Camden Chat: FanPosts

Which players have you met?

2009-11-20T01:05:49Z

I thought it would be cool to see what players/coaches everyone here has met. We could see what player people have seen the most, and it would be interesting. I know at the games Bergesen is very friendly and you can actually have a good conversation with him.

I have met Brad Bergesen, Adam Jones, Danys Baez, Mark Hendrickson, Brian Roberts, Jeremy Guthrie, Chris Ray, Dave Trembley, Rick Kranitz, and Robby Felix.

Which players have you met?

Reunite the "Why Not?" Orioles on RBI Baseball 2

2009-11-19T14:43:36Z

Your work day just got a whole lot less productive.

Play RBI Baseball 2 online. (Tip of the cap to The Lost Ogle. See also the clip from "Dream Team" with references to Ken Gerhart and Rene Gonzalez among others.)

Choose your starting pitcher from among Ballard, Milacki, Schmidt, or Harnisch. Keep Joe Orsulak, Randy Milligan, and Craig Worthington in your lineup or bring Steve Finley and Brady Anderson off the bench.

You've got work to do if you're going to take down the Blue Jays.

Oriole Park Rated #1

2009-11-18T20:49:06Z

I found this site called Stadium Journey which consists of people that go around the country reviewing major sports venues and their take on them. They have several categories too score the stadiums, which they call "FanFare." They rate Oriole Park as their best MLB stadium out of 29 teams. The team they leave out is the Twins because they couldn't review the Metrodome in time before it was demolished. I've only had the pleasure of catching a few game's at Oriole Park since I'm pretty far from Baltimore but I've had some good times there when I was able to see a game.

What they had too say about the park and its surroundings was pretty interesting and any opinion's from people who are regulars at Oriole Park would be nice to read. I know of it and never tried it but the site say's that the Boog's BBQ is something you gotta try even if your not into any of the other food at the park. Even though it's closer for me, I've never seen a game at Nationals Park as I lack interest for them but when the Orioles come to town I'll be making sure I make a trip there. The Nats were ranked 28th and scored 17 for "FanFare" while the Orioles had the highest score with 33. Anyways if anyone could give me some comparison's of the two park's and anything else they think about the review go right ahead. Thanks.

http://stadiumjourney.com/?cat=16

A Long-Term Deal for Dr. Jones?

2009-11-18T08:49:38Z

So, we know by now that Adam Jones is not a Super Two this year, and as a result, the Orioles are going to save millions of dollars on him. Daniel Moroz over at Camden Crazies analyzes the Doctor's 2009 production and makes some rough estimates of his future salaries. He concludes by suggesting that the Orioles offer Adam a long-term deal during this offseason, rather than waiting until he's arbitration-eligible next year. He points out that this could be very fair to both sides, as Adam could get a bit more money in 2010 while the club saves a bit in the long term. He suggests something like 5 years, $40 million, which takes care of his first year of free agency.

Will this be Dr. Jones this winter? Image via cache.daylife.com

I think it's a good idea. The whole organization seems committed to Jones as the center fielder of the club for the next several years, and I see no reason to doubt that he will continue to improve. Not only does it seem to be win-win for both sides, but I think it's good to show the same commitment to Adam that they've shown Brian and Nick. If there's any sort of line for that kind of thing, he's definitely next; Guthrie and Scott may not fit into the plan, and there's no reason to commit that much to a bullpen arm. I also think that doing a deal now rather than next year might save the club that much more money, because the national recognition Adam has started to get (All-Star, Gold Glove) and the possibility that he improves even more in 2010 could feasibly get him even more than Daniel suggests. As far as I can tell, the only big arguments against a long-term deal would be that he seems a bit injury-prone so far and that his defense wasn't as good this year as last. However, the injuries he's had so far have been largely short-term or bad luck, and I don't think he was as bad defensively as UZR suggests.

So, what do you think? Lock up the good Doctor now, or wait and see how things play out over the next year?

Project Prospect report on Josh Bell

2009-11-18T02:50:48Z

The guys over at [Project Prospect http://www.projectprospect.com/] are somewhat controversial among prospect bloggers, but are at least usually pretty interesting. In their firsthand AFL report, they mention some of the prospects who stood out to them, and guess who topped their list?

Most Impressive

Josh Bell has gained a lot of followers this year because of his bat. And while he has gotten some good marks for his defense, I wanted to see it for myself. The verdict: it's exceptional. Bell demonstrated an impressive arm as well as good footwork and agilily. I've seen him make plays to his right, effectively charge balls, and flash soft hands. I'm a big believer in Bell's bat, glove and understanding of the game -- interview coming soon.

At the time of the trade, the two major concerns about Bell were his glove and his batting against lefties. Now, it seems we may be looking at a plus defensive third baseman, and while AFL stats don't mean much, he's also clobbering left-handed pitching there.

2010 CHONE projections for BAL Hitters

2009-11-16T19:09:03Z

While taking a brief break from dying of overwork, I saw that the 2010 CHONE projections for hitters was up. For those who don't know Chone is a projection system like ZIPS or Bill James' which Stacey used for her 3-part articles projecting, except probably more accurate (at least compared to bill James). Granted these projection systems are all projects or estimates that will vary due to injuries and other factors.the

So without further ado I present the CHONE projections: http://www.baseballprojection.com/2010/BAL2010.htm

Interesting tidbits are:

The highest OBP will be from Nick

No Oriole will slug 500 although four are projected for slugging percentages in the .470s

Our leader in homeruns will be Luke Scott with 21

Nobody will break 100 RBIs or Runs.

These projections seem fairly pessimistic to me and I have the feeling that the true outcome will be somewhere inbetween CHONE and Bill James. Anyway discuss the projections as you will, maybe you can find more interesting tidbits. Or maybe just tell us all who all the nonames are near the bottom of the list. I recognize a handful of players including possible backup catcher Robby Hammock.

Trading for a True Ace?

2009-11-15T16:09:32Z

For over three years people on this blog have complained that the Orioles have lacked a true ace for years. At some point two seasons ago, many believed that Jeremy Guthrie might be the closest this team has had since the migration of Moose and were rebuffed by a subpar performance this passed season. The reality is this team has two, maybe three, aces in the making in Chris Tillman and Brian Matusz (also, Jake Arrieta), but whose to say they will ever be as good as #2 on a good team.

This leads us to the question that has waved around the FanPost comments since the offseason: Should the Orioles trade for or sign an ace this or next season to solidify their rotation? If so, whom and who would it cost?

The Detroit Tigers, Cincinnati Reds, and Houston Astros need financial relief; the Toronto Blue Jays have an ace in the final year of his current contract; the Seattle Mariners might not be able to sign their ace to a contract extension; and the Atlanta Braves need a big bat. Every indication points to a few of these teams trading their aces.

Here is what's been rumored (overall) in the trade market:

1) There's been talk that the Tigers have/will be listening to offers on Curtis Granderson, Edwin Jackson, Gerald Laird, Brandon Inge, and, maybe, (check out this link and this one for a comment from Dave Dombrowski) Justin Verlander,

2) The Reds need to trade one or more of Francsico Cordero, Bronson Arroyo, Brandon Phillips, and Aaron Harang,

3) The the Astros may have to, finally, agree to trade Roy Oswalt,

4) The Jays may, after all the rumors, part with perennial beast of the AL East Roy Halladay,

5) The Mariners may not be able to sign Felix Hernandez to a contract extension,

6) The Braves need a big bat (this has been added for consistency's sake - unless they think Luke Scott is a big bat) and will be trading either Javier Vazquez (being an ace) or Derek Lowe (being a solid #2) to get one this offseason.

There you have it. 6 (maybe 7) pitchers that may very well be on the trade market this off season. "Which one will you chose? Win or lose."

Again, I ask you: Should the Orioles trade for or sign an ace this or next season to solidify their rotation? If so, whom and who would it cost?

My suggestion is a package deal for Brandon Inge and Justin Verlander. Of course this might be a pipe dream, but both players fit a glaring hole. Inge has a power bat from the right side (and who would be under team control for the next two years) whose numbers will be much better after being removed from Comerica's Cavernous Outfield! and player solid 3rd base (also, catcher, center field, and first) and Verlander is an ace. Sure he's not as veteran as Halladay or Sabathia, but there's no one that can deny his ace potential. For them, I'm suggesting Arrieta, Britton, Caleb Joseph/Michael Ohlman, and Matt Angle. Hell, maybe even Eddie Gamboa.
It's just like when those Pinkos traded for Becket and Peppery-Hair...only, I hope the Os don't give up a shortstop named "Hanley".

Why am I suggesting this trade after I already said the Os should go after Dan Uggla? I've heard your pleas that his defense is "bad", and I like playing devil's advocate a lot...and there's a touch of the crazy's...or kimchi.

Dan Uggla at 3B/DH

2009-11-12T01:35:15Z

Rumors abound that our beloved Orioles are one of two teams, the Giants being the other, expressly interested in trading for slugging second baseman Dan Uggla. In the immortal words of Kent Brockman, "I for one think it's about f-ing time."

After multiple fanposts pondering the hole in our hearts and at third left by Sir Buntsalot, this kind of a trade might actually be too on-the-nose. I mean, the Orioles are looking for a right-handed power bat to slot in behind Nick Markakis AND a third baseman to take over until Josh Bell, power-hitting prospect, tears Triple-A apart. At which point Bell would take over at third and Uggla would be moved over to first or a DH role where his defense wouldn't be a downfall.

This would also quell complaints about Ty Wigginton's own defensive inabilities (although I wonder who would be worse Uggla or Wigginton) and bat and would free up Luke Scott as a trade deadline candidate given the hole at first is filled by one of three candidates.

A blog post from Roch reports that the Marlins would only want a second-tier pitcher, maybe not necessarily someone in the majors, for Uggla. I could shower the names of pitchers that might be included in such a trade but "second-tier pitcher' seems vague. We know that Jake Arrieta, Zack Britton, and Brandon Erbe would not be included in that their ceiling is that of a #3 or higher starter, but who else could be included?

Let's get the ball rolling on some armchair GMing. Who would you trade for Dan Uggla? Would you trade for Uggla at all or stay with in-house candidates for 3rd, 1st, and DH? Commence pipedreaming!

Dr. Jones is a Gold Glover

2009-11-10T20:31:00Z

via weblogs.baltimoresun.com

Per the Sun:

Orioles center fielder Adam Jones became the first Oriole to win a Rawlings Gold Glove in 10 years when he was named today as one of three American League outfielders to be awarded the annual prize for outstanding defense.

Jones, 24, is just the second Orioles outfielder to ever win the award, joining eight-time recipient Paul Blair, who won his final one in 1975.

Blair captured his first when he was 23.

Jones is the 13th Oriole to win a Gold Glove and the first since pitcher Mike Mussina did it in 1999. The last Orioles position players to win the award were second baseman Roberto Alomar and first baseman Rafael Palmeiro in 1998.

The Orioles entered 2009 tied with the New York Yankees for the most in the American League with 58 Gold Gloves.

Way Nerdy Question

2009-11-10T16:23:05Z

I like to play in whatifsports.com simulated baseball leagues. I've joined a theme league where you take a franchise and construct a team using any player who played for that franchise over the past 25 years using any individual season of that player regardless of whether that season took place on the francise you've selected. I've selected the Baltimore Orioles as my franchise which means (for example) I can take Sammy Sosa and use the season he hit 66 home runs even though he was on the Cubs at the time.

Can you guys think help me think of players who might prove useful for this endeavor? So far I have Roberto Alomar, Fred Lynn, Albert Belle, Tim Raines, Sammy Sosa, Kevin Brown, Jamie Moyer, Curt Schilling, Mike Timlin, Randy Myers, Arthur Rhodes, and Cla Meredith in addition to guys like Mike Mussina and Jim Palmer who played for the Orioles in their prime. Who are some other former Orioles who had the best years of their careers on another team?

Your Player Projections

2009-11-09T02:49:27Z

Thought it would be fun to predict Orioles players basic stats for 2010. Here are some of my favorites one:

Brad Bergesen: 3.80 ERA 13-11 200 IP 100K 30BB

Chris Tillman: 3.95 ERA 9-9 170 IP 145K 80BB

Brian Matusz: 3.65 ERA 14-8 185 IP 180K 76BB

Nolan Reimold: .290/.380/.480 29HR, 8 SB

Matt Wieters .310/.390/.500 25HR

Feel free to criticize, and post your own.

Arizona Fall League Future Game Thread

2009-11-08T01:06:30Z

Bell, Synder and a whole bunch of other really good prospects from across the land playing in Arizona.

You can watch the telecast online here at MLB.com

Tonight’s game features 18 first-round draft picks including five from 2009.

Mark Rogers – 5th – 2004 – Milwaukee / Brandon Snyder – 13th – 2005 – Baltimore

Hank Conger – 25th – 2006 – LA Angels / Danny Moskos – 4th – 2007 – Pittsburgh

Phillippe Aumont – 11th – 2007 – Seattle / Mike Moustakas – 2nd – 2007 – Kansas City

Jemile Weeks – 12th – 2008 – Oakland / Yonder Alonso – 7th – 2008 – Cincinnati

Buster Posey – 5th – 2008 – San Francisco / Jason Castro – 10th – 2008 Houston

Josh Fields – 20th – 2008 – Seattle / Ike Davis – 18th – 2008 – NY Mets

Andrew Cashner – 19th – 2008 – Chicago Cubs / Drew Storen – 10th – 2009 – Washington

Mike Leake – 8th – 2009 – Cincinnati / Mike Minor – 7th – 2009 – Atlanta

Dustin Ackley – 2nd – 2009 – Seattle / Tanner Scheppers – 44th – 2009 – Texas

JT20 Dynasty League

2009-11-03T22:47:45Z

I have started started a free fun dynasty league in which each person takes control of a MLB roster & minor league system, drafts, signing free agents....

If this sounds interesting to you, go check out the league message board & league rules and sign up. There is no prize for the winner for each season, it is all just for fun, so join!

http://jt20.proboards.com/

thought people here would be interested sign up soon!

And yes sorry the Orioles are taken, but still join!

Charlie Manuel is blamed for not starting Lee

2009-11-02T22:49:37Z

I found an interesting article in Yahoo today that blamed Charlie Manuel for not starting Cliff Lee off of three days rest in Game 4 of the World Series. The Yankees started their Ace C.C. Sabathia off of three days rest, why didn't the Philies counter with their own Ace who held the same advantage? An interesting nugget that might explain their reasoning is this, " They saw history this decade-teams that start pitcher's on three days' rest in the postseason are 12-27-and panicked." Did the Phillies allow their fears to force them into making a bad decision? Then interestingly enough the columnist, Jeff Paassan goes on to show how Sabathia's 2nd (short rest) 3-day start on Sunday, didn't look as pretty as his first go-around against the Dodgers when he shut them down for 8 Innings but he still survived the Chase Utley HR and left the game in the 5th Inning with a Yankee 4-3 lead. His line was 6.2 IP 7H 3R 3ER 3BB 6K. Blanton's was 6.0IP 5H 4R 4ER 0HR 2BB 7K. Now with an extra rest sure Joe Blanton seemed like the right decision and maybe Lee wouldn't have worked out but know with a loss, the Philies will never know that. Even it it wasn't his best start, Sabathaia did his job, it was Jaba Chamberlain who foiled the Yankee's lead. He also recounts how the greats like Curt Schilling and Randy Johnson pushed their work loads against the Yankees in the 2001 WS when the Diamondbacks won it all. Not saying Cliff Lee is one of those guys but could he be if he gets more say in his starts? I don't want to "beat a dead horse" if you will with all this infromation but I thought it was something worth pondering on. The article has a lot more to say then I can so let me know what you think.

Yahoo article:

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=jp-leegamefour110209&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

What Are We Going To Do at Third?

2009-11-02T11:14:09Z

With the recent releasing of Melvin Mora it's not perfectly clear who'll be our opening day third baseman. There are three options for the Orioles.

1. Ty Wigginton- Of the three options, he is by far the most likely option. he platooned with Melmo last year, and put up reasonable stats. (.273 BA, 11 Dongs, .714 OPS) He's shown that he can play quality fundamental ball, doesnt' make moronic plays and is just an overall sound player.

2. Joshua Bell- It's a possibilty but an unlikely one. He had excellent numbers with Bowie (.289 BA, 33 Hits in 33 Games, .570 Slugging) Unless Ty Wiggington has the worse spring training and Bell puts up insane numbers in spring training he's not going to be the opening day player. He'll get the "Wieters treatment," spend a month or two in Norfolk to get really prepared, then come up sometime in late spring.

3. A Free Agent- The Orioles do have lots of money laying around this offseason, and perhaps Andy might want to go third baseman shopping. The market for third basemen this offseason is highly medicore. The only names that stand out would be Adrian Beltre or Chone Figgins. If Andy really likes either one of them he might sign one of them, and then they would be either the Opening Day third baseman, or in a competition for third with Wiggy. Signing either one of them wouldn't seem like move Andy would normally make, but he likes the price and he likes the player, then it can happen.

Poll

Who will be the Opening Day third baseman?

Wiggy

77 votes

Bell

19 votes

Free Agent

42 votes

138 votes | Poll has closed

So uhh... who is out there? (FAs)

2009-11-01T19:32:54Z

I was looking at a list of free agents in our main "need" positions (1B, 3B) and the lists are pretty freaking thin.

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2008/12/2010-mlb-free-a.html

There's a couple decent-but-risky options at 3B in Troy Glaus and Juan Uribe, but do you really trust that Glaus is healthy and that Uribe won't revert to his sub-.700 OPS White Sox form? I don't. 1B is not much better ... Hank Blalock? No thanks. Branyan will probably get re-signed by the M's. Nick Johnson's always injured. Adam LaRoche is the only respectable option IMO and his production isn't even anything to write home about for a 1B.

So what's the game plan? Trade? Sign one of these scrubs? It's not like the O's really have any good options at these positions in the system. MacPhail said he's planning to be active this winter. I guess I should trust that his vision is better than mine.

It's Official: MelMo's Gone

2009-10-29T20:30:20Z

Per the Sun, the Orioles have declined Mora's $8M option for 2010.

The Orioles announced today that they won't exercise third baseman Melvin Mora's $8 million contract option for the 2010 season, an expected move that likely ends the tenure of one of their most productive and popular players over the last decade.

In a series of roster moves today, the Orioles also declined the $850,000 option on catcher Chad Moeller, who hit .258 with two homers and 10 RBIs in 30 games while serving as rookie Matt Wieters' backup; and outrighted outfielder Jeff Fiorentino, pitchers Chris Lambert and Jim Miller and catcher Guillermo Rodriguez after each cleared waivers.

Reliever Sean Henn, who appeared in six games for the Orioles late in the season, was claimed off waivers by the Toronto Blue Jays.

Roster Decisions (Updated)

2009-10-27T16:01:21Z

UPDATED - I figure I can just keep a rolling tally of what the Orioles have done until the winter meetings for all of our references, so this is the latest roster as of 11/9.

* means needs protection from Rule V Draft

Definitely on the Roster (28 players):

Brandon Erbe*

Josh Bell*

Steve Johnson*

Armando Gabino

Definitely off the Roster (11 players):

Danys Baez

Melvin Mora

Alfredo Simon*

Sean Henn

Jeff Fiorentino

Chris Lambert*

Jim Miller*

Guillermo Rodriguez

Chad Moeller

Rich Hill

Bob McCrory*

Decisions (19 players):

Alberto Castillo

Josh Perrault*

Luis Lebron*

Jim Hoey*

Pedro Florimon, Jr.*

Chad Thall*

Blake Davis*

Scott Moore*

Also, the arbitration eligible players are Scott, Ray, Guthrie, Hill, Albers, and Meredith.

So the question is, you can take up to 12 of the 19 "decisions" players (though you might want breathing room for free agency). Who gets brought back in 2010?

OT: Okay, I'll bite, just how DOES a soccer goalie fail to stop a shot made from 95 yds out?

2009-10-24T05:26:40Z

Well, this is how-- and it actually isn't the keeper's fault, really. You try judging a bounce like that.

http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/post/Video-SMU-freshman-hits-95-yard-soccer-goal?urn=top,197845

While I've got your attention (and need to hit 75 wds), let's hear it for the Angels-- way to hang in there, fellas, now go light up Pettitte -- and let's hear a round of sustained boos for the Dodgers, whose determination to make the Ph*cking Phillies look good was seriously depressing.

Need more money for college? Welp, take some *from* college, courtesy of the NCAA! Last week illustrated once again, alas, that the smart bets are not always the right bets, most painfully when some unsportsmanlike-happy refs struggled, and succesfully, to keep Notre Doof in a game that wasn't close-- *that* was the crew that should've been suspended, not the SEC's -- and Snodfart receivers started dropping passes, including the game winner, with a sudden and wholly inexplicable flair. Incredible.

But hey, all you can do is keep spreading wisdom, like hay on the stable floor-- just waiting to get shat on. That said, buck up and take 'Zona and 7.5 over UCLA in the desert. SC by 20.5 over OSU in the Coliseum? I'd bet the refs can't do it twice in a row. And yeah, with a new brand of stickum (and a healthy fullback), Stanford will put on a nice more-than-7 show in PA against the Scum Devils. There, spring tuition for ya.

And finally, I'll bet you've never heard of either Kseniya Simonova or sand animation. I hadn't until somebody sent me this. A simply amazing performance (plus, she's kinda hot).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=518XP8prwZo

The Rotation

2009-10-22T21:57:49Z

One of the undeniable truths about the 2010 Baltimore Orioles is that they need better pitching than the 2009 O's had. The '09 birds were dead last in the majors in ERA, FIP, WHIP, and HR/9. A lot of improvement can come across with just giving the ball to Brian Matusz, Chris Tillman, and Brad Bergesen instead of Adam Eaton, Rich Hill, and Jason Berken (one hopes), and that Jeremy Guthrie will hopefully bounce back from a dismal year. But you do get the feeling that those four guys alone are probably not going to cut the mustard in terms of turning the pitching staff into a competitive level of quality. So, let's have a gander at the options for the fifth rotation spot in 2010:

From the Farm

It might not be one of the best farm systems after the 2009 purging, but there are still several options to at least think about that would be basically free to the Orioles as rotational candidates in 2010:

Jake Arrieta

The last of the so-called "cavalry" is close to major league-ready, having pitched at AAA Norfolk this past summer with an ERA under 4 and a solid, if unspectacular K/BB of 2.36. It was a step back from his dominating performance at AA Bowie where he held a 3.08 FIP which rose to 4.15 at Norfolk. Of course, this was probably to be expected given the competitive divide and reports that Arrieta was working on a change-up for most of his time at AAA. Having Arrieta in Baltimore on Opening Day, however, would make the rotation incredibly young (and potentially fragile), and an argument could still be made that Arrieta's time has not yet arrived.

Troy Patton

Patton is not really an option, as he still seems to be recovering from labrum surgery. He missed the last part of the 2009 season after being downright awful in AAA (6.45 ERA, 6.80 FIP). But he does already have major league experience (well, 12 innings worth in Houston pre-surgery sorta kinda counts, right?).

David Hernandez, et al.

It would surprise me, but not an awful lot, if the Orioles ran Hernandez or Jason Berken or Rich Hill back out there for the beginning of the season. Hernandez in particular was so much better in the minors it's hard to really feel like we saw his best stuff last year. On the other hand, none of these guys really project as much more than average at best as starters and they all struggled a lot (a combined 6.39 ERA and 1.38 K/BB). I really, really don't want to see Jason Berken or Rich Hill pitch anymore.

Free Agents

Despite the guff the free agent class has gotten, there are quality pitchers to be had who likely will come as a relative bargain that the Orioles should take a hard look at. To wit:

Carl Pavano

Widely mocked as "American Idle" in New York and therefore in the national media, Pavano has surprisingly good stuff (4.00 FIP this past year, 4.17 career) and a heavy ground ball rate (career 1.31 GB/FB) which would probably play very well in the homerrific AL East and Camden Yards. His reputation and 5.17 ERA this past year might very well make him quite cheap this winter. On the other hand, if you're looking for a clubhouse leader, this is probably not your man. At all. And he is definitely an injury-risk (but then, in this rotation everybody is an injury-risk).

Randy Wolf

A career NLer with a 4.38 FIP and coming off a very good year in Los Angeles (3.23 ERA with his best K/BB since 2001), Wolf is hardly a buy-low guy at the moment, and one of the older quality free agents (33). I would think bringing him to the AL East would probably be a mistake, given his success coming in the "Senior" Circuit and - more to the point - his homer-prone style. He surrendered 24 home runs this year without facing the Yankees. Pass.

Joel Piñeiro

One-time failed Red Sox legend and newly-minted Dave Duncan-posterboy Joel Piñeiro is coming off his best season ever as the Major League leader in ground ball rate and walk rate. Even with some regression, the new Piñeiro would fit wonderfully in the Orioles' rotation if he doesn't opt to stay with Duncan (in St. Louis?)...but again, he isn't a buy-low candidate and will probably be the main pitching attraction after John Lackey signs. But it isn't like the Orioles don't have a lot of money to spend, and Piniero is only 31 next year.

Tim Hudson

It remains to be seen whether or not he stays with the Braves (he has a player option), and I would be floored if he were actually available this winter, but he might be an option nonetheless, and potentially a very good one. He came off TJ surgery this year and was really good (3.61 ERA in 42.1 innings), so it''s not implausible that his recovery period is over and he's ready to be The Man again. But, like Piniero, if he's out there, it's likely he'll be considered prime real estate and the price could go up (though his recent arm troubles might keep it down. Who knows?).

In my humble opinion, I think the Orioles should go out firing to bring in either Pavano or Piniero on non-extravagant contracts. I don't think the rotation is anywhere close to a sure thing to be even mediocre at this point (though there is tons of potential) and it needs to be augmented from the outside. The Orioles' puddles of money need to be put to good use, and both of these guys have solid profiles to succeed against the powerful lineups in the AL East, despite their reputations.