Does Bedard have to go to Seattle to take a physical, or is it only the Orioles that request these things?

I would take a chance with Bartolo Colon. He could have a good year and we give him an option for 2009 give him incentive to do well.
I like the trade with Bedard, but I would keep Brian Roberts. He is loved here and he likes it here. We need his loyalty to rub off on the others.

Does Bedard have to go to Seattle to take a physical, or is it only the Orioles that request these things?

Kevin, if I remember correctly, the Mets and Santana deal was contingent upon Santana passing a physical. So, no, it is not just the Orioles that request these things.

I originally like the thought of trading Roberts but I am starting to sway the other way. If the O's are looking to add to the poitential list of #4 starts then I say hold onto Roberts and take your chances. I feel more comfortable with Roberts being healthy and putting up good numbers by the break then I do Bedard.

My guess is Trachsel will be back, which for one year ain't the worse thing that could happen. I also like Livan for 1 year as he may have trade value by the break and eats up innings. Lohse will require too much in salary for a stop gap.

Now that it seems this deal is done it will be interesting to see if MacPhail takes Bedard's money at makes a run at Texiera next winter.

And what about BRob? Judging from the perceived lack of young middle infield talent available it might be a good idea to keep him now.

I had to repeat this.....

They were upset with Jones huh. Worse yet it got leaked to cover various backsides within the FO & Ownership. Brilliant move guys. Your "can't miss prospect" , your "centerpiece player" traded for your #1 starter has already got a stigma of supposedly upsetting management before he can even get fitted for a uniform here. Great way to welcome a 22 yr old to the organization, a 22 yr old that cost you your best pitcher.
Does the FO ever get anything right anymore?????

Now all of you who wanted a farm team in Bal'mer to watch all summer are just a trade or 2 more from getting your wish. This deal will have big & lasting affects on the staff, this year & next too. I will go on the record one last time as saying, yes, a rebuilding needs to be done, BUT trading away top flight stars for one or 2 future maybes doesn't impress me. They should have gotten one more near ready maybe like the one of the 2 I mentioned last blog or at least one young, decent major leaguer. Don't tell me a situational lefty in his 30s qualifies either.

I would much rather having them get Bartolo Colon or Livan Herendez

I do not know if I could handle watching any more Trachsel starts. It's about as exciting as watching the infield turf grow.

What about Kris Benson He was good his first year with us??

Roch,
I love the trade first of all. But I don't understand why Jay Payton wasn't pushed into this deal. There is no need for him here, and even though Seattle just signed Wilkerson, a vetern right handed bat that can play all three spots in the outfield would fit a need for a playoff hopeful team. Just curious that's all.

What do you think we do with Daniel Cabrera?

Existing Pitching Staff Outside of Bedard

Cabrera - Turned 26 in November, want to see added maturity, and MPH on his fastball when camp starts...

Guthrie - My favorite story, I think he settles in as a reliable 3rd starter.

Loewen - Will be 24 1st week of season, might take him awhile to work back.. 30 starts would really help development.

Patton -Turns 23 next September... Had good K rates as 20 year old in High A in 2006.. those numbers fell as he progressed last year... will need to increase as he matures... some believe he has upside of 2nd starter, regardless should be at least a back-end of the rotation fixture.

Penn - Will be 24 all of 2008.. his '05 at Bowie at age 20, and his '06 in AAA at age 21 makes him a legit prospect. '07 injuries hurt his development, as he logged only 40IP... He can go to camp and win the 5th SP job.

7 of 9 out of

FCabrera
Hoey
Beird
Sarfate
Olson
Buress
Aquino
Walker
Bradford

Back in 2009:
Ray

Fringe Bullpen Depth:

Rocky Cherry
Jim Johnson
John Leicester

High Minors, 1st Pitching Reserves Up:

Liz
Albers
McCrory

Lower Minors, Legit Pitching Prospects:

Tillman
Butler
Mickolio
Erbe
Beato
Spoone
Arrieta
Bascom
Hernandez

Yes, I know Beird is Rule V, and must be kept all year on the 25 man, or offered back for $25k.. Unless a deal can be struck… but my guess is that if Walker and Bradford are not traded… that Beird, and Aquino do not make the team.

I really think that FCabrera will wind up being the closer. He had a horrible 2007..... he also went from basically the end of July to the start of September without pitching.

But even in that horrible season, he still had 48k's in 43.2IP.

In 2006, he had 71k's in 60.2IP, with only 53 hits allowed... in any event, if he is healthy, he will be part of the bullpen.

There are a lot of reasons to feel positive about our staff's future, even without Bedard...

There are a lot of quality arms... truth is most will not develop..... but there is some depth... and out of quality depth, your odds increase.

I am interested in watching Sarfate.. he clearly had troubles with his control in the minors, but his K rates suggest he has plus stuff.
Realy interesting seeing that in 8.1 Major League innings in 2006 he had 11k’s… and in 8.1 major League innings in 2007 he had 14k’s… (and only one walk)

As a former starter, he probably has multiple pitches and the arm strength to give you a high number of appearances.

Olson will certainly have a chance to make the rotation, and even if he does not… at some point there will be injuries and he will be one of the first in-line.

I like the upside of Olson… talking about a supplemental 1st round pick, that will be 24 all of next season, that had 120 k's, and only 95 hits allowed in 128 AAA IP's.

However, if all are healthy, I don't see him beating out Patton, or Penn though… I don't see what Olson can gain by going back to the Minors… he has proved himself to be what he is… I think his ability to be a front of the rotation starter is less than the other two.

All things considered, he might be the best bet to be a consistent back of the rotation starter though.

I'd like to see him in the bullpen and be somebody that can provide extended innings pitched against both sides of the plate…..

With a bunch of young starters in the rotation (and Loewen, Patton, and Penn coming off differing injuries) , going to need guys in the pen like Olson, and Buress that can give you more IP's than the normal relief pitcher.

Much like I have argued for Cabrera, I can't see giving up on Penn now… I have my own questions on his makeup, and at times I've questioned his stuff… but end of the day, he produced big numbers at AA, and AAA at ages 20, and 21… if healthy, he deserves an opportunity to prove himself at this level, and he is still plenty young.

I really want to see him at his best, when he is not up in the bigs with a tired arm...

We live in a "microwave" society. We need everything in 10 seconds flat. I remember not being able to find out west coast scores until that afternoon because they didn't make the morning paper. You had to hear the results on the radio because there was no ESPN. We feel entitled to all the facts immediately. The internet provides streams of "information" constantly. Far be it for us to discern facts from fiction, we just want to know now. I feel sorry for the media. So much pressure to publish something, they publish anything. The site without intergrity will post anything while reputable sites are seemingly not in the know. Its a real shame.

Bartolo Colon didn't produce the last time he was in town. Of course, back then he was known as Sidney Ponson but he was just as over-valued as an inning-eater, just as unconditioned, and just as ineffective on the whole. What value is the ability to pitch 200 innings/year if you give up one run for every two you pitch?

Several ESPN analysts have been saying in their blogs that the Cubs package for Roberts could be as good or better than the one the Twins got for Santana.

That really says something about Minnesota.

Let's bring back Rick Sutcliffe just to start Opening Day. I'll never forget that performance he gave to open up Camden Yards.

What constitutes "grizzled?" What is "grizzle," anyway?
How come you're not in The Wire? Because you still work there?
Fyi.....the Portland Beavers will also be known as the "Lucky Beavers" this year. That's what people called them when they won the PCL in like 1948.
Merritt Paulson, the new owner said that changing the unis and the logos and the hats and everything had nothing to do with merchandising. Of course, his dad is in the Bush admnistration, so you know how much of that to believe. Instant incredibiity.
He's the guy who wanted to change the name of the team to "Green Sox, "Sockeyes," "Thorns," or "Wet Sox."
Thankfully, the fans told him he was an idiot and he kept the old name.

I honestly don't see the need for the veteran starter. We have Patton, Penn, Olson, and Liz as possibles for the last rotation spot, and if the the Orioles don't believe that at least one of them will step up, then we should be trading them.

Furthermore Penn is (I think) out of options, so bringing in a veteran retread will basically mean giving up on one of the better pitching prospects we've had around here in the past few years.

And although I can see Liz getting some benefit at AAA, Olson and Penn have nothing more to prove down there.

And if we think that any veteran FA we get at this point isn't going to get shelled with some regularity, we're kidding ourselves. Anybody who is left is less than a league-average pitcher.

What about Garrett Olson? I thought he'd start the year in the rotation for sure. He's already proved that he can pitch in AAA (but of course there is still always stuff to work on). Personally I'd rather have him in the rotation than Lohse or Trachsel (or some other vet).

So Roch, how many of these pieces need to go onto the 40 man rosters, just Jones and Sherill? What about after a Roberts deal if it happens?

To be honest I am hoping a 40 man roster crunch from these moves will serve as an excuse to outright release Gibbons.

Colon is worth a look, as is F Garcia and Livan Hernandaz, if we go with adding a veteran starter. F Garcia was a legit #1 a few years back, he'd be my favorite. Don't let the surgery scare you; remember your Nietzsche - that which does not kill Freddy, but makes him stronger.

buh bye buh dard

Glad to hear that something may happen after all. Jeez Roch, what will you do after the trade?
Just kidding, I've enjoyed the blog this offseason and look forward to your reports from spring training.

Well RichD said that he would take a chance on Bartolo Colon and keep Brian Roberts for one reason being his loyalty.

Well man, I would take a chance and opportunity to come to my senses and shred this trade and get rid of Roberts and I will tell you all my reasons.( I can understand if you have a different view, we're all fans).

For years, the one element missing from this pitching staff was an ace and any trade that other teams wanted to do with us included either Bedard or Cabrera. We refused and choose to watch the two young arms blossom. We wait all this time to see Bedard turn into that ace we've been waiting for. A Cy Young Candidate type Ace at that, and now we are going to get rid of him? I used to sit at home when I was younger and watch B.J. Ryan struggle to find the strike zone on a small little t.v. with my grandfather, and as I aged, he came into his own. The team held onto to him. He makes it to the point where he is considered the most dominant left handed closer in the game, makes the all star team and all. Then, we don't want to pay him, let the Blue Jays outbid us, and watch them jump over us in the A.L. East standings. I think the fact that he had to have
Tommy John not long after is being used as an excuse for why we shouldn't have paid him that money when all we need to do is take a close look at Chris Ray hanging sliding to Vlad of all people to see that not being cheap(Angelos) can actually help sometimes. What was wrong with Corey Patterson. Great defense, great speed, best bunter we had. Bedard was so good that even the much tortured Orioles fans got excited for, if not another aspect of the season, to see him pitch at Camden Yards. Now, he's gone, and we have to hope that Guthrie doesn't hit a sophomore slump which is a large possibility for many rookie sensations. We let Mussina go and our starting Rotation was not the same for a long time. We relied on Erickson who couldn't stay healthy and so forth. We let Ryan go and now we have Ray who blew 6 saves before the All Star break alone.The D'back didn't win the Series when they got rid of Johnson and Schilling. They won when they had them. The Red Sox had two Cy Young caliber pitchers this past season. You don't trade that calibur of a pitcher. What is the risk in maintaining a foundation to build upon? Now, what is the risk in putting your chips on a bunch of young bucks when your farm system is full of poor scouting and training? That's all I'm saying.

As for Roberts, he is loyal now, because he doesn't have anywhere else to go. Not for decent money anyways. Do you know what he's going to hear when him and his agent walk into another front office? Well Brian, your numbers were down last season when these drug rumors heated up. How can we be certain you can duplicate your All Star years. He's damaged goods now.

Why didn't Albers, Patton, et al come in for a physical? Does this imply anything about the Tejada trade (motivated by timing)? Or does it imply anything about this trade (Angelos resistance)?

If the rotation shakes out as Guthrie, Loewen, Cabrera, Trachsel? (or whatever veteran) and Patton, shouldn't Albers go to the bullpen? He'll get plenty of innings, and will continue to face major league hitters, which is the development he needs. Plus he has nasty stuff and could be very effective in small doses while he's being seasoned.

Sherril, Walker, Bradford, Sarfates, Albers, Aquino, Burres as the initial 7 Short leash for everyone, with Hoey, Penn, McCrory, Liz, Olson as potential replacements. I can't see Aquino doing very well anyway.

If we deal roberts who plays second base? we can't afford to trade him unless we get a very strong package in return. I love the Bedard trade, but not so sure trading roberts is the right thing...with no real solid leadoff person in our organization.

Now the rotation will look like this:
1. Jeremy Guthrie
2. Adam Loewen
3. Daniel Cabrera
4. Steve Trachsel (he'll return0
5. Troy Patton
Norfolk Reserves:
Hayden Penn
Garrett Olsen
Matt Albers
Radhames Liz
Another prospect

If EB goes I want to say the following:

Incredible pitching. By far the best stuff I have seen from an O's hurler in a very long time. Let's face it. The guy was for real last year. It's going to be hard to part with him. I can't picture the O's #1 now. Can you?

I don't like that feeling. I just hope that there comes a day where we can keep a guy like Bedard and let him flourish and give him post season games to try out his moxy. This guy was good, and he never crumbled against big name teams. I remember him giving both NYY and BOS hell, not to mention the rest of the league.

That being said, since we're 99% of the way there, let's get this done and let's go young with these kids.

If Jones pans out in CF the dream outfield could be 2/3 of the way there.

Sorry to get sappy, but EB deserves a lot of praise here. A lot.

By the way, did anyone else notice what an amazing football stadium the University of Phoenix has? You would think they would have a better team with those kind of facilities.

I agree 100% with Rich D. The Cubs package for Roberts is not worth what Roberts brings to the table. Roberts should not be traded as the younger players need some veteran leadership and BRob should exemplify what Orioles baseball is all about. Good luck to Bedard in Seattle. Who would've thought we'd see the day where players don't want to play in Baltimore. I was shocked and disappointed after Mussina left but who knew that would be a disturbing trend of things to come. As a fan of baseball, what player today can you have affinity to? Here today, gone playing for your rival tomorrow. The Cal Ripken's, Tony Gwynn's, George Brett's, Alan Trammell's are now an extinct crowd. Will we ever have a true Oriole again?

Roch, seriously, it is at least probable that Jones fails the Orioles’ version of a physical. I hate to even mention the possibility. It would be the last and most ridiculous twist to this saga until it comes out months later that Jones didn’t fail his physical but rather it was a clerical error (around the time when Jones is tearing up the league with some other team). Man, I’m unbelievably cynical. I think I’ve come by it honestly, though, and hopefully the team wipes away a little bit of my cynicism some time soon.

I think the team should pick up Trachsel. He pitched well enough for us last season before he was dealt and he’d at least be a familiar face. Experience that’s not woeful, low commitment, reasonable cost—this is what the O’s should be seeking.

This is hopefully great news that the deal is in fact done today or tomorrow. I would also keep Roberts, because we don't really have anybody to replace Roberts for lead-off and 2B, as well as his tools.

We already have a million pitchers. We need more position players, and taking away Roberts wouldn't help the cause. I realize trading him would net one position player and one pitcher, but that would be it. It's better to keep him at the moment.

"It's believed that Adam Jones is taking his physical in Baltimore today."

Does this mean you don't know if he's here? If you know, why can't you just say so? Is Jones here or not?

Light For All?

I'd take Trachsel over Lohse to fill the role of veteran starter. And I'd love to see Hayden Penn get a legit shot to make the team, even in the bullpen.

Roch,

Have you heard anything about the O's talking to Livan Hernandez?

I think he would be a good innings-eating veteran, but would he sign for a year?

Does this fast track the Brian Roberts to Cubs deal? I am certain any package for Roberts would include a couple of young pitchers to potentially fill the O's rotation. Either way I hope the process is less agonizing than the Bedard deal. I love visiting this blog but I can't take another month of this.

Roch,

There has also been a lot of talk about Roberts going to the Cubs. Why would they make that deal when ex-Oriole Farmhand Mike Fontenot had a decent year for them last year?

I could see signing either Lohse or Colon, probably leaning towards Lohse. They both have less than spectacular records in hitters parks but Lohse is a bit younger I believe, and I think Kranitz would work better with him. Just my opinion.

I know he would go against what we are getting at as far as getting younger, but what about Livan Hernandez?

Roch - Have you heard about any discussions with the agent for Hernandez?

Hey Roch,
I don't remember who Troy Patton is. How about a mini-bio?
thanks.

So unless they deal Roberts immediately for players that don't have to go on the 40-man roster, the Os will have to remove somebody from the 40-man, right? Jones and Sherrill on, Bedard off means one more slot needs to be opened.

Rich D,

I like B-Rob too, but he's only signed through next year (like Bedard) and has said in kind terms that he doesn't want to be a part of a rebuild. So whether or not we want to get rid of him or not, its probably the smart move to do just that.

No way would B-Rob want to weather a 5th place finish this year (4th AT BEST and thats dreaming....) and the next. Might as well get rid of him while we have the leverage to get a good return. Otherwise, we're hosed and this already long-term rebuild will be even longer.

I'd hate to see him go, but as they say "Its the business". And if it will help us get back to being a competitive franchise quicker, I'm all for it.

Haha, might as well bring Trachsel back, and then turn around and swap him for a few more warm bodies in late season. As for Bartolo, after the two Sids (Fernandez and Ponson), I've had my fill of fat guys in the rotation.

Considering Guthrie's second half of last season, his ML history prior to joining the Orioles, and the history of others who have done well for half a season only to regress once the league adjusted, it seems like people on this blog have put way too much faith in the fact that he will pitch well this season. I hope so, but I'll really be more surprised if Guthrie is as good as last year than if he isn't.

I think there is a reason no teams seem interested in Bartolo Colon. He is massive and that extra weight has killed his pitching shoulder. His velocity was way down last year and for a power pitcher, that spells trouble.

What about Garrett Olson? Will he really not be in the rotation next year?

Bartolo Colon isn't likely to be any better than the youngsters the Orioles are likely to run out there. The rotation is pretty bleak, I'll admit, but you've gotta let these guys pitch so we can find out what we've got. Roch, do you have Olson penciled in as 4th starter? Or Burres? I don't think Burres can cut it.

Guthrie (age 29)
Loewen (24)
Cabrera (27)
Olson (24)
Patton (22)

Albers (25) and Penn (23) should be the backups, not Trachsel or Lohse, ugh....Albers looks like a longshot to be useful in any other capacity than swingman.

bullpen this year:

Sarfate
F. Cabrera
Sherrill

are credible additions to the bullpen, Walker and Bradford are still pretty good, and Hoey and Doyne should improve.

It will be bad. I'd guess that - at msot - two of those starters will play an important role with the Orioles in 2010.

Hey Hey Hey... Stevey T might be back!! I for one would not mind him on the roster, but I dont think I will watch too many of the games he pitches... he works so slow. Maybe he will have a great year, bring in a prospect before the trade deadline in July....

Hey Kevin, if that is a dig at the O's front office, then you probably aren't too bright. Why would they not want to have these guys take physicals?

The O's can make a fiasco out of anything, I have to give the Mariner's credit for being to patient.

Livan Hernandez. The O's need an innings eater. Livan can eat innings like he apparently does puerco asado.
There's no reason for the O's to sign an injured guy like Benson or Colon when they need innings eaten.
You could make a case for Kyle Lohse, who might possibly have midseason trade value that Livan and Steve Trachsel would not have. But I suspect Lohse will cost more, and I wouldn't pay for the upgrade.

I don't get it. Winners 'WIN' with pitching. And the O's trade one of the best in the league to get a young outfielder.

Oh well, there is always next year.

Roch;

No mention of Olson. Are your projecting him as a #4 or the verteran as the #4 and Olson not being included in possible rotation.

#1- Guthrie
#2- Loewen
#3- Cabrera
#4- Veteran or Olson?
#5- Patton, Albers, Liz

I would see the veteran at #4 and Olson and Patton challenging for the #5 spot with Liz, Penn and Albers

I know it will be more interesting to watch the young guys this year. Gotta go call and order the baseball package again so I can see the O's from afar.

I know I said I was out of here but if this trade goes down I am officially back..........................pending a physical of course.

Roch: Do you believe that completion of the Bedard trade will trigger the Roberts deal with the Cubs? Seems to me if the Orioles can get more young arms they should.

I agree, if Colon's arm isn't about to fall off, sign him to a one year deal. I wish we would have done this with Prior, although who knows if either is healthy enough to play this season.

bartolo colon is an interesting idea, but i'm not so sure the word, incentive, and coming to play for the birds, should fall into the same thought. he does, however, know how to pitch; but, does he know how to teach. i like the idea of trachsel better. i remember a few members of the rotation saying he had helped them, plus, he's already familiar.

as far as roberts, he has said he doesn't want to be part of a rebuilding plan, either. trade him, and actually start to rebuild. markakis and guthrie can be your new local loyalists.

c is for chokin' on crab cakes and cold ones, welcome to the harbor, hon.....

Hopefully this will be completed soon (Bedard trade)....trade Roberts yesterday and get as many prospects for him as the O's can to get this rebuilding process going.......Having grown up in Maryland and a fan since 1966 I am ready for a new chapter for this organization.....I finally believe the right management personnel are in place and decisions being made.....Hopefully this blog won't have anymore political/2nd hand smoke information is it......Love this site though......

I don't understand if we're willing to let 4 or 5 guys fight it out for the last rotation spot, why not let 4 or 5 guys fight for two spots. While I understand the value of bringing in a veteran, Trachsel was on our team last year and I don't really see his relationships paying dividends for any of our players in particular.

If we're rebuilding, let's see what guys like Penn, Albers, Olson, Patton and Liz can do. We've resigned ourselves to inexperience at one starter position, why not two?

to quote the infamous Morrissey, How Soon Is Now???

Not sure about Bedard going to Seattle, but it isn't just the Orioles who request physicals. Remember, the Santana trade wasn't official until he signed an extension AND everyone passed a physical;

Without Bedard the O's might benfit if they could lore one of freeagent picthers like Colon,Josh Fogg,or Livan Hernandez to help the young pitchers out and possibly trade away at the deadline to bring back some more players to build with.

There is no excuse for MASN not broadcasting in HD this year. Don't blame it on not having a cable HD channel to be played on. First you broadcast in HD, then the cable companies find a spot for your broadcast. Does anyone who reads this blog have inside knowledge on what it would take (logistics, cost, etc.) for MASN to convert to HD cameras and broadcasts? Please inform us so we can have the proper ammunition to bash the Orioles for being stuck in the stone age.

This is getting ridiculous. I won't benefit because I watch on MLB Extra Innings, but I think even the non-HD broadcast will improve if the game is filmed in hi-def. At times last year, and due to his many types of frowns, I couldn't tell if I was looking at Melvin Mora or Marcel Marceau. And my tv's speakers nearly blew from the sound cutting b/w really soft and really LOUD. Totally pathetic.

Clay (however you spell his last name) Buckholtz threw his no-hitter on the worst of all possible days, the birthday of that great Orioles fan, me. Since that day (9/1/07) I have been saying that the Orioles need to destroy the entire thing and rebuild.
The only problem with sending Brian Roberts on his way is that more of the dead-weight won't be going along with him. I am of course talking about Payton, Mora, and especially Gibbons.
This team is going to be incredibly exciting to watch next season. We may lose 120 games but at least we are trying to change!

Roch, let's add a little more craziness to this trade. The Seattle Times is suggesting that Brian Roberts MIGHT be included in the Bedard trade, making it a MUCH larger trade than we're expecting. Have you heard anything about that??

Yeah I like the Bedard trade.. Even though at first I was kind of aginst it because I don't really know too much about this Adam Jones kid and absolutley nothing about the other players in the package... But the last Mariners players that I can remember that were considerd "can't miss prospects" that I can remember in my lifetime haven't had to bad of careers ( Ken Griffey Jr. and Alex Rodriguez) So hopefully that trend continues.. Im sure it can't be any worst then giving up Curt Schilling, Pete Harnish, and Steve Finley for Glen Davis.. We've got to get it right one of these times... "Take 10....ACTION"

This is almost anti-climatic.

I guess there is no going back now.

While I would prefer Roberts be kept, my strong feeling is that the Cubs trade is not far behind. I would prefer, however, to see Pie replaced by Patterson and Murton.

We are over loaded on pitchers and still lack position players for our biggest needs. Except for 1B, we have the corners covered and, with Wieters, we have Catcher covered. Where is our future 2B? And, if Hernandez fails, where is our future SS? And what about 1B?

There are still too many questions and not enough progress on them.

I agree...I would like to see Roberts stay....I like the Bedard trade even though I loved watching him pitch last year...

Roch-

We would have to unload Huff first, but don't you think the White Sox would trade Crede for one of our starting pitching prospects. Give us a right-handed bat to hit between Markakis and Scott, he could DH and hopefully keep his back out of trouble... just a thought.

Hey Roch, Geoff Baker is reporting that he has confirmed that George Sherrill is also in Baltimore and that he flew here with Adam Jones. Check out the link:
http://blog.seattletimes.newsource.com/mariners/index.html
He also says the announcement could be delayed until Wednesday or Thursday. Stay calm. The deal is going to happen.

Forgot that Livan Hernandez is still available. I'd take him over all other names mentioned, but again, Trachsel deserves bonus consideration on account of his solid showing last season.

Jeff Baker of the Seattle Times has reported that George Sherrill was with Adam Jones for a physical today and is already on a plane home.

Tom "The Greatest Quarterback of ALL TIME" Brady outplayed at the position by the Giants equipment boy...how cool is THAT?!!!

FYI. The Seattle Times is confirming that both Adam Jones and George Sherrill are on Baltimore for physicals. Bedard has not has his yet.

Here is the link to the Seattle Times Article: http://blog.seattletimes.nwsource.com/mariners/2008/02/sherrill_in_baltimore.html

Although I am in favor of the trade and think that we are getting a good return, I still am disappointed that we are not getting one more quality prospect. I never believed that we would get Morrow or had a need for Clement however I think that we should have held out for the SS prospect Triunfel. We should have done whatever it took to make sure he was included

Roch, you are really right. The roation now needs a health, steady, experienced, veteren inning-eater. I think that Steve Trachsel will fit the best coming back to the O's. Bartolo Colan wouldnt be bad, but he would be to much. I though at first Lance Cormier could be that someone, but mabey not. This is my looks on the bullpen:
Brian Burress
Jamie Walker
Chad Bradford
Greg Aquino
Fernando Cabrera
Dennis Sarfate
George Sherrill(closer)

what about have sean gallager or sean marshall in the 5th spot or even marquis. Cause u no the roberts to the cubs deal better happen.

I like the idea of giving Colon a chance. For the right price, how could it hurt? In the same line of thinking, what about Freddy Garcia? He won't be ready for a few months, but he could audition the last few with some kind of club option for 2009.

Hey Roch -

While we're talking MacPhail trades... whatever happened to Sebastian Boucher, the player we received for John Parrish in Andy's first *blockbuster*?!

Well if O's are going to trade Bedard and say that you are going to rebuild you don't go out and sign a pitcher.O's have about 9 SP ....here my 5 SP Guthrie , Loewen , Cabrera , Patton , Penn don't need Farton Colon or Dead Man Hanging Steve Trachsel

Roch,
Is there an email that we fans can send our good wishes to Erik? I've literally seen this kid pitch since the lower minors and I wanted to send him good luck. I'm an Oriole fan first but I am also an Erik Bedard fan too and I wish the best for him. He was one of the few rays of light during some very dark moments in the Orioles decimated farm system around circa 2001. I hope the kid realizes that he will be missed and there's plenty of Os fans out there who have stuck by him from the very beginning.

Eddie in NYC

I think the paint has dried by now.....

I hope that Seattle does good this year. We like Bedard. Hope Jones can hit. Would you want Roberts? We're stuck with him. How come TB has all of the great prospects? What do we do with Gibbons and Milliar? Hope Huff [ he will ] be a banger this year. Salazar will be lost, though he can out hit Roberts. Think Tripp! Schmuck does.

RichD. Signing Bartolo Colon would be step backwards-he's injury-prone and out of shape.
The Bedard trade is one we are going to regret for years to come but I'll stop criticizing-what's the point?
Might as well ship Roberts out too, why keep him around and don't we 'owe' him a chance to be happy and play for a winner? I guess the Orioles have become the new Montreal Expos or Florida Marlins of MLB-you know-develop players and trade them when they become proven stars.
I suppose Markakis is counting the days when he can get dealt too. On second thought why not trade him for 3-4 can't miss prospects? The poor guy is going to get walked 100 times because whose going to protect him in the lineup-Payton or Huff?

Any chance the Os can sign Bedard back after 2009? By then if these trades work out, maybe the club can be competitive.

If a referendum is needed by the fans on Roberts, it would have been a landslide.
I do not think McPhail is paying attention to public opinion. Only Angelos does this. So if you are viewing ths Pete Kill Any Trade of Brian.

It is my perception we have enough peices in the 2 trades to have a major beginning. We need to make Brian comfortable for life with a long term deal. He is the O's Way with Markekis. These are the future and the center peices for the franchise.

Putting a team together in a rebuild needs to be done with a scaple not a butcher knife.

What can you tell me about the Orioles 1.000 batting average player on the 1902 Orioles named C.B. Burns and why he only had one at bat? Did he pinch hit or get injured and did he just get sent back to the minors and how much did he make for one days pay? I know he's from Bay View, MD and died in Havre de Grace.

What is up with the o's front office, and how private they are? It seems like with the ravens that they are much more open, about a lot of things going on.
I love the trade for Adam Jones, and the other prospects. The other prospects seem, very intriging. All of them i could see making it into the pros.

For the first time in years the O's have direction - perhaps. The trade of Bedard a player long in coming - an ace traded to change the direction of the club - could it be that this club is finally after so many empty promises going to do something - if we are going to finish fourth or fifth at least do it with young developing players rather than has beens. I like what I am seeing I just hope it isn't a mirage

Hey Roch, SeattlePI is reporting that as of Monday evening Bedard is still waiting for a call. The project that he might fly to Seattle sometime on Tuesday and take a physical, which means the deal may not be announced until Wednesday.

I need some confirmation, but I'm pretty sure Livan is a Type B free agent.

Why would anyone in their right minds want to sign him at the expense of a draft pick?

The Orioles are rebuilding for pete's sake.

Bedard would still need to get a physical, too. No one does a trade without a physical. It would be stupid.

What if Bedard hurt his shoulder when he hurt his oblique, too? And he never told anyone - like Benson and Wright. Now Seattle has him and he can't throw the curve fro strikes or get the fastball above 89 mph. So they just sent Jones and Sherrill to get a left-handed Jeff Weaver?

You better believe Bedard is going to get looked at.

All of the principal's in the Tejada trade got physical's, too. It just wasn't an issue because it did not hold the trade up. And none of the people involved broke the story before it was all finalized.

paul in STL - Great Morrisey reference! Very topical and timely!

Am I the only Oriole fan that doesn't want to see Bedard go? He was arguably the best pitcher in Major League Baseball during the second half of last year. I know that we are supposedly getting a "great" return for Bedard in some prospect that might not even pan out, but Bedard the best pitcher we've had for the last 10 years. Last time I checked, you win with pitching, not 2nd basemen.

I do not see how the O's could make Lowen the #2 starter. He spent almost all of 2007 on the DL and is really still on the comeback from his injury.

I expect them to start him as the #4 with the Vet #2 and, hopefully, Patton #3.

Not that Patton is all that great, but the alternative is Cabrera and having Cabrera at #3 will guarantee him a 20 loss season. Joy!

I would hope they get a wiley Vet as opposed to a grizzled one. Trax = grizzled. Lohse may not be wiley or grizzled, but his history is he will eat innings. That is what we need more than trade bait. Besides, after he bombed in Chicago, how much trade value will Trax have at the deadline?

meanwhile, as the season goes on and Lowen shows no ill affects, I expect him to move to that #3 slot.

And if the O's are smart, the AAA rotation will be Cabrera, Liz, Olson and Penn.

Fortunately, I live in Virginia Beach, a mere 10 minutes from AAA Norfolk. At least I don't have to drive 3 1/2 hours to Camden Yards to see a farm team play.

roch,

can we get pics of the new scoreboard?

Tom D, its anticlimactic. Thought someone as pompous as you would want to know.

Good one Gene! :-)

"Fortunately, I live in Virginia Beach, a mere 10 minutes from AAA Norfolk. At least I don't have to drive 3 1/2 hours to Camden Yards to see a farm team play."

i can walk to harbor park from my office. will be nice.

Bill in Elkton,

From what I have read, not long after CB (Charles Brittingham) Burns had his at bat in the Major Leaque with the Orioles on August 19, 1902, a number of the players "jumped ship" to New York and there were not enough players left to field a team. The team was sold in 1903 and moved to New York where it became the New York Highlanders (and eventually the Yankees in 1953). Charles went back to playing in the regional leagues around Havre de Grace and never again tried to play major Leaque baseball.
(the Burns Brothers Carriage Works in HdG of which Charles was a namesake sponsored such a team before the more well known semipro leagues of the 1930s that played in northeastern Maryland, such as the Susquehanna Leaue)