Izturis, Patterson, and Uehara should be brought back. The others should be allowed to leave.

I like Izturis because he is very solid on defense, which is the mmost important thing a shortstop can provide. Any offense he provides, which is very little, should be viewed as a bonus.

Patterson seems to have brought some intensity and hustle to the team. I think he would be a great extra outfielder with his excellent speed and good defense.

Uehara has been lights out this year. If he can stay healthy he would be a major asset to the team.

The rest of the players just don't seem to fit in for next year's team. Wigginton's numbers are not nearly as impressive as you would want from a middle of the order hitter. I would rather see other players getting a chance at the corner infield spots.

Izturis is dead last in all players who qualify in WAR..so resigning the worst player in baseball is something the Orioles should avoid. BTW why do we keep bunting late to bring him up???

I have to agree with Anon. Izturis is the worst offensive player in the major leagues. No amount of defense can offset the disaster this man is with a bat in his hands. Nothing so eloquently describes the hopelessness of the Orioles as that Izturis can even make the 40 man roster, let alone start almost every game. The fact that there is no one in the organization better than Izturis should mean that every scout and every executive in the Oriole organization deserves to be fired.

Izturis will be retired next season as not even the Orioles could be stupid enough to offer him a contract as a player. Since we are talking about the Orioles my guess is that he will replace Crowley as Orioles hitting coach next year.

Only Uehara should be pursued and he should come at a reduced rate considering how much time he'll spend on the shelf, but when he's healthy there's no denying what he does for out of the pen.

Izzy is replacable, despite his glove, Patterson will likely end up with minor league deal, maybe its from us, Hendrickson is no longer the reliver we need him to be, Millwood shouldn't want to return even if we do, Lugo is also replacable, and Wigginton will likely get a better offer somewhere else since we probably can't guarantee his playing time (crossing fingers) when we add power hitting 1B.

Plan to resign Izturis and Uehara as long as the contracts are similar to current cost. Corey has been excellent spark plug. However with Reimold recovering, he becomes the fifth outfielder. Wigginton could be resigned. He exceeded all expectations as a utility infielder with power.

1. Cesar Izturis--- There is no better fielding, surer-handed shortstop in the major leagues. The Orioles must remain strong up the middle and he's a big part of that. I'd sign him for two years and an option for a third. He will be the gateway to Machado.
2. Ty Wigginton--- Ty is simply a very handy player to have on any team.
He plays anywhere and brings a potent bat to any given situation. He's a great teammate and his toughness is always there for the younger players to learn from. I'd give him two years with an option for a third. Hecould be the gateway to Mahoney.
3. Corey Patterson--- Never understood why the Orioles didn't hang on to this guy after he stole 40 bases for them three years ago. Sure, he swings at some balls out of the strike zone sometimes, but his power and speed and ability to bunt are legitimate weapons at the manager's disposal.
He's also a good... not great.... defensive player who is ideal as a fourth outfielder with a great attitude. Sign him for one year.
4. Koji Uehara--- Uehara is a special pitcher. Yeah, I know he's been a bad investment healthwise for two seasons.
But the past is the past. Frankly, I don't think he was ever used properly until his latest return from the DL.
Now he's been given chances to do what he does best..... short stints out of the bullpen, including closing.
Sign him for another two years with an option for a third.
5. Mark Hendrickson--- Used properly, Mark is a very effective lefty. He's not a longman. Don't leave him in longer than an inning. But do resign him for a year.
6. Julio Lugo--- This is a tough one.
I would invite Julio to spring training and let him compete with Andino and Moore (both of whom I think deserve a shot) for the second utility spot and may the best performer win.
7. Kevin Millwood--- Say thank-you and goodbye to Millwood and let Jeremy Guthrie emerge as the dean of the starting staff he was meant to be.
Right away this creates a spot for Tillman, Patton, Van Den Hurk, or Britton to compete for in spring training.

Bring Back Patterson, Izturis and Uehara. Patterson would be a good utility outfielder. Izturis is one of the top fielding shortstops in baseball. given the errors at other infield positions you need to keep him. Uehara haqs proven he should stay, but maybe needs a pay cut to make him affordable

Millwood & Lugo: would not even consider

Koji: I would re-sign quickly at similar price to before, when healthy he is very effective, his body seems to handle the relief role fine and he could key the bullpen.

Patterson: Minor League deal to provide insurance, nothing more.

Hendrickson: Would not make an offer until the end of the offseason if it still made sense, would rather see soem young guys cutting their teeth in the bullpen. like Zach Britton.

Izzy: Blake Davis has to be able to at least hit as poorly as cesar, I would try and trade for something better, either way let him walk.

Wiggy: good utility infielder, would like to resign him for that role, if he wants to start and only start then let him leave. Will he come to camp in shape 2 years in a row? who knows.

Izturis, Patterson and Uehara are likely.

Do you know that Izturis has more production as a #9 hitter than anyone else in the American League? But with the arrival of Bell, Izturis is no longer the #9 hitter.

Come to think of it the O's have never done well with players named Bell.

Wiggington should be kept, solid bat and can play multiple positons. Izturis should be resigned, either as a starter or a back-up (I'm hoping they can get Reyes). Uehara should close, if he gets hurt, there is insurance with Simon and Gonzo. Millwood should also be kept because he is a solid starter who can eat innings, if all the yousters perform well enough to push him out, trade him.

Hendrickson has not been that good this year and we have plenty of arms we can put in the bullpen (Patton as a replacement?). Patterson is expendable with Scott on the roster and Reimold back in the bigs. If he would take a minor league deal again though....

not easy questions to answer, Dan. Most of these decisions will be contingent upon what our alternatives really are. I don't think any of the pitchers will be retained, unless Koji will accept a much smaller salary. Izzy's situation can be addressed with a question. Is our offense going to be strong enough to allow a weak hitting shortstop. So, if, and it's a big IF, we can get a middle-of-the-order bat, we have had defense oriented shortstops before (read the late great Mark Belanger) and have been successful. Corey's speed and defense (albeit with a weak arm) is a plus for us, but again what is the alternative? who can contribute more to our team and at what expense? a lot of these decisions will just have to wait. The toughest of course is what to do with Wiggy. He HAS over achieved but I do believe his success is related to the fact that he has played every day. Can we have a .250 hitter in the middle of the order? His future is again based on another question of who we pick-up in the off season. This off season may be the most critical in recent memory. Thanks for posing this question.

You Izzy haters..

who is going to replace him?

no body on the market is an upgrade defensively AND offensively.

Keep Izzy. That's it. Maybe Corey to come off the bench. You need a speedster on the bench.

Uehara isn't worth the DL stints. Millwood can go as long as we can get another veteran starter. Hendrickson, no.

I like all seven of the guys. But like many have said, keeping them really depends on what's out there.

Can the offense improve enough to keep a weak hitting SS? Can a real middle of the order bat be found to move Wigginton to his proper role? Is Lugo the best option for a UT guy? Will there be enough ABs to go around for Reimold/Scott/Pie/Patterson, assuming Jones and Markakis are locked in?

Will Troy Patton be given consideration as a second lefty out of the pen, after Mike Gonzalez? If so, does that knock Hendrickson out of the equation? With no standout closer on the team, do they try to resign Koji and make him the closer? What does that mean for Gonzalez?

About the only one who is sure to go will be MIllwood, and I feel bad the team couldn't be better for him. All the rest, there are certain scenarios where all could return.

Wigginton is useful because he can play a few positions...but not a big enough bat to play first regularly. Patterson is a good outfield backup; you don't want to sit young guys on the bench as backup. Uehara looks good and would be nice to keep, if possible. The rest... Izturis is a good but not great fielder (see zone ratings) and doesn't hit well enough ... and the rest (Hendrickson, Millwood, Lugo) have no value and can be easily replaced. A lot of this depends on the Orioles finding a big bat or two... and who they have to give up to fill that need.

sign Koji with one contractual condition. He has to stay in the states and be properly off seasoned trained. great stuff but he needs the "right" conditioning to make it a full yr. Izzy...keeper...he is reincarnated belanger who is keeping a spot warm for draft picks. wiggy....keeper...the rest to be dictated by off season moves...dont care one way or the other

Nada unless Uehara is willing to accept a lower salary, say $2.5M per for two yrs and Patterson accepts a minor league contract. The rest are last place team filler. Wigginton is a .250 avg, 20HR guy with avg D. Izturis is big time overrated defensively (forget the belanger comparisons, they insult the memory) and Lugo, Millwood and Hendrickson are retirement quality. If anyone wants 2011 to be a move forward year they will have to let go of retreads. Sorry Bear, you wax a bit too unrealistically about these guys talents.

I really like Bear the Birdfan's detailed post and agree.

The ultimate what should the Birds do ha to depend on what new pieces show up thru free agency or the Farm.

Whatever they do get rid of Simon - a human HR server.

I agree that many of the decisions will depend on what else happens in player acquisitions.
I'd like to keep Koji if he'll accept a pay cut, he's been effective out of the pen, and Wiggy if he'll be content with a utility role.

Without any question, they should get rid of Connelly and Schmuck. These to bimbo's contributed zero productivity to the output of ANY ORGANIZATION!

I agree with Robert! Izzy knows the lumber.....he should be the new hitting coach , or make him the Crow's intern! Both should be fired and not retained next year.

I know Izturis is horrible offensively, but he is strong on defense, and really who else is out there at the position? Let him keep the position manned until Machado is ready...

Uehara is a pleasant surprise, I'd say keep him if you can...

Wiggy is a nice piece to have, keep him if he's willing to not be an everyday player...

Say goodbye and best wishes to Millwood...

The rest (Patterson, Lugo, Hendrickson)depends on what other moves can be made, or if there are minor leaguers that can fill the roles...

These are quite difficult questions to answer indeed. I hope that the Orioles are able to swing some deals (trading away some young SPs, perhaps a young OF) so that these questions get clearer answers.

As it is, I would say that Wiggy is useful only if he's not starting everyday, Patterson is a nice 4th or 5th OF but only if we clear out some of the logjam in our system's OF middling prospects. Izturis's bat is so weak that I'm not sure he should be kept, although alternatives are lacking. Millwood and Lugo should definitely go; Hendrickson probably. Uehara might make the most sense of all of them.

Ty Wigginton – All Star my foot. N O, No Let him go play somewhere else.
I would’ve traded him and Luke Scott so fast if I were GM, it would have made your head swim.
It should be interesting to see who wants to sign him (Wiggington), if the Orioles decide against
Cesar Izturis: I would keep Cesar only if we have a healthy returning Brian Roberts for 2011.
You see how much he improved when
B Rob came back. At least I saw it, not sure about anyone else.
Cesar should stay as long as B Rob is here. They make a pretty good tandem

Julio Lugo: Goodbye, nuff said.
Corey Patterson: Goodbye, nuff said.
Kevin Millwood: Goodbye, nuff said.
Koji Uehara: Give him one more shot

Mark Hendrickson and Henricus Nicolas VandenHurk aka Rick: Both should get the Yo Heave Ho.
They are both the same kind of pitcher… ineffective!
And the other Rick aka Kranitz, he’s been completely ineffective as pitching coach. I like to see anyone come to his defense on this matter, as far as I know not one Orioles pitcher has come out and said: Boy, this guy has really helped me. Maybe someone can advise me here, but as far as I know no one has said it.

Quality relief pitching is essential. You can never have enough. Koji has been excellent. Bring him back before season end with a 1 year guaranteed contract and an incentive-laden 2nd year.

Koji is an outstanding pitcher, who can only pitch a limited number of innings annually. O's have now found out how to use him; so he should be brought back. Wigginton is a good player to have on your roster, but he isn't an every day player. O's finally have a manager, who would know against which pitchers to use Wigginton. O's can't afford to carry the light weight bat of Izturis in their heavyweight division of AL East. So sayonara Izturis.

I was going to be wordy but Mark R. pretty much covered it. And for those of you Izturis bashers, do remember what SS was like before he arrived and you didn't know if anyone could field a routine groundball? If they can find a bat for 1B and/or 3B, we can carry a .235 hitting SS who can field. Heck, we played Belanger and he was below the Mendoza line most of the time and we were all pretty happy with it.

Goodbyes:
Bye Wigginton. Jake Fox is pretty much the same guy but he can catch. And won't cost as much.

Bye Izturis. You can't compete in the AL East with a 8/9 hitter that can't even get on base 28% of the time. He has no offensive upside. And sure free agency does not have many great choices. But they all are at least 100 OPS points higher. Also there is this trade thing I hear a lot about.

Stay for awhile:
Stay for awhile Millwood. Take out the Bad June and July where he was either hurt or trying too hard and Millwood is the kind of workhorse you want. People obsess over the win/loss stats too much. Look at the other numbers and you will see he is a great anchor to have for this team. I'd try to get him for 2-3 more years.

Stay for awhile Koji Uehara. The O's already paid him $10 mil for about 1 seasons worth of work. Might as well try to recoup some of that on a 1 yr + option deal. When he pitches he is a good guy to have.

Don't Care Either Way:
Don't care either way Corey Patterson. I do like his speed and ability to bunt. But the one thing the O's have already are LH OFs.

Don't care either way Julio Lugo. A good utility guy that hasn't done much. I'm pretty sure Andino could have done the same job.

Don't care either way Mark Hendrickson. I am pretty sure we have enough LHRPs with 5 ERAs in baseball. He filled a role just fine. And if he stays or goes I think he will be fine.

Millwood is the kind of guy who will pitch into his 40's. Knowing that he will likely not want a repeat of this year, and that he'd be more apt to pitching in a pitcher's park, the arbitration offer would be worth the risk. Millwood (a Boras client) will likely decline and look for a lesser offer in a place where he can rebuild his reputation. Since he's a Type B FA, no team will be required to give up a pick to sign him, yet the O's will receive a sandwich round pick, which would make signing a Type A FA that much easier to swallow draft wise, since the pick they would give up would be lower than the sandwich pick they would get for Millwood.

I'd definitely try and sign Uehara on a one year deal at a reduced rate for a bullpen role. If he maintains his effectiveness from this year next year, not only do you have the service of an effective reliever, you have a better opportunity next year to offer him arbitration with the outcome being positive whether he accepts or declines.

Wiggy will probably get a better offer somewhere else, but he'd be a good sign as a back-up plan in case Bell continues to scuffle into next season. (Though I don't think he will. Bell's struggles right now aren't that different from his initial struggles at AAA... minus the high SO rate... but that's most likely due to inexperience as far as seeing major league breaking balls)

Patterson was nice to see having some success, but he's really not necessary. I don't even know that it's be necessary to offer him a minor league deal since our minor league CF depth is fairly good with Angle and Avery. Plus, I think he'll be able to sign somewhere else this winter with a chance to make a ML roster.

Lugo is a pass. He filled in nicely at times, but again, I don't think he'll be necessary next year. If Roberts is injured again, then you can look to make a deal somewhere, but I wouldn't sign Lugo anticipating that.

Izturis is a sign, unless you plan on making a trade for a young SS like Minnesota's Plouffe, who can hold the job until Machado is ready. Otherwise, the offensive improvements available in FA aren't that great to sacrifice defense.

Hendrickson is pretty much not needed. VandenHurk could provide long relief if needed at less than half the cost. If you want a lefty long reliever, there's this guy named Troy Patton who kind of deserves a solid opportunity.

Wiggington - he's the tough one. He's the kind of guy you want on your team but that you don't want starting. I think the real decision here is Bell. At Bell's current rate - we resign Wiggy and give Bell some more seasoning at AAA. But there is Cantu and some other guys similar to Wiggy that we could get as well.

Hendrickson is gone. We got lucky last year - this year he has returned to form.

Izturis - treat him the way we did Hendrickson this past year. See if we can get anyone else and if not - get him again.

Millwood is a keeper - a 1-3 year deal (at less then the current rate) would be good. We need more known quantities then prospects who might be good (we have a lot of them).

Koji - if we could get him for 1-2 yrs, I'd do it. Same thing with the bullpen as with starters - lets get known quantities and not just prospects.

Lugo/Patterson - wish them well.

I've commented elsewhere - its time to WIN. Rebuilding is over. Andy and company need to understand we need 6 starters - the spare one pitches when (not if) there are injuries. I'm not saying a stud pitcher (that would be nice) - I mean another Millwood like guy.

This question is totally being asked the wrong way. You don't look at each individual independently and decide whether or not to resign them. That's a myopic loser's mentality. You look at the field, look at your needs, and look at your competition and then decide.

Here's going the other way. I'm listing each position and the top FAs that might consider signing here. At this point there are a lot for each position and many are going to resign with their existing team, so I'm only listing ones we might have a shot at (no options with existing team):

1B -
Dunn - everyone is going to go after and so should we. 5% chance he'll sign here.
Giambi - NO
Konerko - likely to resign w/ CWS
Lee - likely to resign w/ ATL
Overbay - not an upgrade
Pena - TB won't let him resign in the division unless they think he's done injury-wise
... and that's it! So roll your dice with the Dunn sweepstakes and then resign Wiggington

2B
When healthy Roberts is the starter, but you don't mess around with back issues. Resign a competent backup. As backups go you could resign Lugo or go somewhere else like Guzman.

SS
There is real need here. In order to contend in the AL East, you need a SS that can play D AND hit. Unfortunately the market doesn't look good:
Alex Gonzalez ATL - best option but there will be a lot of competiion
J.J. Hardy MIN - might be able to steal from small market team
.. and that's the list. Probably have a 20-30% chance of signing Hardy, but you don't want to throw too much money there with hopefully Machado coming up in a couple of years. So it's likely that Itzuris will be back and we'll keep playing like a National league team.

3B
Pedro Feliz STL- not a power bat
Brandon Inge DET - only do if you think Bell needs more seasoning
Maicer Izturis LAA - not a power bat
Mike Lowell BOS - or could be 1B. Could be another interesting AM flyer, but you wouldn't think the Red Sox would let him go if he had anything left.
Melvin Mora COL - um no
So yeah, looking really weak here too. Expect to see plenty more Bell next year.

Outfield:
We have a lot of plus outfielders, but no real superstars. The best we could do is hope to package a few of the pluses to trade into a known superstar. Otherwise signing a 4th or 5th outfielder back up makes sense.

C: Were set with Weiters

P
Like the outfield, we've kind of got 4-6 guys with maybe some upside, but no superstars. This is the one area we really need a superstar to show them how it's done. Who cares if it eliminates a rotation slot, it adds to the competition. Tough things is, the top tier #1 starters want to go to a playoff team, Buck or no.
Jeremy Bonderman DET - injured last year and ERA at 5.2
David Bush MIL 4.7 ERA, middle guy
Jorge De La Rosa COL - ERA might go down outside of COL, but still prob middle guy
Tim Hudson ATL - #1 stuff, not likely to come here but you could go after him hard with a 5% chance of landing
Cliff Lee TEX - see Hudson
Ted Lilly LAD - fits the mold, older guy, great ERA, interesting to see if he would go to a non-contender
Jeff Suppan STL - another guy that fits the mold, but seems to have been beaten up as much as Millwood
Javier Vazquez NYY - bid up the Yanks for their own guy!
Brandon Webb ARI - injured, but might be the kind of guy you could steal from a middle of the pack team
Jake Westbrook STL - middle rotation guy
Dontrelle Willis SF - could be a fun grab, has he matured enough for the role we're looking for?

And that again is it. Most of the teams have learned not to let their best talent get to FA, so the last few years have had a couple of jewels and the rest is mediocre stuff to pick through. With pitching, there are at least a few options that statistically if you bid them all, you might be able to land something better than Millwood. But who knows, you might end up resigning him for cheap and he'll have a rebound year. He was pitching really well early in the season and the bullpen took away more than a few wins from him. He's not as bad as his record, but there are some other choices too.

There's a lot of players and ground to cover, so I might have messed some things up. My intent is to show that the options aren't really as deep at many spots as you might first think.

---
Nice post, Matt. Well thought out.

Only Koji for a large reduction, maybe low pay 1 mil but laced with incentives, Would like to keep Wiggy but he can find somewhere else better to play and if Scott is for real and we are going to give Reimold his fair share like with Bell there is a higher wall here with those guys.

Keep Wigginton - Great utility player, spot starter, platooning DH, would have trade value if home-grown talent develops.

Keep Uehara - Either the setup guy or the closer role, at least a good trade chip come July.

Keep Patterson - Good 3rd or 4th OF or even spot DH, lots of speed, great bunter. Good defense. More useful than Pie, more developed and much better speed.

Lugo - just not worth having around, has to be something better on the farm or via free agency.

Millwood - If they sign him, do it for mid-season trade value only, pitches effectively but only as a middle of the rotation guy. With the lack of run support he had in the first half no wonder he stopped trying.

Hendrickson - Should just be let go, he's not doing us any favors.

Izturis - Sign him for one year with an option. If they sign or promote somebody then make him a utility infielder. Better than Lugo, could brush up on 2B in spring training.

Projected lineup:

1. Roberts (2B)
2. Patterson / Reimold (LF)
3. Markakis (RF)
4. New 1B or Wigginton (1B)
5. Scott/Wigginton (DH)
6. Jones (CF)
7. Wieters (C)
8. Bell (3B)
9. New SS or Izturis (SS)

Rotation:

Guthrie
Matusz
Millwood
Bergesen
Arrieta

Just a technical heads up. What has been with your reCaptcha lately? Some of the words are definately foreign or using non English alphabets? I have seen two with umlats, rather hard to type with a US keyboard. The first word in this captcha is ladderm Not exactly english. You might want to get your IT guy to checkout current issues with reCaptcha up on Google.

1. Millwood did the best he could with no support.. let go 2. Lugo too many lapses for a veteran let go 3. Patterson great job but weak arm and less playing time maybe not accpted sign if right. 4. Uhara keep if possible I am convinced orioles will seek a top starter possibly japanese could help us here as well as pitch. 5. Hendrickson I really like a lefty here and long man may be hardest job in pitching.. sign if reasonable. 6.Wigginton Sign if possible as protection of bell needing more AAA time. HAS shown excellent 2 step reaction at corner infield spots but may go with promise of more playing time. 7.Izturis I love his glove unless able to get a much better hitter, bat acceptable for 9 hitter.

Dan,

I expect all the players that you mentioned to apply for Free Agency in November with the possible exception of Ty Wigginton. They will probably be off the 40 man roster by the end of October. But this current Oriole organization can replace them all through the organization if necessary:

1) Wigginton with Remold/Aubrey/Moore
2) Izturis with Andino
3) Lugo with Davis/Abreu
4) Patterson with Angle
5) Millwood with Tillman
6) Hendrickson with Patton
7) Uehara with Berken/Hernandez/Sarfate

I think by the time Free Agency rolls around the Oriole FAs will opt go with contending teams which are more likely to pay them higher salaries than Baltimore. The one exception being Ty Wigginton who likes playing close to North Carolina. Hence I think Wigginton and 1 or 2 of the other FAs will be signed after the Winter meetings.

The people above generally want an upgrade at SS. I want better hitting from that spot but the O's will not find a better glove. Unless they can find a SS with both then sign Izturis.
Pie has earned the LF spot so see if Reimold can handle a switch to 1st base.
Wiggy should be let go.
Patterson should be retained. He is a valuable sparkplug off the bench and can be a quality 4th outfielder starter/replacement. Lugo is the same as Patterson but for the infield.
Uehara should be signed. Period.
Hendrickson and Millwood have value to the club and should be signed also. Unless the coaches feel Millwood takes up innings needed for the younger players they want to give work to.

Simple formula: Look at batting average or ERA - under .270 BA or over 4.0 ERA say goodbye. And please tell me Simon won't be back - every time he comes in I reach for the remote.

Keep Koji. We've lost a gzillion games in the 9th when we were a head because we never had a closer or one we could keep more than a season. Koji's very good, and closers are very hard to get.

The others can probably stay or go, except Millwood who should go. I don't feel any attachment to any of them. We need a shortstop, yes, have for years, but we need one who can hit too. Still, if we can replace any of them with better players, than we should, otherwise keep them and keep your eyes on the pitching. In baseball, pitching spells wins or loses.