Prediction Thursday: Orioles-Niners and Vladimir Guerrero's future
Prediction Thursday doesn’t sound right.
But we still have to crack the bar door on Thanksgiving to accommodate the Ravens’ fans.
Last week’s prognostication wasn’t particularly good – I’ll give the free tab to Ultimate Ravens Fan who said the home team would win 27-17. They beat the Bengals 31-24.
This week’s game I hear may have some family connection. The only thing that makes a difference to me is that the Ravens will get homecooking, so I say John Harbaugh comes out victorious against brother Jim and his upstart San Francisco 49ers.
I’ll say 16-14 Ravens with Billy Cundiff earning hero of the game with three field goals.
Switching to baseball, the Orioles officially cut ties with designated hitter Vladimir Guerrero on Wednesday, choosing not to offer him arbitration. It was the obvious move, because Guerrero would have made in excess of $8 million in arbitration, so he likely would have accepted.
Technically, he could still return to Baltimore at a lower salary. But it would be a huge shock if that happens. His O's career is one-and-done.
Guerrero was a true pro in his season here, but he turned in career lows in nearly every significant offensive category and hit just 13 homers. However, Orioles manager Buck Showalter said repeatedly last September that he thought Guerrero would have a strong season in 2012.
I assume someone will offer him a low-risk contract. And he told me last September that he wants to keep playing.
So I ask you this: Is Vlady done? Should he ride into the sunset as the all-time Dominican hits leader in MLB history? Or will he bounce back in 2012, further buoying conspiracy theorists that are convinced the Orioles are forever cursed?
Oh, one last thing: Happy Thanksgiving to all. And, on a personal note, thanks for coming into this joint year after year even though we hiked up the cover at the front door.
Daily Think Special: Prediction Thursday: Ravens-Niners
Bonus Think Special: Will Vladimir Guerrero bounce back – somewhere – with a good 2012 or is he done?
Categories: Connolly's Corner Sports Bar
A Baltimore native, 
Comments
Ravens 24
Niners 16
Vlad will play and if a team keeps him in the lneup all year he will put up numbers slightly below his 2011 numbers. However, his new team may not have the patience Buck had. I'm sure we all wish Vlad well but the O's are well -served by moving on so as to provide more roster flexibility.
Posted by: Doug in Ellicott City | November 24, 2011 7:30 AM
Ravens 24 , 49ers 13
Vlad back in Baltimore,1 year for 3 million and will have a solid plus year.
Posted by: Chip | November 24, 2011 8:49 AM
I don't think anyone gained as much joy out of playing baseball, and I will miss him for that. Every time he showed up on camera, he was grinning ear-to-ear. On the other hand, the $8 million the Orioles paid him was wasted; they probably would have received equal (or better) production from Reimold, who was shunted to Norfolk because of Guerrero's signing. His production is not enough for a DH. Maybe he will be signed as a pinch hitter by some National League team (at considerably less than the Orioles paid).
Posted by: DonM | November 24, 2011 9:13 AM
Ravens win a squeaker 21-19, Rice gets 2 TDs.
Vlad signs with Toronto and punishes the O's every time they play, though he has a poor season overall and gets limited playing time.
Posted by: Roy | November 24, 2011 10:45 AM
Ravens Score Prediction:
Balt 27
SF 24 in overtime
Harbaugh brothers get into a mid-field wrestling match after "hard" handshake at mid-field. Pops has to come down and tell them to "knock it off". Player of game is T-Sizzle. 2.5 sacks and a forced fumble.
Vlad will play somewhere in the AL next year. Happy Thanksgiving.
Posted by: Rob K. | November 24, 2011 10:53 AM
Yes, Vladdy is done. He can't run, he can't field, and he can't hit for real power anymore. Never saw a guy hit so many singles. I'd think, though, given his likely near deity-status in the Dominican, the Orioles would do well to keep him involved in the system for player recruitment purposes. If some team wants to sign him though, more power to him, but I would definitely want to stay connected to him and would hope the Orioles would talk to him about working with the organization when the time inevitably comes to "hang'em up." Happy Thanksgiving and GO O's!!!
Posted by: maxmorf | November 24, 2011 11:31 AM
First and foremost, Happy Thanksgiving. My prediction is that San Francisco wins by 3 23-20. Vladimir Guererro signs with Tampa Bay and enjoys a productive year with 24 HR's, 108 RBI, and 88 Runs scored, along with a .298 avg. As far as the hikes at the door., I would like to say thank you to the Baltimore Sun for producing a quality product and they have the best writers in the area for any news organization. Even though they had some issues with the new online payment, they did the right thing with fixing it, and though I expected nothing in return they were most gracious with my situation and those who also suffered the same as me. I tlaked to them on the phone Tuesday and expressed my gratitude towards them. I told them that you guys are the best sports writers in the area and I wish they have success in the future as I would hate to see them fail, I have loved the Sun since I was a boy and look foreward to the Sports section everyday. You guys are the best! Happy Thanksgiving!
Posted by: George In Reisterstown | November 24, 2011 12:08 PM
Ravens 20 - SF 16. Vlad probably has a 50/50 chance at a bounceback, but I would like to see him retire after '12. Too many great players like him have held on too long trying to recapture the glory days.
Posted by: dave in glen burnie | November 24, 2011 1:23 PM
15 + homers/60+ rbi's if in AL - part time DH - not quite done - very/extremely doubtful signs in NL
Posted by: VegasJay | November 24, 2011 1:56 PM
49ers 17
Ravens 10
Jim is better than John. by a ton.
And I say Vladdy gets one more year as a DH or a pinch hitter off bench in NL. I'll take a stab and say Seattle.
Posted by: Pat | November 24, 2011 2:01 PM
The Harbaugh Family Feud:
Gotta go against the majority If I want another drink chip --
Niners 22/ Ravens 18 in a real turkey of a game that's a s boring as green bean casserole.
Vlad had a great career, but it's time for him to retire. Regardless, someone will probably sign him to be a part time DH. Old hitters never die, they just DH for AL cellar dwellers. (Ever wonder what lind of career stats some of the pre-1970 superstars could have put up if they had the DH in their era?)
Posted by: Ultimate Ravens Fan | November 24, 2011 4:17 PM
Tough, Ravens 10-7.
Vlad will play back west next year, likely fewer at-bats but maybe more wisely used, hitting a lot against righties and getting a day off here and then. I'd say better stats overall but it depends on who signs him. May be his last year anyway, due to health. But used to his benefits in say, LAA or Toronto, 18 home runs and .305 BA is not unrealistic
Posted by: DSC | November 24, 2011 4:53 PM
I would cut offer Luke Scott a 4 million dollar deal, with incentives that can take it up to 7 million. If he turns it down non-tender him and over Vlad 3 million with 2 million in incentives. I think Luke Scott has more value because he can plan the field.
Posted by: Tom in Millersville | November 25, 2011 8:35 AM
Ravens 16-6
Vlad might as well come back here. Send Luke packing.
Posted by: Quizicat | November 25, 2011 12:38 PM
Ravens 16-6
Posted by: DMB | November 25, 2011 1:01 PM