O's Offseason Thread

[twenty-eight]

11.12 Rockies: Orioles interested in Atkins
The News
The Baltimore Sun reports that the Orioles are interested in Rockies third baseman Garrett Atkins.

Our View
The O's likely won't make a move until they find out if Atkins is non-tendered in December, but their interest is legit. Despite having a terrible season (.226/.308/.342) the third baseman is expected to be awarded around $7 million in arbitration and the Rockies likely won't pay it. If Baltimore can wait it out, they won't have to give up any prospects in return for him. Wherever he lands, Atkins will be a dicey fantasy choice in 2010.

[pjfootballer]

I was thinking of Atkins during the Rockies run this year. I knew he kind of lost his power and a lot of ABs. I'd be all for bringing him in here to compete with Bell and Moore. I believe he has 30 HR power, correct?

[MattFancy]

Originally Posted by pjfootballer

I was thinking of Atkins during the Rockies run this year. I knew he kind of lost his power and a lot of ABs. I'd be all for bringing him in here to compete with Bell and Moore. I believe he has 30 HR power, correct?

But how much of his numbers were because of playing at Coors? If you can't put up good numbers when half your games are played there, where will you put up good numbers?

[JMURedskins]

Originally Posted by MattFancy

But how much of his numbers were because of playing at Coors? If you can't put up good numbers when half your games are played there, where will you put up good numbers?

2006 his OPS was very close home and away, but other than that, he has been significantly better at home. I didn't count last year because he wasn't good home or away.

[twenty-eight]

saw this a couple days ago

From FOXSports:

Source: Obstacles could prevent Uggla-to-O's — 8 p.m.

While Marlins second baseman Dan Uggla would fit nicely in the Orioles' lineup, he probably is more valuable to a contender than a rebuilding team.

The Orioles are indeed talking to the Marlins about Uggla, but several obstacles stand in the way of a trade, according to a source with knowledge of the O's thinking.

For one thing, the Orioles do not know how Uggla would produce if he moved to third base or designated hitter.

For another, they would be reluctant to part with young talent for a high-priced player whom they would control for only two years.

The unknown with the Orioles is whether owner Peter Angelos is pressuring his front office to end the franchise's streak of 12 straight losing seasons. The O's have not even produced a 75-win season since 2004.

Still, if the Orioles are willing to add money, better they should do it by trading for an established starting pitcher such as the Reds' Aaron Harang ($25.25 million over two years) or Bronson Arroyo ($22 million over two, including a club option).

They can find a less expensive third baseman than Uggla on the free-agent market.

[pjfootballer]

Originally Posted by MattFancy

But how much of his numbers were because of playing at Coors? If you can't put up good numbers when half your games are played there, where will you put up good numbers?

Camden Yards is a bandbox. You don't need thin air to reach the left field bleachers.

[pjfootballer]

Originally Posted by twenty-eight

saw this a couple days ago

From FOXSports:

Source: Obstacles could prevent Uggla-to-O's — 8 p.m.

While Marlins second baseman Dan Uggla would fit nicely in the Orioles' lineup, he probably is more valuable to a contender than a rebuilding team.

The Orioles are indeed talking to the Marlins about Uggla, but several obstacles stand in the way of a trade, according to a source with knowledge of the O's thinking.

For one thing, the Orioles do not know how Uggla would produce if he moved to third base or designated hitter.

For another, they would be reluctant to part with young talent for a high-priced player whom they would control for only two years.

The unknown with the Orioles is whether owner Peter Angelos is pressuring his front office to end the franchise's streak of 12 straight losing seasons. The O's have not even produced a 75-win season since 2004.

Still, if the Orioles are willing to add money, better they should do it by trading for an established starting pitcher such as the Reds' Aaron Harang ($25.25 million over two years) or Bronson Arroyo ($22 million over two, including a club option).

They can find a less expensive third baseman than Uggla on the free-agent market.

I'd like Uggla's bat, but the Marlins want prospects that we can't afford to give away.

[twenty-eight]

Originally Posted by pjfootballer

I'd like Uggla's bat, but the Marlins want prospects that we can't afford to give away.

agreed...plus what did he hit this year? .225?

[turtle]

O's claim Tatum from Reds...

http://baltimore.orioles.mlb.com/new...=.jsp&c_id=bal

[twenty-eight]

fanball.com
Mariners: O's interested in Bedard, again
The News
According to the Baltimore Sun, the Orioles are interested in bringing back oft-injured starter Erik Bedard, assuming he is healthy.

Our View
The O's were very frustrated with Bedard before trading him to Seattle, so it seems odd that they would be so excited about trying to bring him back. Still, few teams are as desperate as Baltimore for pitching help, so they're likely trying to put on a smile and woo him back to Camden Yards. While his upside is huge, Bedard is as big an injury risk as there is in baseball, and he's not even expected to be ready until May because of a torn labrum and inflamed bursa.

espn insider rumor mill

Even in a down economy, the Baltimore Orioles apparently are in no position to cry poverty.

Jeff Zrebiec and Don Connolly of the Baltimore Sun write that the Orioles have just $29.5 million in salary commitments as free agency begins, so they are in position to be buyers if they so desire.

The Sun reports the Orioles have contacted the agents of third baseman Chone Figgins and pitcher John Lackey, but have no plans to bid on Matt Holliday or Jason Bay.


edit: http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/o...,2361869.story

[pjfootballer]

Wow, I didn't realize we had that little committed in salary this season. But I don't want to be a "Major" spender. Be a "mid-level" spender and bring in solid players. We're doing things right by building the minors and getting young talent. Let's don't ruin it with a half-assed spending spree.

[TheDoyler23]

Originally Posted by pjfootballer

Wow, I didn't realize we had that little committed in salary this season. But I don't want to be a "Major" spender. Be a "mid-level" spender and bring in solid players. We're doing things right by building the minors and getting young talent. Let's don't ruin it with a half-assed spending spree.

http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?k...gQ&output=html

That figure only includes guys under contract. They have guys in arbitration and renewal, etc.

Here are all the teams payrolls:

http://spreadsheets.google.com/pub?k...XT3cpPRtt9qIGw

[twenty-eight]

11.27 Brewers: O's interested in Sheets
The News
The Orioles are interested in Ben Sheets, according to MASN.

Our View
More specifically, they are interested in a pitcher of his ilk. Someone they classify as a "high risk, high reward" signing. Sheets certainly fits that bill. After missing all of 2009, however, he should still find a very competitive market for his services.

[TheDoyler23]

Originally Posted by twenty-eight

11.27 Brewers: O's interested in Sheets
The News
The Orioles are interested in Ben Sheets, according to MASN.

I'd love to sign Sheets and Bedard for a year and 8-12M each. Both deals being based on # of starts.

You have assume that both would be injured at some point, but 40-50 starts between the two would make a huge impact in the record.

Bedard
Sheets
Guthrie
Bergesen
Matusz

With Tillman and JA available to contribute with injuries and spot starts. They could even consider a 6 man rotation during long stretches without an off day. I'd like to make Berken a long relief type and Hernandez as a 7th inning type of reliever.

[Bzapf]

Originally Posted by TheDoyler23

Bedard
Sheets
Guthrie
Bergesen
Matusz

With that rotation plus Hernandez and Tillman filling in for the injured I think we could actually be a competitive team next year. Even w/o adding a big bat on one of the corners. I could live with Mora/Bell and Huff as stop gaps if we signed 2 top end starting pitchers lol. I also think Koji will be very helpful in the pen.