Winter Meetings
by dkdc on Dec 7, 2008 3:28 PM EST
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PrintIt's been a pretty boring offseason so far, but the winter meetings always spark a flurry of activity.
The meetings are being held at the Bellagio in Vegas this year, so having always-sober Andy in charge might be an asset for the Orioles if he can pull off a deal with one of his drunker colleagues. And we know that Andy won't waste a minute of his time on the gambling floor.
Roch is already on the ground in Vegas, so he should be a good source for O's rumors:
So, any predictions for the next few days? Will any of the following happen?
- Ramon Hernandez trade
- Aubrey Huff trade
- Brian Roberts extension
- Brian Roberts trade
- Nick Markakis trade
- Daniel Cabrera trade
- Tex signing
- Burnett signing
- Veteran mediocre starter signing
- Veteran mediocre shortstop signing
- O's select someone in the Rule 5 draft
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better not be a nick markakis trade, unless someone else has jesus in triple A or on their team and is willing to part with him.
What up?
If the Mariners want to deal
We should listen. Nobody is untouchable.
"Hey Yankees... you can take your apology and your trophy and shove 'em straight up your ass!" --Tanner Boyle
by BirdFanInPhilly on Dec 7, 2008 9:05 PM EST up reply actions
I'm assuming you're not talking about this Jesus
http://minors.baseball-reference.com/players.cgi?pid=5603
or even this one
http://minors.baseball-reference.com/players.cgi?pid=6030
This will be my signature until the Orioles get a real SS.
of course roch would go
what’s the over/under on stripper jokes? buffet jokes? cocktail waitress pickup-attempt stories?
First trade of the meetings?
http://www.daytondailynews.com/s/content/oh/story/sports/pro/reds/2008/12/07/ddn120808spredsweb.html
Homer Bailey for Jermaine Dye
White Sox are in full teardown mode.
Not sure about this one
I don’t think this trade makes the Reds any better what so ever……
It definitely makes them better
But they are selling low on Bailey, which seems like a bad idea
Tigers get Laird
That’s the first trade. Bailey for Dye hasn’t been completed.
Good trade for the Tigers though. Hopefully the two prospects the Rangers got can help the team out…or be traded for veterans and a steer. TEXAS!
Who is still looking for a catcher?
I know Boston is…
Roch's latest sez
http://masnsports.com/index_blog_roch.html
It wouldn’t surprise me if catcher Ramon Hernandez is dealt this week, though the Orioles are expected to be busier after the meetings.
It’s possible that they won’t have to eat as much of his contract as originally anticipated, because one of the interested teams also is looking to dump salary. In return, the Orioles would get a utility-type player who could move from the infield to the outfield.
The Cincinnati Reds and Houston Astros are two teams looking for a catcher.
There's something about a "bad contract swap"
with the Reds. The Os get Ryan Freel, Reds get Ramon.
I wouldn’t be totally against this. Freel was a pretty versatile guy before getting hurt. Maybe having him tone down his run-through-walls ways might extend his career.
Just keep Ramon to start the season. We’ll need him anyways while Wieters sits in AAA. Maybe Ramon will come out motivated since it’s his walk year, put up some strong numbers, and boost his trade value. Guys with bad contract will still be available later.
Getting rid of Ramon's salary would be nice
It shouldn’t be hard to find another placeholder for Wieters.
Sure, might as well try to get value for Ramon though. Probably like likely though, but there’s no downside to allowing Ramon to rebuild his trade value in April and May.
Downside is
Ramon is more likely to hurt his trade value than help it.
He’s the perfect guy to trade in the offseason. He has some name recognition because he was a decent player not too long ago, but he’s pretty much done as a starter, IMO.
The further removed you are from actually seeing him play, the more likely you are to wishcast a bounceback season out of him, and that’s when Andy should trade him.
Now all we need is a report talking about how he’s in the best shape of his life.
Ramon is more likely to hurt his trade value than help it.
Ramon just posted his worst offensive season since 2003 (OPS+ 86). Going by past data, it seems very unlikely he’ll regress since he’s pretty much hit rock bottom (at least for now). He’s more likely to bounce towards his career mean or even his last 3 year average. Of course, he could get injured though.
I suppose
Worse players than Ramon have gotten their shit together for half a season in a contract year.
That said, I think he’s cooked.
"The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. This field, this game: it's a part of our past, Ray. It reminds of us of all that once was good and it could be again."
+1
Also, I’d prefer for Ramon and Wieters not to share time at camp. I don’t want Wieters thinking he can loaf at passed balls and his overall defense just because Ramon gets away with it. Wieter’s defense is going to have to be pretty crappy for him to be a below average player, but we can’t start him off poorly, and we need to have good examples set for him on the Major league roster.
Maybe in order to understand mankind, we have to look at the word itself: "Mankind". Basically, it's made up of two separate words—"mank" and "ind". What do these words mean? It's a mystery, and that's why so is mankind.
-Jack Handey
I think they're both
trying to cut salary. Well, the Marlins definitely are and Roch just reported the Stro’s are trying to trade Tejada.
Maybe in order to understand mankind, we have to look at the word itself: "Mankind". Basically, it's made up of two separate words—"mank" and "ind". What do these words mean? It's a mystery, and that's why so is mankind.
-Jack Handey
All this means...
Is that J Smal isn’t going anywhere…..
by fearthechant on Dec 8, 2008 11:17 AM EST up reply actions
Winter Meetings
I think people will be suprised come say Dec 10th around 2:30pm…..
Winter Meetings
I think the Orioles will be lining up their ducks. First move I think they make is the signing of Greg Zaun to say a 1 year, 1.8 million after he has to take a huge paycut after last season. I then see the Orioles trading Ramon Hernandez and P Hayden Penn to the Reds for Neftali Soto 3B, OF Dan Dorn and P Robert Manuel after the pay about 4.5 million of his salary. Next, I forsee the Orioles signing some minor league depth. Then I think they trade, OF Luke Scott and P Garret Olson to the Cubs for OF Felix Pie, SS Ronny Cedeno and another player. The next move I see is the Rule 5 Draft. I seriously hope the Andy Mac can stay away from Donnie Veal. I think if the Orioles make a selection it will be a pitcher. I would like them to select Chuck Lofgren of the Indians and hope he can right his ship if not we send him back. The Orioles than make a ridiculous offer to Teixeria because they know they have to make a statement. The impact the signing would give to Oriole fans would ignite interest back into the Orioles after so many losing seasons. The signing would not only impact the Orioles through increased attendance and fan gear but the signing would bring more people to the stadium and the surrounding pubs and attractions. I know personally I would attend more games and buy his jersey. All I want for Christmas is for him to sign with Baltimore but I’m not that optimistic it will happen with Peter Angelos being the owner. If they can’t ( seems really unlikely) then they will immediately starting taking trade offers for Roberts. I think the Cubs don’t have the pieces though so if they want him another team will have to be involved. In closing, I have seen and heard alot of information around the Orioles interest of the three Japanesse pitchers Uehara, Kawakami and Takahashi. From a public relations a signing of one of them would be a huge signing with the Orioles trying to make an image in Asia. I think we have a good chance of signing Uehara if the price is right. The Orioles can not overpay for any of them with the up an coming pitchers they have coming up. It will be a very important Winter Meetings possibly the most important in team history as it could serve as the bridge for the next 10 years, we will just have to wait and see
When did Duquette start posting on CC?
"This world extends way beyond this little field of dreams we're dancing in and I want to see that world"
I'm not trying to be a jerk here, but I'm...well, I'm baffled
Why would the Orioles ask for a 3rd baseman, outfielder, and pitcher for Ramon and Penn when the Reds are practically swimming in shortstop prospects? Also, that’s a crazy return for a slow, defensively challenged catcher, even if the Os did pay most of his salary, and a pitcher who has done nothing for the last two years. A Ramon trade makes sense, yes. Him being traded to the Reds? It’s possible, but certainly not for such a large haul. And Hayden Penn? I’m don’t see him having much value. Olson’s more valuable. Much, in fact.
And speaking of…Why would the Orioles trade Luke Scott and Garret Olson for Pie and Cedeno? How…how does this make any sense? A guy that hit 23 HR and looks like he could be a solid DH and left fielder (prototypical slugger type) and a bottom of the rotation lefty for two failed prospects…really? That would be beyond lopsided. Luke Scott could take over in right and fill the left-handed bat problem in Chicago and Olson could be packaged with others for Peavy while the Orioles get…two failed prospects… I understand the thoughts on Pie. The dude can play defense and throw the ball like a champ, but, in two seasons, he’s proven that he can’t hit. He just can’t. And even if he did hit, he’d hit more like a center fielder with a low OBP. Cedeno, on the other hand, is worthless. In four seasons he has a career BA of .252, OBP of .289, .350 SLG, and defense like a scared little leaguer. Doesn’t sound like someone this team should trade for even if he hit better then all the shortstops the Os had last season (barely).
Gregg Zaun would be interesting.
Please provide rational for these comments.
P.S. – Again, not trying to be a jerk.
Reasoning
The Ramon trade might not include those players but the Reds will surely be part of any trade discussions lets be honest they had PAUL BAKO as their starter for most of last season. Why would they trade for a young third basemen?? Lets face it Mora is getting older and Rowell, Constanzo and Moore have not fully developed and personally I think they took a step backwards last year. Constanzo led Norfolk last year with 159 strikeouts with Moore having 67 in only 78 games. Rowell on the other hand although full of outstanding potential had 104 strikeouts last season in A ball. I think if they trade Ramon they will get a 3B to push his development and hope he can regain his focus, I watched him play a couple times last year and he was a mess maturity wise. You are right about Penn he dosen’t have much value compared to Olsen, but he is still attractive enough for a trade to a team like the Reds. To the Luke Scott deal, I think they will be more players involved in the trade depending on the Peavy situation but the Cubs will end up with him. I am personally not high at all on acquirring Felix Pie. But Cedeno I don’t understand how you could say he is worthless, with every trade rumor involving Peavy or Roberts includes the man’s name. Seems interesting… All I know is I think Scott, Ramon and Penn leave before the season starts my opinion beat it if you want
Cedeno first
mlbtraderumors just explained why Cedeno’s a bad idea: He’s a non-tender candidate. The guy is terrible. He is Corey Patterson minus the glove. No plate discipline, bad attitude, horrible fielder. I live in Chicago, I’ve seen the guy play for four years and I can tell you, he is awful.
I don’t disagree about getting a 3rd baseman from the Reds, or any team for that matter. Mora is falling apart, as you said, but at least he can play his position (debatable) and hit the ball (at least later in the season). But there isn’t a hole at third. That’s why I’m wondering why wonderer. Lets face it, unless MacPhail trades Brian Roberts or Huff or sign a free agent, this team will have another year of a howling void at shortstop.
I hope there’d be more in a Luke Scott, Olson joint.
Ramon to the Reds
According to mlbtraderumors.com Well it looks like I might be right with him to the Reds for Ryan Freel which would be a solid utility stop gap and a minor leaguer.. Hopefully Soto
I expect a lot of rumors
Surrounding BRob. Probably a Rule 5 pick. Maybe a trade, which will probably be a minor one. Lots of groundwork laid, most of which will break down later.
This will be my signature until the Orioles get a real SS.
Bloomquist
What do you guys think about Willie Bloomquist?? I think he could be a good bench guy kinda like Chris Gomez was.. What do you think? Obviously not a long term answer..
i think...
willie bloomquist is not very good.
"When people ask me what my motivation is, I have a simple answer: Money."
--Jerry Reed, on acting
by j.q. higgins on Dec 8, 2008 10:58 AM EST up reply actions
Did I say 400 AB....
I think I said he would be a good bench player not a starter…
my bad
its just on bad teams 400 abs has a tendency to happen more then is should just like in Seattle last year. I have seen way to much of Brendon Fahey the last three years….and yes it has jaded me.
Bloomquist makes sense as a fillin on a good team although even for Boston I have to wonder if that isnt setting the sights a little to low.
Bloomquist is not a bad multi-role utility guy.
He probably would provide half way decent defense at SS even.
But Baltimore isn’t looking to fill in a couple of little pieces. Thinking about a guy like Bloomquist should way down the priority list, if it makes it at all.
hakkaa päälle !
Minor move
I obvious dont think its a splash in the park all over sportscenter type of move but would make alot of sense
Well I sure hope this dosen't happen....
Rumor: The Orioles have an interest in reacquiring free agent Jerry Hairston Jr. to provide insurance in case Brian Roberts has to be traded or be a super utilityman if Roberts signs a long-term extension.
According to Peter Schmuck
Hairston had a nice year
but couldnt stay on the field. I would pass.
Im sorry..
But no year of Jerry Hariston is a nice year..
I didn't think I could trust anyone's reporting less than Roch's
until I remembered that Peter Schmuck is still under the employ of The Baltimore Sun.
Christ. They should have made him a character in the 5th season of The Wire.
"The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. This field, this game: it's a part of our past, Ray. It reminds of us of all that once was good and it could be again."
How about we sign
Randy Johnson, Frank Thomas, Moyer, and Varitek to 1-2 year deals.
Rickey Henderson as 3rd base coach
or better yet, Greg Zaun, Carl Pavano, and Adam Dunn.
Yeah, I’m bored.
This will be my signature until the Orioles get a real SS.
some things in there make sense
Thomas could work.
Zaun should work if RH is gone
Pavano is worth a shot
Dunn only if the market is crazy bad, Dunn might be better of working year to year for a while or waiting for the right situation
And signing RH for 3b coach, I would love to hear that interview when asking Rickey why he sent a runner-"well now Rickey thought that Luke would actually run on that ball like Rickey used to run but Rickey was wrong cause Luke just aint no baserunner like Rickey, heck Booger can still run faster then Luke and come to think of it Rickey could use a barbeque about now.
ROFL
And because the Dbacks are stupid, Dunn doesn’t cost draft picks.
This will be my signature until the Orioles get a real SS.
Per David Cross
"But there’s one guy who’s the fucking king, who’s the worst. Yes, you got it, it’s Rickey Henderson. If you’ve ever seen Rickey Henderson interviewed, it’s the best. It’s sweet, it’s sweet glorious music. It’s like he’s communicating secretly to like an intergalactic leader from another space federation. Every time he says Rickey Henderson he’s giving coordinates to the planet, or whatever."
[Posing as a reporter] "Hey Rickey, I noticed you taped your bat up a little higher than normal—what’s that about?"
[As Rickey] "Well, you know, Rickey Henderson has to do what’s best for Rickey Henderson, you know. I mean, if Rickey Henderson feels that Rickey Henderson needs to tape his bat up higher, to be the best Rickey Henderson that Rickey Henderson can be, then Rickey Henderson is going to tape his bat higher in way that Rickey Henderson can perceive, as Rickey Henderson can, to be the best Rickey Henderson that Rickey Henderson can or will or want to be as Rickey Henderson qualifying in a Rickey Henderson-esque type of way to be a Rickey Henderson for which all Rickey Hendersons around us, being one Rickey Henderson to speak through Rickey Henderson as vessel to reach all Rickey Hendersons out there in the world in a qualitative Rickey Henderson-esque magnanimous display of Rickey Henderson-tude and quality that you can find only in Rickey Henderson as Rickey Henderson as want to do for Rickey Henderson being Ricky Henderson as Rickey Henderson."
"You come in here, ‘Rickey, how come you taping you bat,’ you know, Ricky Henderson is going to answer you in a way that Rickey Henderson can to be—in fact, that reminds me, I got to give that motherfucker phone call, you know. Uh-huh, that’s right."
[Phone rings a few times, machine picks up]
[Message] "Hi, this is Rickey Henderson. Rickey Henderson is not available right now, but if you leave your name and number, Rickey Henderson will get back to you when it is best for Rickey Henderson to do so [beep]."
[As Rickey] "Rickey Henderson pick up""Pick up the phone Rickey.""Rickey Henderson, pick up the phone.""Pick up the phone Rickey!""Rickey, pick up the phone!!!""It’s me—you! God damn, that motherfucker’s never there!"
by milkman41 on Dec 8, 2008 6:13 PM EST up reply actions 3 recs
fucking brilliant.
"The one constant through all the years, Ray, has been baseball. America has rolled by like an army of steamrollers. It has been erased like a blackboard, rebuilt and erased again. But baseball has marked the time. This field, this game: it's a part of our past, Ray. It reminds of us of all that once was good and it could be again."
I heard he wanted to go to the Rays
Something about a ring…
This will be my signature until the Orioles get a real SS.
Yeah, man!
The Reds signed Darnell McDonald to a minor league deal. Woo! Remember that guy? Yeah, I don’t much either.
Could have been..
What a failure…. since the O’s he’s now been on the Nats, Twins and now the Reds. He is nothing but minor league depth.
Roch's latest
http://masnsports.com/index_blog_roch.html
This may come as a surprise to a lot of folks, but a few teams have expressed interest in
Orioles pitcher Daniel Cabrera at these meetings.
The automatic response is, “Are they aware that he’ll probably be non-tendered?” But that isn’t a certainty, and it’s not like the Orioles would be asking for the moon.
If they can get something for him, do it. It’s time to cut ties.
DCabs and Ramon plus cash for Jack Wilson and Ryan Doumit.
What the hell, throw in another pitcher.
This will be my signature until the Orioles get a real SS.
It would...
Take another player from the Orioles side.. Not sure why we would want Ryan Doumit tho…
So we don't have to start Quiroz
since Weiters won’t be ready until prob Sept.
If we get Pie we could throw him into the mix, or make it 2 pitchers. We have a lot that aren’t cutting it in the OPACY bandbox that could do quite well in the NL.
This will be my signature until the Orioles get a real SS.
doumit
can hit like a motherfucker. he could be primary dh, but also can handle c, 1b and rf.
"When people ask me what my motivation is, I have a simple answer: Money."
--Jerry Reed, on acting
Exactly
Kenny Williams is hoping Flowers turns into his Doumit. If you havent seen Doumits forearms I swear he could hold an overpass up with them. The man is huge.
And we do need a 1B
Since chances are we’re not signing Teix. Or Millah.
This will be my signature until the Orioles get a real SS.
yea but lets be honest..
DC for Doumit what GM would do that…. I will never say never but that man would be an idiot…
Hey, the Pirates took on Matt Morris last year.
Paid $20M for 3-8, 1.8 WHIP
This will be my signature until the Orioles get a real SS.
Actually you know who crossed my mind
was the elder Laroche if the price was right. I can actually see him here in 2010.
He could Dh
and he isnt that horrible if you pull up his numbers and that is in the Pirates lineup.
I don't think.....
I don’t think it will be September when WIETERS is will be called up I think it will be May 16th. He is ready right now having watched him basically all season last year. In addition, a signing like Greg Zaun and have someone like Quiroz and Donachie back-up untill May 16th would make more sense than getting Doumit in a trade. I think if they could send DC to the Pirates it will be for Wilson and a minor league pitcher Personally I hope to trade him to DC for Ian Desmond.
I could do DC for Wilson
But Wieters is 22 and while we know he can rake at AA, he still has a ways to go before he’s a MLB starting catcher. Someone like Zaun or Tek (lol) would be awesome mentor for the young prince, Ramon not so much.
I’d still rather have Izturis for SS, he’s a cheapish FA with a hot glove who would cost nothing in a trade.
This will be my signature until the Orioles get a real SS.
Wieters being 22..
Let me say this having worked around him last season he acts like a veteran… The only reason why he is not starting the season in Baltimore is because of his arb years if they hold him out until May 15th they retain him for another yeah in arb.
Well then, how is he defensively?
Can he call a game? I’ve heard varying reports, mostly that he’s nothing to write home about. Of course everyone raves about his bat.
This will be my signature until the Orioles get a real SS.
arizona
he blew folks away. guys that had seen him over the summer said his defense and game calling had taken a huge leap forward and it wasn’t bad to start w/, just not as advanced as his plate approach.
"When people ask me what my motivation is, I have a simple answer: Money."
--Jerry Reed, on acting
Can he call a game...
I would say he can call a game look how good the Baysox rotation was the second half of the year, Bergs, Berken, David Hernandez and Tillman were lights out in the second half. Trust me he’s the real deal….
Many NL teams
would love to take a chance on Daniel.
hmmm...
i’m definitely for trading cabrera, but the rosenthal speculation that the o’s are sniffing around eckstein displeases me. tigers got everett for a mill.
"When people ask me what my motivation is, I have a simple answer: Money."
--Jerry Reed, on acting
No to Eck
He is in decline and wanted to play 2b last I read. This sounds like the O’s trying to drive down someone else’s price.
This reminds me of teams really touting one player when they want to move someone else. Ron Gardenhire leaves Delmon Young out of his outfield. Which means the Twins are really trying to move Cuddyer because they signed him to an extension last year. Oops.
Why not take a chance on Felipe Lopez. He has some upside offensively and in this market can he be that expensive? Plus, he can actually play 2b and even played a little outfield last year.
I think the Tigers went for Everett for defense but also they have to like the way the closer market is unfolding. Some team is going to have Kerry Wood or Brian Fuentes fall into their lap.
Felipe Lopez being expensive ???
He is a Scott Boras client…..
So is Corey Patterson
well true but he losing options everyday
really not many teams looking for a SS anymore which might be just what the O’s are waiting for.
Corey Patterson
Actually, he ditched Boras today
saw that
even Scott cant help everyone.
I thought Garrett Anderson signing with Boras was questionable, I dont see a big market for him.
Now that the Cards passed on Lopez I think that doesnt help as well.
For a one year deal on Lopez I am willing to be his last chance Texaco.
Yeah..
I’d take a shot for 1 year on Lopez loaded with incentives… The Orioles missed out on their shortshop… Khaill Greene…
I agree
but again if you think your losing 90 games do you pay 6.5 million and give minor league talent for him? I would have had to pass.
The Cards think they can win a wild card spot. The O’s cant in 2009.
Legitimate point
I am friends with someone close to him that said he wanted to come to Baltimore tho, which makes it painful….
Always 2010
I hope he has a great year though.
Hey BPinOK
sorry bout the double post.. HAHA
No worries
I rarely have anything intelligent to add anyway…just like reading everyone’s opinions.
Always trust your cape. -Guy Clark
Garland...
Looks like we are a player for Jon Garland according to mlbtraderumors.com
He would look a lot better in the NL
I just dont see his stuff translating to the AL East and last year it didnt translate anywhere.
see, i like that...
i think guts and garland could be a sort of poor man’s moose and erickson.
sounds like 2 years w/ an option for a 3rd would get it done.
"When people ask me what my motivation is, I have a simple answer: Money."
--Jerry Reed, on acting
I think it would be a good signing..
He is a nice number 3 pitcher… if his price is resonible
Mixed feelings about Garland
but I guess it will boil down to few things.
First, I dont think he is considering any one year deals (like Lohse) since he could have just did that with the Angels at the same salary which was 12 million. So that tells me he thinks he wont take that much of a discount if any.
Now for three years I would think he wants 10-12 million a year. Which I am not all that high on handing him. Two for 10 I might do just cause I have to.
Still his last year was bad. I mean 4.90 era. So has he ever had a bad year like that before? Well dang he did. 2004, right before his best year in 2005. In 2004 his era was 4.89. But then the disturbing thing pops out. All his other numbers in 2004 really indicated he should have pitched much better that year.
You already know what I am getting ready to say.
All his other numbers in 2008 say he should have pitched even worse.
NL would translate a lot better. AL East is not a place to go when your stuff is declining. Now I am not a scout and can only look at the data. I just know when soft tossers go bad it goes bad quick and maybe that has happened here. Maybe not. I would need some more analytical data but I would be very nervous of signing Garland.
So is two years of Garland at 20 million reasonable? Apparently, Jamie Moyer thinks so as well. Now we know why the Phillies havent signed him either. Heck at that price the Phillies might as well evaluate the entire pitching market as well.
NO to Garland
Is there much a difference between Danny Cabs and Garland? No not really. Garland moving to the AL East would make him a white Cabrera clone. Might as well keep Danny for a fraction of the price. With all this talk of him being a non-tender candidate, I’m shocked the team would go after Garland.
He'd be #2 with us
"This world extends way beyond this little field of dreams we're dancing in and I want to see that world"
Apparantly, Danny Cabs...
Duck Around - a progressive blog about the Eastern Shore of Maryland. And getting off my lawn.
Great point sanders
Anybody would be our number two but I think the O’s will land Uehara…. he will be number 2…Guthrie, Uehara, Garland, Olsen and DC
Uehara is worth the gamble
http://www.japaneseballplayers.com/en/player.php?id=uehara
His stats are pretty good. But since he closed in 2007 he has only throw 150 innings the last two years. Still, at one time, he was up near Dice K in stature in Japanese baseball. The O’s need a presence in Japanese baseball, this will get it started. But he probably has a limited amount of innings he can go.
If we want Garland why not just get Jason Marquis for something and let him pitch. You can get the same bang from Marquis without locking up 30-40 million on Garland who may have just taken his first step to becoming Livan Hernandez. Garland is probably just using the Orioles to get the market primed. He makes a lot more sense pitching in LA for the Dodgers (worked well for Jeff Weaver and Derek Lowe) or the Mets.
Why not spend the money on Oliver Perez? To me, yes he all over the place, but he has a chance to get better. At least there is upside, his best years can still be ahead of him. His hits per inning are significantly below innings pitched. He is still young enough to take one more step up and be a real number 2 or 3. Perez will probably go around where Ryan Dempster went. I feel Perez and Garland are poor risks and to expensive when it comes down to the Orioles getting either. But I prefer Perez. (I guess you can compare this to the Lowe-Burnett arguments somewhat-consistency versus upside)
For 3.5 million why not role out Cabrera for one more year unless we can trade him for something useful. The only reason I cant see that is if he was really hurt at the end of the year. I still think he could be a set up man but who knows. Garrett Olsen needs to start trusting his stuff and pound the strike zone. He can be as bad as he was this year without the walks, so why not do what worked in Triple A and challenge the hitters with first pitch strikes.
Of course, we are all waiting for these three but best to think two years away- per MLB.com the Orioles have 3 of the top 50 prospects in the minors as pitchers at 16, 20 and 36-I just needed to cheer myself up a bit.
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