Kinda glad to be a fan again, ha ha never left the fan base. I really love the signing? probably fail the physical.If they say he's a 3 started pete, who could end up as 2? Just chechin in from FL.

You kinda have to feel bad for the guy. I mean, he's leaving the best Japanese team to pitch for one of the worst American teams and filling the hole of "I'm going pitch while Tillman, Matusz and Arrieta figure things out, and when they get here, the team will have no room for me and will have more success without me than with me."

Plus, it's not like he's going to play in the central or west divisions where baseball is an afterthought, he'll be facing three of the best teams in baseball about 5 or 6 times this year, maybe even more, and will see his ERA balloon when he pitches against them.

It's a good move for the O's, considering what pitchers are out there and the amount of money that they are demanding, and it will give them a better understanding of what is necessary to have in place for more Japanese and other foreign players.

Peter: Does this mean we'll start seeing more advertisements at the Yard targeting Japanese audiences, or will that be a few years off, once the O's have solidified their standing in Japan (oh, and the AL East)?

............................................................................................
Pete's reply: That might take awhile.

Personally, I like the Uehara signing-his numbers suggests good control and hopefully, he can fool hitters for awhile until they figure his stuff out.
I would be opposed to bringing Pudge here. He's clearly in the twilght of his career and he might have a negative influence on the younger guys-see Ramon '08...If we are looking for a half or one year bridge, I think Zaun is a better fit or, what's Sal Fasono doing these days?
As far as1B goes, I'd only bring Shelly Duncan on a non-guarenteed basis and make him earn his way on the roster. Make it a dog-fight by bringing in a host of guys like Chris Shelton, Oscar Salazar and even Millar. Let the best man win!! Some good old-fashioned position battles will at least make spring training more meaningful.

Will the press conference have subtitles? Also when he speaks will the words be heard slightly after the lips move?

i was impressed with some of the clips of him, but I am still worried that once a scouting report is out there, he will get beat up. and it will certainly be a change of pace in that clubhouse. Speaking of the clubhouse, why are the Orioles interested in Shelly Duncan but no word on Kevin Millar?

I'll tell ya, I'm a season ticket holder and I've found the number of Asian attendance has grown in the last 5 years. This will certainly help to generate some outside revenue. Can't wait to see how it will all play out

In reading this and other Oriole-related blogs, it amazes me how many people are saying how terrible Uehara is going to be for the team, before he's even throw his first pitch in an O's uniform.

Here's a player who has the Japanese equivalent of a Rookie of the Year and two Cy Young Awards, as well as starting successfully for his nation's WBC and Olympic teams. In play against some of the top American hitters, such as Barry Bonds and Jason Giambi, he more than held his own, striking them out with a nasty forkball. He's a quality pitcher who's not going to be afraid of major league lineups, folks, and is an excellent first signing in the Far East for Baltimore.

That said, from the scouting report and video I've seen, he throws his fastball up in the strike zone too much, which is obviously can spell trouble pitching in the AL East. So from Day One of training camp Rick Kranitz has to impress upon him what he's going to be up against in the division and, therefore, the need to work down in the zone consistently to be successful.

Unlike many recent O's pitchers who have struggled with the same problem, this is an adjustment Uehara should be able make with little difficulty, because he has absolutely phenomenal command of his pitches. For example, in 2006, his most recent full season as a starter, he yield only 18 unintentional walks in 168 IP (or to put it in terms Oriole fans will really appreciate, it took him a full season to reach a walk total that Daniel Cabrara could reach in just four starts).

Now that we have filled a few holes in the rotation, onto the infield. I read that the Yankees are shopping Nick Swisher. Any chance the O's aquire him? He could play first and outfield and hopefully bounce back from a down year last year. He would also provide some veteran leadership if Roberts is traded.

.............................................................................................
Pete's reply: I'd be shocked if the Orioles made a deal with the Yankees. It just doesn't happen very often.

Is this the best we can do a washed up pticher from Japan?

My concern with Koji Uehara is after 193 starts in 195 games through his first eight years in the Japanese bigs, he was under 100 innings for each of the last two years that featured only 14 starts in 81 games.

The big plus with his stats in Japan is his walk-strike out ratio including the above-mentioned last two years (206-1376). Amazingly, he has just ten wild pitches in over 1,500 lifetime innings.

If he's healthy enough to be productive, he should be a breath of fresh air compared to the wayward nibblers the Orioles have had in recent years.

I wonder, now that Jason Giambi is heading back to Oakland, what is to happen with their current first baseman, 23 year old Daric Barton. Good OBP and his average and power are only going to get better. He also hits lefties well and the orioles always have a problem with that. He would be a good soultion to our first base problem.

Joe, the Orioles HAVE solidified their standing in the AL East. It's called last place.

Why have a news conference.... They didn't have one for Hendrickson, nor Freel, nor when they sign Zaun, nor when they re-sign Millar. Yes sir, the AARP contract has been renewed and is functioning well.

Pete,

I watched Mr. Baseball with Tom Selleck the other week. This signing reminds of that movie, except reversed. I enjoyed watching it again.

Thoughts about the movie?

Anything on Markakis?

..............................................................................................
Pete's reply: I liked that movie, but mostly because I am a Tom Selleck fan. Nothing on Markakis. He and the tem still appear to be $10 million apart.

Pete,

How do you say "Relax and trust your stuff." in Japanese.

"You kinda have to feel bad for the guy...

Yeah, I feel terrible for him. Who can live on $5 million a year anymore?

Hi Pete,

Well, you know that I am on board for the rebuild now that it has finally started. As we get closer to spring training though, it is depressing to see plainly now that this is not a one or two year plan, but three years or longer to get competitive in the Division. It is also heavily contingent on talent currently in our minor league system, which is a big, big gamble considering recent history.

The stopgap signings Macphail has made are all nothing more than trying to fill out a major league roster and put a team on the field. I don't know if that will cut it with many fans looking three to four years ahead to comptete, and that is if the potential we think is there in the minors comes through.

If you take a pragmatic look at our minor league system, there are really no standout prospects at many key positions including first base and shortstop. How are these gaping holes going to be filled?

Do you agree that inside the warehouse the Orioles are resigned to the fact that we are a 5th place team probably for the next three years?

...............................................................................................
Pete's reply: No, but I'm sure they are resigned to the likelihood they will be a fifth-place club this year.

Does Boog offer sashimi? Love the fact that the guy has command. I'll take it. Any word on his salary?

...............................................................................................
Pete's reply: Sounds like $10 million total for two years.

For all you need to know about Japanese Baseball - rent or Netflix the Tom Selleck classic, "Mr. Baseball".

Peter,
I speak fluent Japanese. Think they'll hire me as a team translater? It'd save Trembley a couple bucks at least...

.............................................................................................
Pete's reply: I would get on the phone. You never know.

ANDY, TRADE ROBERTS NOW!!! While you can still get some decent prospects in return. It doesn't have to be a starting pitcher. We have plenty of holes to fill. WAITING TILL THE TRADE DEADLINE TO SEE WHAT'S UP GET'S YOU A BAG OF BALLS !!!

Pete , isn't it going to be difficult getting value for B-rob now that it is a forgone conclusion he won't sign an extension? Teams can be patient because he will be a free agent in less than a year now and all they have to do is pay the man and give up nothing , am I missing something ?

.............................................................................................
Pete's reply: Yes, his value now will drop as he gets closer to free agency. The best hope is for some team to step forward he wants to sign with, then a deal can be agreed to before the trade is completed.

Pete,
What is wrong with Lou Montanez at first ? At least with what we saw last year he handled himself pretty well. As far as the Uehara signing goes, we have a guy who was a All-Star closer, will either of our past closers be able to compete at all this year ?
And yes we have a good nucleus of young talent, let them play as the Rays did with their young guys.

Pete,
I am worried the Ueharra is past his prime. His best performances were 2 years ago. If he can get back to the form of 2 years ago all should be good for the O's in this one. Why does nobody think Oscar Salazar will make it at 1st for the O's. He is hitting .352 in Venezuela winter ball, hit . 316+ at AAA Norfolk, & hit .284 for the O's when brought up in Sept 2008 with 2 home runs in one game vs Minn. in Sept. 2008. We might have a first baseman within the organization now!

Pete,

Connolly's article on BRob is interesting. If its true that we have offered a contract at $10 million annually I don't think fans can fault the team for being cheap. In my opinion, I don't think we can fault the organization for not wanting to offer anything over 4 years max. It wouldn't surprise me if it is a 3 year deal which seems pretty fair to me. At the end of the contract BRob would be 34 and making atleast 10 million(some money likely deferred to the end). I doubt he would get a better offer on the FA market.

...............................................................................................
Pete's reply: Don't know about that. I never underestimate the power of free agency.

Peter, have you (or anyone else) heard anything about the reason for Richie Sexson's horrible decline? I know he definitely wore out his welcome in Seattle - I remember the fans were completely fed up with him when I was there for a 3 game O's series in 2007. I am wondering if the Orioles might gamble with signing him and hoping Crowley can find the flaw(s) in his swing. Anyway, have you heard what might be wrong with him? Head case? Thanks

.............................................................................................
Pete's reply: I've heard all sorts of things about him, including the obvious suspicions during this particular era in baseball. I think the O's might take a chance on him, but they have a number of options.

Pete, Do you know if he speaks any English?

.............................................................................................
Pete's reply: I don't believe he is fliuent, but don't know exactly how much English he speaks.

Pete,

BRob and his agent should look at the contract that Dustin Pedroia got and tell themselves that Brian is 31 and adjust from there! I wouldn't wait as long as Brian and his agent outline if I was AM, the reality of the situation is that were in the midst of a rebuilding and haven't even bottomed out yet. Trade him, get what you can get and move on!

Another player I hear is often being offered for trade is Adam Laroach of the Pirates. He seems to be a decent player who could be had! It shocked me that AM didn't seem interested in Shelly Duncan on a flyer when he was interested in Richie Slowbat Sexson????? Amazing how the young theory applies when it's convenient?

Pete,

Accepting defeat is the first step in losing! Your "Pete's reply: No, but I'm sure they are resigned to the likelihood they will be a fifth-place club this year. " It just doesn't have to be that way, that is the path the FO apparently has chosen and reinforced by moves like Hendrickson, Freel, Isutiriz and our newest Japanese Pitcher. We've seen Pavano and Hampton sign $2M annual deals with incentives as well as Giambi for relatively cheap $$. I hope this isn't a game of how low can you go? Sheets, Lowe, Garland, Perez, Dunn all viable options with a little effort and a little more $$$. Being smart and being cheap aren't mutually inclusive!

............................................................................................
Pete's reply: I think it does have to be that way. If they signed Sheets and Garland, I would still pick them to finish fourth or fifth.

Cubs need Brian Roberts and have some good prospects to trade for ... Pie , Marshall , Hill , Cedeno , Vizcaiano , Fonteno ,

"What is wrong with Lou Montanez at first ? " Hey Pconway,
Montanez never played first, it was Salazar that played a few games there. Montanez came up as a shortstop in the minors that could not field, moved to second then to the outfield. If you remember he made some real nice catches in left that made sports center.

Hello again;
The Japanese baseball is slightly different than our Major League ball so let's see how he adapts. He is a control pitcher so hopefully we got someone who can throw "Strike 1, strike 2' instead of "ball 1, ball 2, ball 3." Give him a warm welcome and a chance, I suspect he'll be OK, not great, but OK. 10 and 10 for the year.

I'm still sticking with my predictions - Roberts gets traded, Nick won't sign an extension (maybe a one-year to get past arbitration but not a long-term) and ticket prices are going up. Thanks, Charlie

Angelos has plenty of money. Why aren't we moving on Derek Lowe or Smoltz? How about trying to trade for Peavy? I know the answer, but the fact that people aren't asking these types of questions is indicative of how far we have fallen and how accustomed to being terrible the fans have become.

..............................................................................................
Pete's reply: Smoltz, I think, has agreed to terms with the Red Sox and Peavy is not available. He has a complete no-trade clause. Love to have Lowe, but he wouldn't love to have us.

If the starting pitching on this team should look like a finely crafted statue, then I'd say that this is still in the "pile of clay" stage. Just too many questions to be answered and spring training will be upon us in a flash. Reallly, what is Robin Roberts doing these days, Pete??