This, that and the other
The Erik Bedard deal makes more sense now that the Seattle media has determined that it includes a mutual option for 2011. Initial reports mentioned only the $1.5 million base salary and incentives.
Why would any team sign him for one season when he might not be available for at least the first two months, and will be less than a year removed from labrum surgery?
Does anyone really think that Bedard is going to blow away hitters this summer after undergoing such a serious medical procedure last August? I do not, and I will wait to be proven wrong.
It's a good deal for Bedard, who can elect to become a free agent next winter if he believes that a bigger payday looms on the horizon. And it works for the Mariners, who can cut him loose if they think he's damaged goods or just not worth the price.
Japanese left-hander Hisanori Takahashi has turned down the Orioles and Mets, according to this link. Thanks to "Ron" for sharing it.
Both clubs offered minor league deals. Takahaski apparently told reporters in Japan earlier this winter that he had a major league offer, but he appears to be sorting through lesser commitments.
I wanted to check out that screwball for myself - and I mean his specialty pitch.
Speaking of left-handers, Mark Hendrickson's signing is expected to be made official tomorrow (no, seriously), though everything is subject to change after a blizzard. Stay tuned.
Manager Dave Trembley won't commit to a backup catcher this early. He'll only provide the names of the challengers: Chad Moeller, Craig Tatum and Michel Hernandez.
"That's why you're going to play the games," Trembley said. "You're going to take a real good look and see what those guys can bring to the table. Not only behind the plate, but working with a pitching staff, how well they handle the game calling and what they can do for you offensively. Spring training should be interesting."
Moeller must be viewed as the favorite. I'm sure that's what he believed when he signed a minor league deal to remain in the organization.
Asked if this is the strongest team he's had since he's managed here, Trembley replied, "On paper it is. A lot of questions have been filled."
Colts 38, Saints 27.
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Categories (click for archive)Roch Kubatko | Roch Kubatko Orioles |
I still think the Orioles made a huge mistake not offering what they gave Danys Baez a few years ago to Bedard and offering him the position of what Arthur Rhodes use to have. Rhodes was imvaluable here the last time the Orioles where relivant. Him being able to mop up the 6th and 7th inning 3 to 4 times a week saved the starters down the road.
Erik Bedard simply cant stay healthy, nobody is denying his talent I dont think and to me common sense would say to move him to the pen if he cant do anything more than give you 5 innnings as a starter. Why not try him 2 innings every other day? I think his arm would respond to it and it would last him throughout the year. Who cares if you have to pay him starter money. IF it works, which I believe it would because it did with Rhodes. Very similar in their careers. Rhodes kept getting hurt, and you knew he had talent, they tried everything to make him a starter and once he got to the pen, he found his game and look hes still pitching!
As far as the Super Bowl, I think this is a laugher. I think Freeney is putting people on, and I think the Colts win big. 38 - 17. Brees has never proved to me he can win in a big game. Had the Vikes held onto the ball and the refs not been watching another game, the Saints wouldnt even be in this game.
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You're assuming that Bedard would have accepted an offer like that. I'm assuming he would prefer to be part of a contender's rotation. The role you proposed is unfamiliar to him, and probably wouldn't bring much appeal. And we don't know how his shoulder would respond as he's forced to warm up at a moment's notice. Trembley had too many relievers who needed pampering last season. I agree with you about the Saints. I'll be rooting for them, but they needed Favre and the refs to get here. - Roch
It was reported that the mutual option for 2011 was $8 million. Do these arrangements include any provisions relative to performance this year, or even his ability to pitch next year? In other words, if Bedard fails to perform in 2010 due to the effects of his surgery and can't pitch in 2011, can he still exercise his option and, if so, do the Mariners have any recourse other than to pay him? If such is the case, then doesn't Bedard's contract rival Ben Sheets' $10 million plus incentives deal since Erik's contract would basically be for one year also?
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It's a mutual option. The Mariners can decline to pick it up. - Roch
Morning Roch, You guys still sound like no fun hapening weather wise and not warming much either...lots of no electric people too...good luck on that scene for all....it is 60 here in FL this morning...65 later and sunny...good football weather for the Super Bowl...sun and no rain....winds about 10-15mph...GO COLTS....yeah it would have been a bad mistake to sign Bedard...he is not ready to pitch..we need a veteran pitcher now..hopefully one of the other lefty relievers wil take a minor league offer from the O's...a few still out there to chose from...backup catcher...when it is said an done I think Moeller will win the battle he played well last year as the backup and he is good for helping for Weiters get better as well. Your Colts prediction is about what I think too...I think a bit less points for the Saints from the Colts D...Colts 31...Saints 21....COLTS BABY.....I have my Manning jersey on right now.
Smart deal for Bedard, and pitching in Seattle's spacious park is always better for a pitcher looking to hit the free agent market soon than pitching in Camden Yards.
Brett-Bedard is hoping to get a deal that pays him annually an amount that is close to what Baez made in 3yrs. No way he is going to volunteer to be a middle reliever at this point in his career.
Glad you're making it through the blizzard.
How my corner of Pa. escapes the snow and Balto. gets pounded twice is a mystery. Not that I'm complaining.
Since I'm contract clause challenged, I offer up a question: How does a mutual option work? I'm not clear on who exercises first, who benefits most, etc. I can't recall seeing this before.
The Colts seem like a lock, and Peyton Manning is the genuine article. But I just can't see anything but Mayflower vans when the horseshoes are on the air. Gotta pull for the Saints.
I'm a bit over that 40-something cut where it means something, and since I moved away before the Ravens came, the connection still holds.
Thanks.
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The two sides just have to agree. If one of them declines, that's it. - Roch
Who cares, let Bedard go. Would have been nice to have him, but I don't think we NEED him this year. I don't think that the Saints can keep up with the Colts, but I think it is a little ridiculous to say that the only reason they got this far was because of the Refs. Spoken like a Ravens fan, blaming the refs for losses. The Saints still made the plays that they needed to make to win. And hey, a little help never hurt anyone. Who Dat Who Dat Who Dat!!!
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A Ravens fan? Guess you missed my Vikings post. The Saints made plays. Favre made a bone-headed one and the refs took over the game in OT. You must have changed channels. - Roch
No Donachie ??
Colts 42 Saints 24....unfortunatly
I was enjoying the O's offseason til this news. Its easy to say that Bedard isn't worth the risk and give MacPhail a pass. But unfortunately this is the exact sort of player/deal the O's needed to make. Its low risk-high reward... Bedard when in form is a true ace. Granted he won't be able to dial it up to his usual mid-low 90's fastball til maybe August, but does anyone really think the O's will compete this year anyway? A club option for 2011 would have been perfect for the O's.
Oh well, I guarantee that the O's will cross a similar bridge next offseason. Help Wanted- A frontline ace.... and I highly doubt the Orioles will spend the $ that is needed for that. This thing reeks of Angelos'/MacPhail's cheapness!
Too young to remember the colts leaving (5yrs old), too bitter about them stealing our history & colors. Best argument I can give my Ohio family by way of marriage is at least yall kept yall history & dreadful colors, lol.
28-24 colts, but I'm rooting for the Saints which means they will lose because every team I cheer for (ie: Ravens, Jets, Saints) loses. : (
I agree there were some questionable calls, however I dont believe that 1 or 2 calls or bad throws necessarily gave the Saints the game, thats all. Just comparing that type of thinking to that of many Ravens fans. I watched the same game that everyone else did. Anyway, pitchers and catchers reprt in 10 days. Sorry for straying so far off topic.
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No apology necessary. We stray all the time here. It's all good. And I did predict that the Saints would win. I didn't trust the Vikings' secondary, or Favre's decision-making in the clutch. He's one of the most overrated "great" quarterbacks of all time, if that makes sense. He's had an amazing career, but he also kills his teams with that gunslinger mentality. - Roch
what is the knock on Noah Lowry? Do you think that is the type of pitchers the O's are trying to sign to a minor league contract?
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Don't know why, but I haven't heard of any interest from the Orioles. - Roch
Roch,
Sorry to change the subject..but I live in Elderburg and Comcast cable is OUT. How do I watch the Super Bowl on the Web? I figured you would know. Thanks.
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OK, you've got me really nervous. I live in Eldersburg and have Comcast. I don't know if the game can be viewed on the Web. I'm sure one of my readers will step up with the answer. Hopefully, your cable will come back on before kickoff. You still have lots of time. - Roch
Best team Trembley's managed in Baltimore? That's damning with faint praise.
Ken - The Will Carroll quote on labrum tears was from 2004. He has since noted that the prognosis for full recovery from surgery on labrum tears is much better than it was, although to be fair, still "hardly routine". It's moot since Bedard seems to have made the choice he preferred (option for 2011, pitching in a pitcher's park with insanely good defense behind him, team should contend for playoffs). Still, I'll freely admit to being a strong proponent of Bedard's return to Baltimore. He was just so good in 2007.
We got 38.3" in Elkridge. That's over 97 cm. I'll make this the one time I can agree with a certain poster.
I can’t believe I’m doing this. But between writing and posting my Q & A about Miggy and his little GIDP problem, there were yet more posts about it. Kudos to Ray for some good research and well-argued points. But, jeez, can we hurry up and start playing baseball again? Watching Miggy hit into 30 double plays won’t be as painful as talking about it for a month.
There still seems to be a sense that grounding into double plays is a badge of honor since many good players do it a lot. Well, except many not-very-good players do it a lot too, as well as some really terrible players, or at least terrible hitters. From Andrew’s site that posts single-season leaders, we learn that Cal and Brooks had a season or two with lots of GIDP’s. But among the top ten are Tony Armas and Billy Hitchcock. Rounding out the top 15 are such luminaries as Dave Philley, George Bell and the incomparable Jimmy Bloodworth. That’s right, THE Jimmy Bloodworth!
A couple of other points. First, this list of single-season leaders only talks about one unfortunate aspect of offensive performance, not the whole player. For instance, I seem to recall Cal and Brooks doing a little fielding now and then, which no one has ever accused Miggy of. Second, and more to the point, several of these players had one fluke season where they had lots of GIDPs. Other than Jim Rice there aren’t a lot of repeat offenders. Heck, Billy Hitchcock somehow managed to ground into 30 double plays in 1950, in a mere 399 AB’s, one every 13 at-bats! But other than that year he never had more than 10. Miggy, on the other hand, is no one-year wonder, but a true prodigy of the GIDP. That list is several years old or Miggy’s last two seasons would put him #3 and #14 all-time, as well as tied for #23. Again, as Ray noted, it’s not just more opportunities, it’s a much higher rate per opportunity.
There are lots of good players among the career strikeout leaders too. So should we sign up a bunch of guys who strike out a lot? Heck, I can think of 30 times a year I’d *prefer* if Miggy struck out.
Bill G.: Glad you understood every word of my prolix post. Maybe you can explain it to me! As for the stats, saying Danys’s combined WAR from the last three years was .1 is really kind of silly, since it conveys a level of accuracy in measurement that isn’t appropriate. His real worth was likely somewhere between half a win to the good and half a win to the bad. The point was that he, and Jamie, were essentially worth what a replacement player would have been worth but cost a tremendous amount more.
"A lot of questions have been filled."
Baltimore still does not have a cleanup hitter.
"I was enjoying the O's offseason til this news. Its easy to say that Bedard isn't worth the risk and give MacPhail a pass. But unfortunately this is the exact sort of player/deal the O's needed to make. Its low risk-high reward... Bedard when in form is a true ace. Granted he won't be able to dial it up to his usual mid-low 90's fastball til maybe August, but does anyone really think the O's will compete this year anyway? A club option for 2011 would have been perfect for the O's.
Oh well, I guarantee that the O's will cross a similar bridge next offseason. Help Wanted- A frontline ace.... and I highly doubt the Orioles will spend the $ that is needed for that. This thing reeks of Angelos'/MacPhail's cheapness!"
Have you been following the news at all? Here, let me help you out.
Step 1: Scroll to the top of this page.
Step 2: See that picture of Roch? Next to it, look for the phrase "A few updates and notes". It's the third one on the list.
Step 3: Click the link. Don't forget to use the left mouse button!
Now here's the tough part. You have to READ the article - the third paragraph. I will even copy it here for you:
"The Orioles made a one-year offer to Erik Bedard and later came back with a revision that put them in line with the Mariners' reported proposal, but the left-hander apparently prefers to stay in Seattle."
Still think MacPhail/Angelos are being cheap?
Hey Roch... how does a "mutual option" change anything? It gives neither party any power to make it kick in. All it does is say that the 2 parties can agree to another year if they feel like it. How is that any different than having no option at all? You said the deal "makes more sense" because of the mutual option. How?
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The option is already laid out monetarily, and the assumption is that Bedard will want to stay, since Seattle was his first choice this winter. That puts the ball in Seattle's court. I do see your point, since it isn't just a team option. I just thought any deal would have to include some sort of option, with an eye toward 2011. - Roch
If I were a Mariners fan I would really think Bedard is a weasel if he went back to Baltimore for even money or a small increase. The Mariners gave up a lot for him and he never gave them what they expected. Maybe Bedard has a sense of unfinished business there too. He was going to have to give someone this season on the cheap anyway. Nobody was going to offer him big money this season. If the money is close, and he has to prove himself all over anyway, why not do it Seattle? If he comes back strong, then he will be worth ace money next year.
I totally agree with Ben. Best team he's managed since he's been here certainly isn't saying much.
Roch,
Any thoughts on Braden Looper? I thought we took a hard look at him last year as someone who could give you you some quality innings. Last I checked, he was still out there and could be a good option as a insurance policy for injuries coming out of spring training or if Tillman isn't quite ready to take the 5th spot.
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They sure cooled on him since last winter. I guess the fact that he's still out there should tell us something. Not sure what, but something. They're not looking to sign anyone to a major league contract, so unless he's willing to settle... - Roch
Colts 34 Saints 24
This offseason was over before it started and we still don't have what we REALLY need to compete. A true cleanup hitter. A veteran starter on a MULTI year deal and some decent veteran leadership in the clubhouse.
Amazing how teams like Seattle can turn it around so quickly while Andy is still spining the team's wheels in the sand.
Somehow I think come September Andy and Sandberg will be saying the same thing.
rshack is so right. If there is no buy out clause in-there then 'mutual option' means little. File it under: false sense of security. For both sides.
Will you file a Big Lebowski post when you get around to watching it and let us know what you think?
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I sure will. - Roch
Go O's!!
Go to Hell Irsays!!
To the poster with no TV, it may not be free but I think it's definitely doable....
http://watch-the-superbowl-online.com/superbowl/watch-the-super-bowl-online
http://news.lalate.com/2010/02/07/super-bowl-2010-live-stream-watch-online-colts-vs-saints/
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Thanks Steve. I knew somebody would step up. - Roch
No problem. Hopefully those of you without it will get it back within the next couple of hours.
I think there are a ton of different sites that will stream it live but you might have to pay for it. It's only a one time deal though : )
Brummie,
Who would you have signed as far as a Veteran starter on a multi-year deal? Lackey got 5, you would have offered more? You watch, in 3 years, the Red Sox will be trying to dump him on someone, and they will have to eat alot of the money. You just don't get it, MacPhail along with GM's in the Major leagues have said they do not give more than 3 years to a pitcher. Now that is smart because you don't know about pitchers, they break down so easily these days.
I will be glad when this day is over, I hate NFL football. Get back to talking only College basketball and MLB baseball especially the Orioles.
Jan, if neither of Steve's links work or are free, channelsurfing.net always has a free stream up and running. Sometimes it cuts out, but it's usually pretty decent quality and you can watch it full screen. Hope that helps, good luck!
New Orleans--45
Indianapolis--37
Sharper returns an interception for a TD with 1:37 remaining in the 4th quarter.
MVP--Drew Brees.
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Good hearing from you, stranger. And if that happens, I'm dedicating an entire blog entry to you. - Roch
Brummie_Oriole said:
This offseason was over before it started and we still don't have what we REALLY need to compete. A true cleanup hitter. A veteran starter on a MULTI year deal and some decent veteran leadership in the clubhouse.
Amazing how teams like Seattle can turn it around so quickly while Andy is still spining the team's wheels in the sand.
Somehow I think come September Andy and Sandberg will be saying the same thing.
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Ah, that's the Brummie we've all come to loathe and hate. I knew you wouldn't be able to stay "positive" for long.
Hey Brummie, have sent those "articles" to Roch? Because, you know, you're a journalist. LOL!
NFL.com is doing streaming for free but it is waaaaaaaay behind. Like almost 10 minutes of game time behind.
Brummie_Oriole said:
This offseason was over before it started and we still don't have what we REALLY need to compete. A true cleanup hitter. A veteran starter on a MULTI year deal and some decent veteran leadership in the clubhouse.
Amazing how teams like Seattle can turn it around so quickly while Andy is still spining the team's wheels in the sand....
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Brummie, For crying out loud, quit your whining!!!
We're still nearly two months away from opening day. We don't know how the much progress to expect from everyday players like Reimold and Wieters. We don't know how the young starters are going to do. We don't know how the new guys are going to fit in.
Yet you're pontificating that the Orioles doesn't have what it takes to compete? Look, you've made your point. We get it. Now could you please just shut down your carping until the season begin starts?
If the O's come out of the gate stinko, then go for it, you can exalt in your misery and rub our noses in it. But until then, quit repeating you doom and gloom ad nauseum.
THE SAINTS WIN!!!!!!!!!!!!
Roch-
Zreibec is saying that the O's made basically the same offer to Bedard, in fact, MLBTR is saying that the O's option was for MORE than 8, it was 8.5 and he still turned us down.
The front office dug the hole, so, they'll have to dig out of it. And not just in "on paper we are better" but by actually winning more games and making this a relavant stop for Free Agents again.
Lets hope this is the year it all starts. Can't get any worse.
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Ryan, I wrote on Friday that the Orioles offer was in line with Seattle's. Where are you seeing that the Orioles' option was more? - Roch
Roch-
let me change my last statement. It wasn't THIS front office that dug the hole, but the previous couple. I don't want to bash Macphail cuz I think he has done all that he could do, for the most part, to at least get us in position to get in position. lol.
No, he has done fine, in the face of fans who want to win now, myself included, I just wish that with some of the free agents that they obviously want, they would toss a little extra money to get them here when even money isn't enough to get it done. Cash is King.
Campus is closed for tomorrow, Roch. How about next Monday at 8:15 p.m.?
Thanks,
Luke
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I have to fly out to spring training the next day, so not sure. Check with me later in the week. Things are going to get pretty hectic and stressful as I get closer to leaving, especially making arrangement for my daughter. Not sure what condition I'll be in by Monday. - Roch
Barry said...
New Orleans--45
Indianapolis--37
Sharper returns an interception for a TD with 1:37 remaining in the 4th quarter.
MVP--Drew Brees.
... OK... that was pretty good! So any predictions about the Orioles? Or my love life?
Brummie:
I choose to disagree with your statement that we need a "true cleanup hitter" to compete. Last year, the Angels won the AL West with the corpse of Vlad Guerrero hitting 4th more often than any other Angel. Who batted 4th for the NL West Champion LA Dodgers? Noted slugger Casey Blake. What about the NL Wild Card winner Colorado Rockies? None other than Brad Hawpe. Even the Boston Red Sox were guilty of not having a "true cleanup hitter", batting Kevin Youkilis there more often than any of his teammates.
I choose to disagree with your statement that we need a "veteran starter on a MULTI year deal" to compete. The Angels were led by John Lackey, in the final year of his contract. The Phillies would not have made it to the post season without the trade deadline acquisition of Cliff Lee. The Dodgers were led by free-agent-to-be Randy Wolf, a pitcher in only his third full season as a starter (Billingsley) and a pitcher in only his second full season as a starter (Kershaw).
I choose to disagree with your statement that we need "some decent veteran leadership in the clubhouse". For starters, I think that with Roberts, Markakis, and Tejada, we do have decent veteran leadership in the clubhouse. Secondly, I again turn to the example of the Colorado Rockies, whose best player is 24 years old. Finally, you've advocated for the removal from the team of many players who would have been considered "veteran leadership" in Melvin Mora and Aubrey Huff. Now that they're gone, you can't complain about the need for veteran leadership when you got what you wanted. That's like complaining that the waiter didn't refill your water glass after you told him to stop bothering you so much.
Maybe Andy can seize on this blizzard and use it to motivate the O'S the same way the Saints did with Katrina.
"Right now the entire city is buried under 3 feet of snow. We have to do everything possible to bring the people and city of Baltimore back."
The Indians are expected to have the lowest payroll in the Central Division at about $65MM. It appears that the only club in the American League with a lower payroll will be the Oakland A's.
The Orioles come in at 67MM !
Why are we spending like a small market team when it comes to putting a winning team on the field....when in fact we are a mid to upper market team?
Where is all the money going Pete?
Barry said:
New Orleans--45
Indianapolis--37
Sharper returns an interception for a TD with 1:37 remaining in the 4th quarter.
MVP--Drew Brees.
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Good hearing from you, stranger. And if that happens, I'm dedicating an entire blog entry to you. - Roch
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Wow!
Barry was real close, score was a little to high but right on with the INT, and Brees being MVP.