Week in review: Cobb versus Lynn, roster additions and WAR

We had a few solid conversations and debates in the comments section over the last week as we touched on a variety of topics. We'll revisit a few today and please weigh back in or comment for the first time if you like. As always here, anything about the Orioles is the topic, even if it is not presented in the story. So please throw it out there, so to speak.

On Monday, we debated which free agent pitcher is the better choice - Alex Cobb or Lance Lynn? Lynn went 11-8 with a 3.43 ERA over 186 1/3 innings last season for the Cardinals, the team he has pitched for since 2011. He finished seventh in the National League in ERA, sixth in opponent batting average (.223) and recorded 18 quality starts. Cobb went 12-10 with an ERA of 3.66 over 179 1/3 innings for the Rays in 2017, even though his ERA was 4.52 after his first 12 starts. In nine starts last season against AL East foes Boston, New York and Toronto, Cobb was 4-3 with a 2.96 ERA.

MLBTradeRumors.com ranks Lynn as the No. 9 free agent in this class and Cobb No. 11. Its projection is for Lynn to get a four-year deal worth $56 million and Cobb to get four years for $48 million.

On Tuesday, we heard from two of the newest members of the Orioles' 40-man roster in pitchers Hunter Harvey and David Hess. Both were added to the roster Monday and now cannot be taken by another club in next month's Rule 5 draft.

Harvey said: "It has always been my goal and dream to make the majors. Even during rehab, I knew I was doing this for a reason. I'm sure I might not have the greatest chance to make the team out of camp, but I will go in there to show them that I think I'm ready and I'll try to prove it to them."

Hess said: "I kind of felt there was a possibility, but you're never sure so there were some nerves. When you get that call, it is a feeling that is hard to describe. It is kind of surreal right now. It is an exciting thing and great honor."

On Wednesday, we debated the WAR metric and got some very interesting and well thought out opinions. Click here to read that entry and the comments.