best place for him to do so. And guess what - he was RIGHT.
The Os cant worry about him now. They have to worry about who is gonna play 1b. We know it wont be Tex, time to move on.
Roch to really think Tex wouldn't have come here for a fair offer is just denial. It took $22.5 mil a season for him to go to New York. If he wanted to be a Yankee I bet they could have had him for less.
If it was all about winning then he'd have signed with Boston when NY was busy getting CC and AJ.
You know who I really would like to see in an O's uniform? Chris Davis from Texas. An offer of Scott & D.Hernandez seems fair. And he can DH. Or play 1st/3B if one of the other guys does not work out.
I love Luke. But it seems he needs to play somewhere else. The O's just do not want him for more then a LH DH.
Should have signed Thome and given Luke a shot at 1B.
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I guess you skipped over the part about the Boras-MacPhail meeting in DC. Tex wanted to be a Yankee. They didn't enter the picture until late. If they hadn't, he probably would have signed with Boston. But he was waiting on the Yankees. But I guess some people refuse to believe it, and that's fine. It's old news anyway. I wanted him here. Believe me. But it wasn't going to happen. - Roch
I won't go into how silly some of these comments are, but let me ask you this... would you prefer Wigginton fill in @ 3B or 1B for 10 days or two weeks in the event of an injury... or some AAAA guy that struggles to hit .270 @ AAA? No one says he is Tex or a Fielder, BUT he is a solid backup that can fill in @ several positions.
He had an off year at the plate last year, but he has done better in the past. The potential is there whereas Mr. AAAA would kill us.
Kiko Calero is a guy I wanted all offseason. I hope they have a shot at him.
Ken Francis:
What the Os saved in shedding Bradford was $$$.
They saved the remaining amount in 2008 (about $1.2 million) and his 2009 salary of about $3.6 million.
His reduced appearances, and poor numbers, in 2009 were due to injuries.
Roch,
No love for Jon Miller? What's the feeling in the Warehouse about his election?
--Ben
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I haven't talked to anyone about it. I'm a big fan, but the notion that attendance has fallen because he left is absurd. It's the losing. If the Orioles had won for 12 straight years without Miller, do we really think the crowds would have thinned? They drew over 3 million for five straight years after he left. His departure was a very unpopular move and didn't shed the organization in a positive light, to say the least, but if the Orioles are tied for first place on Sept. 1, I doubt that people will stay away from Camden Yards because Miller isn't sitting behind the mic. - Roch
In yet another inexplicable move by the Rockies, the missing link in the 2003 Ponson-Ainsworth deal, Damian Moss, will now also shower in the spring clubhouse with the guys you mention above.
Orioles ready to compete in 2010
After long losing drought, Baltimore resurgence draws near
The Orioles haven't had a winning season since 1997, the last year they made it to the playoffs. They haven't been to the World Series since 1983.
I remember when getting a ticket to Camden Yards was almost impossible. The state-of-the-art ballpark was always filled, drawing well over 3 million customers every summer. Attendance last season was down to 1,907,163, lowest since the building opened in 1992.
October 1997, when Baltimore lost to Cleveland in the American League Championship Series, seems eons ago. That jarring setback was the beginning of a free fall for this once great franchise in the AL East. It lost 1,087 games during the 12-year (1998-2009) period and finished dead last in the tough division last year, 39 games behind the champion Yankees.
Andy MacPhail, who produced World Series championships with the Twins in 1987 and 1991, was hired by owner Peter Angelos in 2007 to stop the bleeding.
After two and a half seasons, every indication points to dramatic improvement for 2010. The team manager Dave Trembley takes to Spring Training this month is the best since MacPhail came aboard -- at least on paper.
It's probably not good enough to beat the Yankees or Red Sox, but it's better -- maybe even a .500 juggernaut.
MacPhail, president of baseball operations, has wisely rebuilt the Orioles, often making hurting, if not controversial, decisions by trading away premier-level players. Instead, he's focused on the future. That's a tired cliche, but word around the Major Leagues this offseason is that there's light at the end of the tunnel for the Orioles.
"I think our course was pretty clear," MacPhail said. "I was fortunate to come here in late June [of 2007], so I had the opportunity for a couple of months to watch, listen and read. It became clear to me what we had to do to compete in this division.
"We couldn't go along with a band-aid approach. We were going to have to do something more drastic to improve the foundation of talent in our system and build upon it from there. Unfortunately, to do that we had to trade some quality players to add to the base of our talent."
This offseason MacPhail made a deal with Texas to land veteran starting pitcher Kevin Millwood. He signed infielder Garrett Atkins and left-handed closer Mike Gonzalez, both free agents.
Millwood should have a positive impact on Jeremy Guthrie and other young pitchers on the Orioles' staff.
But the move that made headlines and raised eyebrows was bringing back Miguel Tejada for $6 million to play third base. Atkins will play first base.
Yes, that Miguel Tejada!
Tejada, who played in Baltimore from 2004-07 before being traded to Houston for five players, pleaded guilty to misleading Congress in 2005 and admitted he withheld information about a former teammate's use of performance-enhancing drugs when questioned by congressional investigators. He was sentenced to probation, 100 hours of community service and a $5,000 fine.
A little over six years ago Tejada, an All-Star shortstop, signed a six-year, $72 million contact with the Orioles, the richest deal in franchise history. In 2002 he was AL MVP with Oakland.
"We wanted somebody out there to help our young kids so they can begin to understand what it takes to compete and win at this level," MacPhail said. "The young guys have come up and handled themselves well and done a good job. Now, we need to show some collective progress, some progress as a team. We need to win more games and translate individual progress into meaningful wins for the franchise."
MacPhail added, "There's a lot of room for improvement and we cannot dwell on where we play, in the AL East."
Tampa Bay, with much lower revenues, a small payroll and quality young players, proved it can beat the Yankees and Red Sox, and play in the World Series.
"Our feeling is if they can do it, we can do it as well," he said. "Last year we showed progress of an individual nature, but moving forward as a team is what we have to do."
With manager Davey Johnson at the helm, a strong veteran lineup and solid pitching, it seemed the Orioles were poised for years of success in the late-1990s. Instead, Johnson left and those glory days were gone.
I asked Angelos on Monday what he thinks happened.
His answer was quick: "If you check the record, the first $10 million player occurred roughly after 1995-96. That's when the numbers [salaries] started getting out of line. And when a couple of teams decided they were going to buy their way into the World Series it became strictly a money game."
Angelos added the Orioles had great attendance, but "we didn't raise our ticket prices; we tried to keep them in the reach of the average consumer. We're in a market which requires that, so we cannot claim to be heroic."
He believes franchises such as the Orioles -- unable to generate huge revenues -- cannot remain competitive, or at least stay even with teams such as the Yankees and Red Sox.
"It's a question of how much money you can generate," he said. "Once in a while there is an exception to that rule, but it cannot be sustained year-to-year. It's an old story: How much money do you have? We're in that kind of economic system and those rules apply."
As an owner, Angelos feels there has to be a way for all the Major League teams to compete with each other.
"That's going to require probably some ingenious way of getting everyone to at least be close in the dollars they have available to pay the players they think they need to be competitive," he said.
Getting back to the current Orioles, Angelos said, "Andy is doing such a good job I don't think he needs any help from me. I'm delighted with the results he's getting."
MacPhail puts it this way: "Despite whatever inequities might exist our job is to make our team better. And we certainly had a lot of room to make our team better. We're going to make it as good as we can. That's all we can do."
Hal Bodley is the senior correspondent for MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.
I want Bradford so we can trade him for a player to be named never.
Roch,
Interesting tidbit I'd like to pass along: I'm flipping the channels today and Miguel Abreu is playing for Puerto Rico on MLB Network. But, Abreu isn't playing 2nd or SS, but starting in Left Field. Thought Id share that note with you.
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Thanks Max. The more positions he can play, the better. - Roch
Re: Redheads
Redheads are "good crazy" -- it's a by-product of manufacturing extra Vitamin D in your own body like a meth lab. And, fun fact for those who "prefer", redheads are actually mutant blondes. I refer all to Tom Robbins' (that's TOM) Still Life With Woodpecker for insight into "the problem of redheads" and our eternal war against imperialistic blondes. No chance that Brummie is a Gingerman.
Had to comment on Wigginton. I agree with those that would like for Wigginton to be traded for some minor league inventory. He plays every position poorly, goes after the first pitch and pops up too often, his power down and his average down around Izturis level, and looks like Cust running the bases. And for those that asked, yes I would rather a AAA call up for 2 weeks (or Andino ) filling in rather than Wigginton.
Wiggy clearly had a down year at the plate last year, especially against RHP where he had previously been very successful. In a sense, it's not fair to judge him entirely on last year. I'll quickly agree that having a guy willing to play anywhere and not complain about it is great.
That said, in 2006 Brandon Fahey played all over the field for us and his defensive contributions were actually good. He hit .235/.307/.307. Wigginton last year was .273/.314/.400 to pair with atrocious defense. On a single-year value comparison, there's not much difference. This isn't to say I want to see Fahey on our roster, it's just to say that 2009 Wiggy had preciously little value.
If we could get something for Wiggy in a trade, I'd do it. The fact that he can fill in for injured players matters little on our roster: he's well back on the OF depth chart, if we had an injury at 1B or 3B Atkins can play either corner and we've got a stockpile of other corner options (call up Bell, play Aubrey or any of the other 1B from AAA), and we're better off going with defense at SS or 2B if there's an injury (hence Andino). He doesn't currently add much to our roster.
I bet we get someone off the list that you gave us.
Whoever will come the CHEAPEST is who Indecisive Andy will sign.
And then tell everyone this is who we have been targeting all along.
Time for a new gig Andy!
You know, over the past 3 years I have found myself getting less and less excited about the start of the O's season. This year is no difference. I'm still going to go to Opening Day, like I always do, and I'm still going to buy my season tickets, like I always do, but I got to say that my heart is not 100% in it. I'm not a fair-weathered fan- just a girl whose team has disappointed her far too often.
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Good to hear from you. It's been a while. - Roch
Thanks Woelps. That article pretty much sums up three years of cream puff and bland statements from Dandy Andy. He did not say one conclusive or objective thing in that article. And as usual the media ate it right up.
"We certainly had a lot of room to make our team better. We're going to make it as good as we can. That's all we can do."
LOL
WE will remember this quote and be sure to use it in June when the team is already 20 games out of first place.
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Since you have such strong opinions about the media, please provide me with a link to one of your articles. I'd like to critique your work. I'll also need proof that you actually wrote it, of course. Just send along whatever you've got handy. Thanks. - Roch
Wiggy had a .990 fielding percentage over 700 innings last year, not bad. 4 errors at 3b. 4 at 1b.
Funny that everyone keeps bringing up Bradford, well, maybe Roch isn't amused. We all know now that he was traded for a stack of cash, but what many of you don't realize is the cash later found a better job working for Geico. Another former O makes it big.
I thought you were going to start blocking the idiots who say the exact same thing four times a thread.
Teixeira angered the baseball gods by ignoring the storyline we was supposed to be a part of. A down-on-its-luck franchise slowly rebuilding, rising to respectability.
As the team sees signs of a bright future a hometown boy becomes available, a proven player capable of filling two important needs for the team. The type of player around which the team's young position players can rally. The type of hitter needed to support the young pitching staff.
The gods allowed him a World Series ring but they will have their vengeance, they always do.
Teixeira is Roy Hobbs if he had taken the Judge's money.
http://www.bsudailynews.com/sports/baseball-bigbie-brings-big-league-experience-to-ball-state-hall-of-fame-1.2158434
BASEBALL: Bigbie brings big league experience to Ball State Hall of Fame
Former Oriole named in Mitchell Report, but proud of MLB career
Ken Francis...I don't view traded Bradford as a misstep. AM wisely traded his contract which was stupidly handed to him by Flanagan, along w/ Walker and Baez who all made alot of money here, but frankly did nothing to help the team improve. If AM could have he would have traded Walker and Baez also for PTBNL just to get rid of paying those stiffs.
jusbob and Brian...I'm also a Twigg guy. I know he's not the best defensive player, but for a guy off the bench he can provide a little pop. I wish he would have been given the 3b job last June, but squeaky wheel gets the grease. I expect him to have much better year, but if the O's are out of it in July I expect him to be traded.
B_O...I get the fact that you don't like AM, but frankly ever point of view from baseball fans, writers, broadcasters, etc. I've heard all winter, applaud the turnaround AM has lead.
Does AM have $200 million budget? NO, and he won't. He have a find another way to skin the cat.
I think YOU might be able to be GM with a $200 million budget (though I feel Cashman's done a poor job this season replacing Damon and Matsui...not a big Cashman fan). You and Jack are the exeptions, not the rule.
$200 Million Budget Baseball...anyone should be able to win with THAT advantage.
I couldn't believe that the Teixeira thing was being rehashed...until I remembered that it's Groundhog Day.
Roch:
Prediction. Brummie ignores your request and keeps spewing the negativity. If for some reason he actually supplies a legitimate example of his work, my apologies in advance.
Roch,
Brummie will provide something, it will be what Nestor writes because either he is Nestor or one of his disciples.
Woeples, Great article. I don't believe Angelos will admit he was the major problem with the Orioles the first 10 years, at least he finally saw the error of his ways and hired Andy MacPhail and for the most part, stayed out of his way. Steinbrenner did the same thing with the Yankees in the 80's then let his baseball people do their work in the 90's, though he still had a major part in the rebuilding. Angelos just doesn't have the same baseball knowledge. This franchise is heading in the right direction.
I am waiting for the mail to arrive (or maybe a another route..hint..hint..) for proof that Brummie was an ex-KGB agent, who once dressed in drag. True story.
Its one thing to accuse someone of cut and paste,though its easier to find a ex-KGB clown who blogs online.
I hope the young O's do not listen to Brummiiiiiiiiie regarding the coming season. They need to stay focus. Andy McPhail is following the traditon of what Hank Peters, Harry Dalton, Frank Cashen, and Roland Hemond did to make this franchise successful.
Oh Brummie....the mail will arrive soon.
The di**head isn't a journalist, won't provide any evidence of his "work", please ban the A**hole forever!
I don't understand why everyone gets mad at Brummie. I don't share in most of his opinions but someone needs to be critical of the front office. The biggest problem i have with all the moves that McPhail has made in free agency is that he hasn't taken any chances. He has only spent about 50 million on free agents the last three years. All of his moves have been "safe" and that's a great way to keep your job when your owner has no intent to spend money in free agency; after the past clowns in the front office blew money on bad deals. I do like that he has made some trades that were heavy in talent coming back compared to what he gave up. I'm interested to see what happens during next year's offseason. We have heard claims that the O's will spend when the time is right...they're on the clock.
Brummie keep it coming.
Roch-I love the forum to voice my opinion and see what the rest of the fans have to say. Thanks for keeping us well informed.
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You're welcome. Thanks. And there's nothing wrong with being critical of the front office. It's expected after 12 straight losing seasons. It's the constant insults that wear people down. - Roch
Brummie_Oriole said:
Roch: Is anyone from MASN in Miami for the Super Bowl? Seems like the kind of event you need to be at.
B_O,
Roch has recommended you do some research before posting idiotic comments. This one should is not excluded. Please do some research. And yes I know who from MASN is there.
I'd love to respond to the latest boorish whine from the boy-in-his-mommys-basement, but I'm currently in Berlin getting ready to go to a party that doesn't exist. *snicker*