Sorting out the shortstop situation
If the Orioles are going to sign a free-agent shortstop, it's most likely Cesar Izturis. The club has had recent conversations with his agent and the field narrowed with yesterday's news that the Detroit Tigers have agreed to terms with Adam Everett, another option the O's had considered.
Since the O's do not appear interested in Orlando Cabrera and the agent for Rafael Furcal (Paul Kinzer) told Sun beat reporter Jeff Zrebiec today that he hasn't heard from them, that pretty much leaves Izturis. Nick Punto also is available and I suppose they could pursue a trade for Jack Wilson or Bobby Crosby, but Izturis still seems to be the logical first choice.
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Comments
What about asking Cal to come out of retirement?
Posted by: BirdsFan66 | December 8, 2008 6:48 PM
Pete,
Thanks for all the great updates! Have you heard anything from O's officials regarding Bedard? Would the O's have a desire/willingness to sign him should he be non-tendered by the Mariners, or do you get the feeling that he permanently wore out his welcome in Baltimore?
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Pete's reply: I think they would consider it at the right price. But he has to be non-tendered first.
Posted by: O's Fan in Montana | December 8, 2008 7:08 PM
Like pitchers, I am also skeptical of any positional player that has a back injury. So while Furcal has been a very good player in the past and exciting to watch, who knows if he is that same guy as he enters his early 30's and coming off of back surgery. That's a pretty big gamble to take.
Izturis might not be the Utopian candidate for the job, but he is a WYSWYG player. .250-.250 average, not much pop, some speed, doesn't walk a lot, doesn't strike out a lot, and has good skills with the leather. He's still fairly young, can be had for a short term deal, and is a lot better than anything we had here last year.
I've seen some reports that perhaps Izturis isn't as good as he used to be in the field due to injuries and lack of conditioning. Have you heard anything about that, Peter? You'd think that since that is this guy's bread and butter that he would work pretty hard to maintain that, but, we know baseball players and people in general don't always do what they should.
I pegged Izturis as an option a long time ago, even wrote in to your show about it. To me he always seemed like the guy that fits what Trembley was looking for. Of course, if they could trade for something better they should, but I really don't know what the Orioles are getting in response to who they are shopping.
Ever heard of Elvis Andrus or Emmanuel Burriss? Just a couple of names floating around the might be available in trade. Niether one to me seems like they are major league ready right now, but Burriss is closer.
Posted by: The Mythical One | December 8, 2008 8:41 PM
I like Izturis' glove. Jack Wilson is older but his fielding is sharp and he can hit, particularly in the clutch. And Wilson is a guy with heart.
My first choice? Trade for Jack Wilson.
Posted by: Barry | December 9, 2008 12:26 AM
Hey Pete I was wondering about David Eckstein. Do you think he would be a better choice over Izturis? How are the comps down on the floor?
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Pete's reply: I'm too cheap to get comped. I haven't heard Eckstein's name around the O's people lately.
Posted by: Televisions Are Needles | December 9, 2008 12:43 AM
what about nick punto? doesnt he feature the same defensive skills as izuturis and is a few years younger?
Posted by: towson o's fan | December 9, 2008 1:45 PM