Aubrey Huff Moves to 3rd Base in 2010

by Baysox39 on Jun 18, 2009 9:25 AM EDT Comment 35 comments

I want to hear comments on Huff moving to 3rd base and leaving 1st base open for a June 2010 call up for Brandon Snyder. Aubrey has played 3rd base and is adequate at best. He has done a good job at first so far this season and with the same dedication and hard work he could be our 3rd baseman. Leaving Huff's power bat in the middle of our lineup is essential going forward. In the minors we have 3rd baseman Melvin Dorta at Norfolk hitting well. Moore is on the DL I believe and Bowie has a kid named Miguel Abreu hitting around .299. He plays 2nd but has had time at 3rd base this season. He makes a lot of throwing errors but his bat has pop and he has the "gene pool" to excel. Your thoughts?

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I would be ok with it

Snyder will at least start the year at AAA, but he could definitely be up by late May/early June if he keeps hitting the way he has been. Huff isn’t great at third but as far as I can see the only other choices are to pick up Mora’s option (cringe), sign a free agent (they’re all crap), or call up a dud from the minors.

Although I’m hoping that at least Huff and Baez get traded this year. Although if Huff doesn’t, no biggie. But it’d be a shame not to get something for Baez. I was just listening to Mel Antonen on the radio yesterday talk about how relief pitching is going to be in high demand with not much supply this year, worse than most years. Who knows if he knows what he’s talking about though.

I will lead these Peoples to the promised land, also known as "Slightly Ahead of the Blue Jays." ~WietersRunDry

by Stacey on Jun 18, 2009 10:07 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Not all the FA are crap, are they?

Adrian Beltre SEA
Hank Blalock TEX
Geoff Blum HOU
Joe Crede MIN
Pedro Feliz PHI
Chone Figgins LAA
Troy Glaus STL
Mike Lamb MIL
Melvin Mora BAL

credit for the list goes to
http://talk.baltimoresun.com/showthread.php?t=200931
OK, maybe they are.

"I don't have a hit-and-run sign, and I believe it's the worst play in baseball." - Earl Weaver

by duck on Jun 18, 2009 10:47 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Beltre is a fantastic defender

And he might be a bargain if he keeps hitting like this.

by dkdc on Jun 18, 2009 10:52 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I like

Blalock but that dude needs to DH full time or he’ll miss half the season.

Don't let the sunshine fool ya. - Townes Van Zandt

by BPinOK on Jun 18, 2009 11:56 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Beltre would be about my only choice.

"I don't have a hit-and-run sign, and I believe it's the worst play in baseball." - Earl Weaver

by duck on Jun 18, 2009 12:00 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Huff is a known commodity and would come cheaper than some of those names.

However, Chone Figgins and Hank Blalock are interesting names to banter around with. I could see Figgins leading off or Blalock hitting 5th.

Brandon Snyder, 1B. Remember that name.

by Baysox39 on Jun 18, 2009 2:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That's the thing for me

are anyone of them as good as Huff for less money or better than Huff for the same money? I don’t know that they are.

"I don't have a hit-and-run sign, and I believe it's the worst play in baseball." - Earl Weaver

by duck on Jun 19, 2009 9:15 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I like Chone Figgins

but thats monstly based on his name, which lends itself to a cackneyed accent oh so well

"I’m sure glad he didn’t try to bunt." - DD on Melmo's game winning double, 6/17

by daveh873 on Jun 18, 2009 4:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I like the speed and he's a decent defender

and he’s a great OBP guy, but with zero power.

Matt Wieters broke a bat last night. Nobody knows what happened to the ball.

by CoachOfEarl on Jun 21, 2009 12:49 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Beltre would be worth a look

And Glaus, maybe. But the latter’s defense has always been iffy.

"Do they have people that tall in Mexico?"

by NHZ on Jun 18, 2009 5:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

what about crede as a bargain option?

he can pick it, has decent pop, could be cheap and short term. his back may be a ticking time bomb, but glaus also seems like a pretty consistent injury risk, too.

"If they pitch to you, make them pay."

--Diamond Dave to the Phenom

by j.q. higgins on Jun 19, 2009 8:12 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Probably a better idea

than Huff or Mora.

"Do they have people that tall in Mexico?"

by NHZ on Jun 20, 2009 12:03 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Eh

i’d live with it, but 1st and 3rd are quite different. Huff has zero range and at 3rd thats alot more of a liability. If he wants to put up numbers like he did in ‘08 to account for that, then great. I know there isn’t much else in the way of 3rd basemen out there, but it may be coming to the time where we start trading pitching/prospects for bats. I’d like to make sure the ones we keep pan out first though.

"I’m sure glad he didn’t try to bunt." - DD on Melmo's game winning double, 6/17

by daveh873 on Jun 18, 2009 10:27 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

NO Way

I saw him play 3rd in place of MelMo last year in Anaheim … There should be a disclaimer at the beginning of every O’s broadcast.

The Orioles and MLB assume no responsibility those taking heart medications during this broadcast. Please consult your doctor before attending any games in person.

Seriously, I love Aubrey Huff but that throw to third from him was more stressful than what I do at work. And the first baseman (Kevin Millar) actually saved 2 plays during that game because of errant throws.

by col_kl1nk on Jun 18, 2009 10:33 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

No more stressful

than the revolving door at SS last year I hope?

Don't let the sunshine fool ya. - Townes Van Zandt

by BPinOK on Jun 18, 2009 11:57 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

point taken

by col_kl1nk on Jun 18, 2009 12:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

you mean...

somebody actually played shortstop last year???

"I was provided with addtional input that was radically different from the truth. I assisted in furthering that version."
-Colonel Oliver North, from his Iran-Contra testimony

by breweyboy18 on Jun 18, 2009 12:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Resigning Huff doesn't make much sense

This suggests that the Orioles would resign Huff next season and I just don’t see that happening. He’ll be a Type-A free agent and unless he accepts arbitration, and he might, I doubt Andy resigns him. If he walks and signs with almost anyone the Os get another first round pick and supplemental pick. That’s valuable as they continue to rebuild for contention in 2011, perhaps 2010 but it looks doubtful. Signing Huff to a one-year contract doesn’t guarantee that he’ll be a Type-A free agent at the end of that contract. Baring a trade, letting him walk and, hopefully, getting draft picks makes the most sense.

As well, Wigginton can play third. He has more range than Huff at the hot corner and his contract won’t be up until the end of next season.

The other thing to think about is Mora. If MacPhail picks up his option or offers him arbitration, he’s a Type-A as well, he’ll accept it and we’ll be stuck with the guy for 1 to 2 years. If he’s offered arbitration (no pick up on the option) and signs elsewhere, that’s more draft picks.

by Dr Orpheus on Jun 18, 2009 12:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Can you offer arbitration

if you don’t pick up an option?

I will lead these Peoples to the promised land, also known as "Slightly Ahead of the Blue Jays." ~WietersRunDry

by Stacey on Jun 18, 2009 12:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I wasn't sure about that

Also, I was terribly tired when I wrote this.

by Dr Orpheus on Jun 18, 2009 11:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

say who in the what now?

Now granted I ain’t no billy beane, but alot of this doesn’t make sense.

1. Mora – He is not going to be a type -A free agent. Probably not a type -B either. And i don’t think it is possible (or reasonable) to offer arbitration and pay more when you can just pick up the option on the contract.

2. Huff will probably be a Type-A free agent but to recoup draft picks from a team that signs him elsewhere, the O’s will have to offer him arbitration. In the current economy, there is a good chance he accepts.

Tonight is Huff’s night on parade. Last best chance to leave a lasting impression on the New York Metropolitans. The question is do the Mets have anything that we want?

by b_duardo on Jun 18, 2009 1:18 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

1. Mora – He is not going to be a type -A free agent. Probably not a type -B either. And i don’t think it is possible (or reasonable) to offer arbitration and pay more when you can just pick up the option on the contract.

If the season ended today, Mora would be a type A free agent.

"Your wife told you to play in New York.
Well, my wife told me you look like a dork." Boo Teixeira guys.

by birdman on Jun 18, 2009 1:24 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

O’s would also get a compensatory pick w/o offering arbitration if another team signs Huff before the arbitration deadline. I can’t see that happening. Odds are the best the O’s can get if they don’t offer arbitration is a supplemental pick. I think if MacPhail thinks can do better than a supplemental pick in a trade, Huff is a goner.

by drj on Jun 18, 2009 3:42 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Agreed

Therein lies the rub.

by Dr Orpheus on Jun 18, 2009 11:23 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The other thing to think about is Mora. If MacPhail picks up his option or offers him arbitration, he’s a Type-A as well, he’ll accept it and we’ll be stuck with the guy for 1 to 2 years. If he’s offered arbitration (no pick up on the option) and signs elsewhere, that’s more draft picks.

I can’t imagine a team giving up draft picks to sign 37 year old, Melvin Mora. I don’t think MacPhail will offer Mora arbitration but he would be wise to accept it. It’s time to let Melmo go. Let Ty play 3rd in 2010.

"Your wife told you to play in New York.
Well, my wife told me you look like a dork." Boo Teixeira guys.

by birdman on Jun 18, 2009 1:21 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Exactly

Offering Mora arbitration means he is payed at least 80% of what he made this year, and he would be crazy to turn that down (80% may not be exactly correct but it is something like that). Huff may accept arbitration as well but that isn’t a terrible thing because it would be something like 1 year and $7 million. Its a one year deal and we have nobody to replace huff next year as of right now.

Ty at third and Huff at first and no more Melmo.

"I have seen the future and his name is Matt Wieters." Keith Law

by Reddrummer9187 on Jun 18, 2009 2:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Huff may accept arbitration as well but that isn’t a terrible thing because it would be something like 1 year and $7 million.

Almost nobody takes a cut in arbitration. He’s making $8M. Unless he completely tanks this year, he’ll ask for $10M. The O’s should try to resign him as a free agent rather than letting an arbitor decide Huff’s salary.

"Your wife told you to play in New York.
Well, my wife told me you look like a dork." Boo Teixeira guys.

by birdman on Jun 18, 2009 3:28 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

He'll ask for more

He’ll get somewhere in the 8-9M range, aka Mora money.

Matt Wieters broke a bat last night. Nobody knows what happened to the ball.

by CoachOfEarl on Jun 21, 2009 1:27 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That kid Abreu

is 28.

by Stanicek on Jun 18, 2009 1:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

As a fellow 28 year old

I appreciate the description of ‘kid’ !

by Skar on Jun 18, 2009 2:47 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I believe he was a 20th round draft pick by the O's

He will get a look in Norfolk this year or next year. Norfolk’s lineup has no pop at this point. The Tides present 2nd baseman Rojas is at the mendoza line and what I am hearing he will never hit.

This also reminds me of B-Rob. It took him a little while for success to come. If this kid (old kid) can help so be it or he could be trade filler as well. (See Ryan Freel)

Brandon Snyder, 1B. Remember that name.

by Baysox39 on Jun 18, 2009 3:06 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I believe he's 24

http://www.baseball-reference.com/minors/team.cgi?id=41234

Matt Wieters broke a bat last night. Nobody knows what happened to the ball.

by CoachOfEarl on Jun 21, 2009 1:07 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

What about Baez to the Rockies for Atkins?

He’s having a bad year, but he’s got more upside than MelMo, and the Rockies have some good minor leaguers…. not to mention a desperate need for some bullpen help.

by Crank White on Jun 20, 2009 12:07 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I'm OK with Huff coming back

if he accepts arb, or the O’s sign a 2 year contract, or whatever. I’m OK with Snyder coming up, but I think it’s a little premature to say more than he might get a look next year. Maybe Sept if he’s white hot all year.

I’m not OK with Huff playing 3B. If Snyder comes up and is the next Reimold, you DH Huff. For serious.

Matt Wieters broke a bat last night. Nobody knows what happened to the ball.

by CoachOfEarl on Jun 21, 2009 1:06 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Miguel Abreau

I went & watched the Bowie Baysox play on Tuesday (6/23) in Binghamton. Abreau started @ 2B, batted 5th & went 1-5, with a double. He didn’t stand out at all.
The players I did notice were: OF’s Dave Krynzel & Ambiorix Conception, 3B Michael Costanza & SS Robert Valido.
Valido also went 1-5, but his fielding was smooth. He’s 6’2", 200+ lbs short stop. He’s only hitting .211, but if that can improve, he’s got the glove to play SS/3B in the show.
Was hoping to see Brian Mutusz pitch, instead I got to see Timothy Bascom. It was only his 3rd AA start. He went 5 IP, 9 H, 3 ER to post his 2 win.
We should see him in 2011-12.

PLEASE -- JUST PLEASE THROW STRIKES.

by oriolepete on Jun 25, 2009 9:52 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs