Zaun to groom Wieters would be great. Not only would he receive guidance from a shrewd scrappy guy who's been in the game for a long while now, but, it also places Wieters in a direct line with one of the best catchers in franchise history.

I also happen to also think that, whenever Wieters is ready to take over, and Zaun gets more backup duties, Zaun is a better defender back there than any catcher we fielded in '08. In theory, a Catch and Throw guy actually needs to be able to catch and throw. Are those high standards?

Hey Pete;I was a bit concerned about the quality and quantity of your blogs when you got to vegas,but you have continued to amaze with your journalistic excellence thanks for the scoop...and staying away from the buffets

Pete,
More talk and no action by AM. There is absolutely no chance Tex will sign here. Think about it, if the O's are getting scared of Burnett's situation at this point, what is going to happen in another week with Tex's situation?
Ole PA is not going to spend that much money when he can proudly milk it out of the fans pocket and into his. I really like your blogs. You are the one reporter who isnt afraid to tell it like it is. Or is in MASN back pocket and has to paint everything rosey!
Keep up the outstanding job Pete!

Any idea what type of prospect we could get for ramon? I cant imagine it would be alot.

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Pete's reply: You needed to read a couple items down. It probably would be Ryan Freel.

We will sign Teixeira and blow all of you away!

I have to agree if we can get anything for Hernandez and know we'll get Zaun and hope Wieters is the man, then I am all for it.

As for Burnett, the O's should be scared. Can anyone say "Pavano"? Some of the best moves are ones that you don't make.

yeah Jack, but Tex has a lot more upside than Burnett. I wouldn't waste five years 80 million on Burnett, but i'd definitely shell out the money for Tex.

All those non-moves help keep up us near the bottom.

It's time, well past time, to get aggressive and do whatever it takes to sign Tex, Burnett and get a shortstop.

I love the Hernandez for Freel deal, but I can't believe the Reds would do it.

Zaun would be a great addition.

not only does Tex have higher upside than Burnett, he is has much less risk, even at double the annual number for more years.

Peter,
Didn't Zaun leave under bad circumstances at the time? took a shot at either the GM, Angelos, the O's or all three?

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Pete's reply: Nothing that anyone who's here now would remember.

They should just give Wieters the job now. The sooner he comes up, the sooner he's no longer an inexperienced rookie. He's performed well at other levels, and that is the best indicator of how he'll likely perform as a ML'er.

Why shell out money for pitchers who get hurt every year?

Sign Tex.

Make the deal for Freel.

Fill in with innings eater pitchers and wait for ours in the minors to develop.

The Orioles have a long road in front of them with Angelos as there owner. As long as he is our owner, this town will never be the same as it was with the early O's and Weaver kicking dirt on home plate. I do see some possibilities with this club offensively and defensively, but they need to buy pitching. I love Texeira and would love to see him in a uniform but realistically if we get him Angelos is very unlikely to spend any more money. WE NEED PITCHING. We will have to overpay for it and take big risks but it must be done. I'm not talking about giving 6 million a year to an overrated, 4plus ERA relief pitcher that was booted from every closer role he had, Baez. I'm talking about solid pitchers that give you solid outings all season long. Not the guy who gives you 2 unbelievable outings and 4 more where he gets shelled and walks 50 people, Cabrera. There isn't many of these guys out there but we could potentially get 2 or 3 quality starters for the money it would take to get a Sabathia, no chance anyhow. Cabrera, Olson, Penn, Liz, and almost everyone else we have except Guthrie are not going to do the job now or ever. We need a guy like a Derek Lowe, not exciting but a wonderful track record that continually has gotten the job done and been a winner. We must look at trade alternatives for solid pitching help not guys that have 5 plus eras and are injury prone. I love Texeira and his abilities but statistics show that our problem is not our offense its our pitching plain and simple. If we sign Texeira Angelos has to understand this cannot be all the spending he does because the arms are what we need. Its a long shot but the guy grew up down the street from me and I've heard through some personal friends of his that he is homesick and we are definitely on his list.

The Orioles have a long road in front of them with Angelos as there owner. As long as he is our owner, this town will never be the same as it was with the early O's and Weaver kicking dirt on home plate. I do see some possibilities with this club offensively and defensively, but they need to buy pitching. I love Texeira and would love to see him in a uniform but realistically if we get him Angelos is very unlikely to spend any more money. WE NEED PITCHING. We will have to overpay for it and take big risks but it must be done. I'm not talking about giving 6 million a year to an overrated, 4plus ERA relief pitcher that was booted from every closer role he had, Baez. I'm talking about solid pitchers that give you solid outings all season long. Not the guy who gives you 2 unbelievable outings and 4 more where he gets shelled and walks 50 people, Cabrera. There isn't many of these guys out there but we could potentially get 2 or 3 quality starters for the money it would take to get a Sabathia, no chance anyhow. Cabrera, Olson, Penn, Liz, and almost everyone else we have except Guthrie are not going to do the job now or ever. We need a guy like a Derek Lowe, not exciting but a wonderful track record that continually has gotten the job done and been a winner. We must look at trade alternatives for solid pitching help not guys that have 5 plus eras and are injury prone. I love Texeira and his abilities but statistics show that our problem is not our offense its our pitching plain and simple. If we sign Texeira Angelos has to understand this cannot be all the spending he does because the arms are what we need. Its a long shot but the guy grew up down the street from me and I've heard through some personal friends of his that he is homesick and we are definitely on his list.

Spend the money and sign TEX. The object is to score more runs than your opponent. You have Nick, Tex, Wieters and Huff going 3,4,5, & 6 in the lineup. I would like to see that!

Mark Teixiera will be the Opening Day first baseman for the ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................BALTIMORE ORIOLES!

All those concerned about the super talented catcher having to make the leap to the majors without having time to get up the speed of the big show, just think about one name - Flacco!
Super talented athletes can make that jump waaaay better than marginally skilled players- aka Boller.

I have a very strong feeling that the O's mgm't think that the fans are stupid. We know that Ramon Hernandez is not a Major league catcher -- they think that we don't know.
They think that letting it out that they talked to Teixeira will satisfy us. It reminds me of Sam Huff running off the field yelling that he touched Jim Brown as he ran by for another touch down against the Redskins.
WE DON"T CARE that you TALKED TO HIM. Sign him. If the Nats sign him, Camden Yards will go empty until Angelos goes.Forget signing High priced pitchers. They arent worth the money. Get BATS then look for pitching. Get rid of Caberera. He will never be as good as a journey man. Put major leagures on the field and you'll put fans in the stands, revitilize Baltimore and MAKE Money.

Anyone who thinks Burnett deserves a five year contract needs to have their head examined.