O's closing in on Izturis
The Orioles remain focused on signing free agent shortstop Cesar Izturis, and a source told O's beat reporter Jeff Zrebiec that the club is getting closer to getting the deal done that would fill one of its biggest offseason needs.
Izturis played in 114 games for the St. Louis Cardinals last year, batting .263 with 24 stolen bases. The O's continue to put a big emphasis on team speed this winter. The deal they are about to announce with the Reds brings them a player (Ryan Freel) who has stolen more than 35 bases three times in his career.
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Comments
Pete his value is in his range. According to the Fielding Bible his +/- was 19 last year for 4th best in the league. However at the plate he is not very good. He will need to make all the plays and he can’t get more than two years and 5 million from us. It seems like we are bidding against nobody for him so getting him for 1 year and 2 million would be ideal.
Posted by: danny | December 9, 2008 6:35 PM
Do you know anything about Brandon Waring or Justin Turner? Another awesome deal for the Orioles and AM. Good job Os. Maybe Freel can play some middle infield...
Posted by: joey D | December 9, 2008 6:52 PM
If the O's end up trading Brian Roberts, would they consider Ryan Freel as a possible everyday replacement for him at 2nd base or is he likely just an extra outfielder?
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Pete's reply: I doubt they view him as a potential full-time second baseman.
Posted by: Chris | December 9, 2008 7:09 PM
Peter do you see the orioles emerging emphasis on speed correalating with the fact they know they are not in the running for a legitamite cleanup hitter. i.e texiera i consider to see a scenario where texiera could be had by the orioles
Posted by: Christopher Stallings | December 9, 2008 7:28 PM
If we don't acquire quality players to fill positions of need how will we ever compete with the Yankees or Red Sox. A mediocre shortstop instead of a JJ Hardy or even a Jack Wilson. Why not get a better one. Oops we'd have to spend more money and as we all know that money goes to Angelos.
Posted by: Dave | December 9, 2008 8:54 PM
Cesar Itzuris would be a tremendous acquisition for the Orioles. It goes without saying that he will provide offense, defense, leadership, and speed at a position where the O's struggled last year.
I like the move to team speed, defense, and pitching (in 2010 at least). The farm system is starting to experience winning and, as a result, will produce winners. I'm a happy O's fan.
Posted by: David Pritzlaff | December 9, 2008 9:24 PM
I'm really liking this deal Pete! Ramon may go on to have a pretty good offensive year in Cincy, but his days here were over!! Freel is a hard nosed player that folks in Baltimore will learn to appreciate.
Pete you think they still have interest in Paul Byrd? I believe he lives in the Atlanta area, and he's a crafty vet that I really wouldn't mind seeing here.
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Pete's reply: I think they probably do, but haven't heard his name lately.
Posted by: TX O's Fan | December 9, 2008 10:40 PM