I bet he makes a big trade, and I bet he trades a sacred cow like Markakis to a team that can better afford him. His trade value is very high due to his gold glove and dependable bat handling in the number 2 slot in the lineup. Maybe to the White Sox for SP Gavin Floyd and 3B/OF Viciedo?

Ravens score on their first drive, then go through a dry spell for the rest of the first half, before scoring just before halftime and dominating the second half.
Ravens 30, Seattle 9

I think Duquette makes a big trade, perhaps involving Jones or Markakis and one of the young pitchers.

I'd bet he signs Adam Jones to a long term contract. He talked about the important nucleus that the team has up the middle... and specifically cited Adam. Outside of locking him up, I expect to see him active on the pitching front - possibly a guy like Burhle?

The Ravens beat up on Seattle 31-10. Flacco has another 300+ yard game, but Rice gets the game ball with 2 TD's one on the ground the other through the air.
Duquette's first move is a trade.

Angelos has finally woken up. He will throw some big money around to make this work. I think he realizes his time is running out. I have a feeling that he told Duquette that he's willing to put the money up and put a winner together.

I think a big trade. He's going to trade Brian Matusz and Luke Scott for Jim Rice and Dennis Eckersley. But he won't be done there. Following the tradition of the past decade he's going to do whatever it takes to take the franchise backwards. No way is he going to allow the O's to stop being the butt of every joke in major league baseball. Whatever it takes to get Baltimore changed from Charm City to Doormat City is the way to go.

Ravens reeivers struggle w big secondary of Seattle and must withstand Seattle's 12th man advantage in a squeaker by gringind it out on the ground and w the TE's. Pitta finally hit paydirt, and Ray Rice goes off for 3 TD's, 34-31, Blackbirds!

Duquette, like those before him, still is playing w confederate $, watches big name after big name go elsewhere in FA, leading to some small trades, preferably Luke "Loose lips" Scott beign shipped first but really, noone on the them team should be untouchable.

He will bring in Jorge Posada in order to get a veteran presence and end up grossly over paying him.

You heard it here first: Arrieta, Markakis, Tillman and PTBNL for David Wright.

Oh and no prediction on the Ravens because I'm a skins fan. Sorry.

For the Ravens score, I'll do 21-10 Ravens and the 10 might be too kind against your defense (Chiefs fan).

For my O's, I think the first significant move will be a winning bid on a posting fee. We need pitching depth and a stronger International presence, the move will answer both. Note: probably not Yu Darvish though.

I think this first meetings are potentially a dangerous time for Duquette. There's a risk in him mis-evaluating someone here.

I have confidence in his scouting evaluation skills, but he likely hasn't seen any of the players he's responsible for in-person. So, he will probably be relying heavily on stats and video. That said, he hasn't had sufficient time to really get to know all of his players. Opinions from outside the organization on Oriole players, outside of the Oriole echo chamber, can vary greatly. He will have to lean heavily on previous staff, like, say, Showalter and Klentak, to make sure he doesn't make a major mistake.

Seahawks are a totally different team at home. They have perhaps the biggest home field advantage in the NFL, plus this is a classic trap game for the Ravens-going East to West after a big emotional win last week. Going to be close, but I say:
Ravens 17
Seahawks 14

As for Duquette's first move: Ryan Doumit. Can play 1st, LF, catch (but not very well), and of course DH.
For trade, even though I don't think it will happen, I think the O's should get in on the Jurrjens and/or Prado sweepstakes with the Braves. Adam Jones, Robert Andino and a minor leaguer for Jurrjens, Prado, and a minor leaguer.....We need pitching. It's as simple as that. And Jurrjens is GOOD and young. Prado is a great guy to have: can play 2B, and if somehow Roberts comes back ,he can slide into LF.

Snorioles, you must also be a Mets fan, 'cause that trade is wishful thinking. Reminds me of a certain Davis for Harnisch, Schilling and Finley deal. Those who don't acknowledge history are doomed to repeat it.

Ravens 27-7, Ray Rice goes for 125 and a TD.

I'm betting he trades Adam Jones in a splashy move. Jones is the poster-boy of the McPhail era, and my guess is he wants to take that poster down and move on.

JohnBoy,

No offense, but you're way off base with that comment on that guy's proposed trade. First of all, Markakis is quickly turning into one of the top 5 worst contracts in baseball. we're paying our RF $17 million next year to hit 12-15 homers and have an OPS of .750-.800. Just disgustingly bad contract.

Wright has been eaten alive by Citi Field-he'd be great in Camden Yards. He'd hit 30 homers again here.

Arrietta is a number 4 starter, Tillman who knows.

The Mets would laugh at that trade offer.

I am predicting the O's trade some donkeys for other donkeys and finish in last place again next year. If I am wrong, they will sign some donkeys and again finish in last place.

Free Agents - Maybe Cuddyer if the price is reasonable. Getting into free agent contracts is a big risk and not something that anyone except NY-BOS-LA-Chicago can afford.

I am amazed that someone wants to trade all of those people including Adam for David Wright?

I know I may be the lone voice here but expect and support the Orioles growing the core group we currently have.

Ravens 24 - Seahawks 23

Flacco hits Rice in end zone AFTER it is tipped by Pitta...that way we can have a Pitta and Rice Sandwich...bada bing bada boom - splash!

Baltimore wins on last play of game...again!

Duquette: I can see a big trade. I'd like to see a few, so, please follow this:

1st trade: P-Guthrie, P-Matusz, LF/!B-Scott to Reds for 1B/LF-Yonder Alonso &
P-Bronson Arroyo.

2nd trade: Jones, Machado & Arrietta to Atlanta for Jurrens, Prado, Heyward.

3rd trade: RF- Markakis to Yanks for Tex.

*Yanks move salary to get Pujols/Fielder & P-Wilson.

I think something of this nature should be explored, especially Nick for Tex and the Atlanta deal.

Think (heree's how the trades could affect the positions:
C-Weiters
1b-Tex/Reynolds/Davis
2b-Andino/Roberts/TBD
Ss-Hardy
3b-Prado/Davis/Reynolds
Dh-Roberts/Davis/Reynolds
Lf/Alonso/Reimold
Cf-Angle/TBD
Rf-Heyward

Sp-Jurrens
Sp-Britton
Sp-Arroyo
Sp-Maholm
Sp-Tillman

Hire Cal as Consultant this year and work the rest out later - he belongs with the O's.

@ISitAnywhereAtO'sGames- surely you are delusional.I don't see any of those trades happening.Nicky is Pete's boy,he's not going anywhere,especially with that contract.Adam Jones being resigned will be Duquette's number 1 priority.We'll be lucky if we get Cuddyer,other than that,not much at all.

by the way,Raven's 27-10.

Adam Jones is NOT resigning with the Orioles. he hates it in Baltimore (I don't blame him), and he is going to go to another team, probably on the west coast, as soon as he can.

Ravens 30 - Seattle 10
T. Smiith 2 TDs
Ray Rice TD 105yds

Showalter (um..I mean Duquette) will only make 2 trades for the 2012 season. The first move other than a bunch of minor league pick ups will be the trade of Jeremy Guthrie. The 2nd and final trade will have Luke Scott on his way to the National League. Both for minor league pitchers

Ravens 28, Seahawks 13

Offense will struggle early against the Seattle defense, but will break through with a 2nd quarter TD and field goal. Ravens defense will stymie the Seahawks, with their only TD resulting from a 2nd half INT.

Kinda early, but Duquette's early move will be contract offer to Edwin Jackson AFTER the winter meetings.

Dan - If I'm right about the Ravens in back to back weeks, what do I get??? ;)

Ravens-31,Seattle 13(if that).Rice get's going and Joe just keeps getting better.I think the O's will pursue Fielder but will get outbid again.We'll see how much power the gm has.

Orioles will do nothing but sign minor leaguers...and then make excusses next year...68 wins 94 loses...Ravens lose 24-10...Flacco does complete two more passes to himself though.

Big Papi 2 years 24mil and Paul Maholm 3 years 18mil gets you a veteran cleanup hitter and top 4 starter then spend the rest of your cash on scouting, scouting, scouting.