Sherrill is at max value right now you would think. But he has three more years before free agency. O's could be challenging for a title within that time. It makes more sense to trade Bradford, Walker and Huff. I can't see moving Sherrill unless it's "knock your socks off." Some of the other guys you move to save money and get a prospect or two. I don't like trading Hernandez because you want to delay Weiters until next May to save a year of free agency.

I think Payton is one of the first men to move, though I agree a Bradford deal would be easier to do. Payton has played well and could be a starter or a reserve on a contender, and I think that carries some weight while his price tag is not too high.

Also, I just bought my tickets for Sunday. The only other game I have been to this year was the Sunday game against Seattle, so I figured I'm 1-0 and will soon be 2-0.

One thing that has not been mentioned too often is the possibility of trades for draft picks . It is easier for the buyer as fans have a tendency to forget about these things instead of being tortured for years by the emergence of one of the prospects.

If A-Mac has confidence in his scouting staff, these types of deals are definite options for people like Bradford and Payton. It is a higher risk but can allow a greater payout

Payton for one reasonable prospect and maybe a low-end, non-glamour reliever to get us through this year sounds like an easy deal to make.

One other comment on people crying sour grapes on Sherrill being put there for 2 1/3 the other night and Mariano and Papelbon far less...look at the pitch count! It was only 25 pitches, which on some nights is a normal 9th inning for George when he puts guys on base before finishing things out. He wasn't over-extended at all. If anything we got major help should we try to move him in the next weeks. His price had to go up at least slightly. He handled a max pressure situation under the brightest of lights and showed he is more than a 3-out pitcher.

Bradford, Hernandez and Payton can be traded without upsetting anyone. None of them are fan favorites.
Would love to see Mora delegated to a utility role or released. You could then either bring up Moore or Salazar to play third, or have Huff play third, Scott DH and bring up Reimold or Montanez to play left field.
In order to have possibilities, however, some of these veterans need to fall off the grid. That could mean trading Huff or Millar as well.

I'm going to go with Huff. Everyone wants to add an impact bat, and thus far this year, Huff has been one.

It would be nice to see Millar get shipped out fast. Seems like a good guy, but he isn't helping the team out much anymore. Sure chemistry... blah blah blah. A low level prospect won't hurt. We need some depth in the minors. Low level prospects aren't always failures...

Payton I would think will go somewhat fast. We have some kids in the minors who could deserve a call up.

As for Sherrill, I think he's demonstrated he can't go a whole season on a closer's workload. Value at an all time high? Not so much, maybe about 3 weeks ago before he started to break down.

Please don't trade Cabrera, sure, hes very inconsistent, but hes eating innings. And anyways, he will go to some team and pitch like a cy young candidate the rest of his career.

You can't trade draft picks in baseball. Bradford has to be somewhat attractive to a contender. Walker has been useless this year since he can't get lefties out. Huff could bring a little bit back, especially if the O's pick up part of his salary.

I'm interested to see if the Dodgers are interested in Sherrill and Huff. Saito is out for atleast 6 weeks and possibly the season. They need a big bat to put in their lineup too. Money will be an issue, but I wouldn't object to taking a guy back from the Dodgers like Scott Proctor in order to increase the level of prospects. Some names that the O's might be interested in from the Dodgers, 3B LaRoche, SS Chin Lung Hu, SS De Jesus Jr (AA), LHP Arias (AA), LHP Adkins (Hi A), RHP Sexton (Hi A).

Out of that group I would def want LaRoche and De Jesus Jr coming back our way. We would be able to let LaRoche play out the rest of the year in the bigs and have a replacement for Mora and a future SS in De Jesus Jr.

I have tickets to Sunday's game. What info do you have about the season ticket holder event before the game? Looking forward to getting some Herbie Hancocks on a baseball or two, and hearing the Q&A with McPhail and Trembley

I don't have a ticket for Sunday, but it seems like the O's have it backwards: they should give out free tickets if they LOSE, not win, because the folks who come want to see a victory, and will leave unsatisfied if it doesn't happen.

In the winter of 1975, a very bad 'major-league' hockey team that Baltimore had for only half a season - the WHA Blades - staged a 'Guaranteed Win Night' at the Civic Center to try to draw more customers. The deal was if the team won, then guarantee fulfilled, else a free ticket. Alas, the team actually did win that night (one of only 3 games they won as Baltimore's team), but none of this prevented the club from going out of business after the season (or half season).

BC Mike--You are not allowed to trade draft picks in baseball.

You can't trade draft picks in baseball.

We all know the first to be traded will be Melvin Mora. And in his first game with his new club he will leave 0 on base with 11 RBIs. Shoot.

Trading Huff sounds like a good idea. But when you look at the top of the lineup (Roberts, Jones, Markakis, Huff), you're looking at a lot of OBP and long at-bats. It would be nice if we had someone at 5, 6 & 7 to bring these guys in. [Case in point: Recent 2-1 loss to the Sox]

Scott is the only one who has produced after the 5 hole and he's inconsistent.

I would prefer we keep Huff as our clean-up/3rd base/1st base/DH guy. Everybody needs one. Plus, he can hit lefties OK. He is a big part of the toughest part of our line-up.

As I have said many times Sherrill is not as valuable as people are saying. He likely would not be able to closer on any other team therefore diminishing his value. We have lost the best suitors for Roberts. The Indains (Out of Contention), the White Sox (Ramirez), and the Cubs (DeRosa and Fontenot) are no longer interested. Veterans are hard to ship and we got lucky with Trachsel last year. Hendry got fleeced with the O's acquiring Renshaw, Moore, and Cherry. The only team the Orioles might be able to trade players to is a team in the NL West. Colletti is not known for making good trades and with his job on the line and his team in contention he might be willing to give up more. However sugestions i've heard on these boards like Bucholtz, Lowrie, Wood, Adenhart, Ellsbury, and Jose Reyes for our farm system will not happen. Teams are so kean on developing younger players today and they are not going to give up on them after one start.

"One thing that has not been mentioned too often is the possibility of trades for draft picks ."

Except for that little issue of not being able to trade draft picks, either for players or other draft picks. You never noticed that there is no draft day trades in baseball?

Now you can say say that the Brewers traded for a half season of CC and the two draft picks they will get when he walks if you want to look at it that way (I certainly do). Thats not what it looks like you meant tho.

Why would someone conclude Payton would be a starter on a contender when he isn't even a starter now?

And play Montanez at short he was drafted there with the best hands in the entire 200 draft and he was the third overall pick who finally proved his worth.

Payton or Bradford may be the first to go, but they won't bring back much more than low-ceiling "organizational depth" players. Huff and Roberts are just about the only guys who could bring back an impact player, so if MacPhail can get a big score with them, jump on it.

I already had tickets to Sundays game, so it's gravy that they added the promotion. Coincidentally, I am flying to Detroit after the game for work.

I have an 81 game season ticket plan, so of course I'll be there on Sunday. As for trades, I'd be okay with moving almost anyone as long as we get reasonable value in return and don't just trade to look like we are doing something. Reasonable value does not mean Hanley Ramirez for Ramon Hernandez, so decent prospects is about all we can expect for what we have available. Off limits in trade should be Markakis, Jones, Roberts, Cabrera (because we have gone through the hard times and he's finally figuring it out), Guthrie, Jim Johnson, and Sherrill-unless we can be sure we have someone who can close games for the rest of this year. I don't want to lose the "fun" atmosphere this team has-it's great to see them play with passion. If we aren't contenders, we at least need to be entertaining while we rebuild.

BC Mike,

MLB does not allow teams to trade draft picks.

BC Mike--Unlike the NFL and the NBA, Major League Baseball does not allow teams to trade their draft picks. I think teams even have to wait a year after drafting somebody before they can trade them, too.

Everyone wants to see Millar traded, yet he's the ring leader and glue holding the team together in my opinion. His stats aren't off the charts, but he's a solid leader that wants to have a chance to win again. With that said, I give him the respect he deserves and let him leave on his own terms.

Sherrill has had a great first have and more then likely will be fine the second half, however if we are truely rebuilding lets stick to the plan. He has great value right now and if I am not mistaken he is 31 so I dont see it being a huge loss to trade him for someone that could be a decent shortstop in the future. I am really happy to see Huff doing well and although I would like to see him stay, he could also give us some good value. Yes we are competing but we won't make the playoffs this year, lets look big picture and strike while the demand is there for some of our guys that are playing well.

Sell 'em all before they go on an 0-fer streak or give up a bunch of runs or... *gasp* get hurt!

I agree that Bradford is probably the first (and hopefully not the last) guy to be traded before July 31st. I think the O's won't need to be overwhelmed by an offer for Bradford to trade him; one or two prospects will be an acceptable return.

I have a Sunday 13-game plan and I also attended Opening Day. So, I've only seen the O's win one game this season. Of course I'd like to see more wins, but I still like the atmosphere at the Sunday games.

Roch - my buddy and I went halfsies on a Sunday ticket package back in 2003. It's been a living joke.

The last time I saw a win on a Sunday was when the Orioles pulled one out last, I believe last year, was against the Royals in a squeaker at the end.

Gotta love the Sunday ticket plan. Woof.

Thought about the Sunday ticket plan, decided not to at the last minute sinceI got a newbie Oriole fan at home, and didn't know how that'd go. Well the 10 month old "loves" baseball games, but after the way they play on Sundays this year...Man I don't know if I want tickets next year.

Ohh...Bradford first to be traded, without a doubt. His removal from the roster will have minimal impact. Even though we're short on pitchers, we can easily replace a bullpen guy. That's all we seem to have.

I think they need to look at moving Sherrill -- for the aforementioned reason that his value (especially after his All-Star game performance) will never be higher.

How 'bout calling Milwaukee and seeing if there's any interest.

Roch,

I'll be down tonight and sunday....

As long as the light rail is safe that is, it will be my first time traveling using the light rail tonight....

I say the first one traded is Jay Payton...Bonus: he is traded for a player to be named later

This will be the first sunday game I will have attended, so it should break the curse, at least I hope so

Roch,

My wife and I decided this year to buy Sunday season tickets.... what luck huh? Anyway would love to talk about it if you need anything email me..

BC Mike,
In baseball you are not allowed to trade draft picks.

I've had the Sundays season plan for four seasons now. Until this year, it's been a lot of fun.

And no, I'm not the jinx because they've won every game I've been to on other days of the week - so don't even try to blame me!

Hey BC Mike,
You bring up a good idea in trading some of our guys for draft picks, assuming MacPhail has confidence in our scouting. There's only one problem with that... MLB doesn't allow the trading of draft picks.

Roch,
I agree that Bradford could be the first to go. I'm hoping to see Payton and Huff moved as well. Sherrill and Roberts I think won't get dealt until the offseason, if at all. Both of them will be too hard to replace mid-season.

Bradford and Walker may be the only ones to move and the returns will be minimal and little chance of ever seeing big club.

Sherrill and Roberts will be the most sought after- asking price would be too great for others to take for a non starting pitcher. Dodgers are most likely suitors for Sherrill and they rarely pull the trigger on trades for prospects. The Indians and Cubs were the most likely suitors for Roberts and Cleveland will not make a move to win this year and the Cubs have made their major move.

Huff- his contract is too much to expect any significant return and he won't be given away.

Millar- worth more to the club then returns would be.

Cabrera- Not happening, too many question marks.

Payton- see Millar.

Hernandez- contract + output equals gift certificate at Dunkin Donuts. Not happening.

I believe that McPhail may get inquires about all of the above but the asking price will keep all here except for Walker and Bradford.

I would be curious if the Brewers would offer JJ Hardy for Cabrera but I believe the Brewers would be concerned with a rookie at SS for stretch run and possible playoffs, plus they would be investing on the potential of Cabrera, hard sell.

I would trade Bradford, Walker, Payton, Scott, Mora, and Hernandez before I traded Roberts, Sherrill, and Huff. Granted Huff isnt always consistant in his hitting but he is relatively young and could hit here for another 4 years. But if you get a ML ready talent and maybe 1-2 other prospects for Huff (getting him for 1.5 seasons) I might be tempted. Roberts would require 2 ML ready talents and at least 2 other prospects. Sherrill I would ask 1 ML ready talent or 2 higher level prospects. I dont know how reasonable it is to ask for that but I can see Roberts, Huff and Sherrill contributing to the Orioles. This could be a decent lineup next year...

Roberts (2B)
Jones (CF)
Markakis (RF)
Tex/Salazar or a FA BIG BAT (1B/DH)
Huff (1B/DH)
Weiters (C)
Riemold (LF)
Mora - but maybe Snyder/Rowell (but they are more like 2 years away) (3B)
SS- someone fresh

BC Mike - unless the rules have changed, MLB does not allow trading of draft picks. In fact, you can't even trade a guy you've drafted for an entire year (for example, assuming we sign him we can't trade Matusz until next summer).

I'm all for sending Payton to a contender to make room for Reimold (or Montanez, although I see Reimold as having more long-term potential). The Orioles might hope for more bullpen fodder in such a deal - somebody with flaws but upside. For example, Sarfate wouldn't have a job on a contending team because of his bouts with poor control, yet he's out of options so such a team couldn't demote him. In effect, Payton would be traded for certainty that we nab such a bullpen guy instead of hoping we'd win him on a waiver claim. However, if we call up Reimold I want him to get a fair shot at regular time in LF, and I also like Scott's bat against RHP. If we could get a good return for Huff, that might work as Reimold could play LF and Scott could DH. Although people have argued we should bench Mora and make Huff our 3B starter (which could also get at bats for Reimold and Scott), Huff actually has trade value and would be the easiest to replace of our few trade chips that are good enough to fetch a decent prospect or two (I'd put Roberts, Huff, and Sherrill in this category).

I think for Sherrill, Roberts, and even Huff, the O’s should hold out for a reasonable offer and shelve them if they don’t get one. Bradford is a decent option for a contender, but how much worth does a relief specialist have if he doesn’t close games (not as much as we think)? But for other guys like Payton, Millar, R. Hernandez, and Mora (with a no-trade clause), the club is going to have to realize, if they haven’t already, that they have little trade value. On a good team, probably only R. Hernandez would be an everyday player simply because catchers with 8 HRs and 35 RBIs aren’t readily available (even if they also have a measly .664 OPS and poor defensive skills); contending teams don’t give up much for aging players who show all signs of being in irreversible decline. If the club wants to move on without these guys, they’re going to have accept low-level prospects and eating salary (I think they should do this and move on). Anything else is unrealistic.

Jay Payton, who I like to keep picking on because he was one of the worst free agent signings of the last few years (Payton as an overpaid, underperforming reserve player? who saw that coming?), is not going to get much in return. He’s at best a reserve player, and any contender that envisions him as a starter is in serious trouble and should be more realistic about their playoff chances. Even at a pro-rated $5 million a season, Payton is overpaid (that salary is 4 times more than Nick Markakis, Adam Jones, and Luke Scott combined). There have to be various other options just as good or even better available throughout the league for less money. Barring another team having a dumb GM, the only way Payton is moved is if we eat most of his salary.

Roch, My wife and I had season tickets 15 years ago (before kids). This year we got the Sunday plan for the family (we added 3 kids since then). The good news is that the game is usually over when our 4 year old is ready to leave. Be glad to chat with you.

Roch.... If the right deal comes along you send that freaking rug with him..... Stop getting hung up on +.500 stuff. If it happens, so be it, but it's the future that we should be most concerned with. Remember that " R " word that was being bantered around at the start of the season.... REBUILD is still as relevant as ever.

I think Bradford or Walker will be the first to go.

I doubt Payton will get traded, I don't see the market for him. Especially if Zrebeic's article about the O's trying for a long time is true!

Alright, we get it. You can't trade draft picks in baseball! It doesn’t take 20 responses to answer a question. Read all the responses before answering people!
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Actually, that's my fault. I returned home from the gym and approved a batch of comments. Everyone assumed they were the first to address the topic because they didn't see any other responses. - Roch

There was an article on mlbtraderumors.com suggesting the market for Orioles players. Not by Jeff Zrebiec a different one.

terps19 and Ray. It seems like we are a minority here with respect to keeping Huff and Sherrill. If we expect to contend in '09 or more likely '10, what's wrong with having a decent lefty and a consistent-hitting DH? The only arguments for trading these guys is that will get 'prospects' in return and that by being over 30, they are too old to be part of a rebuild. Kind of weak,especially since all current good teams have more than their share of over 30 olds. It's nice to have a bunch of young players but we all know its a crapshoot-look how many so-called phenoms have donned the black & orange with limited success.
We all picked on Huff last year but overall, he's had a pretty decent year so far. Yes, he struggled last year but overall, he's out up decent numbers. There's no reason why he can't remain a key part of our offense for the next 3 or 4 years and be a poor man's Edgar Martinez. It's not like we have a ton of replacements waiting in the wings and that other teams are that stupid to give us their best offensive players. Trading him for a mid-level prospect is a step backward.
Sherrill is also been a valuable arm and why trade him away and create another hole? Do we even have another lefty reliever other than Castillo if he goes? He's also only 31 so I see another 4 years of productive relief, either as a closer/set-up man or situational lefty. We need someone in those roles if we reach the contention stage.
As a fan it's also more fun to cheer for players that you get to know so that's another reason to keep some of these characters like Huff & Sherril, especially since they are contributing.
I get tired of the revolving door approach and wholesale changes that lead to nowhere. Yes, we need to make some trades, eat contracts and birng in fresh blood but in my opinion, Huff and Sherrill should stay.

Let's be honest. No contending major league team wants most of the people we are trying to dump. The likes of Hernandez, Payton, Millar, and Walker have no trade value. We are going to have to release them if we want to get rid of them and bring up young guys. Only realistic trade options are Huff, Sherrill (both should be done if we are serious about this rebuilding) and Roberts,(who would have been traded already if we were going to trade him at all).
It says on mlb.com that our fifth starter is T.B.A. Is it not Liz? Any idea who it is?

Huff is our best power hitter. Roberts is our best player. Hernandez has played poorly but still deserves credit for his work with the young pitching staff. These guys should not be traded. Payton, Bradford and Millar could help contenders. If you want a big return the best guy to trade is Sherrill. Ray and Baez will be back next year and Johnson can close for the rest of this year with Sarfate moving into a set up role.

Realistic deals the O's should/could make??:

Sherrill to the Dodgers for RP Jonathan Broxton, Chin Lung-Hu SS, RP Ramon Troncoso (you have to ask for Clayton Kershaw though???)

Hernandez to the Mets for OF Nick Evans

Payton to the Yankees for RP Chris Britton (bring him back ??!!)

Huff to the Cardinals for SP Mike Parisi (Hagerstown, MD), SP Mitchell Boggs & RP/SP Brad Thompson

Bradford to the White Sox for RP Adam Russell

Walker to the Tigers for SP/RP Zach Miner

Rick, Stick to posting and leave the blog monitering to Roch. Does it really pain you that much that the same remark was posted several times? Life's short, brother, don't take blogs too seriously. If I was looking to be nagged I would get married.

I'm going to trade Jamie Walker for a number one draft pick.

Great Earl Weaver video

www.ebaumsworld.com/video/watch/9797/

How is Huff's contract too much? He is owed like $10 mil over the rest of this season plus next year. You know what $10 mil gets on the open market? A below average Starting pitcher. Here is a small list of everyday players making more then $10 mil this year who are worth less then Huff right now: J.Varitek($10.6), D.Jeter ($21.6), S.Rolen ($11.6), G.Anderson ($12.6), E.Chavez ($11.5), F.Thomas ($12.5), and so on. You get the idea.

Huff can play 1B and 3B. He won't win any gold gloves but his bat is good. He would be one, if not the top 3B on the market.

now if I remember correctly MacPhail is not going to deal just to deal. If all he can get for Bradford is a useless 1 player then I doubt he deals him. A 2.70 ERA in 40 games isn't something to scoff at. And the bullpen is a need for everyone. The O's need as many quality arms as they can get. Why just give one away? Its not like the O's can't afford him. They sit 21st in MLB in payroll.

Also Sherrill is making $980k. He is cheap and worth a lot. He let up 1 hit in 2.1 Inning vs the NL ALLSTARS. not the Royals but the NL All Stars. That has to be worth something.

JKR-I'd trade Weiters and Markakis for a 25th round draft pick, but oh shoot, you can't trade draft picks.

I would definitely rather trade our players for draft picks

One problem, JKR. According to Major League Baseball rules and regulations Jamie Walker is not worth a first round pick.

RULE 10.03 THE JAMIE WALKER RULE
In the event a GM is forced to imbibe copious amounts of alcohol and he is coerced, nudged or otherwise pressed against his will to approve a trade for a pitcher who only throws to one batter per an appearance and fails to get an out, said trade shall be voided and the offending party shall be forced to sign and start Jay Gibbons for not less than one season.

Its a little known codicil in the Faber College Constitution.

good tip on ELVIN POLANCO in Bluefield. his stats look good so far.

I think we can trade Huff and/or Sherrill and do real well. Read what it says on the Brewer's mlb page:
"The Brewers are still on the lookout for bullpen arms and perhaps a left-handed bat, but they filled their primary need for starting pitching with the July 7 addition of Sabathia, who was 6-8 this season in Cleveland despite a respectable 3.83 ERA."
With CC and Sheet FAs next year, the Brew crew's future is right now. But they can't catch the Cubs, or be sure of the WC, without more. Huff can play 3rd and upgrade their line-up, both power and average. Sherrill would give them insurance against Torres running out of gas, or Gagne not coming all of the way back. Both guys would help them make the play-offs, and have a chance of competing if they get there. And they've got trade chips who would make the O's a much better team for a decade: Escobar at short, and Gamel at 3rd. Escobar is gold gloves in the bank; he's got the 3 R's: range, reflexes, and a rifle. What a gift to all of those young arms the O's have collected. And he's hitting over .300 at AA. Gamel is a hitting machine. Escobar is 21, Gamel is 22.

Next year:

Roberts
Jones
Markakis
Tex
Millar (DH)
Scott
Wieters
Mora
Escobar

WRT Tex: it can be done, and it's the right move. He can make plays in the field, he can hit homers to right and left, and he can put meat in the seats.

And in a few seasons Gamel, Niemold, and Brandon Snyder replace Mora, Scott, and Millar; and, eventually, Escobar leads off, with Roberts in the 2 hole.

Above average speed, power, and fielding throughout the line-up.

So, does Andy Mac read your column?

Dave,
You beat me to the punch about the Sherrill pitch count on Tuesday night. I'd love to be him be that economical all the time!

Roch, I'm coming up from Atlanta to end the streak! The last time I was up there in 2004 I saw Matt Riley pitch a nice game in those vests, and we left to go to the airport and before we got to the car Mike DeJean and Jason Grimsley had blown a 6 run lead. This year I've got a later flight!

I've been making the case that the lowest WHIP should determine who will be the most effective closer on this team. Jim Johnson fits the glove, so go ahead and trade Sherrill. Billy Beane mastered the art of increasing a reliever's value by adding "closer" to that guy's resume and selling high. Closers are a dime a dozen and saves are a BS statistic.

Rebuilding----Spellcheck my man ,SPELLCHECK.

hey - did anyone happen to tell that guy that you aren't allowed to trade draft picks?

also here's a good article for those who have ESPN insider on why that rule is so lame....

http://insider.espn.go.com/mlb/draft2008/insider/news/story?id=3423777

OK, now I am in need of an explanation. ESPN.com is reporting the Yankees are signing Richie Sexson to a contract where they will have to pay a prorated portion of the major-league minimum $390,000 for the remainder of the year. Now I ask you - understanding of course that Sexson is shell of his former self - why couldn't the Orioles do something similar. Why let the guy go to the Yankees.

I understand the concept of rebuilding; however, there are several positions in the lineup that are not currently occupied by players that are part of "rebuilding." Sexson is a huge guy, who could be a good source of power in the middle of the lineup. What is the risk in signing the guy to a contract that would have to pay him $166,000?

I would make sure to get a lot -- and I mean a lot -- for Roberts, Huff or Sherrill before I would trade them. Huff's OPS at the break is better than Teixeira's.

Roch,

I'm a Sunday Season Ticket Plan Holder, have been for years, and, it's not my fault. If you want to talk about it, let me know. You actually have my home email so, say the word and I'll tell you how to reach me.

Roch,

I've had a Sunday plan since 1991. The funny thing is that the team has played horribly on Sundays over the last 17 years, not just this year. Even when the team was competetitive, Sunday seemed to be their worst-played game of the week.

If you recall, they should have lost the first Sunday game. Remember, Seattle lifted Felix Hernandez, who was basically untouchable, to go to the bullpen. They proceeded to blow it. We were losing 2-0, and scored 3 in the bottom of the 9th to win 3-2.

I have a friend who comes in from out of town to see the games with me, and he pretty much has had it with seeing them lose at least 4 out of every 5 games he attends.

JKR - Walker is more like #2 material

Thank god I didn't get into a debate with someone and make a bet ! Live and don't learn , I guess.

I'm on the fence about Sherrill. While I do think that he could bring the best haul of prospects to Baltimore this side of Brian Roberts, I think he is one of the guys that is the glue of this team. At 31, he still has 4-5 good years of baseball left, and even if he isn't the closer would be a great lefty setup guy. I think that he could play a large role (not a weight joke) in the Orioles' present and future.

That being said, I don't think his value will ever be any higher than it is now. So if MacPhail finds a good deal that can net us 2-3 players that will make an impact down the line, he's got to pull the trigger. I feel the same way about Brian Roberts. I don't think this team is going to be ready to contend until at least 2010. Roberts will be a free agent after 2009, so I would trade him while his value is high. It's pretty darn high right now. His value goes down every day now that time is ticking down to his free agency. Same with Huff. They are very nice players, but unless they resign, we cannot count on them being here. I'm not sure if I would resign Huff. I think he's had a bounceback year, but I don't necessarily trust him to do it again.

doens't look like trades for draft picks is allowed anymore. see this link:

http://www.usatoday.com/sports/baseball/draft/2003-06-03-draft-qanda.htm

I'm glad I kept the idea of trading Sherrill, Jones, Tillman and Mikolio to Seattle for Bedard to myself.

yeesh.

First, what a trade does to the Os for the remainder of the season is not relevant. The Rays are where they are now because they "earned" some of the best draft picks in baseball the last five years by being even worse than the Os. Being mediocre does not get you good draft picks. This year the Os should compete for the worst record in baseball.
Second, in reference to Walker, it is amazing what a left handed reliever is considered to to worth. All he has to do is come back from the DL and get some guys out and he will draw interest.

I will never understand the Mora haters on this board. Yes, he's in a bad slump and not producing with the bat for the past few weeks. And yes, I know he whined a little last year (who didn't, really? I certainly did).

But I didn't hear you complaining when he had a few good weeks in a row with the bat earlier in the year. And have you been watching the same guy I have at 3rd base this year? A guy who is hot-and-cold-with-a-little-pop-in-his-bat and a well above average fielder is pretty much all I ask for from a 3rd baseman.

Mora is not whining this year, he's in a slump but still helping the team defensively, and he's not blocking any hot-shot prospects from the minors.

Mora is -not- the problem.

In fact, I would consider moving him to shortstop to fill in there for a while if people really want Huff at 3rd.

I can't see trading Sherrill. There is no way to know whether or not Chris Ray will return to his pre-injury form, so Sherrill could be our closer for the present and the future. Or Sherrill could become our left-handed eighth inning reliever. He still has a few years before free agency. I say, unless it's a super deal, keep him.

I wouldn't trade Huff either. Take him out of the lineup this year and things could really get ugly. I'm not sure there's much of a market for Mora, Payton or Walker. Bradford might bring a decent return.

I don't think will see a lot of dealing unless the Orioles just want to dump veterans for low level propects, and I don't think McPhail will do that.

Scooter, the more important question is why the Yankees signed Richie Sexson when Bonds is still out there.

Folks can hate Bonds all they want but there is something fishy going on when no one is willing to sign him, even when he is clearly a better player then the alternatives.

Pianoman,,,dude, you need to learn a little bit more about ball before you can post again. Move Mora to SS?? Do you watch the games? The guy cannot cover ground & unleash the ball like he used too.

Dude cannot hit either. I would like to see him Gibby'd.

I don't think the Orioles should trade Huff or Roberts. They're two of only four regulars batting over .280. The lineup tonight had four starters batting under .240. It's a tribute to the grittiness of this team that they're 46-49. The Orioles' lineup should be built around Roberts, Jones, Markakis and Huff and adding Texeira would be great. I'm hoping they sign Roberts, Huff and Markakis to long-
term contracts