Olson for Pie

WHO is gonna pitch?

[Guthrie's] president of my heart. ~PhilR8

by Stacey on Jan 18, 2009 2:34 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

well off last year's numbers for Olsen

the O’s have many options.

I dont see Lou P having any more patience for Olsen then Pie so Olsen could see some time in Triple A or just passing through Chi Town on his way to SD? At least Olsen has minor league options, Pie didnt.
So get ready for your Pie everyone and Nolan say hi to Norfolk.

Scott to SF, please Brian Sabean, cmon…..

by sanders833 on Jan 18, 2009 2:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Scott to SF?

Please explain.

by Dr Orpheus on Jan 19, 2009 12:23 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

SF needs offense

we still need pitching…Scott for Sanchez? The O’s would have to include something else to get this done I believe.

by sanders833 on Jan 19, 2009 8:57 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Yea like felix pie.

What up?

by snakethejake on Jan 19, 2009 5:04 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

And then some

I’m down with getting Sanchez from the Giants but the loss in offense or prospects would be significant.

by Dr Orpheus on Jan 19, 2009 6:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Braves

A friend of mine is a braves fan and keeps telling me how they need an OF and have all this young pitching in the minors. I think they need to look at Luke. I mean, they are about to sign andruw jones again.

Always trust your cape. -Guy Clark

by BPinOK on Jan 20, 2009 12:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

or maybe Nolan

by sanders833 on Jan 20, 2009 1:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

from the other viewpoint

I’m not in love with olson (the player) at all really, i figured Pie might have figured it out this season but who knows now.

This is clearly Your Rose That Never Bloomed for My Rose That Never Bloomed. Sick of waiting, sick of the the thorns. Though, it can’t be a good sign for you guys when the Cubs would rather have Joey Gathright than Felix Pie. (Or maybe it’s just a really bad sign for us.)

Nice to know Baltimore and the Cubs still talk. The Cubs have been shoveling dirt on Pie all weekend, making it clear he was going to have to blow them away to stick with the team, so no big surprise.

by thecubsfan on Jan 18, 2009 2:36 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Olson has a better chance to develop

But Pie has a higher upside. I’m not sure I love this deal, but hey, at least Andy got younger in the field. Although you can never have too much pitching, as people love to say, we currently have too much pitching. We just lost a major trade piece, but hopefully Pie turns into a league average out fielder.

Olson could foreseeably turn into a #4, while Pie will probably pan out as a fourth outfielder/pinch runner/utility player.

By the way, could this be Andy preparing to dish BRob, and have Pie hopefully fill the leadoff spot…? This is pretty much uniformed speculation, but Pie doesn’t seem to have a horrendous batting eye, he just wasn’t getting good wood. His career OBP may not be high enough, though.

My best game plan is to sit on the bench and call out specific instructions like 'C'mon Boog,' 'Get ahold of one, Frank,' or 'Let's go, Brooks.' -Earl Weaver

by Baltimo on Jan 18, 2009 2:44 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Sounds like me

Not getting good wood anymore! thanks for pills

by merdon1332000 on Jan 19, 2009 9:00 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

makes me wonder if the cubs are going to make one last push at peavy, the pads wanted olson to begin with…

What up?

by snakethejake on Jan 18, 2009 3:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I agree completely

Clearly this is a swap of prospects the teams had given up on. I think this trade could be good for the Orioles; they have a lot of minor league pitching depth, they don’t have a lot of minor league hitting depth. Pie gets the chance to play, probably every day, without the pressure of a guy like Sweet Lou or a pennant race. I really hope he learns some plate discipline, but Terry Crowley clearly ain’t the guy to teach it, so I’m not gonna hold my breath. Still, I like rolling the dice on this, to deal from depth and add more of what we currently lack.

"Might as well just win this game." - Adam Jones, 4/17/2008

Adam Jones is the tits.

by KenDixonFanClub on Jan 18, 2009 8:10 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

I like B-Rob tutoring Pie though

Perhaps something will come of that before B-Rob is traded away at midseason.

by Dr Orpheus on Jan 19, 2009 12:25 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

How about Nick

tutoring both A Jones and Pie. Or maybe Rock Raines or Rickey Henderson….

by sanders833 on Jan 19, 2009 8:59 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

And John Shelby

Oh man, Rickey Henderson tutoring anyone is something to behold.

“Lesson number one: run fast. Lesson number two: talk about yourself in the third person. Lesson number three: EGO is job one. Lesson number four: run fast.”

by Dr Orpheus on Jan 19, 2009 6:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Actually...

according to this Rickey was pretty decent at tutoring stealing. It’s also a really good read if you’re just interested in the guy at all.

"Might as well just win this game." - Adam Jones, 4/17/2008

Adam Jones is the tits.

by KenDixonFanClub on Jan 19, 2009 9:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Well, I am going to leave this one up to Andy

he is rolling the dice, I have to trust the evaluations to the scouts….love to see Pie in left though and just let him play.

by sanders833 on Jan 18, 2009 2:36 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I suppose the underlooked angle here

Is outfield defense. Nicky, AJ, and Pie will prevent a bunch of runs out there. Add them to Brian Bob and Izturis and the O’s could have a solid D that’s really only weak at the corners. And Mora’s not bad. He’s around average, isn’t he?

Huff can’t play in the field, but oh well.

Still, will Pie hit enough to play left, even with good D?

by pipkin on Jan 18, 2009 3:00 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I guess the strategy

Is to just try and catch every single ball put in play.

My best game plan is to sit on the bench and call out specific instructions like 'C'mon Boog,' 'Get ahold of one, Frank,' or 'Let's go, Brooks.' -Earl Weaver

by Baltimo on Jan 18, 2009 3:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

If you go by Range Factor

which is a stat I’m not particularly in love with but at least it’s better than Fldg%, Izturis is the overall best defensive player in MLB and Mora’s the top 3B in baseball… Markakis was 3rd in RF last year and A. Jones was 5th in CF. Roberts was 12th at 2B.

Game Over T-shirts: http://www.cafepress.com/beltwaysports

by CStoneNo37 on Jan 18, 2009 3:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

RF ain't everything, of course

I must admit I’m not sure either about which metrics are best.

But what you just said seems to corroborate that the O’s could be an excellent defensive team. That might not help their lack of pitching too much, but it might make a guy like Chris Waters able to hang around and be slightly above replacement level or something.

by pipkin on Jan 18, 2009 4:16 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm glad to see people

using defensive metrics. Thats a good sign of change in the way the baseball community evaluates talent.

But RF is like 3 years behind. I know you can find it on ESPN, but its just pretty bad. Go look at UZR on fangraphs.

Pie/Jones/Markakis is going to form one hell of a defensive OF with TONS of offensive potential.

by CKremer on Jan 20, 2009 4:58 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

they'd prevent a bunch of runs if they played in the stands

This was an awful trade….I am really not happy with this one.

"This world extends way beyond this little field of dreams we're dancing in and I want to see that world"

by exitfare on Jan 18, 2009 7:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

what

Olson sucked, plain and simple, a 6.65 ERA is shitty no matter where you put it up.

"You have to discipline yourself so you don't come out with something just to say you made a trade. You have to make sure you come out better than you were before." - Andy MacPhail, 7/31/08

by getxstoked on Jan 18, 2009 7:58 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah he did suck

But I wasn’t ready to give up on him. Plus getting PIe (Corey Patterson Part 2) isn’t good

I hope I am wrong, I really hope so.

"This world extends way beyond this little field of dreams we're dancing in and I want to see that world"

by exitfare on Jan 19, 2009 12:12 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Why arent you saying the say thing about

Adam Jones then….his obp was .311. I just think your looking at the glass half empty. Adam Jones played just as poorly as Pie did in his cups of coffee in Seattle.

I am not saying this is a slam dunk, but Pie has the upside to make this a nice deal. Andy Macphail must love this trade. Has he ever been quite so effusive in describing a transaction? Andy sounds like he just acquired his son to play LF.

by sanders833 on Jan 19, 2009 9:04 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Adam Jones could be the next Corey Patterson. I hope not but it’s possible. Both are/were toolsy CF, poor OBP skills, high SOs, and very good power for a CF.

"fuck the Yankees and fuck the Red Sox and all their players and fans and former players and fans and their loved ones and pets as well!" sickuvitall

by birdman on Jan 19, 2009 2:54 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I am an Orioles fan

all of my glasses are half empty

"This world extends way beyond this little field of dreams we're dancing in and I want to see that world"

by exitfare on Jan 19, 2009 2:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

You have glasses?

As an O’s fan, I thought all we got to drink out of was rusty hubcaps and used paper coffee cups dredged from the trash can.

hakkaa päälle !

by timg56 on Jan 20, 2009 12:51 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

well who is the better CF in terms of defense?

Jones or Pie?

by sanders833 on Jan 18, 2009 3:21 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

there’s probably not enough data on Pie in CF to make any reliable evaluations.

"fuck the Yankees and fuck the Red Sox and all their players and fans and former players and fans and their loved ones and pets as well!" sickuvitall

by birdman on Jan 18, 2009 3:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Pie projections

ZiPS – .720
CHONE – .757
Marcel – .706

Color me unimpressed. Given that we have Reimold and Montanez, I would keep Olson around.

"fuck the Yankees and fuck the Red Sox and all their players and fans and former players and fans and their loved ones and pets as well!" sickuvitall

by birdman on Jan 18, 2009 3:47 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I'm not quite sure I get it either

Cubs fans criticized Lou for not giving Pie enough AB’s, but how the hell is Felix going to get any at bats with Montanaez, Reimold, and Scott all hanging around?

My best game plan is to sit on the bench and call out specific instructions like 'C'mon Boog,' 'Get ahold of one, Frank,' or 'Let's go, Brooks.' -Earl Weaver

by Baltimo on Jan 18, 2009 3:52 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

This is a question of trying to build

Huff and first, Montanez and Scott at DH and Pie or Jones in LF/CF. Nolan in Norffolk. Or Montanez.

Maybe Scott will be on the block….although doesnt seem much demand for corner outfielders..when your a 70 win team you take chances on five tool players.

by sanders833 on Jan 18, 2009 4:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Huff has no place on this team, Montanez probably won’t pan out, Pie probably won’t pan out, and Nolan deserves a shot.

I’m thinking that Reimold is going to be used as a trade piece as this organization is dead set on not giving him playing time. I just don’t get it.

My best game plan is to sit on the bench and call out specific instructions like 'C'mon Boog,' 'Get ahold of one, Frank,' or 'Let's go, Brooks.' -Earl Weaver

by Baltimo on Jan 18, 2009 4:25 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

If anyone doesn't have a spot

I would say it’s Luke Scott more than anyone else. I think we all like him because he seemed to essentially be a throw in in the Tejada trade; but really how much value does he have? A 31 year old poor fielding LF’er who put up a 109 OPS+ in his only full year.

You make him a DH, and you probably have a moderately below average DH. You leave him in LF, you got below average defense and probably average offense.

His biggest value right now is that he’s cheap and going to remain cheap for a few years to come.

"Hey Yankees... you can take your apology and your trophy and shove 'em straight up your ass!" --Tanner Boyle

by BirdFanInPhilly on Jan 19, 2009 9:26 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

He's not a poor fielder

I agree that he’s the odd man out, but I really don’t agree with that part.

[Guthrie's] president of my heart. ~PhilR8

by Stacey on Jan 19, 2009 10:16 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I thought his defense was somewhat suspect, but looking at his defensive stats on baseball prospectus, I may have been talking out of my ass.

I guess he’s moving to DH, so it maybe irrelevant.

"Hey Yankees... you can take your apology and your trophy and shove 'em straight up your ass!" --Tanner Boyle

by BirdFanInPhilly on Jan 19, 2009 10:36 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Luke Scott was a very good defensive LF last season, according to various defensive metrics.

"fuck the Yankees and fuck the Red Sox and all their players and fans and former players and fans and their loved ones and pets as well!" sickuvitall

by birdman on Jan 19, 2009 2:56 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

actually

it’s luke scott who has no place on this team

don’t let the bible hit you in the ass on the way out

Yes, I should say that, which, I should say that.

by thewaywardO on Jan 19, 2009 9:39 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

what is wrong with Luke being part of a DH

platoon, outfield depth, strong left hander off the bench, option if Pie, Riemold dont work out…?

It wouldnt surprise me that by 2010 Luke and Aubrey are gone with Brandon Snyder coming and a cheap corner outfielder glut probably still looming. But it has to play out.

by sanders833 on Jan 19, 2009 9:47 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

those are OPS projections btw.

"fuck the Yankees and fuck the Red Sox and all their players and fans and former players and fans and their loved ones and pets as well!" sickuvitall

by birdman on Jan 18, 2009 3:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

ladies and gentleman, Corey Patterson v2.0

maybe this one can take a walk.

"You have to discipline yourself so you don't come out with something just to say you made a trade. You have to make sure you come out better than you were before." - Andy MacPhail, 7/31/08

by getxstoked on Jan 18, 2009 4:04 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Minor league OBP – .336. Not encouraging.

"fuck the Yankees and fuck the Red Sox and all their players and fans and former players and fans and their loved ones and pets as well!" sickuvitall

by birdman on Jan 18, 2009 4:07 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

really you can put Adam Jones in the same context

though (obp .311). Really, if Felix Pie would have been the outfielder acquired in the Bedard trade and given the CF job and produced the same stats as Jones would we then be saying Pie is the organizational cornerstone? I am glad to have both Jones and Pie in the organization.

I am on board with this move. Whether Jones or Pie plays CF will work itself out. Its great to have organizational options and a player with Pie’s tools in the organization. Only time will tell if it pans out but this is the kind of risk/reward this organization needs to take.

This will also make Nolan FORCE his way onto the team. If he is that good, someone else will notice.

by sanders833 on Jan 18, 2009 5:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I said that a while ago...

’course i was drunk. There;s a first.

http://www.camdenchat.com/2008/5/10/506947/i-m-just-sayin#comments

"Daddy, is Hevan like BIRDLAND?"
"No son, Hevan is BIRDLAND."

by BENNY BIRDMAN on Jan 19, 2009 3:58 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Guys like Andre Dawson, Torri Hunter and Carl Crawford

have had great careers with low OBP but really the guy scouts said Jones is like was Mike Cameron.

Its to early to call them career OBP killers lets give them a few more seasons before we place the Corey Patterson tag on them. Corey’s biggest problem was his windmill, cyclical swing which he just seemed to refuse to admit was flawed. Jones and Pie seem more willing to listen and learn but time will tell.

by sanders833 on Jan 19, 2009 4:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I’m looking at line like .267/.322/.409, but I can live with that considering his plus defense.

by KakesForROY on Jan 18, 2009 4:14 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

That's pretty optimistic

But is that plus defense worth taking the bat out of Nolan’s hands? Andy must think that a fourth outfielder is worth more than whatever Olson was going to pan out to be (4/5 starter).

My best game plan is to sit on the bench and call out specific instructions like 'C'mon Boog,' 'Get ahold of one, Frank,' or 'Let's go, Brooks.' -Earl Weaver

by Baltimo on Jan 18, 2009 4:26 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Are you the Nolan Reimold fanclub president or what?

He’ll be at Norfolk, which is where he belongs this year, let him prove that he can put together 2 quality high-level MiL seasons before bringing him to Baltimore instead of rushing him up, and whose to say that Reimold won’t come up and be an occasional OF/mostly DH, since I believe it’s his bat that’s his real tool, and not his glove.

Or maybe they give him a first baseman’s mitt when he gets to Ft. Lauderdale and tell him to learn.

"You have to discipline yourself so you don't come out with something just to say you made a trade. You have to make sure you come out better than you were before." - Andy MacPhail, 7/31/08

by getxstoked on Jan 18, 2009 4:38 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Actually I'm the treasurer

And I’m not sure how you can think that calling up a 25 year old, who has spent four years in the minors, is rushing the process. You don’t need to be a plus defender to play left field, especially when you have Adam Jones right next to you.

Reimold has proved himself in numerous seasons, and sending him to AAA for another full season is a joke.

My best game plan is to sit on the bench and call out specific instructions like 'C'mon Boog,' 'Get ahold of one, Frank,' or 'Let's go, Brooks.' -Earl Weaver

by Baltimo on Jan 18, 2009 4:49 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Lets calm down

In essence, what the organization is doing is trading a organizational pitching prospect for positional depth. Since Nolan is really the only prospect we have (not counting Matt of course) and is unproven doesnt that seem logical? Plus Nolan has options so now if he needs another year in the minors no problem. Luis Montanez doesnt impress me as an outfielder and I dont care what the stats say, my eyes still tell me Luke Scott is an avg OF at best.

This is the time to find out if Pie’s tools are legit. If he pans out he might be something like a Carl Crawford lite. I am willing to trust Andy and the scouts on this one. They have had to be following Pie for a season now because of the Roberts discussions.

Like or dislike, it shows a willingness to take a chance, rely on your scouts, improve defense, add positional youth and depth, team speed and gives you option of discussing Luke in a trade. The downside is of course we need pitching….and Olsen will pitch better. Getting out of this division has to help any pitcher.

Still I am on board with the move, the upside and downside.

by sanders833 on Jan 18, 2009 5:12 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I might be wrong

I’m fairly certain Reimold has been hurt a lot, and the FO might be tired of his health problems. Who knows?

by Dr Orpheus on Jan 19, 2009 12:30 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

nobody knows for sure

which is why you give yourself options…and it breeds competition. If Lou Montanez and Oscar Salazar get squeezed out that is probably a very good thing.

by sanders833 on Jan 19, 2009 9:06 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

He has been injured

But he’s still a guy going on 25 who has never even been given a shot at any level higher than AA, whereas other players have been forced up far too quickly.

My best game plan is to sit on the bench and call out specific instructions like 'C'mon Boog,' 'Get ahold of one, Frank,' or 'Let's go, Brooks.' -Earl Weaver

by Baltimo on Jan 22, 2009 4:21 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

which positional players

have been forced up to quickly?

by sanders833 on Jan 22, 2009 1:08 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

So many players flame out after AA success

that .I would have been incredulous if Reimold had been handed the starting job in spring training. Give him some time to prove himself at AAA — if he’s good, he can force his way into ABs at LF or DH, especially if Pie flames out.

by les boulez on Jan 18, 2009 6:02 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

But Lou Montanez won the AA triple crown!

so he should be starting every day this year obvi

"This world extends way beyond this little field of dreams we're dancing in and I want to see that world"

by exitfare on Jan 18, 2009 7:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Resemblance

I always kind of thought Garrett Olson looked a bit like Prez from The Wire. Is anyone with me on this?

Cry havoc and unleash the Esskay hot dogs of war! - The Wayward Oriole, Opening Day 2008

by Eat More Esskay on Jan 18, 2009 6:35 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I'm with you.

by Jonny Pops on Jan 18, 2009 6:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

now that you mention it

I can kinda see it.

by pipkin on Jan 18, 2009 6:59 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

agreed

I wish Olson was less of a pussy though

"This world extends way beyond this little field of dreams we're dancing in and I want to see that world"

by exitfare on Jan 18, 2009 7:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Does anyone see a little

Dennis Leary in Mr. Olson’s face?? Maybe it is just me. Best wishes Garrett, hope you find that outside corner you have always been searching for…

"...that our flag was still there...OOOOOO say does that star spangled..."

by sickuvitall on Jan 18, 2009 7:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Wow

That’s so true.

My best game plan is to sit on the bench and call out specific instructions like 'C'mon Boog,' 'Get ahold of one, Frank,' or 'Let's go, Brooks.' -Earl Weaver

by Baltimo on Jan 18, 2009 10:55 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Could someone tell me how the rotation shakes up to be?

Will we see Matusz or Tillman in the starting rotation after ST?

by oc on Jan 18, 2009 8:48 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I highly doubt

that either Matusz or Tillman breaks camp with the major league club. Nor should they. 2009 is not going to be a great year. The rotation, if I had to guess right now?

Guthrie
Uehara
Another vet we haven’t signed yet
Albers/Liz/Patton?/Penn (4 and 5)

"Might as well just win this game." - Adam Jones, 4/17/2008

Adam Jones is the tits.

by KenDixonFanClub on Jan 18, 2009 9:35 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

YOU FORGOT HENDRICKSON! HOW DARE YOU! haha.

What up?

by snakethejake on Jan 18, 2009 9:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I'm trying

to accentuate the positive. I really hope that guy isn’t in the rotation. I’d rather see ALL of the guys I listed over him, and then some.

"Might as well just win this game." - Adam Jones, 4/17/2008

Adam Jones is the tits.

by KenDixonFanClub on Jan 18, 2009 10:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Probably

1. Guthrie
2. Uehara
3. Shit
4. Vomit
5. Some guy that’s been out of the majors for 5 years

After 4 of them get injured or shellacked, we’ll sign Ponson again.

"This world extends way beyond this little field of dreams we're dancing in and I want to see that world"

by exitfare on Jan 19, 2009 12:15 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

The five spot

Roch was suggesting Brad Hennessey might break camp as the 5th starter. I actually like Hennessey a lot. He pitched fairly well in San Fran despite some injuries and was a first or second round, can’t recall specifically, pick.

Maybe we’ll have
1. Guthrie
2. Uehara
3. Liz/Burres/Albers
4. Bergesen/Waters/Hernandez
5. Hennessey

That’s…not good…damn.

by Dr Orpheus on Jan 19, 2009 12:36 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Let me take a shot at April starters and staff

Guts, Uehara, Baeys, Hendrickson, Hennessey with so many caveats you could write all day. I want to see a third legit starter signed-Sheets, Wolf, Garland, Looper, Pedro, or come in a trade.

Is Albers even healthy? I question if he is ready to go? I think we have seen enough of Burres so he has to win a spot and the team seemed to lose confidence in him. I think Liz needs to pitch in Triple A and get 10 quality starts in at that level.

I think its to early for Berg/Hernandez and Chris Waters didnt show me enough to be handed a roster spot and his minor league numbers dont support it.

Hennessey would be my favorite if he is healthy. I suspect he was hurt last year. Of course he might not make the club. Same with many of these guys.

Now who is on the team-Sarfate, Penn, Baeys , Walker, Kam, Ray, Johnson, Sherrill, Guthrie,Uehara, Hendrickson. So that is 11 and we have heard 13. I listed Sarfate and Penn first as both will be on the team or most likely claimed.

I think Sarfate wins a job or gets cut. In three years maybe he turns into a Heath Bell, Brandon Donnelly type but right now he isnt a major league pitcher because of his control and lack of a pitch (splitter, slider, changeup). Penn may be used as a long man/fifth starter. Hennessey the same and Hendrickson may just be in the pen.

Two spots for grabs for Liz, Waters, Burres, Albers, Bass. If the O’s sign another quality starter then it may be no spots as the O’s may only use 12 pitchers.

Of course the pitcher I didnt even mention that we all so desperately want to see is Troy Patton. I kind of see him in May after he has some innings and the off days and fifth starter are really needed. I see a legit starter addition and Troy as our best options. By the of the season maybe someone else will squeeze in from the system and even move Koji in the sixth spot, swingman role so he doesnt have to pitch every fifth day to keep his innings manageable.

Just expect a lot of moving parts.

by sanders833 on Jan 19, 2009 9:38 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Penn

I’ve said it before on here, but I really think Penn should be in the rotation. This is really his last chance. Also the other options (Waters, Burress, Bass, Hendrickson) really don’t have a future with this team. At least Penn still has a small (very very small) chance to be in the future. I say just give him his last shot.

by edsachs1 on Jan 19, 2009 3:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

We'll see what happens in Spring Training

Heck, if Brian Burres comes out and blows everybody away, I’d support he being given a chance. Whatever, just somebody.

by Dr Orpheus on Jan 19, 2009 6:58 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I think there are essentially 4 spots up for grabs in ST

And about 8 guys that could get those spots. And I don’t see Uehara as having a guaranteed spot. Hendrickson is probably more of a lock than Uehara.

Matsuz has never played professional baseball (unless you count the fall league), so I don’t see how he would get a spot. Tillman wouldn’t be shocking though, the guy did pitch very well in AA last year. He’s only 21, but if you’re ready, then you’re ready. But I would think he has a much better chance of being a mid/early season callup.

"Hey Yankees... you can take your apology and your trophy and shove 'em straight up your ass!" --Tanner Boyle

by BirdFanInPhilly on Jan 19, 2009 9:22 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

This trade only makes sense

if we make other moves off of this one. LF is already somewhat of a clusterfuck, so this leads me to believe that another trade could be in the works.

Scott perhaps? Or do we trade Reimold hoping that some team sees something in him the way Andy does in Pie?

I personally like Nolan and think he has a chance to be decent, so Felix better come through or I will be highly irritated at this transaction.

"...that our flag was still there...OOOOOO say does that star spangled..."

by sickuvitall on Jan 18, 2009 10:14 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I’d put my money on scott getting traded…

What up?

by snakethejake on Jan 18, 2009 10:28 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I don’t like this trade unless we are looking to follow it up with another one. It seems like we traded a busted prospect at a position we desperately needed for a busted prospect at a position we have about 15 options for. Felix Pie is really a center fielder, so that gives us 3 center fielders. Great.

Nick Markakis
Adam Jones
Luke Scott
Nolan Reimhold
Ryan Freel
Felix Pie
Lou Montanez

Will Pie even make the Orioles 25 man roster? Are we going to send hmi down to Norfolk? I agree with above people that this only makes sense if we plan on trading some combination of Felix Pie/Luke Scott/Nolan Reimhold or if Felix Pie can play second base and we trade Brian Roberts.

by math_geek on Jan 18, 2009 10:29 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

I don't know that it's fair to count

Freel or Montanez as actually capable of filling the position. Freel in no way hits enough to play a corner OF spot regularly. Montanez is probably a 4A player. The Os, for whatever reason, may not believe in Reimold…though I’d really like to see him get a chance to hit at the big league level.

So if our starting OF is Pie-Jones-Nick, with Luke as DH and Freel and/or Montanez as a 4th OF. I don’t really see the logjam.

"Might as well just win this game." - Adam Jones, 4/17/2008

Adam Jones is the tits.

by KenDixonFanClub on Jan 18, 2009 10:42 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I mean, I guess. I don’t see what makes the Orioles want to give up on Reimhold as a prospect though

by math_geek on Jan 18, 2009 11:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I would say internally

there must be enough skeptics on his abilitly and he is getting later and later to the show…plus health issues …

Just having Freel, Scott and Pie makes me feel so much better then having say F. Bynum, B. Fahay and T. Redman…… Other then Nolan and Brandon Snyder do we have a positional player even close…(not including Matt)?

You think we havent made progress..read that again-Bynum, Redman and Fahey…..

by sanders833 on Jan 18, 2009 11:21 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

i personally like the trade. olsen sucked and wasn’t getting better. Pie was only given 1/2 of a season to produce, and since the cubs were contenders, they couldn’t deal with him struggling any longer. in baltimore, he should have a chance to play and develop. he’s an amazing outfielder, so atleast he’s an upgrade on the field. he’s also extremely quick which should help on the base paths. if he could hit .270 this year and play defense the way he has shown his entire career, i think this trade is a success for baltimore. i agree with everyone else as well – we need to make some more trades and get some GOOD pitching…enough steve trachsel-types…

SWEET LAX!!!

by O's n Natty Bohs on Jan 18, 2009 10:35 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

whats wrong with 3 CF

all with plus arms, speed playing at the same time.

Luke will DH or get traded, Lou Montanez is not an OF, Ryan is a utility man, Nolan is not even to triple A yet…he might just slide into Luke’s spot down the road if Luke is traded or starts getting pricey.

Andy actually made a small play here, lets applaud it and hope it works out over the next couple of seasons. The O’s are bringing the most upside to the table in this deal so lets “put it on Andy” and enjoy what on paper is one of the most youthful, toolsy outfield’s in all of baseball.

by sanders833 on Jan 18, 2009 10:42 PM EST reply actions 1 recs

something must be wrong

because I totally agree with you on this one.

"Might as well just win this game." - Adam Jones, 4/17/2008

Adam Jones is the tits.

by KenDixonFanClub on Jan 18, 2009 10:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

thinking the same thing

I still like Jack Morris for the HOF…..

by sanders833 on Jan 18, 2009 10:48 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

nobody's perfect. ;)

"Might as well just win this game." - Adam Jones, 4/17/2008

Adam Jones is the tits.

by KenDixonFanClub on Jan 18, 2009 10:50 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

toolsy

nice

by 7Swords of Salat on Jan 19, 2009 1:16 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

got me on that one

but I like it…

by sanders833 on Jan 19, 2009 12:13 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Puzzling, yes, but not all bad

Since I am in the Nolan Reimold fan club, I’m not particularly pleased with this move, but Pie is better than Olson, and therefore I like this move a little. I was initially very concerned about this move given Pie’s uninspiring OBP, but this fangraphs piece was some good info. Looks like we will have the best defensive OF in the business next year, and I guess that’s something.

What does this mean for Reimold, though? Best case scenario is that both he and Pie and Reimold pan out, allowing the Orioles to trade Scott who presumably is more palatable to a team that might need a decent bat. And since Scott is under control for awhile, hopefully we can a nice piece for him (maybe someone who can play IF). I hate to DH someone who can play defense (and I’m assuming Reimold is an averagish LF though I don’t really know either way), but given that health is a concern and he does have a power bat, maybe it’s not so bad? I just hope the Orioles aren’t down on Reimold because that would be the Orioles being the Orioles.

As for Olson, I have always surmised that while he could be a decent back end of the rotation type, his impressive minor league numbers are more a function of being in the cavernous Norfolk stadium, and his splits from 07 bear that out. Given that the Orioles have tons of back end of the rotation types for 2009 (see: seemingly everyone but Guthrie), I’m not too concerned, though it’s worth noting that Olson prolly has more upside than everyone but potentially Hayden Penn.

So, Pie has more potential upside, especially factoring in defense > Olson; though I do hope Reimold doesn’t get screwed over here.

Librarians are hiding something

by dfa on Jan 19, 2009 1:42 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

That fangraph does make me feel a lot better about the whole thing. And he is still very young. Hopefully he lives up to the promise that he showed before.

by math_geek on Jan 19, 2009 12:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

Don't like this at all

Baltimore Sun reports it’s a done deal. http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/baseball/bal-sp.orioles19jan19,0,3876089.story

So they are planning on platooning Pie and Freel in LF and moving Scott to DH. This means we have an absolutely terrible output from LF and average to below average output from DH. And we had to give up a pitcher (granted, who’s value was questionable).

"Hey Yankees... you can take your apology and your trophy and shove 'em straight up your ass!" --Tanner Boyle

by BirdFanInPhilly on Jan 19, 2009 9:50 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

That contradicts Schmuck

http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/schmuck/2009/01/os_lets_make_another_deal.html

Pie, based on a conversation I had a few months ago with an O’s official, probably will get the Adam Jones treatment. He figures to start every day in left field and get a chance to make good on his untapped talent.

[Guthrie's] president of my heart. ~PhilR8

by Stacey on Jan 19, 2009 10:22 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

I don’t get the love affair. The guy was terrible in his time in the majors (granted, limited time). Had okay numbers in the AAA, but that was in the PCL, which is supposed to be an extremely offense friendly league. And it’s not like he’s exceptionally young.

"Hey Yankees... you can take your apology and your trophy and shove 'em straight up your ass!" --Tanner Boyle

by BirdFanInPhilly on Jan 19, 2009 10:39 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

If that was based on a conversation a few months ago

It may not really be accurate, Freel probably wasn’t even on the team yet.

"Hey Yankees... you can take your apology and your trophy and shove 'em straight up your ass!" --Tanner Boyle

by BirdFanInPhilly on Jan 19, 2009 11:13 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

True, true

I don’t really see the point in platooning them. Pie might not pan out, but he’s young enough and talented enough to get playing time over Ryan Freel to see if he can put it together.

[Guthrie's] president of my heart. ~PhilR8

by Stacey on Jan 19, 2009 11:22 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs

2009 is a great chance

for Pie, its really no different then the O’s giving Jones off days against tough right handers last year.

Andy is in love with Pie. Its his job to lose.

It was a tough weekend for our Ravens but to hear Nicky is on board and getting Pie I am stoked.

Now get us another legit starting pitcher and please sign Brian or trade him before opening day. I love Brian but I dont want this dragging on all damn year.

Shoot, the O’s should rip up Brian’s contract and give him a new four year 40 million deal. That isnt out there for Brian I dont believe. If he wont sign that then he doesnt want to be here. I totally respect that and have nothing but the best wishes for him if he doesnt want to sign to play with a contender.

But I would like this resolved soon or it will be quite a distraction.

by sanders833 on Jan 19, 2009 10:18 AM EST reply actions 0 recs

Why should this team invest money and a spot for a losing season?

I’m confused by the logic of this. If this is supposed to be a losing season, if this team is expected to lose over 95 games why pay money to improve the losses by five or six?

This team is rebuilding and nothing outside of a 1-year, $1-2 million contract makes much sense in the world of a team that will finish last. Let the kids play. Throw Liz, Waters, whatever out there. It’ll be painful, but money will be saved for signing bonuses for the draft by not signing guys.

I might be alone here…

by Dr Orpheus on Jan 19, 2009 7:06 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

Given the state of Orioles pitching, my first reaction is they sure don’t think much of Olson. Then mix in MacPhail’s mancrush on Pie. Seems he’s been chasing Pie for a long time.

by drj on Jan 19, 2009 9:10 PM EST reply actions 0 recs

God knows I have too

…love me some pie.

by Dr Orpheus on Jan 19, 2009 10:27 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs

hmmm

dont know what to make of this deal but i trust andy macphail. hopefully in a few years AM will be right up there with Ozzie Newsome in terms of great Baltimore GMs. speaking of Ozzie, resign Ray Lewis and Terrell Suggs!

by mad_cal_disease8 on Jan 23, 2009 4:02 PM EST reply actions 0 recs