Hendrickson, Mora and Scott
We should receive official word today that reliever Mark Hendrickson has re-signed, though he may choose to make the announcement at the next Oriole Advocates luncheon.
Hendrickson apparently has passed his physical. The MLB offices were closed over the weekend, which explains the delay.
Am I the only person around here who isn't getting all sentimental over Melvin Mora's departure?
Mora spent 10 seasons in Baltimore, including the second half of 2000 after coming here in the Mike Bordick trade - the only deadline deal worth mentioning that year.
He changed positions without complaint. He put up some impressive numbers and played solid defense at third.
He wanted to stay here despite the constant losing, making his home in Harford County and turning up at various local events while other players disappeared until FanFest.
He also had run-ins with managers Sam Perlozzo and Dave Trembley. Some teammates loved him, others rolled their eyes when day-to-day ailments turned into prolonged absences.
Mora was animated and emotional. And he was such a regular presence on the team that it will seem very strange to walk into the home clubhouse at the Sarasota complex later this month and not find him there, sitting with a group of Latin players - Oriole teammates and minor leaguers - and telling stories with wide-eyed expressions that left his friends doubled-over in laughter.
I wish him the best, but I don't need a hug.
Luke Scott said he started growing his beard around Christmas. He'll start shaving it by the time he reports to camp.
Calling into the Hot Stove Show on Friday, Scott said he stuck to his winter workout routine. You'll find him outdoors chopping wood, not inside a gym walking on a treadmill. And he's still taking his fish oil and cayenne pepper pills. If you own stock in Vitamin World, you owe Scott a dinner.
"I'm 31 years old, but if you put any 18 or 20 year old on a therapy table and check their range of motion of joints, ligaments and all that stuff, they couldn't hold a candle to me because I've invested in my body, I've invested in a personal trainer that's a physical therapist that keeps all my joints and my ligaments in proper working order," he said. "It's something I do on my own because this is my job, it's part of being a professional, it's part of getting the max out of what I can do."
Hitting coach Terry Crowley has speculated that Scott's brutal second-half slump intensified because he began pressing and tried too hard to pull out of it.
"Yes and no," Scott replied. "Being very analytical, and that's the type of person I am, it's a blessing, and it's also a curse. The blessing is the fact that I'm very driven, I take my job and my profession seriously. It's my heart's desire. This is the passion that God has given me in life, to play the game of baseball and give Him my best. Now, the downside of that is that, yeah, I can be my own worst enemy because I get over-analytical and try to figure things out.
"The truth is that slumps are a natural part of the game. I consider myself a very hard worker and I do struggle with that. I struggle with the failure part of it. You've got to handle success and you've got to handle failure in any aspect of life.
"I can't really say that because of that, I was in that slump for so long in the whole second half. I have to give credit where credit's due. I'm going against the best pitching in the world. They've done a good job. But the game of baseball is a feel game. If you feel good, you're going to play good. That's just the way it is. If you've got confidence and you're in the zone, you're on top of things. It's more mental than anything.
"I have not yet put my finger on it, exactly on what it is. I'm still trying to figure it out. But the one thing I can do is take care of what I have control over. I will be prepared for every game and I'll be in a position to be successful every time I step out on that baseball field."
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Categories (click for archive)Roch Kubatko | Roch Kubatko Orioles |
Melvin Mora = Good Riddance
Dude's got major potential if he could just learn to pull out of a slump. And obviously I'm not talking abot Mora : )
Being that my seats are on the third base line, I did get sentimental about Melvin. In so much, as it is always hard to say goodbye to someone who cared as much about the city as he did. However, I got all that sentimentality out at the end of last season and let it go. I'm looking FORWARD now, not back.
Luke Scott and Nick Markakis are perfect examples of why (in my personal preference) its a darn good thing that the team DOES have a strict policy in regards to facial hair. Otherwise the clubhouse would look like the set of a Geico commercial. "It's so easy ... an Oriole player could do it."
I just heard the O's signed 3 out of Mora's 22 kids to futures contracts.
I love Mora; he was one of my favorite players. He wasn't perfect (nobody is) but he was passionate, loved the game, the O's and was the best of the O's for the 2000's. Had it not been such a difficult decade, I think Mora would be viewed much differently by Orioles fans.
Mora obviously made some outstanding contributions to the club, but as his performance slid, so did his attitude; that's cancerous.
Hopefully Luke can have a steadier performance throughout this season. His highs are wonderful, but his lows are painful.
His attitude is outstanding, and I believe him to be his own worst critic. As Huff stated. . ."See ball. Hit ball."
Sometimes the simplest approach may be the best, especially when trying to clear your head from over analysis.
I'm not sentimental over Mora. I'm glad somebody rolled the dice on him; I feel $2 million is a fair price considering he had 100 RBI just two years ago in '08. But he wasn't a right fit for the 2010 Orioles so I'm glad he gets that shot somewhere else (and especially in the NL where he can be used as a pinch hitter/defensive replacement on a daily basis).
I feel like Luke Scott is a great interview.
Is it just me or a sign of the times that when I start hearing about fish oils, vitamins, and personal on-staff therapists, etc..... I go right to bad thoughts. I don't want to implicate Luke Scott, and I do not believe he is cheating. I've heard the same story for the last 12 years about findng out a better way to stay in shape, 98% it ends the same way.
Re-reading my post it still sounds like I am implicating Luke......I am not. But my thoughts are evil.
I am a Melvin Mora Fan. He was a good player during his time in Baltimore. While his skills have fallen, he should be a decent player for the Rockies. He has served as an All Star for the O's and a decent community guy. Gosh how many good players argued with their managers over the years. That blow up with Trembley, while not good, should not define the man who played here for 10 years.
The man who replaces Mora at third (Tejada) sure has big shoes to fill. Mora's defense at third was above average. Beyond Cal and Melvin the Orioles had a horrible time finding a decent third baseman for years after Brooks and DeCines. I enjoyed watching him play here and I wish him luck out in Colorado.
Thank you Roch thank you for all the snow. Down here in south east VA. home of the Tides we get very little snow. Right now we are socked in. I'm like you ;mother nature put it there,let her take it away.
i've noticed some posters telling how long they have been fans of the Os.In 1944 when the old oriole park burned to the ground thanks to wooden plank seats and tons of peanut shells and a smoldering cigarette. I was 4yo and thats when I found out the Orioles existed(int. league)Since then i have been a fan even though I ended up down here thanks to a rich uncle with lots of yachts.I then spent 20 years in Uncle Sams Navy and then settled here.
I remember all the big names that came through and some of the busts but my memory is fading. to save anyone interested some mental math i was 75yo on Jan 25th
keep up the good work you are the only blog in town GOD bless
PS go have some sardines
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Happy belated birthday, Grant. And God bless. - Roch
Roch,
Very good interview with Scott!
Now to Mora...Good Riddence! He was a whiner and most of all, you dont call the manager out in public! We got rid of one cancer and now had another one return in Tejada!
About 3 years ago, I sat in a barber chair and was fortunate to be next to someone who had insight in the Orioles clubhouse. He said the clubouse was split with Latino on one side and American players on the other side before and after the games. Wanna take two guesses who he contributed the divide too?
Tejada and Milwood will be All Star break trades. By that time they will be malcontents and trade bait from a team looking up in the standings.
Melvin was a good player for the O's & is a good dude for the most part. The guy is a role player in an ideal situation. It was time for him to go. Best of luck....
I really don't see what the big deal is about having beards. Is it more professional to not have facial hair? Dudes with beards just seem more normal and easy going to me. Sure, Nick's was a little out of control at fanfest, but I'm sure a more modest beard wouldn't be a terrible look for him.
Morning Roch, Can't wait to hear who gets released for Hendrickson.....hope it is not another surprise like Sarfate.....Mora...I liked him too.....he was good but the part of his ways that kind rubbed people a litle wrong I will not miss.....overall...the guy was great...I would take him again for 10 more years if he was 25.....Scott....he puzzles me...I guess just a guy that thinks to much when things go wrong...it would be great if he ever got a whole year like the first half last year...he would the league MVP....never know..maybe he will...that would be great to have happen this year. Stay warm..raining here in FL and 60ish.
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Armando Gabino will be removed from the 40-man. - Roch
As for Mora, it is sad to see him go. He was a good player who unfortunately had to play on mediocre teams his entire MLB career. But, that's the way it is with most athletes in any professional sport. Hopefully the organization will honor him in some way in the coming years and accept him back into the Oriole community. Srre, he butted heads with the managers, but the dude just wanted to play, and he thought he was a better player than Wiggington, which may have been true, especially defensively.
I still say the O's need a few more guys with his attitude & work ethic.
Basically we traded Mora for Atkins, now we'll see how that works. I have mixed emotions on Mora. He had a few "Pie" moments in the field & @ bat the last 2 years. As a vet, I didn't understand those. Basically, it was time....
Easy call... Hernandez stays as a middle man & does the McGregor/Flanagan/Stewart approach, Berken goes back to AAA.
Chuck said:
I really don't see what the big deal is about having beards. Is it more professional to not have facial hair?
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I got two words for you... Captain Caveman.
Roch,
Thanks for getting us all through the slowest baseball month of the year. In October we have the end of the season and the playoffs. In November we have the October Classic. In December we have the winter meetings. February brings reporting day to spring training. But in January...just a bit of free agent movement and arbitration number swapping.
Through your dilligence, creativity, and humor, you treated us to no less than 78 posts for the month. Thank you. That's why you're the "hardest workin' man in" the blogosphere.
But you do have some competition. In your 78 entries, Brummie has made a grand total of 101 posts! (I was waiting on pins and needles yesterday to see if triple digits would be reached. Yea!) Of these 100 posts, 67 were snide or sarcastic about our General Manager specifically or about the front office in general. (I know, it seemed like more.) Thirty of his posts either contained the phrase "Budget Baseball" or in some other way slammed the front office and ownership about finances. (I know, it seemed like more.) Twenty-three times Brummie was critical of players using some sort of personal slam on their name, status or stature. (I know, it seemed like more.) In ten posts Brummie was rude to other posters, usually in response to some personal attack from them. (He has ignored way more attacks than he has responded to.) A full 83 of his posts were in the last twenty days of the month after Brummie wrote this. "I love to engage Yes Fans on here, but often I have very limited time." January 11, 2010 7:50 PM (EST)
And lastly and most importantly, Brummie had nine posts that could at least be interpreted as being positive, or at least non-sarcastic (I know, it didn't seem like that many).
By the way, different people could come up with slightly different numbers. I have made the count multiple times at different times of the day, in different moods and have come up with different numbers. So plaese understand all numbers are subject to review and interpretation.
Now that the slowest month is over, I will end my Brummie watch, never to be repeated.
Roch,
Though I get annoyed with your patience with his ilk, I am even more impacted by your continuing and unabiding support for a free exchange of ideas.
I can't wait for the day pitchers and catchers report! Go O's!
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Thanks. And that's the most impressive research I've seen in a long time. - Roch
Once we see the void that is left at third I think we will miss Mora.
It's hard to say Mora was wrong butting heads with the managers. It's not like those managers ever won anything in their time here, including the current regime. Some decisions the coaching staff made last year were deplorable. I guess you could use the excuse they were trying things out for the future, but maybe he was right in some of those instances.
Oddly enough there was this guy named Palmer that didn't get along with his manager. History seems to treat him just fine. There was also this surly guy named Eddie Murray who was a bit of an a double s that the fans seems to hold in high asteem.
Furthermore there was this guy named Tejada that couldn't wait to get traded did't runhard down to first and refused to field anything hit in his general direction. He had a poor attitude and the fans were clamoring to get rid of him. Checking my roster... looks like he will be replacing Mora at third this year.
At least with Mora you got a guy that was good in the community, never stopped playing defense. His bat may have been hot and cold at times, but in a post that also includes Luke Scott, Mora is the model of consistancy in comparison.
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You could also make the argument that Mora never won anything while he was here, but I understand your point. - Roch
"Jboss Salisbury, MD said:
I just heard the O's signed 3 out of Mora's 22 kids to futures contracts.
February 1, 2010 9:26 AM"
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I DON'T LIKE THIS KIND OF TALK ABOUT MELVIN'S CHILDREN..KEEP THEM OUT OF THE TOPIC. Melvin Mora is a good man..If you want to talk about his playing on the field that's great, but NOT HIS FAMILY.
MelvIn was the only active O's to attend Elrod Hendricks funeral. He is also a great humanitarian. WHAT ARE YOU JBOSS OF SALISBURY?
I think Mora's moving on is a sign of change for the Orioles. A good one at that. Ever since he's been here the team has lost and he seamed Ok with that. I'm sure he wanted to win but he did seam content to lose as well. It's good for both sides.
Luke Scott could be that big bat we were looking for. He's beginning to grow on me more and more. DH ing but just be his thing.
Mark C.,
It is time for me to fulfill my promise to you. I hope yu don't greatly mind my addition to the pledge. It's just not in my nature to totally give up on another human being.
"I, PV, wishing to reduce the high percentage of irritating and annoying troll posts, and knowing that any and all responses to trolls only results in more troll postings and therefore more irritation to all the other students here in the School of Roch, pledge to refrain from any response to the trolls, forever, no matter how tempting it may be to smite them with the truth or to remind them of their social and mental shortcomings", EXCEPTING THOSE POSTS THAT ARE NOT SARCASTIC, DERISIVE, OR IN SOME OTHER WAY INSULTING AND THAT MAKE A LEGITIMATE POINT ABOUT THE SUBJECT OF BASEBALL IN GENERAL OR THE ORIOLES SPECIFICALLY, WHICH MAY BE RESPONDED TO IN KIND.
Good wishes to Melvin. To borrow a phrase from Roch and unkown Irish folk from county Kildare, Gabino, "we hardly knew ye". Here's to hoping Hendrickson is in the pen all year long, and a Luke Scott who is as consistent as he is individualistic.
That is a pretty cold stance from a guy who seems to have a lot of compassion for most of the players. Mora's been great to watch. It wouldn't surprise me to see him put up big numbers in Colorado this year. Following in Tejada's footsteps, we'll resign him in 2011 as our utility man.
I'm not saying Mora's public complaining was appropriate, but the guy has seemed like one of our best, most invested players for ten years. How many other guys can you say that about in Orioles history?
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I don't see how it's cold. I wish him the very best. I just don't see this as an overly emotional parting. Maybe that comes from my time spent in the clubhouse and around team officials. Don't you find it interesting that the Orioles could have re-signed Mora at a much cheaper rate, but instead chose to sign Tejada for $6 million? But I'm glad so many fans have warm feelings for him. Again, I wish him the very best. - Roch
I'm sure Luke does over-analyze and press, and it can make him streaky. But the intense criticism for his streakiness is unfair, in my book. His final numbers at the end of each season are very solid. For comparison, consider another Oriole who was probably guilty of over-analyzing and take a gander at his stats for 1990, 1991, and 1992. Cal struggled in 1990 and 1992, sandwiched around one of the greatest seasons of all time by any ballplayer. I'm glad we didn't trade him for being streaky.
Melvin is a good pickup for the Rockies. Melvin is a great guy, has quintuplets for kids, makes spectacular plays at 3B & is a fun guy to watch who carries a big smile.
I'm really thankful Mora could find another home, and what better place than Coors Field. He is a clutch guy that did have 104 RBI 1 season ago. This is a nice pickup for the Rockies because they too are a young team that needs quality veteran guys, and I think overall a nice swap for both the O's and Rockies.
Atkins and Mora both need a change of scenery but they have tremendous talent.
To all the Mora haters... whats your problem? the guy came here and has played his heart out for the o's and gave us everything he had and then some. I personally always loved Mora and will miss him. Doesnt he own the club record in batting average in a season? not sure, but anyways the best of look to Mora.
"Am I the only person around here who isn't getting all sentimental over Melvin Mora's departure?"
-Mora looked really sad too... Oh wait, he always did :-)
Point taken. There's a lot going on that you don't see on television. Melvin did something to convince MacPhail we were better off without him, and as far as making the team better, I trust MacPhail.
Still, two years ago it would have been hard to picture Tejada having less baggage than Melvin.
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I couldn't agree more with that last line. Melvin isn't a bad guy. I hope I didn't paint that picture. It was just the right time to move on. And as another reader pointed out, I'm sure he'd be remembered more fondly if the team had won during his tenure. - Roch
I wish Melvin Mora well. It amazes me all the animosity towards him. The guy was nothing but class during his entire tenure with the Orioles, in spite of their yanking him all over the field. He came here as a shortstop; played left, right, second and third also and he never complained one bit. Then he has the brief incident with Trembley talking about no respect and all of a sudden he's public enemy number one? Doesn't make any sense. The irony of it all is, after his tirade about playing time with Trembley, he now is a utility player for Colorado. I wish him well and hope he puts up great numbers for the Rockies. I also wish his entire family good health and happiness too. To those who say good riddance to Mora, there are many many players in all of sports who deserve fan wrath. Melvin Mora sure isn't one of them.
I liked Melvin but I don't think he was a smart player the way he carried on about being pulled from the lineup, etc., saying he was an All-Star, etc. I don't think he meant to be, but he became a cancer of sorts (not because he was a bad person, but because he spoke before he thought about what he was actually saying). He had the chance to possibly remain w/the organization long past his playing days, but I don't think that will happen now. Good luck to him though!
Sorry if I offended anyone, I was trying to make a joke. I meant no maliciousness with my statement. Besides, I liked Mora as an O if his family then I hope his kids may one day become O's. That's all.
MelvIn was the only active O's to attend Elrod Hendricks funeral. He is also a great humanitarian. WHAT ARE YOU JBOSS OF SALISBURY?
February 1, 2010 10:39 AM
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I think the lack of attendance had a more dubious reason....
I think that we all tend to forget that Melvin got paid lots of $$$$$$ for his services to the Orioles. Therefore, he never should have complained to begin with. He's the one who, in the end, decided to sign the contract to play here.
In my very humble opinion, if the club needed him to play short, left, or second, he had no reason to complain.....that's what he was getting paid to do.
In the real world, if I would complain to my Board of Directors about not getting respect, they would very nicely remind me that there are many classically trained and highly experienced Chefs just like me who are currently unemployed...well you get the drift.
I often wonder if guys like Mora, with all his complaining last year, could actually survive in the real working world. Maybe individuals like him should shut up and be thankful for what talent they have.
Hi Roch -
I for one would love to hear the Hotstove show, but Fridays at 8pm doesn't really work for me. So - can you either get the radio station to do it at another time that works better for me (feel free to have them call for a list of times), or, failing that, podcasting? Yeah, now that I think about it, podcasting would be a better way to go.
As for MelMo - he was good for a while, then he really wasn't, and from the outside, it seemed like he didn't understand that his skills were on the downslide. Best of luck to him, but yeah, no tears here either.
Is it really 17 days to Roch in Florida? Already picked up the Sporting News Baseball preview, btw.
- Chris
Roch,
I knew Markakis had a beard thats thick enough that one wouldn't be surprised if a bird popped its head out of it, but I was unaware that Scott was growing one as well.
I'm sure you care less than Miguel did about what his new jersey # would be....
but what is your position on the rule that prohibits Orioles from having facial hair?
Thanks
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I think they're grown men and should be able to sport a beard or mustache that extends below the corners of their mouths. - Roch
Nice to hear about Scott. Maybe he can invest in a brain so he can learn how to ACTUALLY produce on a regular basis!
I'd still trade this guy in a heartbeat, but the O's are stuck with him, so let's hope for the best but expect another mediocre year.
Ummm, does anyone remember the "Pay the Man" campaign that partially took place on this blog? Mora may have been the best player we traded for pre-MacPhail. The last years may have been rougher, but still, if you look at his entire stint with the Orioles, he was amazingly reliable for many years.
Does Mora get voted into the Orioles Hall of Fame when his playing days are over?
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I'd say there's a good chance. - Roch
I don't know why so many people are down on Melmo. He contributed a lot over the years, and the fact that his batting skills were declining wasn't something he did purposely. Good luck to him in CO. He's going to miss his family!
On another note, check out this article in SI.com. I know B-O, Paul (Jack), and the other Trolls will say that Ben Reiter is drinking Kool-Aid:
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/ben_reiter/02/01/baltimore.orioles/index.html?eref=sircrc
Grant in Tidewater said:
i've noticed some posters telling how long they have been fans of the Os.In 1944 when the old oriole park burned to the ground thanks to wooden plank seats and tons of peanut shells and a smoldering cigarette. I was 4yo and thats when I found out the Orioles existed(int. league.
to save anyone interested some mental math i was 75yo on Jan 25th
GRANT.....Or anyone else,...What was the location of the old park ?.......ALSO, I Have some great news for you....If you were 4 yrs. old in 1944 you are not 75 yet !!!! .....HAPPY DAYS ARE HERE AGAIN
Roch
Some press in si
Orioles five-step plan should start to bear fruit in 2010
How can a club compete when it has the misfortune of playing in a division that also includes the two highest-revenue clubs in Major League Baseball? The answer for the Baltimore Orioles, for the past dozen seasons anyway, has been: It can't. Since 1997, when the Orioles won the American League East before losing a six game ALCS to the Cleveland Indians, they have endured 12 consecutive sub-.500 seasons, and have just once finished better than fourth in the division -- never once winning more games in a year than did the Yankees or the Red Sox.
Never in those 12 years did the Orioles lose more games than the 98 they dropped in 2009. There is, however, a gleaming lining to last season's finish, and that is that the Orioles, for the first time in recent memory, are now nothing less than a franchise on the rise, and one with a legitimate plan that should allow it not just to compete, but to contend. That plan has been in place ever since Andy MacPhail became the club's president in June 2007, and this -- MacPhail's third full season -- is when it should start to bear real fruit.
The plan looks something like the one that the Tampa Bay Rays used two years ago rapidly progress from a team that had never before lost fewer than 21 games more than it had won to one that is now among the league's elite. It might, however, even more closely resemble that of the Colorado Rockies, who have made the playoffs in two of the past three seasons despite a payroll that remains deep within baseball's lower half, and it consists of perhaps five central elements:
1) Trade mature assets at their peak value
In November 2008, the Rockies traded Matt Holliday to the A's for a package of players that included outfielder Carlos Gonzalez and closer Huston Street. Holliday was the Rockies' best offensive player, yes, but he was due to become a free agent this past winter, and the Rockies knew that they would never be able to afford his price tag (he ultimately re-signed with the Cardinals, to whom the A's dealt him last July, for seven years and $120 million). Street saved 35 games for the Rockies, but perhaps just as integral to their run to the wild card was Gonzalez, a five-tool 22-year-old who in half a season in the big league posted an OPS of .878, and then hit .588 in the NLDS. Gonzalez will be under the Rockies' control, at a sub-market wage, for at least four more seasons.
Two winters ago, the Orioles' best starting pitcher, Erik Bedard, was coming off a year in which he finished fifth in the AL Cy Young voting, and might well have won the award had he not missed the season's final six weeks. Bedard was due to become a free agent in two seasons -- two seasons during which the Orioles couldn't reasonably expect to contend, and in which they knew that Bedard's value couldn't become much higher than it was then. So they traded him, as the Rockies might have done, to the Mariners, for a package of four prospects -- centerfielder Adam Jones and pitchers Chris Tillman, Kam Mickolio and Tony Butler -- and reliever George Sherrill. Then, this past July, after Sherrill had become a top-flight relief pitcher (particularly against left-handed hitters) and had saved 51 games for them in a season and a half, they traded him to the Dodgers for a pair of prospects, third baseman Josh Bell and pitcher Steve Johnson.
Trading Bedard at the height of his value, therefore, netted them a player who last season became an All-Star at the age of 23 (Jones); a future No. 2 starter who had a 2.70 ERA in 18 starts with Triple-A Bowie last year before wetting his beak in the majors at the end of the season (Tillman); a 23-year-old power hitter who is considered to be among the game's top several dozen prospects (Bell); and a trio of other prospects, any of whom could become an effective reliever on a playoff-caliber club. Best of all, each of those players will be under Orioles control for years to come.
Most trades don't work out nearly as well as the Bedard deal did, but that single transaction provided a springboard for the Orioles' burgeoning renaissance. Sources say that the Orioles might re-sign Bedard (who struggled through two injury-plagued seasons in Seattle, and won't get anywhere near the free agent dollars he and the club could have expected he might two years ago) this offseason, which would make the trade all the more impressive.
2) Draft well
Easier said, of course, than done, but the Orioles' scouts appear to have hit on more than their share of draft picks in recent years, as have those of the Rockies, whose opening day lineup in '09 consisted solely of players that they had developed. Matt Wieters, whom Baltimore picked fifth overall in 2007, did nothing in his four months in the big leagues last season (he hit .288 with a .753 OPS) to suggest that he won't soon be one of the league's top three catchers. But behind him in the system are a number of Orioles-drafted prospects who are universally agreed to rank in the game's top 100, and who will be under Orioles control, if they so choose, for years. Included among them are a number of pitchers who should soon shore up what was in 2009 baseball's worst staff: 22-year old lefty Brian Matusz, who was picked fifth overall in '08 and showed flashes of brilliance in eight big league starts in '09; 23-year-old righty Jake Arrieta, a fifth-round pick in '07; 22-year-old lefty Zach Britton, a third-rounder in '06; and 22-year-old Brandon Erbe, a third-rounder in '05. Outfielder Nolan Reimold -- a second-rounder in '05 who led AL rookies with 15 home runs last season -- and first baseman Brandon Snyder, the club's first round pick that year, also appear as if they'll become above-average major leaguers.
3) Sign selected young players to long-term deals
In January 2008, the Rockies signed shortstop Troy Tulowitzki, who had just finished second in NL Rookie of the Year voting, to a six year, $31 million extension that includes a club option for 2014. It was the largest deal ever for a player with less than two years of major league service time, but it also ensured that the Rockies would control the player that they felt sure would be their club's centerpiece well past the time that he would have become eligible for free agency. Tulowitzki hit 32 home runs in 2009 and had a .930 OPS -- the National League's tenth-best -- and his deal suddenly looks to be a bargain.
Similarly, in January 2009, the Orioles signed outfielder Nick Markakis to a six-year deal -- for $66 million -- with an additional club option that will keep him under their control well past his potential free agency eligibility. Markakis had something of an off year in '09 (his offensive statistics slightly declined in nearly every category), but his club does not regret his contract; he will, they deeply believe, be their bellwether for years, far longer than if they'd extended him on a year-to-year basis. It's a risk, but one that teams like the Rockies and Orioles must take, to keep players like Tulowitzki and Markakis out of the hands of free agent-gobblers like the Red Sox and Yankees.
4) Be active, but not too active, in free agency
The Orioles have spent some money this winter, committing $22.5 million to a trio of free agents in third baseman Miguel Tejada, first baseman Garrett Atkins and closer Mike Gonzalez. But Gonzalez's contract spans only two years, and Tejada's and Atkins's just one apiece. The idea here is to bring aboard players who will contribute immediately at the major league level, but who won't financially hamstring the club in the long term (should their production decline), and who won't block cheaper, and potentially better, alternatives who are nearly ready in the minors. The hope is that Tejada and Atkins will serve as place-warmers until Bell and Snyder are ready, and that Gonzalez will function similarly, under the assumption that one of the Orioles' many relief prospects will develop into an equivalent closer.
The Rockies, similarly, have recently signed a number of veteran free agents this winter -- reliever Rafael Betancourt, first baseman Jason Giambi and catcher Miguel Olivo -- but they haven't given a free agent anything more extensive than a two-year deal for years, after learning their lesson in 2001, when they were burned by deeply disappointing signings Mike Hampton (eight years, $121 million) and Denny Neagle (five years, $51 million).
5) When you do reach contention, use the dollars you've saved for a major piece that might put you over the top
This is a step that the Rockies, who play in the NL West, have yet to have to take in order to contend. The Orioles, as a member of the AL East, will at some point likely have to sign one or two of those expensive, long-term free agents -- who, if his performance regresses could potentially derail years of progress -- in order to challenge the Yankees and Red Sox (and now the Rays, whose plan is a few years farther along than theirs). Sources say the club has the wherewithal to make such signings, particularly if they continue to receive performances from their younger players that far exceed those players' contracts.
Timing, however, will be everything. A .500 season in 2010 -- a potentially reachable goal for the club, even in their stacked division, and one that would represent a 17-win improvement from '09 -- could lead MacPhail and his front office to gamble next winter on a member of the virtual All-Star team of players who could then be free agents (Joe Mauer, Cliff Lee, Brandon Webb, Carl Crawford, Jayson Werth, Victor Martinez, and so on).
If, however, the Orioles disappoint this season, then MacPhail will continue on with his Rockies-inspired plan -- trading expiring assets for future stars, drafting intelligently, locking up his young stars, selectively adding veterans -- until it is time to strike. Even though the Orioles play in the AL East, that day, it now seems clear, will be sooner -- as soon as 2011 -- than later.
Roch,
Do you think Luke and Nick show up at Fanfest with the crazy-thick beards in protest to the Orioles stance on facial hair?
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No. I think it's just their winter look. Markakis goes hunting, Scott chops down trees. - Roch
PV said:
Roch,
...In your 78 entries, Brummie has made a grand total of 101 posts! (I was waiting on pins and needles yesterday to see if triple digits would be reached. Yea!) Of these 100 posts, 67 were snide or sarcastic about our General Manager specifically or about the front office in general. (I know, it seemed like more.) Thirty of his posts either contained the phrase "Budget Baseball" or in some other way slammed the front office and ownership about finances. (I know, it seemed like more.) Twenty-three times Brummie was critical of players using some sort of personal slam on their name, status or stature. (I know, it seemed like more.) In ten posts Brummie was rude to other posters, usually in response to some personal attack from them. (He has ignored way more attacks than he has responded to.) A full 83 of his posts were in the last twenty days of the month after Brummie wrote this....
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Thanks. And that's the most impressive research I've seen in a long time. - Roch
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And some of the most frightening research. LOL
I liked Mora but i'm with you Roch...I dont need a hug that he is gone. That has become a part of the business, people come and people go. Speaking of going......I like Luke Scott but I still feel that there are some better hitters available to us...one of which being Carlos Delgado that can fill the DH slot better. I know Macphail isnt interested but after his second half collapse, I just dont see Luke as being a contributor all season and the fact that the Orioles seem to go on a second half swoon year in and year out makes me think that he's not a good match for the club. I think this speaks a lot about our coaching staff as well but I dont want to put them on the chopping block before the season even starts.............
Did anyone may any reference to Rocky IV's training montage when scott was talking about chopping down trees to get ready for the season. I can just picture him on the top of a mountain doing the Rocky jump and scream!
I just hear eye of the tiger when I read about his off season training!
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I think about that movie every time Scott talks about his off-season. - Roch
Does it seem like Mora was much more willing to be a utility player once he left the Orioles? I think if he had stayed and the Orioles made him a utility player here, he wouldn't have been happy.
I always liked Melvin, but about a year ago I remember someone here (perhaps Roch) mentioning that what the Orioles needed was a change of attitude. It seemed that losing was accepted and the team just comfortably settled into it each year. As I look back over the last 12 years, there's been one common denominator throughout 10 of them and that is Mora. Is it conceiveable that Mora may have been the cause of this malaise that seemed to affect the entire team.
I don't know him, have never met him and only know what I see on the field or read, but it seems that perhaps this is a good time to part ways.
My three or four main beefs with Mora became as evident and sudden as a mushroom cloud three seasons ago. Until then, he appeared to be a model player and teammate.
But very quickly, he appeared to run through stop signs — whoever was coaching third — and would often get thrown out at the plate by 10-plus feet. He also appeared to “think out of the box” while at the plate too much to try to surprise the defense (and also, apparently, his own unsuspecting teammates on the basepaths) such as trying a bunt with two outs.
But my main problem with him — and I think it was a contributor (besides the Sosa sideshow) as to why Tejada, one of his best friends on the team, I think, wanted out of town so much in 2006 — was how much he seemed to pout and mope. He called out managers for their decisions. For someone who claimed to want to offer so much to younger players, these are the LAST things they need to be exposed to.
Thanks, Roch. Keep up the good work.
"5) When you do reach contention, use the dollars you've saved for a major piece that might put you over the top. This is a step that the Rockies, who play in the NL West, have yet to have to take in order to contend. The Orioles, as a member of the AL East, will at some point likely have to sign one or two of those expensive, long-term free agents -- who, if his performance regresses could potentially derail years of progress -- in order to challenge the Yankees and Red Sox (and now the Rays, whose plan is a few years farther along than theirs). Sources say the club has the wherewithal to make such signings, particularly if they continue to receive performances from their younger players that far exceed those players' contracts.
Timing, however, will be everything. A .500 season in 2010 -- a potentially reachable goal for the club, even in their stacked division, and one that would represent a 17-win improvement from '09 -- could lead MacPhail and his front office to gamble next winter on a member of the virtual All-Star team of players who could then be free agents (Joe Mauer, Cliff Lee, Brandon Webb, Carl Crawford, Jayson Werth, Victor Martinez, and so on)."
___________________________________________
I was on board with much of the article but this final piece becomes extremely speculative and the author admits that the Rockies who actually DID make the playoffs aren't willing to make that final leap to obtain the big bat. Additionally, he makes the mistake of assuming that group of All-Star free agents will remain unsigned before FA begins. I am also why signing one non-performing FA "derails years of progress." Sure it will cost some money and the O's need to spend wisely, but why start catastrophizing? Why exactly did the Albert Belle signing have such an impact? Because the O's front office let it. His contract was largely insured from my understanding. The psychological impact that injury had on ownership is befuddling. It leads me to view it as more of an excuse than anything else. I see no reason why it should hinder MacPhail moving forward.
BaltJohn,
My copy of "Birds on the Wing" by Gordon Beard says Greenmount & 29th was the location of Oriole Park. It burned in the early morning hours of July 4th 1944.
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Steve & everyone else,
"Birds on the Wing" is an excellent book chronicling the 1966 season, I highly recommend it.
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Baldy
Roch, after listening to your Luke Scott interview on Fri night about his training in the outdoors I was kind of puzzled later when I read the story by Doug mMiller . This was on the Oriole home page about major leaguers(Madden,Eckstein,scott, etc) during the off season. Luke said that he spent most of his time overseeing the building of a house in Florida and only 10 days in the woods,My impressions of the 2 stories left me doubting how serious 10 days of training early on would prepare you for the season. might leave a good impression if you don't see them both but a big ? mark popped up for me. did any one happen to see this?
I think it is totally unprofessional to have players coming to fanfest looking like cavemen!
And for the people that disagree, would you want your daughter to come home with something looking like that?
Brummie_Oriole said:
Nice to hear about Scott. Maybe he can invest in a brain so he can learn how to ACTUALLY produce on a regular basis!
I'd still trade this guy in a heartbeat, but the O's are stuck with him, so let's hope for the best but expect another mediocre year.
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Gee, Brummie, another shot at an Oriole? How original of you!
"Stewie: [Laughs] Oh, gosh! That's funny. That's really funny. Do you write your own material? Do you? Because that is so fresh. "You are the weakest link. Good-bye!" You know, I've never heard anyone make that joke before. You're the first. I've never heard anyone reference that outside the program before. Because, that's what she says on the show, right? "You are the weakest link. Good-bye!" And yet, you've taken that and used it out of context to insult me in this everyday situation. God, what a clever, smart girl you must be, to come up with that joke all by yourself. That's so fresh, too. Any Titanic jokes, you want to throw at me, as long as we're hitting these phenomena at the height of their popularity? Because I'm here. God, you're so funny."
I wish Brummie would sign with the Colorado Rockies blog and we could see if we missed him here.
I'm still dreaming of an "Ignore" button.....
Roch,
Could you give us any information you have about the O's broadcast schedule for spring training? Right now there are no games scheduled for broadcast on TV or radio.
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They haven't released the schedule, so I don't have any information. I'll pass it along once it's announced, and I'm sure it'll be posted on the home page. - Roch
Ive never been that big of a Melvin Mora fan and I think its was absolutely insane and underlined if not put in big bold print why Mike Flannagan has nothing to do with the day to day operations of the Orioles given a 35/36 yr old player who is on the decline an extension. I think Mora had an identity problem, he thought he was better than he was at times and him questioning when he played and why really rubbed me the wrong way because he was GOD awful last year with the bat.
Im tired of this well hes a good guy thing. Good guys are great and all but they finish last and thats what the Os have been for the most part a last place team and whether its fair or not Melvin Mora never was apart of a team that even reached 500 at least as an Oriole and isnt that in the least coincedental? Could it be that his attitude wasnt as great as it seemed and it kept potential players from signing here?
And as far as Luke Scott goes he falls into that good guy category as well.
Jboss Salisbury,you are forgiven....
All you Brummie fans out and detractors out there..ATTENTION!! I throught I reconized him....mmmmmmmm? Brummie was a former KGB agent with the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), and now he is the janitor (not that anyhting is wrong with being a janitor) at Best Buys in Arundel Mills Mall.
Yes..I believe Melvin Mora will be inducted into the Orioles Hall-of-Fame!
Brooks Robinson and Doug Decinces are the only other two 3rd basemen in O's history, who ever held down the position better than Mora. I like all three.
Roch....are the Orioles satisfied with the off season or do you think there is another piece of the puzzle they are pursuing...your gut feeling?
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Another left-handed reliever, probably a minor league deal. And Bedard is still in play. - Roch
Scott is indeed analytical, but every interview he gives drips with solipsism. You'd think he was the only hitter in major league baseball. What about all of the other players who face these amazing pitchers and don't slump like this? I can tell Scott means well, but so much of his philosophy and opinions comes from an incredibly self-centered point of view.
As for Mora, he overstayed his welcome by a season and a half. I was all for the big contract Angelos gave him, but the truth is he didn't live up to it. All of his best performances came before he signed. I wish him well, though. He gave the Orioles and greater Baltimore quite a lot over the years.
Omazing --
While I am no particular authority, I still like:
Reimold: "the Natural" (not only from seeing him play, but also because is name is "Nolan Ryan" combined with "mold" -- that's Natural)
Bergy: Bergy is "the Bank". Put your money there.
Jones: I've always liked "the Truth", but Ma Bradley claims Jonesy is more "accurate". And OCJ will always use "Bazooka" proudly.
Matusz and Wieters have not only original, but to me "powerful" names that inspire fear as is (I'm certainly projecting a bit here) and I would love if they went by their own intimidating names.
Re: Beards
I have nothing against a nice young man with a big beard dating my daughter (if I had one) if his other qualities were respectable/admirable. Where is it written that having a beard is some sort of sign of evil? I would not be opposed in theory to a daughter dating a woman with a huge beard, but that usually indicates carney, and I AM opposed to a duaghter of mine dating carneys.
Sorry to see Mora's game fade the last couple of years so that it was time for a change. I remember sitting at a bar at a local restaraunt in Ft Lauderdale with an Os shirt on about 4 yrs back. Melvin comes in and sits down two seats away. I recognize him but didn't say anything because I didn't want to invade his space while he was out eating. A few minutes later he sees my shirt and acknowledges me as an Os fan. I tell him I came down to spring training to see the Os, and yes I recognized him but didn't want to bug him. He speaks w/me and thanks me for coming down there to root for the Os and says that I shouldn't have felt that way about speaking to him. That's what I'll remember about him. Good luck in Colorado Melvin.
FYI -- I modified my name because I just learned there is a "bumblebee" in Japan, and he has valuable footage, too.
Here's my response to Paul:
Paul said:
I think it is totally unprofessional to have players coming to fanfest looking like cavemen!
And for the people that disagree, would you want your daughter to come home with something looking like that?
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I didn't realize fanfest was supposed to be a pick-up joint. There is absolutely no connection whatsoever to your analogy.
PV: WOW. 101 Posts in January? And that's not counting the ones Roch deleted!!!
Well here is number three for February. LOL
Until this Front Office changes its tune, I will continue to take a stand against them.
"but so much of his philosophy and opinions comes from an incredibly self-centered point of view."
Quite evident in his politics as well.
I think they're grown men and should be able to sport a beard or mustache that extends below the corners of their mouths. - Roch
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Roch, I'm not a religious man, but to that statement I say AMEN!
Not only is the facial hair rule unnecessary, but it takes away from the player's ability to express his personality! I understand the reasoning behind wanting people to bond as a unit in the military. Out there, it is a life and death situation and people need to have as much cohesiveness as possible. BUT THIS IS BASEBALL! Remember the 70's/80's when you had guys like Rollie Fingers and Al Hrabosky sporting sweet facial hair??? I'd love to have a bunch of freewheeling characters like that on the team. I mean, it's not like not having facial hair has helped this team win anything in the last 12 years...
Let the beards be free!
The Melvin Mora / Brian Roberts bobblehead is the best of all time. I feel mora will be an O's hall of famer in say 10 years. Also Pie should play everyday.
You could also make the argument that Mora never won anything while he was here, but I understand your point. - Roch
Silver Slugger winner and a two time All Star. He did win something, not that personal accomplishments mean anything in a team sport.
I don't think I have ever been more disgusted with Dave Trembley than when he pulled Mora on the last day of the season. He pinch hit Turner for Mora with the game on the line. 10 years of service and that's how you let him play his last game?
Wow, I had forgotten all about that.
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I was obviously referring to team achievements - division titles, championships, etc. - Roch
Bumblebee...that is because it went over your head.
roch since steve has aj on his blog commenting . seems you need to top him and go for the kill and get bedard . lol thanks as always
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I don't believe that's actually Adam Jones. - Roch
roch to late his mom is on it to .i love her comment priceless
Brummie_Oriole said:
PV: WOW. 101 Posts in January? And that's not counting the ones Roch deleted!!!
Well here is number three for February. LOL
Until this Front Office changes its tune, I will continue to take a stand against them.
February 1, 2010 2:31 PM
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Brummie_Oriole,
I respect your right to the opinion that the front office is not following what you believe to be the best path forward. Perhaps I missed it, but what do you think, specifically, they should have done differently this off-season? I hear you trashing everything they do, but never do I hear anything constructive from you. Never any alternative suggestions. It's hard to take a naysayer seriously.
Brummie_Oriole said:
Nice to hear about Scott. Maybe he can invest in a brain so he can learn how to ACTUALLY produce on a regular basis I'd still trade this guy in a heartbeat, but the O's are stuck with him, so let's hope for the best but expect another mediocre year February 1, 2010 11:44 AM
I would love to be there when you feel man enough to say that to his face. If only you could do anything as well as Luke plays baseball, you worm.