The D-Rays sign the #1 - will O's will sign #5 Wieters?

by duck on Aug 15, 2007 7:51 PM EDT in News Comment 60 comments

According to Baseball America's Draft Blog, the D-Rays have stepped up and signed #1 overall pick pitcher David Price. Here's the particulars...

"Price will receive a $5.6 million bonus as part of a six-year major league contract worth a guaranteed $8.5 million and possibly as much as $11.25 million.

Price's bonus is the second-largest in draft history, behind only the $6.1 million Justin Upton got from the Diamondbacks as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2005 draft. The guaranteed value of Price's contract is the third-highest in draft annals, trailing only Mark Prior ($10.5 million, Cubs) and Mark Teixeira ($9.5 million, Rangers) from the 2001 draft." So what of our beloved Orioles? Apparently, the team's offer is moving north. A poster on Roch's blog at The (Baltimore) Sun quotes BaseballAmerica.com as saying the O's are offering $8 million, but I can't find that on the free part of BaseballAmerica.com's site.

Use this entry to vent, share your optimism or post the latest news. At 11:59:59 p.m. tonight, this will be decided one way or another.

Update [2007-8-15 22:28:59 by duck]: BaseballAmerica.com is now saying the O's have indeed offered a contract of over $8 million, and just under the value of #1 pick David Price, but Boars is sticking to his demands of $10+ million. I say this again - he will NEVER see a $10 million contract as a draftee, not this year or next. But someone else next year will give him the same $8 million we're offering this year, and it will, with our luck, be Boston or New York.

Update [2007-8-15 22:34:13 by duck]:The (Baltimore) Sun has different details than BBA, but the same conclusion - it ain't happening. "As of 10 p.m., the club remained at an impasse with Georgia Tech junior catcher Matt Wieters, whom the Orioles selected with the fifth pick overall. A club source said the team had few substantive talks today with Wieters or his advisor, Boras, and, in the late afternoon, the sides remained approximately $5 million apart. The Orioles have offered about $6 million and Wieters is seeking a contract worth about $11 million."

0 recs | Comment 60 comments

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

I can't blame the Orioles too much

The guy slotted in at under $3M and the O's offered between $6 and $8M. Sure, the Orioles had to know that he wasn't going to sign for $2.75; but asking for $10.75 is ridiculous in my opinion. It would suck not to sign him, but it also doesn't make sense to way overpay for anyone. If he won't sign, then fine, we get two picks next year.

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

by BirdFanInPhilly on Aug 15, 2007 8:05 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

What would really suck is...

he goes back into the draft and signs next year for the $8M the O's offered this year - with NYY or BOS.

So the O's don't get him AND get a reputation for being cheap, and BOS or NYY gets him next year at what the O's would have paid this year.

Talk about Confederate money...

"Victim is your name and you shall fall..." - James Hetfield

by duck on Aug 15, 2007 8:12 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Good article

This reasons why the Tiger's overpaid and why their $7+ million deal is inflated. He'd likely get less if he were drafted earlier.

http://baseballprospectus.com/unfiltered/?p=491

I expect quotes from Boras about how the #27 pick should set a baseline for those above. First and foremost, there is no slot system and you pay for talent (as the Tigers did). Then the above article explains how the Tigers were backed up against the wall. I wonder how many baseball execs will have a clue when Boras spouts off some more BS.

by drj on Aug 15, 2007 8:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

You're right, great article

and the reasoning behind why the Tigers were screwed is quite interesting. He probably WOULD have gotten less money if he was drafted anywhere from #5 through #15 than at #22 by the Tigers.

"Victim is your name and you shall fall..." - James Hetfield

by duck on Aug 15, 2007 8:41 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry, should be #27

"Victim is your name and you shall fall..." - James Hetfield

by duck on Aug 15, 2007 8:44 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Well

A lot of disagreements over contracts are because an agent of a player compares his client's contract to other draft picks. If anything can be taken from the Rays signing yet another top prospect, at least the O's have some ground to bargain with, even though Price's contract is ridiculously high. You have to remember though, it is usually not the player that is unwilling to sign, it's the agent who is a conniving little rat demanding more money.

by Baltimo on Aug 15, 2007 9:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

You're right

Just like you and me, most players aren't interested in making as much money as humanly possible. It's those darned agents who demand so much more than the player actually wants.

Look, for Weiters this is a win-win deal. He gets more money in the long run and avoids a team that he probably had no interest in playing for (gee, I wonder why).

For the Orioles this is lose-lose because they look cheap and stupid for drafting him in the first place knowing full well what he was going to ask for.

If you think Boras is the bad guy, you've picked the wrong Greek guy to villify.

by yurizanow on Aug 15, 2007 10:25 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I don't agree with you much, but

you;'re right. Unless Boras substantially changed the demands after the draft pick was made, what did the O's THINK would happen? That Boras would drop his price? Never in a million years.

Look, this kid held all the cards and Boras knew it - he could go back for his senior year, the O's are desperate for a bat, and they have the MASN $$$ coming in.

Nope, this one is all on the FO and PA. If you weren't going to write the check, don't draft him.

"Victim is your name and you shall fall..." - James Hetfield

by duck on Aug 15, 2007 10:50 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

In most

PLAYER accounts across all sports they say that they would settle for less money just to get into training camp, minor league, etc. You can cry bullshit all you want but a rookie is going to get released in football if they don't make training camp to get the reps in. In baseball not so much I guess but Boras is notorious, for all we know Weiters just wants to play but Boras is hoarding the money. Weiters has made 0 statements saying that he can't come to terms with the O's FO.

by Baltimo on Aug 15, 2007 11:46 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Let me get this straight

You think that innocent Josh Weiters wanted to play for the Orioles for the love of the game, but big, mean, greedy, greedy greedo Scott Boras wouldn't let him until the Orioles gave him a huge contract? What are you, 12? Would you settle for less money just because want to get in there if you didn't have to or do you want to earn as much money as possible in the best possible environment? If you'd choose the former, then I'd love to be your boss at your annual review.

Unlike football, baseball routinely has guaranteed contracts and guaranteed roster spots. If you are a top-prospect, why wouldn't you take advantage of that? It be nuts not to. This is America for Chrissakes. That's how it works.

by yurizanow on Aug 16, 2007 10:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Dude's name is Matt, btw

"You can tell the City of Baltimore that the old evil owner stepped up and took care of things tonight." - Orioles scouting director Joe Jordan, 08/16/07

by duck on Aug 16, 2007 1:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

And it's shit like this...

What are you, 12?

that makes everyone dislike you. Calm the fuck down with the childish insults, OK? At least be creative.

"You can tell the City of Baltimore that the old evil owner stepped up and took care of things tonight." - Orioles scouting director Joe Jordan, 08/16/07

by duck on Aug 16, 2007 1:36 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

What if I wrote

"what are you, a commie?"

Would that be better?

by yurizanow on Aug 16, 2007 1:48 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Show some creativity

if you're going to insult someone rather than win an argument based on merit.

Just sayin'.

"You can tell the City of Baltimore that the old evil owner stepped up and took care of things tonight." - Orioles scouting director Joe Jordan, 08/16/07

by duck on Aug 16, 2007 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Commie?

That would be Titov.

And when Dempsey has become the voice of reason, we should probably be a little concerned. -Heather @ OM

by dayzd toe on Aug 16, 2007 3:14 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Sorry Yuri

You must be disapointed he was signed.

by BENNYBIRDMAN on Aug 16, 2007 8:35 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Not in the least

I'm amazed and couldn't be happier to be wrong.

by yurizanow on Aug 16, 2007 10:10 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

How about this.

By signing their first-round draft pick earlier than most of the other teams were able to sign their picks, the Tigers were able to set the base-line themselves, and therefore price the teams above them from actually signing their picks. The paid Porcello what he was worth, a price the other teams were unwilling to pay. The reason why Porcello fell to the 27 pick overall was that the teams from (1-5) - 26 (where ever in the first five he would have been chosen) were afraid of his sign-ability.

Did they really think his price tag would somehow be lower because he fell?

by Born Under a Bad Moon on Aug 15, 2007 9:01 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

countdown is neat

I just have a feeling it's when the MacPhail regime officially becomes the MacFail regime.

I just haven't seen anything that says MacPhail ( until midnight) will do anything but toe the current company line. Cheap mediocre position players and bullpen, and hope some young pitching develops while Bedard leaves. We know about that plan Andy. How about something that will work?

by drj on Aug 15, 2007 9:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I heard

that MacPhail was going to aim for speed and defense, along with good pitching, just like his championship teams in Minnesota. At least that was what I heard reported.

by Born Under a Bad Moon on Aug 15, 2007 9:51 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Speed + Defense + Good Pitching + AL East =

Losing Record

by yurizanow on Aug 15, 2007 10:29 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

RE:

The Jays have a worst offense than the O's, are in the AL East, and are over 500 by a few games. They offense is bad, but there pitching more than makes up for that.

Generally speaking, if you score more runs then you allow, you will have a winning record (there are exceptions, like this year's Orioles.

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

by BirdFanInPhilly on Aug 16, 2007 7:55 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

It took me a while

to find one that I could understand. :)

To quote 6 Star Wars movies...

"I have a bad feeling about this."

"Victim is your name and you shall fall..." - James Hetfield

by duck on Aug 15, 2007 9:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Is that

a special admin thing? Cause, damn it, I have some neat scripts I could run on this joint.

And when Dempsey has become the voice of reason, we should probably be a little concerned. -Heather @ OM

by dayzd toe on Aug 15, 2007 10:26 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I have a feeling it is.

"Victim is your name and you shall fall..." - James Hetfield

by duck on Aug 15, 2007 10:30 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

BTW, Duck

I picked up Madden '08 for the Wii (actually my wife picked it up for me)... it's pretty kick-ass. I mean the graphics are no 360 or PS3, but the gameplay and controls are pretty interactive, as you might expect.

And when Dempsey has become the voice of reason, we should probably be a little concerned. -Heather @ OM

by dayzd toe on Aug 15, 2007 10:35 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm just waiting for Christmas....

but if I had to pick ONE game (and that's all I'll get) it will be Guitar Hero III.

Wow, for a minute, I forgot how totally it will SUCK when we don't sign Wieters. Thanks.

"Victim is your name and you shall fall..." - James Hetfield

by duck on Aug 15, 2007 10:40 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

This just ain't gettin' done

The latest from The (Baltimore) Sun:

O's no closer to signing Wieters as deadline looms

Neither side optimistic on deal before midnight; O's ink fifth-round pick Arrieta

By Dan Connolly | Sun reporter

10:16 PM EDT, August 15, 2007

The Orioles have landed one Scott Boras client as the amateur signing deadline neared a close, but the biggest fish is still not on the hook.

As of 10 p.m., the club remained at an impasse with Georgia Tech junior catcher Matt Wieters, whom the Orioles selected with the fifth pick overall.

A club source said the team had few substantive talks today with Wieters or his advisor, Boras, and, in the late afternoon, the sides remained approximately $5 million apart. The Orioles have offered about $6 million and Wieters is seeking a contract worth about $11 million.

The source would not abandon all hope that Wieters could be signed by tonight's 11:59 p.m. deadline. But said, "the chances are slim."

The Orioles, however, did agree tonight with Jacob Arrieta, a 6-foot-4, 21-year-old right-hander out of Texas Christian University. Terms were not announced, but a signing bonus of around $1 million was expected pending the completion of a physical.

Baseball America considered Arrieta, the Mountain West Conference pitcher of the year in 2006, a Top 50 amateur pitcher. But he fell to the fifth round (159th overall) because of perceived contract demands.

He was 9-3 with a 3.01 ERA this season, after going 14-4 with a 2.35 ERA in his standout campaign in 2006.

Wieters, a 6-foot-5 switch-hitting catcher, will likely go back to school for his senior season. The Orioles would receive a compensatory pick for losing Wieters, which would fall between Nos. 6 and 8 depending on the signing of two other Top 5 picks by other clubs.

Again, to quote 6 Star Wars movies....

I got a bad feeling about this.

"Victim is your name and you shall fall..." - James Hetfield

by duck on Aug 15, 2007 10:23 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

well

This figures and for comp. we will draft a Wade Townsend remix.

Jeremy Guthrie ROCKS! Go to hell Paul Shuey!

by westcoastOfan on Aug 15, 2007 10:28 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Full blurb from BaseballAmerica.com

From here:

Moustakas & Wieters Gossip

Posted Aug. 15, 2007 9:15 pm by Jim Callis
Filed under: Signings

To this point on Draft Deadline Week, we've refrained from speculation and only reported confirmed signings (or definitive non-signings, as the case may be). But with a little less than two hours before the deadline, we're going to reveal the latest gossip we're hearing on negotiations. Remember, this is gossip, not hard facts, and it comes from industry sources but not the clubs or agents involved.

The Royals reportedly have upped their offer to No. 2 overall pick Mike Moustakas from MLB's slot recommendation of $3.15 million to $4 million. Moustakas, advised by Scott Boras, appears to be seeking $7 million.

The Orioles reportedly have offered No. 5 choice Matt Wieters a major league contract worth slightly less than the guaranteed $8.5 million deal that No. 1 pick David Price got from the Devil Rays today. Wieters, also advised by Scott Boras, apparently is looking for more than $10 million.

"Victim is your name and you shall fall..." - James Hetfield

by duck on Aug 15, 2007 10:31 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

This is just ridiculous

I'm starting to have trouble with this. I mean, I want the Orioles to sign the kid, obviously, and unlike some other teams, they do have the $$ to meet Boras' demands. But what sort of world are we living in where $8.5 million isn't enough for a kid who has never played pro baseball, ever? Sure thing or not, that is insanity.

The system needs to be revamped, plain and simple. I don't blame Boras for doing what he's doing. He's a greedy fuck, but that's why he's so good at his job. But the fact that it can go this far in the first place is ridiculous. What good is it for the Royals to get such a high pick if they have no chance of meeting the signing demands? It's bullshit.

We all love Kevin Millar. Let's all stop acting like everyone here doesn't know that Millar is the shit. He is. He is the shit. Millar is our boy. -SC

by Stacey on Aug 15, 2007 10:40 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Let SOME OTHER TEAM be the one

that establishes fiscal sanity. Like some team that plays in the NL Central.

We play with the big boys - NYY and BOS don't blink at paying $25 million or so just to TALK to a player from Japan.

WRITE THE CHECK. It's really that simple. Let someone else take the principled stand. I want to win the damn division already!

"Victim is your name and you shall fall..." - James Hetfield

by duck on Aug 15, 2007 10:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

txt between Wieters and Boras

WeetTweet: Shit dude, did you see who i got drafted by!

MoneyMan: Ya, suckz!

WT: Dude, i am not signing! They suck!
MM: Dont worry i gave a big asking price and knowing the dipshits at the warehouse, they will spent the money elsewhere!
WT: Like on Dny Baez! lol! lol lol
MM: ya! lol
MM: and next year you can play for the yankees! lol!
WT: lol! shove that up your ass Fail Boy! lol
MM: lol!
WT: lol

Jeremy Guthrie ROCKS! Go to hell Paul Shuey!

by westcoastOfan on Aug 15, 2007 10:40 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

DT: lol!

And when Dempsey has become the voice of reason, we should probably be a little concerned. -Heather @ OM

by dayzd toe on Aug 15, 2007 10:49 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

One Boras signing by the O's...

courtesy of BBA.com...

Orioles Sign Arrieta

Posted Aug. 15, 2007 9:42 pm by Jim Callis
Filed under: Signings

The Orioles announced a seven-figure signing of a Scott Boras client . . . but no, it's not Matt Wieters. Baltimore landed Texas Christian righthander Jake Arrieta for a $1.1 million bonus.

That's a new record for a fifth-rounder, surpassing the $900,000 that the Braves gave Matt McClendon in 1999.

Say it with me, people: WRITE THE DAMN CHECK.

"Victim is your name and you shall fall..." - James Hetfield

by duck on Aug 15, 2007 10:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Well, if (or when) this doesn't happen

All I can say is MacF*ck the Orioles.

I haven't spent much on the Orioles for a couple years now (I haven't gone to a game in Baltimore this year, especially after the team tanked it in May). I'll continue until MacPhail actually shows he has turning the O's around as a goal, instead of allegiance to Selig and a front office job.

MacPhail hasn't done shit to date.

by drj on Aug 15, 2007 10:52 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

The list so far...

No Girardi, which is why he got the job
No trades at July 31 deadline
Dumped Chris Gomez for a $20K waiver claim
Inexplicable call-ups
No Wieters singing

Yeah, his tenure so far has been unimpressive. I really wanted to give this guy a chance, but all the signs show he's not here to help the O's but pad his resume for a MLB job.

"Victim is your name and you shall fall..." - James Hetfield

by duck on Aug 15, 2007 10:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

SINGING = SIGNING

"Victim is your name and you shall fall..." - James Hetfield

by duck on Aug 15, 2007 10:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

OPACY

workers go on strike!

Jeremy Guthrie ROCKS! Go to hell Paul Shuey!

by westcoastOfan on Aug 15, 2007 11:02 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Now that you mention it....

Camden Yards workers plan hunger strike

They're asking for a 'living wage'; stadium authority says it has made 'good faith' effort

BALTIMORE - Several workers who clean up Oriole Park at Camden Yards said today that they will begin a hunger strike on Sept. 3 in their fight for higher wages.

This is the latest move by the United Workers Association, a human rights organization in Baltimore that represents 800 workers, to pressure the Maryland Stadium Authority to meet its demand.

The group had set a self-imposed deadline of Sept. 1 to reach a solution, but UWA leaders say the stadium authority will likely not meet that deadline, prompting the hunger strike, in which participants will consume only water.

Article is here

"Victim is your name and you shall fall..." - James Hetfield

by duck on Aug 15, 2007 11:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Something to make you happier...

from Bedard in The (Baltimore) Sun article:

The Orioles actually never trailed today, thanks to another brilliant performance from Bedard, who added to his American League Cy Young Award credentials with everything but a victory.

"Hey, that's life," Bedard said. "You can't win them all. The basic thing is we came back and won the game. That's all that counts."

"Victim is your name and you shall fall..." - James Hetfield

by duck on Aug 15, 2007 10:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Please let this quote be true, Lord.

Hey Petey: enjoy THIS!

by Titov on Aug 16, 2007 8:17 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Job #2 for MacPhail....

Sign Wieters (check)
Sign Bedard to 5 year deal
Sign B-Rob to 5 year deal

Get to it, Andy...

"You can tell the City of Baltimore that the old evil owner stepped up and took care of things tonight." - Orioles scouting director Joe Jordan, 08/16/07

by duck on Aug 16, 2007 8:20 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

word

and then

Sign actual closer (trade or $ or combo)
Lose Gibbons' bus ticket back
Keep payments to Gagne and Rivera going

Hey Petey: enjoy THIS!

by Titov on Aug 16, 2007 9:25 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

2010 O's

C- Paul Bako
1b- Huff
2B- Fahey
SS- Miggy
3B- Tike Redman
LF- Jay Payton
CF- Jay Gibbons
RF- Jose Offerman

Rotation
Cabs
Chen
Lopez
Trash
Baez

Record 35-127

Manager: Mike Flanagan

GM: Andy Fail
Owner: Pete Angelos

Jeremy Guthrie ROCKS! Go to hell Paul Shuey!

by westcoastOfan on Aug 15, 2007 10:59 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

So much for sleeping tonight...

because I can totally see that happening.

"Victim is your name and you shall fall..." - James Hetfield

by duck on Aug 15, 2007 11:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Tike Redman:

The future of the Baltimore Orioles.

"If your're not practicing, somebody else is, somewhere, and he'll be ready to take your job." -Brooks Robinson

by exitfare on Aug 15, 2007 11:52 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

40 minutes to go

and this ain't happening folks. From the O's official site, written by MLB.com writer Spencer Fordin, who actually quioe good:

According to a source close to the negotiations, Wieters, the fifth overall pick in the Draft, is seeking a contract worth $11 million. The source added that the Orioles offered less than half that amount -- a little more than $5 million -- and aren't likely to raise it substantially. As the hours count down toward midnight, the two sides will need to decide whether they want to meet in the middle.

"We haven't really had negotiations here -- it's been a number on their side and the same on ours," said Jordan. "There are probably too many miles to travel. I'm holding out hope that in the end, our offer will be enough."

"Victim is your name and you shall fall..." - James Hetfield

by duck on Aug 15, 2007 11:23 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

The crazy part fo me....

is Wieters has NO leverage next year. He will be out of college eligibility. Where's he going to go? And he's not going to get the offer the O's are making.

I don't understand Boras' thinking. He has the leverage this year - drive a hard bargain. But you have to eventually take what's offered, because it's a hell of a lot better than what you're going to get next year.

"Victim is your name and you shall fall..." - James Hetfield

by duck on Aug 15, 2007 11:26 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Hey guys

I feel like this is New Year's Eve...

but on this night, the ball isn't going to drop.

"If your're not practicing, somebody else is, somewhere, and he'll be ready to take your job." -Brooks Robinson

by exitfare on Aug 15, 2007 11:33 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

This team is retarded

They didnt think twice to sign a POS like Jay Payton and his .651 OPS for 4.25 million per year, but now they are fussing over the same amount to a potential impact player? I mean come on now, I know Weiter's is asking for A LOT, but sometimes a franchise just has to take some risks.

by UMterp08 on Aug 15, 2007 11:35 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

He's a "proven veteran"

Proven at being not very good

"If your're not practicing, somebody else is, somewhere, and he'll be ready to take your job." -Brooks Robinson

by exitfare on Aug 15, 2007 11:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Spend some money

Angelos you pig you hoarded that deal from MASN and stole money from the Nats.

by Baltimo on Aug 15, 2007 11:48 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Happy new years!

We lose!

by Baltimo on Aug 16, 2007 12:00 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Time's up

Eat me, McPhail

"If your're not practicing, somebody else is, somewhere, and he'll be ready to take your job." -Brooks Robinson

by exitfare on Aug 16, 2007 12:01 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

D'oh!

"Baltimore? That's like being hit in the head with a crowbar once a day."

by spike2131 on Aug 16, 2007 12:03 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

If He Didn't Sign

He's a fool. I don't see the sense in leaving $6 million on the table, and I really don't blame the Orioles for not giving him $11 million. Take the picks next year.

by crawjo on Aug 16, 2007 12:12 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs