The Orioles are looking for a power hitter and may pursue Victor Martinez, Paul Konerko and other free agents this offseason. President of baseball operations Andy MacPhail told Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun that he'll consider signing a bat this winter.
"We haven't made any secret of the fact that we think we need to address the middle of the order, and that's a hard thing to do," MacPhail said, without naming specific players that may interest the team.
Nolan Reimold's struggles, Felix Pie's injury concerns and Josh Bell’s 2010 performance mean the O’s would consider signing outfielders or third basemen. However, it now seems more likely that the club will sign a first baseman.
Connolly says it's likely that the Orioles will target some of the following players: Adam Dunn, Victor Martinez, Paul Konerko, Carlos Pena and Derrek Lee. Konerko would probably be a main target for the team and Martinez could be Baltimore’s top target, according to Connolly.
Carl Crawford, Jayson Werth and Cliff Lee intrigue the Orioles, but probably won’t be signing in Baltimore. MacPhail repeated that he’d like to add a veteran starter through free agency or a trade.
Crawford, Werth and Cliff Lee may not sign with Baltimore but that shouldn’t preclude the O’s from getting involved for no other reason than to help drive the price up for their competitors. The Yankees, Red Sox and Angels will probably end up with some or all of those guys, why not make it a little more difficult on them?
Andy, Please, Pretty Please don’t get Derek Lee or Paul Konerko, you’re better than that. Right?
Don’t worry he won’t get PK, he’ll be back with the sox.
They won’t get Konerko. Even if he didn’t return to the White Sox, the last time he hit Free Agency, the Orioles offered him the highest contract in years and money. He turned it down flat out, in such a way that made it seem like he never took it seriously.
Pena is in decline. Therefore, the Orioles will probably make him their #1 target (cause that’s what they do).
That could work out well for a team needing a defensive 1B with power on a 1 year “make good” contract and that leech Boras as an agent. Boras is going to be asking for far more than the obviously deteriorating Pena is worth for a couple months after FA begins and probably get no offers, if the O’s are patient and want him, maybe early Jan. they can pick him up in the 4-5m range and 1 year with some options on performance.
defense has not slipped, just his bat some and give him some reason to improve even back to 2009 performance would be a excellent pickup on a do good contract.
That could work out well for a team needing a defensive 1B with power on a 1 year “make good” contract and that leech Boras as an agent. Boras is going to be asking for far more than the obviously deteriorating Pena is worth for a couple months after FA begins and probably get no offers, if the O’s are patient and want him, maybe early Jan. they can pick him up in the 4-5m range and 1 year with some options on performance.
defense has not slipped, just his bat some and give him some reason to improve even back to 2009 performance would be a excellent pickup on a do good contract.
That’s what the Rays did when they picked him up off the waiver wire. It’s a low risk/reward move for a high loss team looking to build up pieces.
If they were closer, they would stand a better chance to be taken seriously by Free Agents and not have to pay 30-50 cents more on the dollar than their competitors.
Veteran starter Mr. Macphail? Derek Lowe is your man!
I liked this idea last year, but they went and got Millwood instead. Now I think the Braves will keep Lowe since he’s rebounded in the 2nd half. But if he’s available, I think he’s a good fit.
I think his rebound only makes him more likely to go at this point with Hudson, Hanson, Jurrjens, Minor, and Medlen/Beachy. The Braves need a bat!
I agree on the braves needing a bat part.
Would something around Lowe for Luke Scott work? Scott is no stud in the OF, but his bat could make up for it. Plus his career UZR/150 in LF is a +5.9. Last two years haven’t been kind but you could do worse (ie, Dunn).
Moving Scott would negate a power bat add….but could throw a few million at Manny to DH possibly and handle LF on a few days.
I’d be alright trading Scott for Lowe. Luke can play a passable 1b and of. I hate the idea of signing Manny. It would go against Buck’s philosophy and quite simply, I think he’s done.
I disagree on Manny. DH him for the whole year and he should see his numbers rise. Play him 5 days a week too and his numbers should rise (see Jim Thome).
I don’t see how a guy who had a .915 OPS in LA then an OPS+ over 100 in Chicago is “done”.
Manny has 3 more years left in him if he stays in the AL and DHs.
Fair enough though on the Buck thing. Maybe he would want the O’s to stay away from Manny.
I don’t think the Os would trade Scott for Lowe straightup. No way. Lowe is 37, which is older than Millwood. I’m not saying Scott is the end-all but he’s an above-average bat still in his prime years.
I don’t think the Os would trade Scott for Lowe straightup. No way. Lowe is 37, which is older than Millwood. I’m not saying Scott is the end-all but he’s an above-average bat still in his prime years.
I don’t think the Os would trade Scott for Lowe straightup. No way. Lowe is 37, which is older than Millwood. I’m not saying Scott is the end-all but he’s an above-average bat still in his prime years.
I don’t think the Os would trade Scott for Lowe straightup. No way. Lowe is 37, which is older than Millwood. I’m not saying Scott is the end-all but he’s an above-average bat still in his prime years.
Last offseason there was some talk about the Braves acquiring Luke Scott. Would he be attractive to the Braves now? If anything has changed, he’s only added to his value since last season by reaching career highs in several categories and shown much better consistency all season.
Last offseason there was some talk about the Braves acquiring Luke Scott. Would he be attractive to the Braves now? If anything has changed, he’s only added to his value since last season by reaching career highs in several categories and shown much better consistency all season.
I liked this idea last year, but they went and got Millwood instead. Now I think the Braves will keep Lowe since he’s rebounded in the 2nd half. But if he’s available, I think he’s a good fit.
How about the Angels Mike Napoli? He plays First.
Same thing we needed last year. I am afraid you may be right on Pena, but I would rather see Lee, Konerko or Dunn. Berkman is another guy they might take a flier on. At some point, AM is gonna have to trade some of our pitching to fill other spots. Would love to see him get AG, but Andy is just not that bold.
The only time the O’s should look to trade some of their pitching is when they are close to contending. They’re not. It would be more prudent in my opinion to wait and sign someone in free agency in next year’s offseason. A stopgap or DH type signing is fine for now.
The only time the O’s should look to trade some of their pitching is when they are close to contending. They’re not. It would be more prudent in my opinion to wait and sign someone in free agency in next year’s offseason. A stopgap or DH type signing is fine for now.
I don’t think it’s a matter of Andy being bold or not. It’s a matter of enough of our young pitchers taking a step forward enough to make some pieces expendable. Take the picture in, say, Atlanta. They’ve had a few young guys come forward to be depended on in the last few years. Suddenly they can trade some pieces away. On the Os, they have a lot of promising arms, but thus far, that’s all it is, potential. Matusz, Bergesen, Arrieta, Tillman, Britton, etc all need to take steps forward. If we can rule out having to worry about 1-3 slots of the rotation it makes trades that much more do-able.
I don’t think it’s a matter of Andy being bold or not. It’s a matter of enough of our young pitchers taking a step forward enough to make some pieces expendable. Take the picture in, say, Atlanta. They’ve had a few young guys come forward to be depended on in the last few years. Suddenly they can trade some pieces away. On the Os, they have a lot of promising arms, but thus far, that’s all it is, potential. Matusz, Bergesen, Arrieta, Tillman, Britton, etc all need to take steps forward. If we can rule out having to worry about 1-3 slots of the rotation it makes trades that much more do-able.
eh… All I care about is that the O’s don’t try to rush things and sign away too much money or trade away good prospects. They’re not ready to contend yet. I think the only free agent first baseman that interests me is Konerko, though I’d expect him to go back to the White Sox. After that, everyone is either flawed (Pena), old (D. Lee), or overrated (V- Mart.). Dunn may be an option, but I’d have to assume he’d go to a contender over the Orioles. Plus I think the Cubs are hot and heavy over him.
I don’t think I’d mind too much if they pursued Branyan. But I’d be curious if the Marlins would be willing to give up G. Sanchez so that they could move Morrison to 1b. If so, see if you can put a package together for him. I’d also inquire with KC about Butler or Kila. I do like the Napoli idea, kind of a rh-hitting version of Luke Scott. Not sure what the Angels would want, but I’d sacrifice one of our late inning relievers and a mid level prospect for him.
Ok, how is Victor overrated? If anything, he’s underrated. Fans rip on his defense non-stop but fail to talk about how he is one of the 3 best hitting catchers in baseball. It’s also almost solely his arm that’s bad defensively, he’s ok at balls in the dirt and handling a pitching staff.
As far as Dunn…..not sure he really cares about “contenders”. He did go to the Nationals last time he hit free agency, lol
People look at Victor as a big run producer, but he’s not more than a 20 hr, 90 RBI hitter. Granted that’s good, but if you take him out of the catcher position, that’s much more ordinary. And the O’s already have Weiters behind the plate for most of the time, so V-Mart would be playing half his games at 1b and DH.
As for Dunn, I’d like to see him as an Oriole. The only reason hee signed with the Nats was because he held out too long as a free agent and by the time his pricetag came with in reason, there was no one else that would offer anything more than 1 year. At least that’s how I remember it. If he is strictly chasing the money, the Orioles have a fair chance of picking him up. But I think there are several teams they’d have to outbid (the White Sox and Yanks specifically).
Take Victor out from behind the plate though and he’ll be able to play in 20-30 more games a year. He hit 20 HRs this year playing in less than 130 games. Also had 79 RBIs.
Would be an easy 25-110 guy if at 1B/DH. The fact that he can backup Weiters only adds to his value.
Victor has shown when healthy and playing in 150+ games that he can hit 25 HRs in drive in 100-110 runs.
Dunn should have a lot of suitors, but he had a lot last time around too. Just held out for too much money as said. I see him doing the same thing this time. He’ll want at least $10M for 3 or 4 years….and won’t find it.
I agree. What you say about Victor is true and makes absolute sense. Now explain it to Victor. He’s made it clear that he does not want to play 1B or DH regularly, he wants to catch full time.
I don’t get it. You are right that having a good bat at catcher is a strong advantage. He’s certainly garuanteed to be a top 5 catcher with the bat in any given year. That being said, he is a below average catcher. He is below average at fielding, range, errors, and throwing out baserunners. He’s not horrendous, but he is in the negative WAR range. If he has a season where he plays at average replacement level player, then his bat plays true, which is generally worth 3 WAR.
I only mention this because I am wary about putting any below average defense around our young pitching staff.
I agree about V-mart, his #’s are good for a catcher but not only OK for 1st. I would much prefer a RH hitter like Konerko with Nick and Luke already from the left side. But any power is sorely needed. If a trade could be made to get what we need, it should be at least attempted. I would hold onto Matusz, Arrietta, Bergy but I would be checking on AG. If you could get an extension, I would give Guthrie, Hernandez and 1-2 other aa/aaa guys. I don’t like that”we aren’t ready to contend” thing, that kind of attitude will keep us in the cellar. Not sell the farm, but get us the pieces we need not just filler. Payroll has been low for a while…
I agree about V-mart, his #’s are good for a catcher but not only OK for 1st. I would much prefer a RH hitter like Konerko with Nick and Luke already from the left side. But any power is sorely needed. If a trade could be made to get what we need, it should be at least attempted. I would hold onto Matusz, Arrietta, Bergy but I would be checking on AG. If you could get an extension, I would give Guthrie, Hernandez and 1-2 other aa/aaa guys. I don’t like that”we aren’t ready to contend” thing, that kind of attitude will keep us in the cellar. Not sell the farm, but get us the pieces we need not just filler. Payroll has been low for a while…
You can have Nick Blackburn and Trevor Plouffe for Brian Roberts and half the money he’s owed. Anything so long as I never have to see Nick Punto as a Twin again. There’s a uh, veteran… starter and they liked Plouffe at the deadline. Sure!
The Indians will gladly take Nick Punto from you guys then.
Why not re-sign Hudson instead of trading for Roberts? You dont need a leadoff hitter.
Hudson, Hardy, and Valencia isn’t a bad infield.
The Indians will gladly take Nick Punto from you guys then.
Why not re-sign Hudson instead of trading for Roberts? You dont need a leadoff hitter.
Hudson, Hardy, and Valencia isn’t a bad infield.
If San Diego can’t sign Gonzalez, they are best dealing with a team that can give them at least one good (yet affordable) player back. Getting only prospects is a bitter pill, unless those prospects are can’t miss. Yet who will give you can’t miss prospects for a player who will be a FA in a year?
I see the Orioles as having the talent to deal for Adrian Gonzalez, and also, the money to sign him to a long-term. The O’s have a number of good position players (for instance Luke Scott) or potentially good position players (like Reimold) and the Padres have only Gonzalez.
Perhaps something reasonable could be worked out.
I would certainly package Scott up with some good prospects to get back Adrian. No doubt.
If San Diego can’t sign Gonzalez, they are best dealing with a team that can give them at least one good (yet affordable) player back. Getting only prospects is a bitter pill, unless those prospects are can’t miss. Yet who will give you can’t miss prospects for a player who will be a FA in a year?
I see the Orioles as having the talent to deal for Adrian Gonzalez, and also, the money to sign him to a long-term. The O’s have a number of good position players (for instance Luke Scott) or potentially good position players (like Reimold) and the Padres have only Gonzalez.
Perhaps something reasonable could be worked out.
what’s your offer for Adrian Gonzales O’s fans I prefer AG go to the O’s than the Red Sox.
I would say the right deal for Adrian would be Tillman, Pie, Britton. Both Britton and Tillman have dominated the minors. Tillman has a huge cieling with a great late moving fastball. He’s still trying to make the jump into the majors. Britton has a nasty breaking ball and he will be ready to jump to the bigs next year. Pie is a former elite Cubs prospect who is finally finding his way. He’s been flashing great 5 tools and a gritty above-average bat and good speed. Buuut, from the Os perspective, that’s really a lot to trade. Not sure if it’s right for them.
I like Britton and Tillman but I don’t like Pie so trow in another prospect or two A prospect or two B prospect.
Pie’s numbers might not look all that great right now, but that’s because he was out for an extended period for a nagging injury, and while he was healthy he was competing for playing time with another promising player, but he’s been really good actually. Completely honestly and objectively speaking, I think a team would do well taking him if they were given the option. He’s a CF type of above-average glove in LF for the Os. Strong arm. It has been work to get there but he’s now willing to make contact and use his legs. He isn’t completely powerless though either he has some pop. If he adjusts to the majors well, I can see him have double-digit steals and HRs at about 280ish clips in his best years.
Maybe we could offer the Royals Snyder,Pie,Tillman,Egan, and Albers for Greinke and Kila Kaihue. Then resign Patterson to play LF. Sign Inge to play 3B. And sign Takahasi and Benoit to help out the bullpen. Rotation 1: Greinke 2: Matusz 3: Guthrie 4: Bergy 5: Arrieta. Lineup 1: Roberts 2B 2: Markakis RF 3: Jones CF 4: Kila Kaihue 1B 5: Scott DH
6: Inge 3B 7: Wieters C 8: Patterson LF 9: Andino SS.
haha what? to get Greinke it would probably take, like, Matusz + Arrieta + Snyder + David Hernandez + Josh Bell or something like that.
Um. No way. That’s not what it would take. It didn’t take that much to trade for Cliff Lee, Sabbathia, and/or Halladay in their respective trades. To get an Ace deal done it takes about 2 top prospects and a player or two who can contribute. Matusz doesn’t quite fit because he’s past being a prospect now. He’s worth more than a typical elite prospect because he has real majorleague experience.
I actually like the idea of getting Kila. Greinke would also be great, but the orioles would have to give up quite a bit to do that. The best option right now is strength in numbers. Hold onto as many pitchers as possible and throw them in there. There was absolutely no reason to keep moving Tillman up and down. He needs time to sort his stuff out and he has nothing left to prove at AAA. The O’s need to be wise this off season. My suggestions: resign Uehara for one year at no more than 3-4 mill and have him work strictly out of the pen, after the Dodgers non-tender him resign Sherill for about 1 mill, let Hendrickson go already!, if the Twins non-tender him sign Hardy at 4-5 mill, trade Snyder for Kila, take a look at Varitek or Jose Molina at about 1 mill to back up and mentor Weiters, sign Bill Hall at 2 mill as insurance for Bell and to back up Roberts (utility guy), take a look at Hawpe or Hinske at about 2 mill for the outfield and sign Vazquez at about 7 mill or Westbrook if they want to go for a two year.
Ideally
C Weiters, Molina
1b Kila, Scott
2b Roberts, Hall
ss Hardy, Andino
3b Bell, Hall
Rf Markakis
Cf Jones, Pie
Lf Hawpe, Reimold
Dh Scott, Kila, Hawpe
Sp Vazquez, Guthrie, Matusz, Bergesen, Tillman, Arieta, Britton
Rp Gonzalez, Johnson, Albers, Sherill, Uehara, Vandenhurk, Berken, Hernandez
Just say no to Kila. Yes, we should absolutely aquire Hardy, tho. Getting Hall is interesting – he’d replace Wigginton, very similar ballplayer. Getting Sherrill back is also interesting, maybe give him a minor league contract to compete to be the lefty specialist during ST – this year’s Ohlman. Signing Victor Martinez for 1B and occasional backup C makes sense, he’s a good fit here, given that we have NO 1B. But – if we don’t sign him then Variteck is not a bad idea for cheap only as a backup C. Vasquez? yikes. Anybody else. Even Bedard or/and Webb. Cliff Lee would be nice, but we know the O’s won’t spend the money on him.
Third base – we need a real, good fielding good hitting 3B. Thats not Hall, tho. If not Beltre, then almost anybody but Bell, he’s not ready and maybe never will. Maybe explore getting overpriced and maybe available Aramis Ramirez from the Cubs, but its easier to just sign a vet FA – and No to Hawpe or Hinske – yikes, although Hinske is a similar player to Luke Scott but worse in the field.
The O’s will probably not spend big money, choosing instead to funnel the millions to player development/draft picks/foreign FAs. Still, by signing a FA at 3B not named Tejada and a vet 1B thats good in the field like Berkman or Pena, along with the signing of 1 pretty good veteran FA SP, such as Derek Lowe (or Webb or Bedard if they are healthy…), and getting Hardy, the O’s chances wouldn’t be bad. Guessing that another team will sign Vmart…so:
C Weiters, Varitek
1B Berkman or Pena or even Dunn
2B Roberts, Hall/Wiggy
SS Hardy, Andino
3B Beltre, but probably unfortunately Tejada on a one yr contract.
RF Markakis
CF Jones
LF Pie/Reimold
DH Scott
SP Lowe, Guthrie, Matusz, Bergeson, Arrieta/Britton
RP Urehara, Johnson, Sherrill – L, Berken, Hernandez, Vandenhurk or Patton – L , Simon, Gonzalez – L