1) Should the O's go after free agents?
Isaac Barrow: As I stated in my recent "O's fans will hate me for this, but....", I think the O's shouldn't. Not only can we not whip out the big bucks like the Yanks can, a free agent with a name like Mark Teixiera, A.J. Burnett, Jon Garland, etc. don't say, "Hey, I'm a free agent. I want to go to a team that hasn't had a winning season since 1997!"
Also, if we were to get Teixeira, he'd make almost one fifth of what the team makes now. And historically, we are awful when it comes to signing free agents. Also, Burnett and Garland are high-risk, high rewards.
Garland won't likely repeat what he did with the White Sox and was the weak link in a dominant Angels rotation in 2007. Garland does have high stock, and we will have to out pay teams, which, let's face it, we can't do. If the O's look towards free agency, they're going to have to look cheap. Also, we would be defeating the rebuilding purpose by spending the big bucks.
Burnett can be a very dominant pitcher (over 200 K's this year) but is injured every other year. We also tried to get him at the deadline two seasons ago, and he refused, so what makes you think he has a change of heart now? As much as I'd love to have Tex here, I don't see it. I see Tex signing with the Yankees or Mets, the typical place.
Chad Lamasa: Of course the O's should go after free agents. The only problem is we will have to overpay for anyone. Once a culture of losing has been established, it takes a lot for a guy to want to come here. Teixeira is the one I would go after; he's a hometown guy and better than what we have at 1B right now in Millar. Huff could continue to be DH after the season he had this year. If there are any solid SS out there, we should go after one of them as well.
Lawrence Barreca: Yes, the O's should at least pursue one free agent. Some names include Mark Teixeira, Hank Blalock, A.J. Burnett, etc. Many fans will say the same name: Mark Teixeira.
I will not disagree with the fans here, but he will undoubtedly come at a price. He is expecting a large contract, and he has Scott Boras as his agent, two things that the O's don't like to see. So should the O's look somewhere else?
A few more names that may begin to pop up as the Winter Meetings begin are Cleveland Indians' first baseman Ryan Garko, Rangers' third baseman Hank Blalock, or maybe even a trade involving Brewers' first baseman Prince Fielder (Fielder would come at a high asking-price, making him an unlikely candidate for the Orioles). Let's evaluate these names for a second.
Ryan Garko hit .273 with 14 home runs and 90 RBI last season, not bad numbers. However, I believe that the O's want a bit more power in the cleanup spot, plus Garko would have to be traded for, losing some potential prospects in the process. Hank Blalock may be the hidden answer. Hank hit .287, with 12 homers and 38 RBI in only 258 at-bats.
Sure, Blalock is also considered an "injury-prone player," but I believe that a move from the "hot corner" over to first base might just be the change he needs to stay healthy for an entire season. I guess only time will tell what the O's will do to fill this hole in the order.
Zachary Ball: I agree, the O's should go after some bats and some quality arms. Specifically, I would love to see MacPhail aggressively go after Tex. I think we have a 25 percent chance of getting him.
For Burnett, I think the number drops to 15 percent. I think pitching for a team with a decent shot at the playoffs would be more enticing than coming home to Baltimore. I wouldn't touch Garland with a 10-foot pole. He has low strikeout numbers, a higher-than-average ERA, and has benefited from playing with a high-scoring offense. I don't think Baltimore provides that last one.
I like the idea of Garko, but I just don't see him playing full-time if he comes here, and the last thing we need is another bench guy who takes time away from younger guys like Nolan Reimold and Lou Montanez.
One route I think the O's should consider going that doesn't involve free agency is a possible trade. I would personally love to see the O's make a play for Matt Holliday from the Rockies. Colorado is shopping him, and he would be a perfect fit for us. He plays left field and would fit nicely into the middle of the lineup. Do I think the O's will do any of this though? Not real likely.
Kevin Paul: Yes, they should go after free agents - if they are players that fit MacPhail's plan. I'm talking about younger players. I wouldn't go and waste a ton of money on the top-of-the-rotation starters, but more a few role guys that can fill in the slots, and maybe help teach the younger guys that are eventually coming up, such as Matusz, Arrieta, and Tillman. I do expect Angelos to make a run at Teixeira - he has a severe man crush on him, and first base is enough of a need that MacPhail may be OK with the move.
2) How long should we re-sign stars (Markakis, Jones, Guthrie)?
Isaac Barrow: I agree mostly with what Lawrence said. I agree we need to sign Markakis and Guthrie to long-term deals. However, I'd like to see Adam Jones for about how long Roberts is, maybe a three to five-year deal. Jones is getting better and better each day and is a true rising star as an outfielder. I expect a power surge from him, either this year or next.
I agree Markakis might get angry if Jones is signed first, so I'd wrap up Markakis first. While Jones is a huge part of the O's in the future, Markakis is a bigger one. So, yes, I think we sign Roberts for four seasons, Jones for five, and Markakis for five. Roberts for only four, because despite being a force to be reckoned with, he's older than most on the club.
I'd like to get rid of most of the vets on the club, except Roberts. In short, Jones: five years, Markakis: six years, Roberts: four years.
Chad Lamasa: The three you mention we should wrap up for the next five to six years. They can be cornerstones of the organization and definitely worth building around. Markakis was unhappy with his raise this season, so they definitely need to give him what he wants. Jones, I believe, is still under contract though, so we shouldn't have to worry about that. Guthrie is the best pitcher we have and need to make sure he stays here for a while.
Lawrence Barreca: Now let's move to the second topic: Signing the rising stars. Nick Markakis and Brian Roberts, both drafted by the O's, have been keys to the Orioles' success, not only through batting but through defense and speed as well. These are the reasons why these two players should be extended as soon as possible.
The last thing that I want to see as a fan is Markakis or Roberts getting dealt or angry due to contract problems. Brian Roberts should at least receive a three to five-year deal, with Markakis receiving a deal anywhere from five to 10 years.
Other people have inquired about signing Adam Jones, the now 23-year-old center fielder, who is expected to be an All-Star caliber player in the future. I say this: How do you believe that Nick would feel if a player who has played on the squad for one season gets a contract extension before he was even considered?
My final take is this: Sign Guthrie to a three-plus-year deal, Markakis, and Roberts. Simple.
Zachary Ball: The O's should extend deals to all three, and throw in Brian Roberts, too. Roberts is what makes this team go. I would give "Nick the Stick" anywhere from a five to seven-year deal. Jones gets a three to five-year deal. Roberts gets a three-year deal. I'd extend Guthrie for at least a three-year deal. Locking up these four gives the O's a solid nucleus to add some free agents and some young prospects to.
Kevin Paul: Well, the O's have Jones for a while, but Markakis should be resigned for five or six years, I would guess off the top of my head. He's the face of the franchise, and just going to get better - and he's already one of the better young OF's in the game. Overlook the arbitration and give him a major deal. Roberts too, resign him... tough to replace his 2B play, leadoff abilities, talent, and personality.
3) Whom should the O's draft this year?
Isaac Barrow: As much as I like Juan Castro as a fielder, the guy is not the future of the Baltimore Orioles. He hit .193 on the year, with two home runs and 16 RBI. While he made some strides at times, he shouldn't be our shortstop in five seasons. Grant Green may be too good for us. Grant Green, a USC shortstop, should go No. 3 overall. If we have to trade up to get him, so be it.
Since Cal Ripken, Jr. moved to third base, our shortstops can be described in two words: no bodies! We've had the likes of Deivi Cruz, Mike Bordick, Juan Castro, Luis Hernandez, Alex Cintron, and others I probably don't remember because they most likely left baseball after they played for us.
There is also Aaron Crow, the guy from Missouri who was 13-0 with a 2.35 earned run average last year. He is hard to sign though, as the Nats offered him big money last year and he didn't sign. If I'm the Orioles, I do everything possible to nab us some Grant Green.
Chad Lamasa: I have no idea who we should draft. I never hear about these guys until they are in our system. As far as positions go, we need a SS and some pitching.
Lawrence Barreca: Now, let's take a peek at next year's draft. Brian Matusz was the prize of last year's draft, being picked No. 4 overall. Baltimore is expected to have another high pick this year, their first selection coming at No. 5. Whom should the O's choose?
Below is a list of the top players in the 2009 draft according to draftinfo.wordpress.com:
1. Stephen Strasburg, RHP, San Diego State
2. Dustin Ackley, 1b/OF, North Carolina
3. Grant Green, SS, USC
4. Donovan Tate, OF, Cartersville HS, Georgia
5. Alex White, RHP, North Carolina
6. Aaron Crow, RHP, Fort Worth Cats (Independent Leagues)
7. Matt Purke, LHP, Klein HS, Texas
8. Kyle Gibson, RHP, Missouri
9. Kentrail Davis, OF, Tennessee
10. Tyler Matzek, LHP, Capistrano Valley HS, Mission Veijo, California
From this list, my best bet would be either Aaron Crow or Grant Green. Crow, a right-handed pitcher, was drafted by the Nationals last season; however, he was never signed, throwing him right back into the draft pool for '09. He features a mid-90s fastball, a good sinker, a "devastating" slider, and a good changeup.
He is said to have a mechanics problem, though, but if he pans out, he is expected to be a top-of-the-rotation starter.
As all O's fans know, the shortstop position is a must-need. This is where Grant Green may come into play. Here is how draftinfo.wordpress.com describes him: "Green has exploded the last year, especially this summer in the Cape Cod League. He has an above average arm with good accuracy and above average range as well. At the plate is where he thrives. He handles the bat very well and his discipline is sensational. He has above average power right now, but that will probably increase as he develops."
A power-hitting SS may be the exact thing that the O's need to fill that gaping hole on the left side of the diamond.
Zachary Ball: Baseball America released their mock draft of the first 10 picks a couple of weeks ago and they have the O's taking righty Tyler Matzek from California. Clearly, I would love to see Grant Green fall to the O's, but barring a mess of a season from him, I don't see that happening.
Alex White from UNC is a stud. I would love to snag him, but again, he too might be gone by the time the O's pick at No. 5. The O's spent several picks on college pitchers (Brian Matusz, Oliver Drake, Richard Zagone) last year and the year before (Jake Arrieta, Tim Bascom).
I think they can afford to spend this pick on the best high schooler they can find, which leads me back to Matzek. He is a flamethrower who has an easily repeatable delivery. He was the top pitcher at almost every high school showcase this past year and has a very VERY high upside. I'd be happy with him at No. 5...or Grant Green.
Kevin Paul: Draft the best on the table. Middle infield talent is a need, but you can never have enough pitching either. Draft the best left.
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2 months ago
Awesome job Isaac. This is exactly what a Round Table is about and exactly what Community Leaders are here for.
Great job getting this together in such a short amount of time. I'm very impressed by your drive and passion. Keep it up buddy.
-Rory
2 months ago
Great job Isaac! Thats all I have to say. Lol
from 2 months ago
Thanks I took lots of your quotes from the excellent article u wrote. can u check my 3 finger brown article and comment?
2 months ago
Amazing article.
I still remember the good old days when Peter Angelos would shell out for the top free agents (yes, even Albert Belle). I think that if the O's are going to win another penant, they'll have to do it the way the Rays did. I.e. earn it.
from 2 months ago
Yeah they need to stay away from the free agent, because their joking if they say they have the money for it.
2 months ago
Great article guys! Yes we need to lock up some of these guys to Evan Longoria type deals(maybe someone will be that silly). Locking up Nick M., Jones, and keeping Roberts would be great for the team and the fans... The only correction/suggestion that I have is that I wouldn't put Miguel Tejada in the category of a nobody. I'll chalk that up as a brain melt. :) Good work.
from 2 months ago
Thanks marcus!
2 months ago
Sorry for the delay, been out sick... but here are a few thoughts from my side... haven't looked at everyone else's responses just yet, but will get to them eventually...
1) Yes, they should go after free agents - if they are players that fit MacPhail's plan. I'm talking about younger players. I wouldn't go and waste a ton of money on the top-of-the-rotation starters, but more a few role guys that can fill in the slots, and maybe help teach the younger guys that are eventually coming up, such as Matusz, Arrieta, and Tillman. I do expect Angelos to make a run at Teixeira - he has a severe man crush on him, and first base is enough of a need that MacPhail may be OK with the move.
2) Well, the O's have Jones for a while, but Markakis should be resigned for five or six years, I would guess off the top of my head. He's the face of the franchise, and just going to get better - and he's already one of the better young OF's in the game. Overlook the arbitration and give him a major deal. Roberts too, resign him... tough to replace his 2B play, leadoff abilities, talent, and personality...
3) Draft the best on the table. Middle infield talent is a need, but you can never have enough pitching either. Draft the best left...
4) Take the Markakis approach on Wieters. Let him battle for the position in the spring. They weren't expecting Markakis to win the job yet, but he forced their hand. If Wieters doesn't do that, put him in AAA, and have a patchwork catcher available 'til he's ready.
5) Yes, if the deals are right, and we can max the amount received for players, then trade them. Examples are Huff and Hernandez, especially Hernandez if you can get anyone for him. If the O's can't resign Roberts, then deal him too.
6) I would take the same approach on Matusz that the Rays did on David Price, which is start him at Single A, like you do any other prospect, and see how long he needs to be there. I believe Price only lasted six starts and then was moved up.
2 months ago
Nice
2 months ago
very well done sir, that is why you're a leader... keep it up
from 2 months ago
Thanks Chris means a lot.
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