Hey pete, nice counting crows shout out. That was on purpose wasn't it?
Also who can we expect to see up in the majors before the year is over?

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Seemed appropriate since we're all worried about Mr. Jones. pete

Actually, the Rays saved 0 dollars because they signed Longoria to a long deal just days after his debut. But the point remains valid, and will probably be a reason we don't see Wieters until next September.

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Andrew, they saved a ton because they would have had him under reserve for seven years instead of six. He might have gotten $10 million more if he was assured of arbitration after three seasons and could become a free agent in six years instead of seven. Pete

I keep reading from bloggers the year 2010. Wish we were going to be in the playoff hunt by then, but from what I see it is more like 2012. Unless Andy dips very deep into the FA market (which I don't see him doing this, especially for the starting pitching we need).

5) Rebuilding is the stated aim by the FO but it is still a business and as long as we are flirting with .500 ball and possibly the first winning season in 10 years (which is still a possibility albeit slight) this front office for all they say are not going to trade a single player without being overwhelmed. The next 10 games will determine the season but right now as much as they say .500 is not the goal it is for this year because they know it will mean the late season slump will not happen and that for fans starved of success for 10 long years will keep them happy hoping for a big off season signing for the starting rotation and at 1st base.

Pete, sometimes it is hard to follow blog comments when you chime in to respond. Could you do the following? Lead your comments with your name like:

Pete: seemed appropriate,

-or-

PETE - blahblahblah

This will help in understanding when you've started in responding to a post.

I especially think the blahblahblah goes over well as a response about 33% of the time, as a side point.

Pete: Thanks for the tip. I'll do that.

Might have, might not have Pete, you really can't say. Word out of Tampa was the Langoria deal was in the works from spring training.

The Reds holding back Jay Bruce would have been a better example for you to have used.

I think the bigger issue is getting the appropriate playing time for a Reimold. If Jones is healthy, Reimold is not going to get regular at bats even if we shed Payton. We'd need to cut or bench someone else. While it's popular to say Millar or Mora (play Huff in the field, move Scott to DH), I'd be hesitant to do that. Both are the best we've got defensively at their positions, and both have offensive stats better than you might think (Mora's OPS is .737, Millar's is .771; for comparison, Jeter is .740). I'm not saying I think they are anything more than average, but there's some logic in waiting until you've got a need/opportunity available to move a prospect from AA to the majors. I'm not sure it's any easier if Jones is out, since Payton would presumably take over CF. By the way, on a related note I'd take Millar in the 2 hole long before Payton.

The Orioles will not put their best players on the field because of money plan and simple. There are two or three players at Bowie right now and a couple at Norfolk that could step right in immediatedly at the major league level and do a better job than the guys that are playing for the Orioles right now. New ownership wouldn't be a bad idea for this team either.

Hootenany,
Good point, I like the blog better now.

Mr Schmuck, I've seen Roch. I've had him over to the house.... You're not him....... I think it's even better.
Just to show that even good ideas can be abused.......

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Pete, bb from balt. You are the best blogger this side of Balboa (G.I. opening shots there).
You are what makes blogging fun for me. If I didn't know better, I'd say you were born in Van Nuys Ca.

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Bill (bb from balt)
Wow, "Thanks Mr Schmuck, I sure was. You're really swell Mr. Schmuck!!!

what the heck...Vlad hits a nubber back to the pitcher and we can't double him up? the angels announcers didn't even mention it. Could we have?

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Pete: Probably not. It was essentially a swinging bunt. Bierd was slightly tentative fielding it and getting the force at the plate, but didn't look like a DP ball.

If Payton is so danged valuable according to your standards then how come no one wants him.... Looks like Flanagan's AARP contract is still valid.

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Pete: In this case, I was talking about his value to the Orioles as a defensive outfielder, especially now that Jones is hurt.

Vladdy's ball was definately not a DP ball. I was at the game. The force at home was pretty close.

Is it my imagination or do the O's get an unusual number of balls hit in tough to get to places in the infield. Seems to be a lot of infield hits. Are our pitcher more effective than they seem or is our infield defense that bad?

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Pete's reply: It seems like there have been a lot of funny-looking hits, but those things definitely even out.

I think there is value in keeping a core group of prospects together on a successful upper level minor league team, as well. I'm as big a stathead analyst as anyone, but I do believe that "learning to win" is an important part of a young player's development. If Wieters, Reimold, and the pitchers in Bowie can learn the commitment and focus it takes to win in professional baseball while still in Bowie, that can only help speed the learning curve once they get to Baltimore. While the pressure of a minor league pennant race is clearly diffferent than major league at-bats, I believe that it is a valuable experience.