Orioles fans have grown increasingly frustrated with a listless offseason on the heels of last year’s division title and quick playoff exit. The O’s entered the offseason with a wide-open payroll outlook and deep farm system, ostensibly setting the stage for either a major free-agent pickup and/or a splashy trade to address the starting pitching. Neither has transpired to this point, although general manager Mike Elias insists it’s not due to a lack of effort on his behalf. The Orioles are “probably being as aggressive as any team out there” on the trade market, Elias told reporters over the weekend (link via Andy Kostka of the Baltimore Banner).
Options on the trade market this offseason have been few and far between — particularly if, as one would expect, the O’s are reluctant to part with their glut of top-ranked, near-MLB-ready infield and outfield prospects. Dylan Cease has long been connected to the O’s, but many have begun to express doubt that anyone will meet the White Sox’ asking price before the offseason is up. Mariners president of baseball operations Jerry Dipoto has spoken openly about his aversion to trading young starters like Bryce Miller or Bryan Woo. The Marlins are at least listening on a handful of starters (Jesus Luzardo, Braxton Garrett and Edward Cabrera among them), but the ask figures to be similarly steep there, as each has at least three seasons of control remaining.
The Orioles, meanwhile, are rife with young big league-caliber talents. Gunnar Henderson is locked in on the left side of the infield — likely as the long-term third baseman. Jackson Holliday, the former No. 1 overall pick who’s currently ranked as baseball’s No. 1 overall prospect, could debut as the team’s long-term shortstop this year at just 20 years old. Middle infielders Jordan Westburg, Connor Norby and Joey Ortiz have all been ranked among the game’s 100 best prospects within the past year. Ditto corner infielder Coby Mayo, who could be pushed across the diamond to first base, where the Orioles also have Ryan Mountcastle and former No. 2 overall pick Heston Kjerstad as options. Kjerstad can also play the outfield corners, while still yet another top prospect, outfielder Colton Cowser, is a deft center fielder.
Baltimore’s veritable embarrassment of riches on the prospect front has yet to lead to a trade, however. Fans might quibble with whether Elias is truly being as aggressive as he indicates, based on that lack of a move, but the top-ranking O’s baseball ops exec also exercised caution on the trade front.
“You can look back and teams make aggressive trades, and it can really set the franchise back if the guy shows up and he gets hurt, or if you trade guys and you miss out on their long careers,” Elias said, noting that there are just such examples in Orioles history.
Elias didn’t mention any specific examples, though as with any franchise, they’ve had their share of “ones who got away” (my words, not his). Eduardo Rodriguez and Jake Arrieta come to mind as one such pair (under prior leadership, before Elias was hired), while the Orioles’ acquisition of Adam Jones in exchange for Erik Bedard (also under the former front office regime) is perhaps the prime example of Baltimore being on the more favorable side of that proverbial coin.
Of course, the enviable stock of position-player depth the Orioles have cultivated under Elias could also be a catalyst for smaller-scale trades. The team might balk at the notion of trading someone of Westburg’s ilk, but the sheer volume of MLB-ready infielders could make current bench options like Ramon Urias available. MASNsports.com’s Roch Kubatko suggested as much on Monday, noting that a roster including each of Urias, Ortiz and Holliday would have some redundancy and could lead to Urias being squeezed out — though that scenario is framed in mostly speculative fashion. There’s no indication the Orioles are shopping Urias, but it stands to reason that other infield-needy clubs would have interest.
The 29-year-old Urias, who’s earning $2.1MM in 2024 and is under club control through 2026, has given the Orioles above-average offense and solid defense for much of the past three seasons. He’s a career .264/.330/.404 hitter (107 wRC+) who can handle any of second base, shortstop or third base.
Urias had plus defensive grades at the hot corner, in 2022 in particular, but has broadly rated as a capable defender at any of the three spots. The O’s also gave him 63 innings at first base in 2023. Though he bats right-handed, Urias has far better career numbers against righties (.278/.342/.416) than lefties (.237/.306/.380). That’s not ideal for a team seeking a righty bat to pair with a lefty around the infield, but a club that’s just looking for general infield help overall could well see its interest piqued by an affordable and versatile option like Urias. He alone wouldn’t fetch the Orioles the rotation upgrade they seek, but he could either be dealt as part of a package or could perhaps simply net the O’s some modest help for the farm system to help replenish depth after surrendering some prospects in a larger-scale deal.
On the depth front, the O’s did get some good news in recent weeks. Left-hander Bruce Zimmermann tells MASNsports.com’s Steve Melewski that he’s in Florida for early workouts and expects to be a “full go” when spring training opens. Zimmermann underwent core muscle surgery in mid-October. He pitched to a 4.42 ERA in 21 Triple-A starts last season and has a lifetime 4.15 ERA in 229 2/3 innings at that level. He’s struggled to a 5.57 mark in 158 1/3 big league frames, but Zimmermann has a minor league option remaining and gives the O’s some experienced depth if injuries create an opening in the rotation.
Similarly, reliever Keegan Akin told Melewski and others that he’s “right on track” for spring training after missing the better part of three months last summer due to back troubles. Akin attempted to come back multiple times but experienced continued back issues each time. He’s since had the time to rest and rehab his way to full strength. The southpaw clearly wasn’t right in ’23, pitching to a 6.85 ERA in 23 1/3 innings, but he was a key bullpen member in 2022 when he piled up 81 2/3 innings with a 3.20 ERA, 23.4% strikeout rate, 6.1% walk rate and 49.3% ground-ball rate.
Assuming he’s healthy, Akin will give the O’s yet another southpaw option in the ’pen. Danny Coulombe and Cionel Perez are locked into spots after each avoided arbitration over the past week, and 25-year-old DL Hall seems likely to join them — if the Orioles don’t give him another look in the rotation. That decision could hinge on any future acquisitions; Elias said on Friday that the Orioles still view Hall as a starter in the long-term but was less clear about the southpaw’s role in the shorter term (X link via Kostka). Hall, a 2017 first-rounder and former top prospect, pitched to a 3.26 ERA with excellent strikeout and walk rates in 19 1/3 innings out of the bullpen in 2023.
It’s your move, O’s.
They want quality players without offering quality in return. It’s like the Dodgers of the 70s and 80s. They went after a number of top-line players but would offer AA-ball, .246 hitting infielders and mop-up relievers in exchange.
And what lack of quality are you referring to?
I mean, do you have insider knowledge of what they’re offering?
Please give us some examples of their offers.
Ah, a comment reflecting zero knowledge of the Orioles. How shamefully common. You have no clue what they’ve offered.
LOFL, the author didn’t even mention arguably the top C prospect bat in baseball, Sam Basallo.
Elias is prudent AF and holding a straight flush. Frontline starters are always available at the trade deadline. He can afford to let the stew cook slowly, see what ingredients it needs in September, and add as needed then. And again next offseason.
Someone thinks they’re writing their prized first novel :). Straight flush and stew cooking slowly, nice.
Anyway – I would disagree completely with this line from the article “Orioles fans have grown increasingly frustrated with a listless offseason on the heels of last year’s division title and quick playoff exit.” I think many more Orioles fans seem to think they can play 3 2nd basemen, 2 SS and 3 3rd basemen and are good to run Cole Irvin out there every 5th day. Seems like a recipe for a huge drop from 101 wins, but yes, perhaps everything can click perfectly again in ’24 like it did in ’23 for them. More likely they will be scrambling and MORE desperate at the trade deadline than they are now, but we’ll see.
Aggressive? I don’t think it means what Mr. Elias thinks it means.
Didn’t know you were on the conference calls with Elias
I would base my comment on the lack of reporting that BAL has been a top 3 or 4 finalist on any of the substantial FA signings or trades.
With that tiny payroll and having won 100 games in a division where only NY has really improved I expected at least some 3-4 year depth signings or trades.
POBO Elias is a good dude. A company man. When the boss (owner Angelos) says don’t spend, the dude abides.
How you feeling today studwinfield?
Give it up and get Cease, already.
You want to give up Holliday?
Ws wanted 2 to 3 top100 prospects from reading various leaks. Likely their future, current backup cf, power hitting rf, top 2 pitching prospects and another lower level guy… no wonder Ellias said no way.
And maybe two of them would actually work out. Most prospects don’t pan out. Prospects can come up and fill holes, otherwise they are just capital to get pieces you need for the big club.
Kjstad was on a 30 hr pace and that didn’t slow in mlb. Cowser sat too much and didn’t do well till back in minors,but Henderson was the same and worked through it to be rookie of year. He did too well in AAA to not hit better in mlb. He was one of the trade chips asked for. Point is Baltimore needs him for future more than they need a starter. At 2023 performance he may be a #3 or 4th starter on team. Obviously potential for higher… he likely isn’t better than means who replaces Gibson and his 450 Era. He likely isn’t better than GRod as his 2nd half after minors reset looks like a #1. Bradish was a Cy young candidate and is their #1. Kremer is a solid #4. Wells was putting up all star stats as a starter until the as break and perhaps fatigue, perhaps something else but reset and came back to do better in bullpen to end yr. Irvin did great after minors reset. He didn’t pitch in April like past and likely wasn’t ready in spring training. They have hall as additional depth. I’m ok not giving up 2 to 3 guys slotted for future roles as the team isn’t spending money to keep Santander or others departing in next 2 years. With the tv deals imploding around the league keeping payroll low is likely wise.
Cowser is a slow starter when promoted.
how does 2 top 100 picks and 2 pitching prospects compare to what Seattle paid for 1 year of Polanco, coming off injury?
2 years of Polanco
Well, it seemed like in the end the White Sox would just settle for Westburg, then Elias said no to that.
Ok fine.
Must be because he thinks Westburg’s value is higher.
Says who? No one. No one EVER said the ChiSox wanted 1-for-1 Cease/Westy. And Westburg is an all-around talent, too, so even IF that was the case – and it wasn’t – no deal. The goal is longevity, not blowing it all on one year line KC ten years ago.
Not frustrated at all. I like the team. If the right trade comes up I’m sure Elias will strike if not the rotation is no where near as bad as people suggest.
Exactamundo. The team is in very good shape already, so if there is no deal that Elias is comfortable making now, then just set it aside until the trade deadline and reassess things then.
It is clear from the article he is afraid of making a mistake. I feel bad for the Orioles fans. It is clear they are banking on the MASSIVE over production from the SP they got last year. The numbers dont support the happening again. He has the tools to avoid being swept out of the playoffs again, but it appears he is afraid to make a deal.
Massive overproduction? From who? The underlying metrics pretty much backed up everything the rotation did.
Bradish: ERA: 2.82 xERA: 3.82
Kremer: ERA: 4.12 xERA 4.96
vtadave — Don’t know how numbers account for it, but, Bradish learned a new pitch (2 seamer) at the All Star break…and used it in the second half to devastating effect. Dunno how numbers show what batters looked like trying to hit that cannon ball.
Yep and the minor league numbers support the x eras too.
Didn’t think there was massive over production in rotation. What did happen, outside of Braddish taking a batted ball off the toe in April and Wells being shutdown because of pitch count in July, the SP staff stayed healthy.
I do believe Elias may be a little gun shy wanting to goose team via trade route. IMO, Os got short end of the Fujinami and Flarehty (sp?) trades. And, Os also gave up on Jonah Heim, Christian Walker and Josh Hader back in the day … thus a legitimate cause for pause in wanting to hit the prospect trade button.
Some luck… more likely that the defense behind them are amazing. If you watched games you would have seen it in a nightly basis. Uriah is a gold glove winner. Matoes was a fielding award winner. Henderson was better than both. Westbury was good ss playing 2nd. 1b is a former ss and that showed. Of defense has two good cf playing lf and cf both of which have lot of ground at Camden yards now. There are lots of reasons why their pitching did well. Why did it get better as year went on?
Indeed, defense was pretty “amazing”. Fun to watch in person at OPACY. Urias is sneaky good. Fundamentally sound. IE uses economy of body parts with minimum required movement when he makes a baseball play. Ditto Mullins. Then there’s Henderson & Meteo … both other worldly.
I thought, in general, Os played at a competitive level all season because overall the roster stayed healthy sans Mullins and Wells. In the rotation Rodriguez did improve and doubt he’ll ever have a true regression in his career… barring injury. Braddish, hmm, regression candidate, Kremer is our new innings eater guy, Wells and Means solid when healthy.
The rotation is projections look like there should be some regression but I wouldn’t call it massive.
Kremer – ERA 4.12, Projected 3.86-4.61
Bradish – ERA 2.83 Projected 3.65-4.02
Rodriguez = ERA 4.35 Projected 3.60 – 4.06
It looks like Bradish is due for some regression but that is partially offset by Rodriguez taking a step forward next year.
There is also a benefit of getting a whole year of Means (4.11-4.42) vs Gibson (4.73) as well,
Gotta play the hand your dealt. Can’t afford to toss prospects around, especially not guys you have organizational confidence in. There’s probably 5-6 guys they just aren’t moving off of under any circumstances. Of course every discourse begins with the other teams asking for those 5 guys. Maybe now that there’s new ownership they’ll be less hesitant.
Bieber will get the O’s the ring
I think hooking up on a Bieber trade is a great fit for both the O’s and the G’s. We have so many hitters that should be available, both current MLBers and MLB ready prospects, and Cleveland is a team that always needs offense but generally doesn’t have the money to get it in free agency. Plus Bieber won’t be cheap but should not carry the extremely steep price of SPs with more than 1 year of control like Cease and Luzardo, so the tippy top guys like Holliday, Basallo, and Mayo wouldn’t be required.
To say that Orioles fans are frustrated is a bit of an overstatement. While there are definitely a group of fans clamoring for a trade, some of whom want to trade just to make a trade, there are also just as many, if not more, that would rather not get fleeced and send prospects to a team like Chicago for a pitcher that is clearly being overvalued. An important part of the post that needs to be stressed is that this is a reigning AL East Championship team, who is only set to improve on multiple fronts simply based on individual growth and experience. Could they use a starting pitcher, absolutely, what team couldn’t use one. I am all for improving the rotation to make the team all the more exciting and better, but not at the cost of being fleeced and throwing pieces who could be extremely valuable contributors in the near future out the window just for the sake of making a move. The Orioles have all the leverage here and they absolutely do not have to make a move, barring injuries.
Spot on.
Yup. The Orioles franchise is in the best shape I have ever seen it in during my 40ish years on Earth. Like, easily. It’s not even close.
To say that I am currently relaxed about the present and future outlook for Orioles baseball in January 2024 would be a would be an understatement.
Also remember Orioles overplayed their record in 2023 or “got lucky” by winning about 8 more games than they should have…so one would expect a little regression in that area and the overall health of their team could hit some regression due to their unbelievable sustaining ability to stay on the field last season. (Not rooting for regression, just something to mentally note perhaps).
Fair point and absolutely something to consider and very easily could be a possibility. After the news about the sale of the team broke earlier, not long after my initial post, I honestly feel that the new ownership group will invest in the major league roster more often and in more intelligent and strategic ways than in recent memory. Quite honestly, I don’t think the future of this franchise has ever looked so promising or exciting.
The dodgers will trade Stone and knack for Mayo and an outfield prospect.
I’m sure they would, but the O’s wouldn’t.
No thanks.
Given the asking price on cease and likely even higher for luzardo I don’t blame the O’s for not making these deals. I’d be patient the asking prices are licking to come down.
Now not spending on a top of the rotation free agent like Montgomery on the other hand…
Orioles aren’t doing any trades at this point. Elias will probably pull the trigger on a trade at the deadline though.
You see what Seattle gave up just to get Polanco? It’s gonna take much more to get Cease. No team can offer what Bmore can.
They will get him without giving up their best infielders. But, they will have to give up a couple of outfielders. I’m thinking that Kjerstad, Norby, Beavers and Povich should get it done.
Who plays rf next year? Kjerstad isn’t going anywhere. He’s perfect for Camden yards.
Elias would not do that for two years of Cease.
Cowser seems to be O’s idea of ideal headliner to trade for Cease, but WSox are ones now not on board if they don’t even like Cowser at all. They’d probably have to talk Guardians into Bieber rental that keeps all its top prospects and Westburg.
Westburg, Beavers, Povich, lottery ticket arm
OR
Westburg, Ortiz and couple lottery ticket arms.
No. No Westburg. And no Povich, either. Get real. And learn punctuation.
Instead of no to any decent player, propose your version of a fair deal.
Fabian, Wagner, Ortiz, Baumler, Armbruester. Hell, have a Rookie League Intl guy too.
Lol. Bunch of guys with no true headliner.
For Jesse Sholtens or Touki Toussaint, sure.
Wagner and Fabian are both recent high picks, Ortiz is a headliner obviously, Baumler has been hurt but has enormous potential, and Armbruester could be MLB ready this year with some work. Three position players and two pitchers. You sox fans are as out of touch as your pathetic ownership. Cease isn’t worth a “true headliner.” He’s worth a package of guys.
Stupid
Steve. Thank you for giving Urias his just dues. One thing to throw in there. Urias had the majority of playing time for above 500 Birds in 22 and 101 win Birds in 23. Can’t blame Elias one bit for keeping him around.
Oops. Urias had majority of playing time at 3b
He’s good and a gold glove winner at 3rd. Just the bat isn’t as special as the others. Likely one of first to go in a trade.
Thought he was a good fit in Seattle. That said, M’s went offensive production angle in Polanco.
I’m a Tigers fan and if they were in the position the O’s are, I hope they’d pay the price to grab one more top starter. Sometimes it gives you short term gain and long term pain (see Doyle Alexander for John Smoltz), sometimes long term pain (Austin Neadows for Isaac Paredes) and sometimes just long term gain (Cabrera trade with the Marlins). The O’s have a decent staff, but they are one top starter away from winning a World Series. There is no one in house to fill that bill, that card was played last year when Rodriguez came up. Time to take a chance.
Prospects are capital and teams overvalue them. Not all of them will be stars. Pick the ones you like most and trade the rest. Norby and Ortiz could well be backups. Mayo could be Joey Gallo. Kjerstad and Cowser could be middling part time OF. Basallo could be the backup catcher for the next ten years. Or some of them could be stars. But only some of them, not all. You can’t predict with prospects.
Make the trade already, Cease or someone else.
Except you’re talking about one of the elite talent evaluators in Mike Elias and co. I guess folks forget that he was on the cutting edge of what the Astros engineered before he came to BAL. He and his management team know what they have and are slow cooking their window. I guess it infuriates some, I get it, but I think it’s wonderful.
I agree he is a great GM. As such, he already knows prospects are capital and don’t all succeed. I wonder if he is waiting out the market. Maybe he is not a Cease fan or has his eyes on some of Seattle’s pitchers. Which looks better at 3B, Luis Urias or Coby Mayo? Those two teams match up well for a trade and I think Kirby is worth way more than Cease right now. I’d sell the farm for Kirby and trader Jerry just showed he’s willing to deal as usual 😉
You are correct not all will be mlb starters or stars. The mgmt under Ellias has been hitting on prospects more than not so I’d rather trust they know better than hope a pitcher that declined from 2.something Era to 4.5 Era is back to ace status. Pitching wasn’t the only problem in playoffs. They needed more runs. Bradish pitched ok, team didn’t score. It went downhill from there.
Most teams would be happy to be in the position the O’s are in and have the option to trade or keep those types of prospects. Hopefully everything works out for them. As long as they beat out the Yankees I’m happy 😉
Some of them could be stars . . . . like Rutschman, Henderson, and Holliday!
I’d say two of those already are stars and the third might show his stuff this year. Enviable position the O’s are in.
Adding a SP isn’t a dire need for the Orioles right now, so if the trade price to do so is much higher than Elias and his team are comfortable with paying and it doesn’t happen, then that is fine with me. We have 7 candidates already and could easily add a bounceback candidate like Ryu for some extra insurance.
Except, the bats died for two of the three ALDS games and the entire month of September.
This “O’s are an SP from a WS” myth is false. Thankfully, most are starting to realize that. Those who keep repeating it, though, I have doubts about.
I have doubts about someone with Ubaldo Jimenez as his user name giving any type of advice about pitching 😉
Orioles fans are delusional. This team should be going all in. You can still be smart and go all in. No one is asking them to trade Holliday for Cease. Or Cowser and Mayo for Bieber. It’s still early, but the bullpen needs patched up and they could use another starter; hopefully one that can win you playoff games. I’m not set on cease or Bieber, but I don’t trust Angelos to do anything in July either when you see how a guys season is going. There is no reason some of these relievers in the 10-15 mil range shouldn’t be signed. A well run team would’ve been all in on Yamamoto, but we believe the lie that the team with the 40 million dollar payroll the last 5 seasons can’t afford it. Flaherty last season was a total joke of a move and Orioles fans were like “hey good pickup”. Clueless
The bullpen is fine. The rotation is fine. They’re gonna have a legit competition for the fifth starter and their top four guys are pretty darn good. I don’t get why folks think the O’s need to be dumb about pitching. Admittedly, I’d like to see another quality starter get a look in the mix, too, but I’m fine with what the Orioles already have. Elias knows what he’s doing.
It’s not Elias, I trust him. It’s Angelos. And for the bullpen I just am scared Cano is gonna regress and the guys that were great last year are good to below average. You can only expect so much from waiver wire guys. We saw Baker and Perez fall last year (Perez did pick it up second half). Just frustrating when you have the money to spend it on Hader and it’s not even considered. And the rotation will be good for the regular season, but another go to guy in October is needed I think.
I agree w you about Elias and Angelos. Hopefully the news of the sale gives O’s fans some hope that there is light at the end of the tunnel re: the ownership problem.
My nagging concern is the regression of the bullpen as well. I don’t agree with your opinion about Hader (even if John would allow that AAV for a contrary, I don’t think that the length that Hader got is what is best for the O’s. I do agree that you can only be “slicker” that the rest of the league in terms of talent ID and reclamation skill for so long. My fear is if the bullpen devolves into say the 40-50th percentile in the league… the team hasn’t yet shown the ability to brute force outscore opponents and SP length and youth is limiting as well. I think that the bullpen and defense really allowed the team to stick around in those close games and the bullpen is the one piece that the Orioles can least afford to become pedestrian.
That having been said, IF Tate really is able to give us the solid appearances that he has done in the past, that would go a long way in helping me sleep at night. (Providing Kimbrell doesn’t do a Kevin Gregg impression.)
Wells in the pen would also help me feel better.
Look at how good the O’s bullpen has been, and then look at how they got those guys. Elias knows what he’s doing. Rays use a similar formula with their ‘pen and it works wonders.
The Orioles would have been insane to try to outbid LA for Yamamota, if he would have even entertained the possibility. Small-mid market teams should not be handing out $300+ million dollar contracts to guys that have never thrown a single MLB pitch, even if they do look like absolute studs. The Dodgers can eat that deal and keep on chugging if it goes sideways for some reason or if he only settles in as a #3/4 type SP. The Orioles can’t.
Actually… all reports were that every trade conversation has been initially fixated on Holliday. So for you to say “no one” is disingenuous at best. We don’t really have any reliable insight into what Chicago asked for.
Also… Hader. LOL. Why pay all that for an over 30 closer when one has Bautista… even with him missing a year, signing Hader would have been a stupid waste of money. Thank god you’re not holding the purse strings!
They could run the same team as they did last year and win another 100.
Then flip a coin if that actually means anything in the playoffs.
Yep. Season doesn’t matter. Just get a ticket to the dance and hope for a streak. Stupid, and unfair, but that’s how it is.
I’m about as big an O’s fan as I know and I am just fine with how Elias is conducting business. He’s holding the cards, not the other way around, and has a knack for making the pundits eat their words. Stand pat and let the kids play. Barring injury setbacks, I’d like to see how DL Hall slots into what turned into a sneaky good rotation last season. If he’s better suited for the pen, I’d like to see if Tyler Wells can carry a full load this season and improve on many positive signs in his progression. The Orioles are deeeeeeeep with options in the pen and rotation and it’s going to be fun watching the core of that team continue to evolve.
100% we have to clear out a few prospects at some point but the urgency is way overblown by the mainstream media.
Elias is holding onto prospects for a good reason. He is waiting for the right return. He knows he cannot wait forever or players will go stale.
Also the Duquette regime made the Miller for Rodriguez deal to have a shot at winning it all. It was the right thing. The McPhail regime was who made the Sherrill, Mickolio, Butler, Jones and Tillman trade for Bedard. Great trade.
Was not the right thing. I went back and looked at the trade market. The Orioles could have traded a lot less for an equivalent pitcher, named Scott Cousins, who performed excellently for the Dodgers. Just adequate talent was traded for Cousins.
A lot of people blow smoke that we needed lights out relieving, we needed Andrew Miller, because we knew he’d pitch zeros. But again I looked back. Nobody knew he would pitch zeros. We just expected excellent performance.
I don’t know what you are talking about. Miller was 2014. Cousins was out of baseball in 2013. Miller was one of the best bullpen arms in 2014.
The mistake was not signing Miller long-term.
Well how about now
As an Orioles fan, the only move I want to see this off-season is a move away from the ambulance chaser Angelos family.
Nothing wrong with ambulance chasing. Those victims needed legal representation. Peter deserves credit for standing up for them, even though he profited. He also deserves credit for not fielding strike-breaking scabs in ‘94. Where he loses points is his micro-managing. He’s not a bad person. His kids are just donkeyholes, and he himself could never see past his own hubris.
Absolutely
I certainly wanted to improve the rotation this offseason with a big addition but I am not really too worried if Elias concludes that the best play is to stand pat for now and this is the roster we carry into opening day.
The need to add another SP right this second has been overblown by bored pundits who want stuff to write about. Bradish, GrayRod, Means, and Kremer are locks for 4 spots, and at least one of Wells, Irvin, and Hall will likely be able to handle the last spot adequately (with the others in the pen). So yeah, I am comfortable with that until the trade deadline.
Plus Povich, McDermott, and Johnson should all be ready for a MLB look sometime in 2024, so there is even more starting depth on the horizon.
Floch you know who’s worried about the orioles not being overly aggressive? The general media and non O’s fans. I’m all for keep the flexibility and striking when it makes sense.
Glad to now have an owner who I believe will make the necessary capital expenditures. But it’s not a time to do stupid things. We’re in great shape
While the prospective new ownership has money (any buyer of a MLB team would), it doesn’t mean they will throw their own money into the payroll. Don’t expect them to pull a Cohen. Baltimore’s market was split when DC was given a team, and their payroll won’t be unlimited. Don’t be surprised if payroll is limited by the team’s revenue.
The orioles don’t need a Steve Cohen. The team is running a sub 100-million dollar payroll. There’s capital coming in to spend some money.
I don’t want the team to go wild and waste money.
If I’m the Orioles, I would go the route of the Rays and trade MLB talent rather than a lot of prospects. Urias, Hays, Santander, and Mountcastle could be dealt to make paths clearer for some of the currently blocked prospects. Clearing that money off the books also allows for more extensions of younger players.
The Bedard Trade got the Orioles Chris Tillman as well, who was our ace for a bit. Wasn’t just Dr. Jones.
Sad part is, they could overpay for Cease and Burnes and still the 2nd or 3rd best farm system. It is just that deep and that good!. They would still have major league depth and have a low pay roll. If they trade for both they could challenge anyone in either league and might be the World Series favorite (better than Dodgers or Braves).. .
Urias I don’t think gets the O’s more than an interesting reliever, or a taxi squad starter. on his own.
I think the juice is in trading some of the O’s pitching prospects, and some of their mid-tier positional talent, from Fabian to Max Wagner.
Urias would definitely get a starter. Have you seen who is manning third out there? He wouldn’t get a TOR but a 3-4 can be quite nice.
In one respect, O’s fans can feel frustrated the team hasn’t landed a starter like Cease because the world knows they have enough prospects to pull it off if they want to. However, let’s not forget NOBODY has been able to pry Cease loose from Chicago and this would certainly lend itself to the theme that Chicago continues to ask too much in exchange. At the same time we’ve seen quality starters Robbie Ray, Chris Sale and Tyler Glasnow and none of them were moved in exchange for multiple top-level prospects on their own. So why should the O’s feel obligated to move multiple top 100 prospects for Cease?
I’m much more frustrated that we were not in on Sonny Gray or E-Rod or (seemingly) Jordan Montgomery than I am about Mike Elias not overpaying for Cease. Bottom 3 payroll and zero long-term contracts on the books.
But hey, that is the John Angelos era of Orioles baseball for ya.
We’re in good shape now. David’s going to allocate his money to the team. Great day to be a O’s fan.
Good for John Angelos keeping payroll down & cashing out too. It was very smart to give new ownership the flexibility and keep liabilities down. But good riddance!
What uncanny timing, I had only posted that like 5 minutes before it broke. Hallelujah.
Peter Angelos and his son are trying to compete against Pirates owner Bob Nutting for title of “MLB Bloodsucker of the Year”
Peter Angelos and his son John can easily afford to outbid any team for Blake Snell or Jordan Montgomery.
Peter Angelos is probably not much more than a vegetable at this point, it’s all John now.
And Ol’ Pete actually did spend, though not always at max levels and often on poor choices directly selected by himself and not his GM. John, OTOH, seems to see the franchise as his personal piggy bank and he apparently intends to continually run TB-esque payrolls with similar roster churn and few (if any) long-term deals on the books.
Another Bob Nutting. This is the problem with MLB.
I’ve not been a big Peter Angelos fan for most of his ownership but that’s a pretty crass way of referring to his current health, King Floch.
Show some humanity. Don’t be an a$$.
Please let the Akin experiment be over. And it’s not the Orioles being frustrated…they are being frustrating to us.
“Meanwhile” has to START the sentence; it can’t come in the middle, set off by commas.