corners in 2010
by ItsBenFeldman on Mar 5, 2009 6:00 PM EST
43 comments
So I was thinking today about next year, and what the O's should do when they finally rid themselves of Melvin's contract, and Aubrey Huff's. One of the reasons I wanted us to sign Tex so badly is that there really aren't many great solutions in the free agent market, and we aren't really in a position to trade prospects (duh). We will be more than set in the OF for the next 5 years, set behind the plate and at 2nd, and hopefully the pitching will all work out beautifully, but what to do at 1st, 3rd and short. Obviously this is premature, but Spring Training is boring.
1st base - there are really no good options here, or at least all-star quality options.
Rich Aurilia (38)
Russell Branyan (34)
Miguel Cairo (36)
Frank Catalanotto (36) - $5MM club option with a $2MM buyout
Tony Clark (38)
Carlos Delgado (38)
Nomar Garciaparra (36)
Ross Gload (34) - $2.6MM club option
Eric Hinske (32)
Nick Johnson (31)
Adam LaRoche (30)
Doug Mientkiewicz (36)
Kevin Millar (38)
Chad Tracy (30) - $7MM option with a $1MM buyout
Daryle Ward (35)
Dmitri Young (36)
I sort of think the best solution would be to pick up Hinske or Adam Laroche or Hanl Blalock on a short deal and put up a straight platoon with Ty Wigginton at 1st base. Laroche hits
.277/.345/.503 lifetime against righties, Hinske hits .264/.347/.458, Blalock .292/.356/.502
In a straight platoon with Ty (.288/.364/.514 vs LHP) we could have a really inexpensive 1st base slot putting up something like....280/.350/.470 with 30 hr for only a few million.
3rd.
Rich Aurilia (38)
Adrian Beltre (31)
Geoff Blum (37)
Aaron Boone (37)
Craig Counsell (39)
Joe Crede (32)
Pedro Feliz (35) - $5MM club option with a $500K buyout
Chone Figgins (32)
Nomar Garciaparra (36)
Troy Glaus (33)
Chipper Jones (38)
Mike Lamb (34)
Melvin Mora (38) - $8MM club option with a $1MM buyout
Pablo Ozuna (35)
Robb Quinlan (33)
Juan Uribe (31)
Not much here either, I sort of like Beltre, as he's one of those players who has really flown under the rader due to what is seen as a ridiculous contract, but has actually been quite reasonable. His offense will never compare to 2004, but he has a phenomenal glove, and should be able to put up a .270/.320/.460 for the next 2-3 years. In our lineup, he could slot in at 7th, ahead of Pie and Izturis.
Short
Orlando Cabrera (35)
Alex Cora (34)
Craig Counsell (39)
Bobby Crosby (30)
Adam Everett (33)
Chris Gomez (39)
Alex Gonzalez (32) - $6MM mutual option with a $500K buyout
Khalil Greene (30)
Jerry Hairston Jr. (34)
John McDonald (35)
Marco Scutaro (34)
Miguel Tejada (36)
Omar Vizquel (43)
Jack Wilson (32) - $8.4MM club option with a $600K buyout
This is pretty ugly, our best bet may to be to hold on to Cesar and wait for 2011 to upgrade. Here I would maybe explore a deal for JJ Hardy if possible, who is tremendously undervalued due to glove work that doesn't look so special, but is praised by pretty much every defensive metric.
Given the 36 mill coming off the books, I think we could spend 5 on a solution at 1st, 8 on Beltre (2 yrs 16 mil?) and still have tons left over to explore signing a big free agent starter: Lackey, harden, Bedard (lots of innings incentives, low base), Tim Hudson).
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hail caesar...
he’s under contract for next year, i believe.
"When people ask me what my motivation is, I have a simple answer: Money."
--Jerry Reed, on acting
by j.q. higgins on Mar 5, 2009 6:16 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
Izzy has a 2 year deal
Duck Around - a progressive blog about the Eastern Shore of Maryland. And getting off my lawn.
by duck on Mar 5, 2009 8:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
yeah
I know we have him locked up for 2, but we shouldn’t let the fact that he’s better than Fahey confuse us into thinking he is a first division sort of player, as good as his glove has been, He’s been 135 runs below avg with the bat in his career, has rate stats of .260/.299/.331 almost exclusively in the weakest divisions in baseball. He really shouldn’t be anything more than a defensive replacement for a team trying to win games.
by ItsBenFeldman on Mar 5, 2009 8:30 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
first, third and short
It’s pretty amazing that the Orioles don’t really have any more desirable options at those positions after this year. Wigginton is signed through next year and he’s an option I suppose. If Syd Thrift were still the GM he’d considering exercising the options on Mora and Aubrey. There is still a modicum of hope with Snyder and Rowell. I’m just hoping Grant Green falls to us in June and we can pencil him in after the Izturis contract expires.
Of the FA’s listed above, I like Nick Johnson and Beltre. Safeco is death on righties, but I thought Dodger Stadium was too.
Librarians are hiding something
by dfa on Mar 5, 2009 8:38 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
edit
Turns out we don’t have an option on Huff, per Cots. That’s odd. Also, I think it possible to consider moving Reimold to first if Pie pans out.
Librarians are hiding something
by dfa on Mar 5, 2009 8:41 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
i'll bet...
they end up going w/ snyder.
"When people ask me what my motivation is, I have a simple answer: Money."
--Jerry Reed, on acting
by j.q. higgins on Mar 5, 2009 9:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Dude can hit
He’s also mentioned that he’d like to play more at third. Maybe he can find a home there. Not sure about the defense though.
by Dr Orpheus on Mar 6, 2009 12:26 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
he can hit
but it doesn’t look like enough to be a regular at 1st. He doesn’t have enough power or patience.
by ItsBenFeldman on Mar 6, 2009 4:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
alright...
huh? patience can be overvalued, no?
i mean, if you are a high contact hitter and can drive the ball, who the fuck cares?
"When people ask me what my motivation is, I have a simple answer: Money."
--Jerry Reed, on acting
by j.q. higgins on Mar 6, 2009 5:17 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I suppose...
its sort of true (maybe) that patience can be overvalued…everything can be. But you have to have some of it. Batting average is overvalued, but no one survives batting .190. A regular first basemen who can’t slug .450 or get on base 34 percent of the time isn’t of much value to a contending team.
by ItsBenFeldman on Mar 6, 2009 8:43 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Snyder has a horrid glove
He’s a born DH it would appear, which means he better start getting the ball up in the air and over the fence more often.
"If they cut my bald head open, they will find one big boxing glove. That's all I am. I live it." -- Marvin Hagler
by SC on Mar 7, 2009 7:19 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I see synyder's future
as that of a perfectly usefull half of a platoon who will end up getting 4 years of regular play if he can manage to hit .280 with any consistency. If this team is going to go anywhere, we can’t really just “get by” at any poisition, we need to be above average across the board. This can be done with our up and commers, with one or two big signings and then with creative platoons at 1st, Left and DH spots. But not with Brandon Snyder playing 1st.
by ItsBenFeldman on Mar 8, 2009 6:08 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I'm just gonna say this
Adrian Beltre is now among the most overlooked players in the game. That one huge season of his was a fluke year, but he provides 25 homers and Gold Glove-level D every year. Not a great player, but a good one.
"If they cut my bald head open, they will find one big boxing glove. That's all I am. I live it." -- Marvin Hagler
by SC on Mar 6, 2009 3:56 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
YEa I'll take beltre at $8 mil a year
especially if he can continue his pretty solid numbers for the next 2-3 years.
by Timmy L. on Mar 6, 2009 9:43 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
If you can get him at that price
There’s no telling what the FA market will be like in Winter 2009-10, and if I’m not mistaken, his agent is You-Know-Who.
by Brotz13 on Mar 6, 2009 11:25 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Voldemort?
[Guthrie's] president of my heart. ~PhilR8
by Stacey on Mar 6, 2009 1:01 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Beltre will get his money
unless the injuries he had last year drag down his produciton.
But yeah, he is on the list.
I still like Adrian Gonzalez in a trade and sign, which is hard to do. I also like the consideration of Wieters at first. Maybe even Wiggington could play there for a year. Still I think you have to keep an eye on Snyder and Rowell as they both project at the position and there will be a lot of one year types on the market I think, possibly a lot of guys who might be non-tendered.
But if I had to target one guy then Beltre looks like it because he will be in play. I am thinking he might get $10 at 3-4. Boston would look. Minn has been kicking it, Seattle might try to keep him, Philly would have to be interested but I could see the Orioles being a legit player here. AB in, MM out. Cash in year one not much difference. If none of the big players get in (NY teams, Boston) the O’s got a shot.
by sanders833 on Mar 6, 2009 2:23 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Wieter's at first makes little sense.
Wieters looks like his defense will be good to great as a catcher. He will hit well enough to play first, but he is far more valuable as a catcher. Good hitting first basemen are a dime a dozen. Good hitting catchers are extremely rare. The Yanks are going to put Swisher on their bench at the prime of his career. That can’t be making him happy. If they could land him to play first, they would be in good shape. Also, if, by some chance, Huff repeats last year performance, the O’s could just resign him for a couple of more years.
by uneasy rider on Mar 9, 2009 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
He's one of the more reckless hitters in Baseball
but if I had his bat speed I would be pretty free swinging as well. And your right, his defense is absolutely the level you’d want out of your third baseman.
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
by jobe on Mar 6, 2009 4:13 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
How about we trade one of our extra outfielders for a first or third baseman, or just move one to first base and see how they do
by Civardi on Mar 6, 2009 9:39 PM EST reply actions 0 recs
we tried that with Jay Gibbons once
however, I really dont know if we have anyone that fits the bill…Nolan would be the one I would think of and I have no real clue if that is an option defensively or offensively.
I would like to see if Brandon or Billy could fit the bill…this is a big year for these guys to get back on the prospect list.
by sanders833 on Mar 6, 2009 9:46 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
they're further off than 2010 either way probably
Trying Reimold at 1B would be a decent idea if there wasn’t a solid chance we’ll still need him to play LF if Pie sucks. For the time being I have to say leave him be.
"If they cut my bald head open, they will find one big boxing glove. That's all I am. I live it." -- Marvin Hagler
by SC on Mar 7, 2009 7:26 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Theres a rumor going around NY
that the yanks want to trade for melmo. of course i believe he has a no trade clause and the o’s almost never trade in division, but its a possiblility. Of course that’d leave us with wiggington as our everyday 3rd baseman for this year, but maybe we could get some decent 1st base prospect in return?
"I’m sure glad he didn’t try to bunt." - DD on Melmo's game winning double, 6/17
by daveh873 on Mar 7, 2009 12:21 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
I cannot imagine Melvin Mora not waiving the no-trade clause to play for the Yankees, and in many ways who could blame him? I give Melvin guff but he’s done a lot for this team and has given us some good moments. He’s also inching toward 40 and probably won’t be around when the Orioles can be good, so go win something if you can. BUT he’s also very loyal to keeping his family in Baltimore which I’ve said before I find quite admirable.
The Yankees should give us Phil Hughes and Brad Suttle. They don’t really have a 1B prospect.
"If they cut my bald head open, they will find one big boxing glove. That's all I am. I live it." -- Marvin Hagler
by SC on Mar 7, 2009 7:24 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Well MM
would probably want his option exercised and I doubt the Yanks are doing that, and since Arod would be back where is MM going to play knowing he needs to be on the field to get a contract.
Phillip Hughes? Never happen, not when you have AJ Burnett and Joba looking a little like he might be hurting….
by sanders833 on Mar 7, 2009 11:42 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
well no kidding it won't happen
I just said they should. Melvin needs to win the World Series. The Yankees always win the World Series.
"If they cut my bald head open, they will find one big boxing glove. That's all I am. I live it." -- Marvin Hagler
by SC on Mar 7, 2009 11:50 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I know Brian Cashman
has a great job and Arod gets paid regardless but Hank Steinbrenner looks like a complete idiot. He made the right decision on Arod-thought about it again and flinched, Cash wanted him gone and $300 million later you wonder if the Yanks will win another Series with Arod around.
But YES has some great material fo surre………..
by sanders833 on Mar 7, 2009 12:11 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
YES is ridiculous
But it’s the benchmark for baseball TV production if you ask me.
"If they cut my bald head open, they will find one big boxing glove. That's all I am. I live it." -- Marvin Hagler
by SC on Mar 7, 2009 12:37 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah I’d think that the options for 1B are basically make a trade…I have to think that Adrian Gonzalez will be availible either mid point this season OR next offseason…which would cause a feeding frenzy…BUT Baltimore have the prospects to get it done, plus he would absolutely mash at Camden.
OR
If the Orioles were willing to take on salary I’d have to imagine that Miguel Cabrera will be availible soon.
And 3b Betre would be a good option for the Orioles…good D, would hit for more power at Camden and wouldnt cost too much.
by Ohpityme on Mar 7, 2009 7:19 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
more power
I actually think getting older would counteract that and keep him around 25 homers and a 105-110 OPS+ every year. Which is quite acceptable when you consider he’s a heck of a third baseman.
"If they cut my bald head open, they will find one big boxing glove. That's all I am. I live it." -- Marvin Hagler
by SC on Mar 7, 2009 7:21 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
he has been steady with
good defense..fits right in with what they have been trying to do….
My only concern with Beltre has been his wrist injuries, would like to see him healthy all year.
by sanders833 on Mar 7, 2009 11:47 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
is it a foregone conclusion huff will be gone?
data please.
needs banned
by thewaywardO on Mar 7, 2009 9:31 AM EST reply actions 0 recs
Contract is up after this year
Duck Around - a progressive blog about the Eastern Shore of Maryland. And getting off my lawn.
by duck on Mar 7, 2009 9:37 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I could see a one year deal
but more likely I can see him traded by July 31….if he hits.
The reality is you have to let him go to free agency because who knows what opportunities are going to present themselves during the year and this off season. If things fall that we need him most likely we will have all the payroll flexibility to bring him back and plenty of internal and external alternatives if he is traded or signs elsewhere.
AG is going to be on the market soon. Holding a player to his last year puts a lot of pressure on a team to get a return-see example Brian Roberts. Still SD might be tempted to see if they can compete in the NL West first ….
by sanders833 on Mar 7, 2009 12:00 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
aub said he'll 'shoot himself' if he leaves Team and they get good ala Rays
that + “new economy” = aub stays for cheap.
needs banned
by thewaywardO on Mar 7, 2009 12:29 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
yeah I don't see him going anywhere either
Unless he’s horrible.
"If they cut my bald head open, they will find one big boxing glove. That's all I am. I live it." -- Marvin Hagler
by SC on Mar 7, 2009 12:39 PM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think Huff can be productive
for a few more years. A pay cut would be likely if he were to stay…unless he keeps playing WAY over his head ala last year.
The blues have always been American, as American as apple pie. The question is...why?
by sickuvitall on Mar 8, 2009 3:00 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
I think we need to see
which Huff shows up, If he hits somewhere between last year and his 2006-7 numbers, lets say….285/.340/.480 with 22-26 HR and 90 RBI, thats worth keeping around if it doesn’t cost too much. But if he descends to .270/.330/.450 we really can’t waste a position or the money on him…unless we drop his pt down big time and platoon with Wigg or someone like that.
by ItsBenFeldman on Mar 8, 2009 6:04 AM EST up reply actions 0 recs
Abreu got five million
and Aubrey isnt really the glove you want at first. I can see him here as a DH but you would have a logjam in LF then between Luke, Nolan, Felix, Montanez…non tender Luke or move him if he hits cause everyone else is min wage. Of course, someone needs to win the LF job.
But if Huff hits I can see him moved and then resign here if the need is there and if he doesnt hit we arent going to want him back. But Huff does seem to be in the right place mentally, he is old enough to appreciate things and the young players seem to respect him…he acts like he is having a great time in Baltimore, imagine that.
by sanders833 on Mar 8, 2009 12:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
Just don't try
to take him out for a night on the town!
The blues have always been American, as American as apple pie. The question is...why?
by sickuvitall on Mar 9, 2009 5:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs
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