I think that putting Reimold on first is a good idea. We have enough outfielders with the blooming (finally) of Pie. And I think the O's should make a run at Figgins, if the Angels let him out on the market. That would make for a heck of a lineup.

When Mike Mu$$ina went to New York, after spending practically his entire Baltimore career saying he's a small-town guy and would never pitch for the Yankees, I wished fervently that he would never get a ring while there.

I got my wish, and nothing more. This is the only thing to be happy about today. Yes, you can buy a World Series ring, Mike, but it'll have to be from a bankrupt Lenny Dykstra.

Small comfort a day after Goldman Sachs proves once again the biggest wallet wins. At least the average Joe fans of Goldman Sachs have to spend $100 to sit behind a foul pole.

Pete -

The best bat available is Matt Holliday. He's averaged a .933 OPS plus 29 homers and 112 rbi over his six year career.

He "struggled" with the A's, but still hit .286 with an .831 OPS in the worst hitters park in the AL. (By the way, in limited action, Nolan Reimold lead the O's with an .831 OPS).

Holliday turns 30 in January. According to the St. Louis Post Dispatch, "there are suggestions that the Cardinals discussed a 6-year, $96 million framework with [Matt] Holliday's agent, Scott Boras." Since Boras seems set on getting a Teixeira-esque contract for Holliday, I wouldn't think that type of deal is going to get the job done.

Holliday's career OPS is a few ticks higher than Tex's (.933 to .923), and they both played significant chunks of their careers in great hitters parks; Holliday in Coors and Tex in Arlington.

Holliday (born in January of 1980) and Tex (born in April of 1980) are practically the same age, but Tex hit free agency a year earlier.

The only real difference here is that Teixeira is a Gold Glove defender at first base, while Holliday is probably about average in left field.

Teixeira signed an eight year, $180M contract with the Yankees. Roughly $22.5 per year, but probably filled with incentives and escalations and all of the usual stuff. I wouldn't be too exited about signing a slugger into his 38-year-old season, but I wouldn't mind a six year deal.

So, two questions:

1. Is Holliday worth a six year, $135M deal (the same annual salary as Tex)?

2. Will Andy be willing/allowed to pull the trigger on a deal that would give this team it's first legitimate cleanup hitter since Palmeiro?

Update: Just realized that you said "the best bat possible".

That changes things...

Pete, Dean Jones picked Waring over Snyder as best 1B in O's org. Your opinion? Thanks.

One more thing worth mentioning:

The team is taking almost $30M off the books now that Mora ($8M), Huff ($8M), Baez ($7.2M) and Walker ($5M) are gone.

I think Jay Gibbons also comes off the books, however many millions they were still paying him. I believe his contract ran through '09.

Ray -

You're right about Gibbons. That's another $6.2M off the books. Also, the team isn't sending any more money to the Reds for Ramon Hernandez. Another $2M off.

Go after Matt Holliday. They're gonna overpay in the FA market anyway. There's no sense in fighting a losing battle.

I would also like to see the O's go after Harden or Lackey.

Matt Holliday wanted a no trade clause to resign with the Rockies at below market rates to give stability to his family. Sports talking heads out in Denver have also said that Holliday had trouble with AL pitching while with Oakland and that he would be more comfortable with a NL team. It has also been proposed that St Louis needs to keep him so that they have a chance of retaining Albert Pujols. If St Louis doesn't sign Holliday, I look for the Dodgers to go after him to replace Manny in left field - Manny being Manny has already grown old in LA. I see eight years, $160,000 with a no trade clause will be the minimum to get Holliday to sign.

Ah, here's the figure:

The 2009 payroll was $76.2M.

The 2010 payroll, before arbitration hearings for Scott, Guthrie, Ray and Albers is $30.5M.

Source: Cot's Baseball Contracts

Aubrey Huff, he who hit a whopping 15 HRs in 500+ at batsin 2009 and another whopping 15 HRs in 2007? He has had one good season (if we are talking about 1B production) out of the last 5 yrs?
Sorry but 15 HRs and 80 RBIs out of your 1B/cleanup hitter isn't going to make you competitive in baseball, much less the AL East. Especially a 33 yr old who isn't improving any.
And Nick Johnson is definitely not a run producer either. Although he is an onbase machine, unfortunately with little to no speed.

Pete;

I think that as far as position players are concerned, what AM does this offseason hinges on what he thinks about Brandon Snyder and Josh Bell.

Do you know what scouts are saying about the likelihood of them becoming good MLB players, and as importantly, how soon that is likely to happen.

If the answer to that is positive and at some point in 2010, I have to ask myself what the point would be in signing second tier free agents, overpaying for them and possibly giving away draft choices, only to have them block the ascent of 2 good young players.

The only way forward for the Os is by having a stocked minor league system. Giving away draft choices doesn't help that. The only way we should do that is if the guy we sign is going to be with the Os for at keast the medium if not long term.

The thing I don't want to see happen is AM feeling the need to placate the fans by throwing us a few bones. I'd rather endure a little more pain now by going with the young guys and having Andy throw us the whole roast in a couple of years.

I would not pay Holliday Tex money. Even up I dont think he is the same player, his record in AL is a question and he has to be rated in comparison to Nolan as he would be forcing a move which would risk Nolan's career as opposed to just being an easy plug in to fill a hole. Nolan has already been moved from right to left, which you would think would be easier than moving to first, yet Nick didnt handle it well.

For the Orioles to be compettive, McPhail will have to get a left-handed reliever to replace Sherrill. I think that's the only free agent acquistion he will make. I think he will trade to get a right-handed bat with Scott and/or Pie as the bait in a package witha couple of prospects.

not brooks, You can't take Baez off the books quite yet as Orioles.com has a new article that says the team may be interested in re-signing him along with Hendrickson.

For his part, Danys has said he'd consider coming back, but hasn't sounded as enthusiastic about it as Mark. He said he definitely would like to stay in the AL East, maybe with the O's if everything shakes out right.

With that kind of response I think it's safte to say that if another team offers him a decent contract there's a good chance he'll jump ship, but that's far from certain.

So I don't think his salary can be pulled quite just yet. Probably Andy MacPhail will try to get him signed over the next two weeks and if nothing come of it, while he won't necessarily write off Baez entirely, won't count on signing him either. His signing may still be something that's consider, but I would guess the O's wouldn't have a problem looking in another direction for a reliever.

Re the bat: Peter's right in the abstract, but I don't see the specifics.

They need Mark Teixeira, but he's not on the market.

They don't need Matt Holliday or Jason Bay because they have 4 outfielders (5 if you count Scott) and besides, I don't think ponying up $100 million for a good, not great, player is a good idea of the O's. Somebody else noted that Holliday and Reimold had the same OPS in the American League this year, before Holliday went to hit in front of Albert Pujols in the weaker league. Reimold's younger, much cheaper and quite possibly better.

John Lackey's tempting, but I don't think he'll come to Baltimore. He's the only top-level free agent that's interesting, though.

not brooks, You can't take Baez off the books quite yet as Orioles.com has a new article that says the team may be interested in re-signing him along with Hendrickson.

For his part, Danys has said he'd consider coming back, but hasn't sounded as enthusiastic about it as Mark. He said he definitely would like to stay in the AL East, maybe with the O's if everything shakes out right.

With that kind of response I think it's safte to say that if another team offers him a decent contract there's a good chance he'll jump ship, but that's far from certain.

So I don't think his salary can be pulled quite just yet. Probably Andy MacPhail will try to get him signed over the next two weeks and if nothing come of it, while he won't necessarily write off Baez entirely, won't count on signing him either. His signing may still be something that's consider, but I would guess the O's wouldn't have a problem looking in another direction for a reliever.

wbalfan99, He's going to do more than just get a Sherrill replacement. Both he and Peter Angelos have made it known that the Orioles are going to be spending some money this offseason.

While they're not going to break the bank, there's going to be some significant addition, likely a power bat and a better than average starter, such as Erik Bedard.

Not only did Angelos make it very clear early in the year that he is prepared to do what it takes to improve the team, at the time it was announced that Trembley would return for 2010, MacPhail said the manager's performance would be judged according to wins and losses, something that would only be fair if the team anticipated upgrading the roster for Trembley.

Let Reimold take 1B and Scott can be the permanent DH. Pie in LF would be ok and then Montanez could be the 4th OF. I would probably let Wiggington start the season at 3B so Josh Bell can be promoted when he is ready. It makes no sense to sign any position players at this point. The problem has always been pitching. If the O's can get a legitimate number 1 pitcher to go with Guthrie, Bergensen, Matusz, and Tillman, then I would say that rotation would be pretty solid. i would also move Koji to the closer role and JJ back to setup man. If Arrieta and Erbe progress through AAA, they can always work their way through the bullpen, or even start and move Guthrie to the bullpen.

Ken -

You can take at least $5M of Baez's salary off the books. He made $7.2M in '09. If he's going to demand more than $2M (a solid salary for a reliever with a 4.04 career ERA and a less than 2.00 career K/BB ratio) in '10, there's no way he's coming back.

section 34 -

Holliday's AL numbers did line up with Reimold's, but when he was in the AL, Holliday played for the least imposing team in the worst hitters park in the league. The A's finished dead last in the AL in home runs in slugging %. And check out the home/away splits for their starting pitchers. It's a pitcher's park in every sense of the word.

Peter,
GIVE US YOUR PREDICTIONS!

You overlooked one thing. Since the Yankees were able to successfully buy a World Series Championship this year, the Red Sox will be looking to do it next year. Look for them to throw "crazy" money at Lackey, Holliday and Chapman.

Yankees get rid of the curse of Mike Mussina and get their first championship in years. He arrived in NY in 01' when they were coming off a championship and left after last season and they get a ring the following year. Karma can be great I suppose, too bad it didn't work for the Orioles when he left as well.

Shoulodn't it be pitching that the O's work on. Especially STARTING pitching. THAT is their first priority. Their rotation was horrible in 09. It was the pitching that landed them in last place. Even if they sign someone like Holliday, their pitching will still land them in sub-500 territory. They lack even a 3rd starter level arm.

Ken,
I guess I shouldn't have said only free agent signing but most significant signing. Who did we sign last offseason - Uehara, Isturis, Hendrickson and Wigginton? Isturis and Uehara were the more significant signings, last year. But last year we also helped drive the price of Mark Teixeira sky high and he still didn't want to come here. I think McPhail/Angelos will spend more money in the FA market this year than last. However, the Orioles wont be challenging the Yankees or Boston in 2010, no matter who they acquire. Why overpay when you can't challenge. So, I think they will look to trade first and then go into the FA market. They may DH Reimold alot in the early apart of the 2010 season to ensure that he fully recovers, so Scott or Pie are likely to be offered in a trade.

I agree that a starting pitcher is the most necessary addition for the O's to improve. The only true #1 starter that is available as a FA is Brandon Webb, yet no one mentions him. I know he had a shoulder operation during the season but I understand it was orthoscopic which is not as invasive as regular surgery. If there is some reasonable assurance available that he has or will recover fully, he is the best option for the improvement of the team.

Pitchers, pitchers, pitchers. Our bullpen was terrible at holding leads last year, and our starters couldn't make it past the fourth inning most of the time. If we need any hitting, it is guys who hit in the clutch. Thirty homers doesn't mean crap when twenty of them are solo. I'd rather a guy who hits fifteen homers and drives in 100 runs as opposed to a guy who hits 30 homers and drives in 80-90. We need someone like Tejada his first year in Baltimore. He led the league in sack fly RBI's that year. That was the only reason he led the league in RBI's. Ortiz would have had more if not for the sack flys. Pitching and clutch hitting.

Hoot -

No one mentions Webb because he's not a free agent. He's got an option that's almost certain to be picked up.

If we're talking about guys with options that are sure to be picked up/renegotiated for 2010, we're adding Webb, Cliff Lee, Tim Hudson, Victor Martinez and Carl Crawford to the FA list.

Speaking of guys with options, the Dodgers just declined Jon Garland's.

I was completely against signing Garland prior to the 2009 season, owing his moderate success to pitching in the weak AL Central for most of his career. He pitched in the slightly stronger, but pitching heavy, NL Central this past season, and he tossed 30+ starts, put up 200+ innings and kept his ERA under 4.50 for the fifth time in six years (he put up a 4.90 ERA in 196 innings in '08.

If Garland's willing to take another 1 year, $6.5M deal, I'd be all about bringing him to Baltimore.

Why all the Mussina bashing?

Mike jumped through hoops and ladders in an effort to stay here, but Angelos wanted rid of him no matter what because paying Moose a fair salary was way out of Pete's plans.

And that was that.

Daniel -

Good luck finding a player that hits 15 homers and drives in 100.

There were 27 guys in the bigs who drove in 100 runs this year. Only three hit less than 20 homers. And we've already got one of them: Bobby Abreu (15, 103), Jorge Cantu (16, 100) and Nick Markakis (18, 101).

And Miggy's 150 rbi season got me thinking, so I looked up some numbers:

Since 1962, only six players have driven in 150+ runs:
- Alex Rodriguez, 156 in 2007
- Miggy, 150 in 2004
- Sammy Sosa, 160 in 2001, 158 in 1998
- Manny Ramirez, 165 in 1999
- Juan Gonzalez, 157 in 1998
- Andres Galarraga, 150 in 1996

Notice a trend (at least with the first four)?

Fang -

One poster mentioned Moose. Not really enough to ask "Why all the Mussina bashing?"...

Anyways, Angelos didn't do Mussina any favors, but if Mike was really jumping "through hoops and ladders" to stay in Baltimore, he would have stayed.

I'd like to see Reimold move to 1st base if Prince Fielder truly is not available and see them sign Tejada to play 3rd base. He seems happy again and a descent run producer. Other than that I really dont see many offensive options and veteran pitching options...uhhh...errrrr...good luck Macphail!

TIME TO RETURN TO APPROPRIATE RENDITIONS OF OUR NATIONAL ANTHEM

Mary J. Blige is a lovely woman and a formidable singer of the music for which she is famous.
Unfortunately, she just sang our National Anthem in an ad-lib style, which is ill-suited for this country’s, or any country’s national anthem.

I will endeavor to maintain a measured approach about a topic, which has bothered me for as long as our ears and sensibilities have been attacked by popular singers -- approved by the Commissioner’s Office -- solely to appeal to young fans.

It is an insult of major proportions to reason that young Americans will not react well to hearing the Star-Spangled Banner presented by the West Point Glee Club or by a sensitized Ronan Tynan.

I fear that many young people have not been exposed very often to a stirring rendition of “our song.” Recent generations have heard mostly off-key a capella versions by soloists. The Star-Spangled Banner is not meant to be sung by a lone singer without martial, or semi-martial music.

My age predisposes me to hold this opinion; but, this should not be a matter of opinion. It should be a matter of common sense.

I cannot imagine that God Save the Queen has been twisted into near non-recognition before a football match at Wembley Stadium, or, more unimaginable, how about singers and musicians at Roland Garros engaged in a musical free-for-all with La Marseillaise caught in the middle.

The French are understandably very proud and protective of their country’s icons. La Marseillaise would never be subjected to the disrespect to which our National Anthem is routinely subjected.

It is secular, patriotic blasphemy.

It may be the worst transgression Bud Selig has sanctioned – because it would be so simple to rectify this travesty and return the Star-Spangled Banner to musicians and singers who will treat it with reverence and gusto.

In the great Humphrey Bogart movie Casablanca, the scene in which Victor Laszlo drowns out German soldiers singing Deutschland Ueber Alles, by leading the French ex-patriots at Rick’s in singing Les Marseillaises has never failed to raise the hair on my arms; but, more significantly, it is testament to the power of a song, which by definition, is designed to stir the feelings of patriotism.*

Last night, was a far cry from Roseanne. But Mary J. is no Robert Merrill, even in his current, delicate condition.

*This scene ends with Inspector Reynaud being handed his gambling winnings as he declares, “I’m shocked, Rick, shocked, to find that there’s gambling going on here.”

I don't agree with the many commenters here who seem to think you can put just anybody at first base, and it won't make any difference. Maybe Reimold could excel there, maybe not. No one knows. You don't have to look very hard to see examples of what a real first baseman can mean to a team, as opposed to just a player who doesn't fit in anywhere else. 1b is NOT a second dh.

jackdunn'sbaby -

"My age predisposes me to hold this opinion; but, this should not be a matter of opinion. It should be a matter of common sense."

Love of any and all music, regardless of style or content, is based on opinion.

That said, it's pretty hilarious that Bud and MLB seem to believe that if they get a popular singer to sing the National Anthem, people who like that singer will actually tune in and watch the game.

Mussina signed a hometown discount contract in Baltimore, then when he became a free agent again he made it clear that he would not accept less than market value. He went to the Skankees because he thought sure he'd get a world series championship while there, plus he got his market value. Well sorry there, Mikey, no ring for you. I reserve the right to dislike any player who dons Skankee pinstripes, and Moose qualifies. Had he gone anywhere else, I'd still be a huge fan of his. As far as the O's signing Holliday or Bay, I'm all for it, but get a veteran pitcher to help the rotation, and while you're at it sign someone who can at least pass for a closer.

"I cannot imagine that God Save the Queen has been twisted into near non-recognition before a football match at Wembley Stadium..."

PS - A British R&B singer named Joss Stone sang "God Save the Queen" prior to an NFL game at Wembley last football season. And she butchered it.

give the brewers gm a list of all the prospects in the o's system and say,"here, pick any 5 you want for fielder and lets get a deal done".... sounds simple enough to me.

Dave -

I'm not sure I want to give the Brewers our best five prospects for Fielder, who might only stick around Baltimore for two years.

Maybe see if they'll bite on Arrieta, Pie and a few lower level guys like Zach Britton and Ryan Adams.

Don't even waste anyone's time trying to get Holliday. The guy who is signable for Baltimore & that would make a living with our right field picnic area is Adam LaRoach. Great glove, rarely on the DL, usually drives in 100 & hits 25/30 home runs each year. Book him Andy.

I think picking up Troy Glaus for 1 year with a 2nd year option would be a decent move provided that the docs think he would be healthy enough. A veteran player, RH power bat, corner infielder, and a winner's mentality as he was on the Angels World Series winning team in 2002.

Holliday and Bay don't play a position that we need and in my opinion will end up being paid more than they are worth. It's been mentioned here several times, and I agree, that Holliday is not worth Tex money. (I'd even argue that Tex is not worth "Tex money" but that's another story.)

jeff -

Glaus would be a solid addition if he isn't worried about guaranteed money.

If the O's could sign him to a one year, $2-4M deal with incentives and a club option for a second year, I'd be happy with that.

Bobby Abreu, who would have been a great addition to the team, signed for 2 yrs with the Angels and the guy that I was hoping the O's would make a play for 3B was Mark Teahen and he was traded to the White Sox.

jeffchill, totally agree with you on Holliday. I don't think he is worth the money and I am not sure if he can come close to putting up the #s he's put in the NL. Boras said the price is 160 mil so let some other team take him for that or close to that amount.

I would like to see the O's get Garland and try to sign Webb for an incentive laden deal. The guy has been very, very good in AZ. These are the type of guys that the O's need to go after since Lackey wont come here.

Tampa and Baltimore, seem to do a lot of trading so I was curious why they didn't go after Aki Iwamora because he was a 3B before Evan came along. He wouldn't knock in a hell of lot of runs, but he hits for a good avg. and would be a very good #2 guy in the order and that would allow the O's to get the big bats for DH and 1B which are easier to fill than 3B since the market for 3B is bad. I know Pete and I, disagree on getting an older vet to play DH like a Hideki Matsui, Jermaine Dye or Jim Thome, but DH is the position is one in which age isn't an issue.

jackdunn'sbaby -
"My age predisposes me to hold this opinion; but, this should not be a matter of opinion. It should be a matter of common sense."
Love of any and all music, regardless of style or content, is based on opinion.
I cannot imagine that God Save the Queen has been twisted into near non-recognition before a football match at Wembley Stadium..."
PS - A British R&B singer named Joss Stone sang "God Save the Queen" prior to an NFL game at Wembley last football season. And she butchered it.
Posted by: not brooks

not brooks,
Thanks for acknowledging my post. The mention of "age" and "opinion" were related to music only in the genre limited to anthems; and, then, only the formality with which anthems are presented.

Perhaps the English are not as careful with God Save the Queen as I supposed. If Elizabeth Regina II heard Stone's rendition, she probably said, "We are seriously displeased."

I'm in favor of using Michael Aubrey at 1b next year, primarily as a placeholder until Brandon Snyder is deemed ready. His stellar defense would greatly help a young pitching staff. He also showed better-than-advertised power in his September "try-out." For me, the real question is 3b. I don't think the organization feels that Josh Bell is a year away--probably 2 years. This is where the O's should be concentrating their attention, but there isn't much in the free agent market. I think Pie raised his trade value with a fine second half last year. Perhaps McPhail can work a trade to get a third baseman for two seasons.

How short are some people's memories? I'm refering to those who are even suggesting that we bring Baez back. How many games did he blow and /or leads did he cough up?
I don't care is he pitches for the MLB minimum, as long as it's not for us. In fact, I hope he stays in the AL East and he can 'redeem' himself by surrending a couple of walk-off HRs.

The Os should call to every team with high priced corner infield talent and check their availability. The Tigers and Miguel Cabrera, Cubs with Derrek Bell (I mean Lee) and Aramis, Brewers with Fielder, Padres with Gonzales, Yankees Tex and A-Rod, etc. There's no way to know what could shake loose. Although with Andy saying he wont trade young talent, this may be a moot point.

I wouldn't worry about 'holding up a young player' as that's a nice problem to have.

The tex and a-rod thing was a joke.

I don't know why everyone is in such a hurry to stick Reimold on 1st. He may not play it well and if he's never played there it is going to take at leasy a couple of yrs for him to get comfortable there. What if Pie turns into another Gary Matthews (as an O) or Cory Patterson? I would like to see him have at least 1 good year before we turn LF over to him full time and possible retatd the growth of the promising young LF'er we already have. Reimold COULD have more hitting problems at 1st when he has to put so much into learning the fielding part of the job. Do we want to DOWNGRADE TWO positions? I say leave Reimold in LF, rotate Pie in the 3 OF positions and have all the OF'ers DH once a week and get top production from all four. If no other better solution presents itself, Aubrey has 1st until Snyder forces his way on it or we come up with a better plan. If Aubrey can't match Huff's 2009 and 2007 production I would be surprised.

I say let MacPhail stay the course by not making a huge splash yet, but rather- and I know this may be a little more painful this year- continue to make a couple of lower tier stop-gap moves to better prepare for a major splash in 2011 and going forward. We do not need OF help so don't overpay for Holliday! Let Reimold and Pie continue playing in left w/Montanez and Scott as additional insurance. Perhaps go after Figgins, but nothing beyond that. Lackey is intriguing and has tons of winning experience as well, but unless we can get Lackey for a good deal- and not even assuming he would want to come here- I would hold off on adding a major pitcher. Perhaps Bedard as a much for affordable option. Man, talk about the O's trade of the century coming around full-circle- getting Bedard BACK after getting so much for him. Hats off once again to AM!! Getting back to If we got Figgins: One line of thinking is that he can also play multiple positions and brings a winning, energetic attitude to the club. He steals tons of bases so our lineup will certainly manufacture a lot of runs. You stick him in the #1 or 2 spot in lineup w/Roberts, then Jones at #3, Markakis, Wieters, and on down...or, Figgins at #9, setting up B-Rob, etc. With Figgins at 31, it's not too much of a stretch. But the other line of thinking is the is the Josh Bell project. Either: 1- Bell is future, which means Wiggy plugs in a 3B until he's ready (hopefully by 2011), or 2- Bell is packaged in a trade. My personal position is I say DON'T get Figgins and let Wiggy fill in to buy time for Bell's promotion and give Bell more time to see what he's got. There will be more 3B available down the road if needed. That said, what I would do is simply go after Lackey or Bedard, and some bullpen help, and don't add more position players. THEN in 2011, make a splash for either Prince Fielder or Adrian Gonzalez, AND Roy Halladay!

All this to say, I'm glad MacPhail is calling the shots b/c as much insight as we all think we have, I'm so grateful that a top notch, bona-fide GM in AM will make the best moves. Again, THANK YOU to Mr. Angelos for bringing him on board to build the franchise! We are VERY close my friends!

About the Mussina bashing. He gave a significant hometown discount in his last contract. The Player's Assoc. were horrified. Could have had several 20 win seasons if he received any run support.
After being ignored by the penny pinching Angelos, only the Yankee players and Torre called and showed interest in going to the Yankees.
Moving Reimold to 1st is a no brainer. Pay top dollar for a 1st class 3rd baseman and you look pretty good. Sign Bedard for his usual 5-7 inning starts expecting couple of trips to DL. Buys some time until young pitchers have time to put up or shut up.

Riemold to 1st is a no-brainer? What kind of cookie-cutter management are you people into?

While we're at it, lets move Jones to SS and Izturis to 3rd to make room for Pie in center field.

Then we can designate Markakis as the closer and have Wieters as the set up man.

The O's need the BEST BAT: either by trade or Free Agency. And this "Bat" should be young. Nobody north of 29 is even worth considering--it's about building around a proven, young, highly talented individual.

the Shortest of lists:

Joe Mauer: (best bat, and free agent (in 2011)...which means keeping prospects in Organization)

Hanley Ramerize: (head case issues, but the next Albert??)

Miguel Cabrera: (head case issues too, but UNBELIEVABLE talent...Detroit with Money issues = value??)

Prince Fielder: Adrian Gonzalez: Ryan Zimmerman: are all A- type guys, but MAY be worth the investment of prospects or money.

That's it really. Pretty limited amount of guys that could be the featured guy in Baltimore.

My vote: JOE MAUER...he's going to be a Hall of Famer (it seems) with a CAREER .327 BA. Nobody is CLOSE to those #'s. Maybe acquiring him in a trade makes the pending Free Agency easier since the O's could get the 2 compensatory draft picks. It just means dealing talent to get him...Riemold, Snyder, and Jake Arrita maybe gets it done.

The O's need the BEST BAT: either by trade or Free Agency. And this "Bat" should be young. Nobody north of 29 is even worth considering--it's about building around a proven, young, highly talented individual.

the Shortest of lists:

Joe Mauer: (best bat, and free agent (in 2011)...which means keeping prospects in Organization)

Hanley Ramerize: (head case issues, but the next Albert??)

Miguel Cabrera: (head case issues too, but UNBELIEVABLE talent...Detroit with Money issues = value??)

Prince Fielder: Adrian Gonzalez: Ryan Zimmerman: are all A- type guys, but MAY be worth the investment of prospects or money.

That's it really. Pretty limited amount of guys that could be the featured guy in Baltimore.

My vote: JOE MAUER...he's going to be a Hall of Famer (it seems) with a CAREER .327 BA. Nobody is CLOSE to those #'s. Maybe acquiring him in a trade makes the pending Free Agency easier since the O's could get the 2 compensatory draft picks. It just means dealing talent to get him...Riemold, Snyder, and Jake Arrita maybe gets it done.

Paulie:

You'd have to include Markakis or Matusz in that trade. Nice dream though.

Dave:

I doubt in a trade for guy that's about to become a FA, you'd move Major League talent (Mark Texiara to Atlanta, Victor Martinize to Boston, Miguel Cabrera to Detroit---all of which didn't send a Nick Markakis talent back)

just saying. Riemold, a guy who was in the running for AL ROY is a pretty nice piece for any team. The advantage is that the Twins would have guys closer to "major league ready" in a trade vs. loosing Mauer to Free Agency.

Dave:

I doubt in a trade for guy that's about to become a FA, you'd move Major League talent (Mark Texiara to Atlanta, Victor Martinize to Boston, Miguel Cabrera to Detroit---all of which didn't send a Nick Markakis talent back)

just saying. Riemold, a guy who was in the running for AL ROY is a pretty nice piece for any team. The advantage is that the Twins would have guys closer to "major league ready" in a trade vs. loosing Mauer to Free Agency.

Dave:

I doubt in a trade for guy that's about to become a FA, you'd move Major League talent (Mark Texiara to Atlanta, Victor Martinize to Boston, Miguel Cabrera to Detroit---all of which didn't send a Nick Markakis talent back)

just saying. Riemold, a guy who was in the running for AL ROY is a pretty nice piece for any team. The advantage is that the Twins would have guys closer to "major league ready" in a trade vs. loosing Mauer to Free Agency.

Can you honestly blame Mussina for jumping ship when he did? He saw the direction the organization was headed and knew he had zero shot of winning a ring here. The ring didn't happen for him - but that doesn't mean it wasn't a smart move. He had the opportunity every year.

In regards to next year, there's not that many A-list free agents. But even if there were they wouldn't come to Baltimore. Those days are gone folks. We'd have to trade for a big bat and that means parting with some of those big arms we've been stock-piling. It's doubtful that's going to happen.

Unless we get A LOT MORE from our starting pitchers, it won't matter who it batting clean-up - we'll be having the 100 loss conversation next September too.

Forget about finding a #1 starter - I'd be happy if they could find a guy who can last into the 6th inning.

Can you honestly blame Mussina for jumping ship when he did? He saw the direction the organization was headed and knew he had zero shot of winning a ring here. The ring didn't happen for him - but that doesn't mean it wasn't a smart move. He had the opportunity every year.

In regards to next year, there's not that many A-list free agents. But even if there were they wouldn't come to Baltimore. Those days are gone folks. We'd have to trade for a big bat and that means parting with some of those big arms we've been stock-piling. It's doubtful that's going to happen.

Unless we get A LOT MORE from our starting pitchers, it won't matter who it batting clean-up - we'll be having the 100 loss conversation next September too.

Forget about finding a #1 starter - I'd be happy if they could find a guy who can last into the 6th inning.

Trading Reimold, Arietta, and / or - God forbid - Matusz for anyone this side of Pujols would be a huge mistake. I see no way we could get our value back for the potential of these guys.

Yes I know, the key word here is "potential", but that's a chance I am willing to take. Mac has spent three or more years now building up this farm system; I'll be damned if he should be blowing the whole thing on any one swap.

Spend money, not prospects. Getting Lackey would do more for this club right now than Holliday and Fielder combined.

Hey I'm with those who question the wisdom of moving Reimold to first. It really helps to have a decent defensive 1B...Look how good Texieria was in the playoffs(although I was sick of earing about it every inning!).
You can't just stick anyone at 1st and maybe Reimold's hitting suffers while he's trying to learn a new position. Let's find a real first baseman somehwere and/or use the guys we have-like Aubrey or Synder.
In the meantime, pencil Reimold in for our starting LF and forgot about Pie being anything more than a 4th or 5th OF. Those guys can still play a role by coming off the bench, steal a base etc but I can't see Pie starting.
An OF of Jones, Reimold and Markakis is actually pretty decent.

ok do you really think any of these players will come to Baltimore? remember this organization has lost fir 12 straight years... as a player would you come to the Orioles knowing your gonna lose.. i think not.. so to even think they will get anything but stop gap players is a dream... and remember the yankees and red sox buy they teams.. the orioles can't.. most of those so called GOOD players will be gone.. left with stop gap players.. until MLB put's in a salary cap teams like the orioles will continue to lose... lose money and at some point will fold..that will leave MLB with the yankees and red sox as there only teams.... MLB needs to grow up.. ! no players worth that kind of money period!

I love the revisionist history on Mussina. He sure wasn't wowed to stay here, but he was an admitted Yankee fan growing up a la Texeira and didn't really hesitate to split before even seeing if the O's would match. Not a bad guy or a bad move, but he split on his own.

I still hope there is a rabbit in the hat waiting to come out since I'm still not too excited about the realistic prospects for Baltimore in FA.

I'm also hesitant to say Reimold jumps right back into ROY form battling an achilles injury. Any affects on his approach at the plate could completely change his performance. Not that he won't get back eventually, but it's no given he's the same guy in the spring. If so, then LF is just as much a question as 1st and 3rd.

Usually the optimist, but always a realist first too.

No rings for Moose! No rings for Moose! Hahahahahahahaha!

Hey Pete...

Do you think there's any chance the O's make a play for Halladay?

The guy OWNS the AL East (including the Orioles) in his career, and the Orioles have plenty of young pitching depth to offer the Jays a few prospects.

I personally think the Rays should offer Toronto Carl Crawford and some prospects - a deal the Jays would most certainly consider - but do you see Andy making a play?

Heck, I'd even consider parting ways with Reimold and a couple young pitchers - like Berken, Hernandez and/or Patton - if it'll bring the Doc to Baltimore.

Anyway, your thoughts?

Dave:

I doubt in a trade for guy that's about to become a FA, you'd move Major League talent (Mark Texiara to Atlanta, Victor Martinize to Boston, Miguel Cabrera to Detroit---all of which didn't send a Nick Markakis talent back)

just saying. Riemold, a guy who was in the running for AL ROY is a pretty nice piece for any team. The advantage is that the Twins would have guys closer to "major league ready" in a trade vs. loosing Mauer to Free Agency.

Putz44: Any player will come to Baltimore as long as the O's offer the Most money.

It's silly to think a guy will turn down millions because the franchise has been mired in a slump.

Over the most...get any player. Why would it be any different?

why the hurry to get a quitter like Bedard back? he'd pitch his 5 2/3 and gladly hand it over to the pen....get a guy who wants the ball

putz44;

While I would agree with you that top free agents are not likely to sign with the Os at this point in time, you're being a little overly pessimistic.

Do you have any doubt that had PA kept Pat Gillick and left him alone to run things, that the Os would have been a consistently winning team over the last 12 years. I sure don't.

As far as the Yanks and Bosox signing all the best players and leaving us with nothing worthwhile, I don't buy it. Sure, they've got Teixeira and Youkilis playing first base, but by my count that leaves close to a dozen other first basemen who hit between say 28 and 40 HRs this year.

Assuming that the Os were a well run team, and they're showing signs of it with AM, I fail to see why one of those guys wouldn't sign with us.

Hey, if you can't sign with the big two, what's wrong with signing with a well run middle market club that will give you opportunities to beat the big two.

Just read that the Mets bought out JJ Putz, anyone else think he'd be a good replacement for Sherrill?

By the way, if anyone thinks that Mauer is going anywhere else but to the Skankees, you are nuts. Mauer is a free agent in 2011. Posada is done after this upcoming season. It's as if it was scripted to work out... Much like Tex being a free agent the same year that the Skankees get out from Giambi's contract...

Mauer will stay in Minnesota. He will be well paid to remain with the Twins and that is where he wants to play.

Tony P and Barry,

a. O's have a lot of money (33 milli?)
b. O's need a Great player (Joe Mauer).
c. O's spend the most money. (Players Association/Agent's mean Most = Deal)

I think Mauer gets TOP money (A-Rod money). LeBron of Baseball.

Even the Yankees can't put a QUARTER of their payroll into 2 players.

I don't know that Minnesota has that type of money, if they do...god bless them. They deserve his services.

--Matt Holiday was terrible in the AL...no dice.

paulie -

Not going after Matt Holliday because he was "terrible in the AL" would be stupid.

First off, if Holliday was terrible in the AL, then Nolan Reimold was terrible as well. Not sure how a guy we're all talking about as a ROY candidate could be terrible.

Second, Holliday started '09 with a new team, a new stadium and a new city; basically a new life. ANYONE would be prone to struggle in that situation. Add to that the fact that Holliday's new stadium is the worst hitters park in the AL and his new team was the least imposing in the AL and you've got a recipe for a difficult first half.

And let's cool off on the Mauer talk for a bit. He's not a free agent until after 2010 and if the O's wanted to trade for him, it would take Matusz, Reimold and probably another two upper level prospects. And that ain't happening. So let's just wait and see what happens with Matt Wieters before we talk about signing Mauer.

Christoper -

No way Reimold and a couple of crappy/injured pitchers would get us Halladay, I'd do that trade in a heartbeat.

Tony -

First off, Posada is signed through 2011.

Second, even before they look at the open market, the Yanks have a huge off season coming up after 2010: Derek Jeter and Mariano Rivera are both free agents. They'll also be looking at Melky Cabrera's arbitration years, and possibly a long term deal. And Joba Chamberlain and Phil Hughes will be getting big arb raises in after 2010 as well.

The Yanks have solid contract figures on eight players for 2010:

- Alex Rodriguez: $32M
- CC Sabathia: $24.259
- Mark Teixeira: $23.125M
- AJ Burnett: $16.5M
- Jorge Posada: $13.1M
- Robinson Cano: $10M
- Nick Swisher: $9.1M
- Damaso Marte: $4M

That's $115.584M for eight players. Add the $20M plus that Jeter's sure to get (unless some sort of disaster befalls Captain Yank) and the $15M they'll give Mo, and you've got $145.584M for ten players. And in those ten, you're missing two outfielders (Melky's probably one of them, but who knows what he'll be making), three starting pitchers and five relievers (Joba and Hughes are two).

It's just a hunch, but I don't think the Yanks are going to be spending the $28-$30M per that Mauer's going to get on one player.

Well after reading all of the above, my thoughts are:

1. Webb has had his option picked up, (as has Manny), so he is not available.
2. Holliday stated when he returned to Denver after his trade to the Cardinals that he preferred the National League, but money usually talks.
3. Bedard is probably worth pursuing, but having said that, I sure remember a lot of people being glad he was gone because he didn't like the press, wouldn't pitch deep into games, etc.
4. A comment was made about Teixiera using the Orioles to drive up his price. The Orioles were dead last in the bidding and didn't even come close to the other bids.
5. Like Bedard, an awful lot of people wanted Tejada gone. Given the lack of power from Mora this year, why do we want another non-power hitting third baseman?
6. For those that want to trade 4 or 5 players/good prospects for a Fielder or Gonzales type, what does that accomplish other than to reverse the effects of the Bedard trade to Seattle?
7. Can't we let go of Mussina yet? It's been almost a decade now!!!!

Peter-
Here is the problem with "if they can't outspend them, they have to out scout them".

All of the top INT Free Agents, EVERYONE knows about. So, unless you really find that needle in a haystack and for some reason no one else knows of him, you HAVE to every once in a while take a flyer.

Would you say half of the top players in the MLB ranks are from outside the USA? Whether they still are good or not
Tejada, Guerrero, Santana, Reyes, Posado, Ramirez, Rivera,etc. etc. etc.

If Sano turns into the next Hanley Ramirez and the O's could have had him for 3.5 million, that is pathetic.
That kind of money is chump change when you look at the upside.
Thats why the Twins and Marlins are 2 of the most consistent teams in MLB and they are from very small markets.
The O's blew that one.

Pete-

I see the Mets declined JJ Putz's option. He was a pretty good closer for the Mariners not that long ago. Do you think the O's should look into him as a closer. I think he'd be reasonably priced, and he knows the AL hitter. What do you think?

dave -

I think a lot of teams will be in on Putz if there's even a small chance that he'll be ready to go by spring training.

Given the injuries, toss him a few million guaranteed and give him enough incentives that he can make $10M and you've probably got a deal.

Everyone knows the O's need to upgrade by adding a run producer, a closer and a veteran starter. How about from free agency:

Rafael Soriano - closer
Erik Bedard - starter 1 or 2 yr deal tops

In trade:

Adam Dunn - he's cheaper than Holliday, Bay would cost. he plays a position of need - 1B/DH, he'd love the Yards right field porch and would hit a ton of home runs.

I think those 3 moves would change the fortunes of the Orioles into winners and then with the young players development, contenders.

I like Aubrey on 1st... think he finds his stroke and has a .280 18 80 type season.

Laroche is a 20-25 HR guy and has cracked 90 rbi once. He is going to want 10mil plus a year.

It would be GREAT to get Lackey and Holliday. Not likely, but that would get them to .500 I think. I would like to move Scott for something. He bugs me.

tim flynn, great post. i like the way you're thinking, but i would rather they get someone like jose valverde or putz to close. i like the idea of a short term deal for bedard. if he can stay healthy and get his head on straight, he can be a dominant pitcher, like he was in his last year with baltimore. dunn would be great. i think he'd hit 40-45 hrs if he came to baltimore. also, i would like to see go get garret atkins. he's a good player and he'd be a solid third baseman

Shamrock -

Sure, LaRoche has only knocked in 90+ once, but you've got to look a little deeper.

In 2006, when he drove in 90 runs he was batting 7th or 8th for the Braves. Obviously a pretty nice lineup to hit with in the mid 2000's, but he easily would have driven in 100+ if he was hitting in the middle of the order. In fact, after he moved up in the lineup in August of that season, his run production took the expected jump.

Oh, and then he played for the Pirates for 2.5 years.

And then last season, he hit 12 homers and drove in 40 for the Pirates in 324 at bats. Then, after a few games in Boston, he was traded back to Atlanta, where he exactly matched his Pittsburgh production in 112 fewer at bats.

In short, if Teixeira's market value is $20M+ per year, I'd be fine with giving LaRoche $10M per on a one or two year deal if he's going to solidify an ugly first base situation.

Dave -

I'm with you on Putz. He's the only "closer" this team should go after.

I'm with you on Dunn as well, but I don't think the Nats are thinking trade. I'm guessing they're going to see what happens with Strasburg, who's a franchise-changing talent. If one of Washington's other young starters can blossom in 2010 and Strasurg is as good as advertised, they could have a Lincecum/Cain-esque thing going on in DC. (Of course, Dunn is one of the worst fielders in the game, so he's destined to be a DH.)

I'm totally against you on Garrett Atkins, unless he's INSANELY cheap. The guy has been a disaster since his first big year in Colorado; his OPS has dropped from .965 to .853 to .780 to .650. Once December comes around, he'll be on the wrong side of 30, where a rebound is pretty unlikely, especially considering the fact that he collapsed in the best hitters park in the game while surrounded by some very good hitters.

Let's also remember folks: there will be more free agents available than just the ones who initially file for free agency.

Buster Olney reported last week that dozens of players will be released in the coming weeks to avoid salary arbitration, many more than in any time in recent history.

Andy is waiting patiently for a player or two to drop on the market as a result of their team not wanting to go to arbitration.

Luckily, the O's are one of the few teams with cash to spend. Add to that the many holes to fill, and a definite need to improve in order show the fans that they're moving in the right direction, this will be an offseason in which some moves are made.

not brooks--

Matt Holiday lifetime splits:
avg obp slug ops
home: 351 .420 .632 1.052
Away: .284 .353 .455 .808

the differentials are dramatic and scary.

I'm just saying that away from Coors field, he's not the A+ type player anymore. He's more like an A- player.

Shamrock: TOTALLY agree with you on Scott. Bugs me, and needs to go while the value is marginal. IDKW, he bugs me...but streaky is not a horse to bet on.

not brooks: agree with wanting Putz, agree that market will probably be to high for return on investment.

Ferg: great point on market. AM is pretty darn good GM, I think he'll make good moves.

tim flynn: TOTALLY agree on Bedard. I hope market is cheap on him and O's grab him cheap on limited years. Disagree on cheap 1B bat...save money for Jones, Matuze, Wieters, BIG Free Agent bat.

paulie:

Too much is made of Holliday's Rockies splits. They're ugly mostly because of how crazy they were in his first two seasons. If you look at the numbers, year by year, you'll see what I'm talking about...

Holliday's OPS splits by year with the Rockies:

2005:
Home: 1.002
Away: .729

2006:
Home: 1.132
Away: .819

2007:
Home: 1.157
Away: .860

2008:
Home: .963
Away: .896

So, as he got older, and improved as a player, his splits got closer and closer.

not brooks;

Have you seen a comparison of Reimold and Holliday's minor league numbers. Reimold's are hugely better. I have to assume that the different leagues they played in and park effects must have had something to do with that. Do you know anything specifically about that.

bob -

I was never arguing Holliday vs. Reimold.

I was just trying to show paulie that Holliday wasn't actually "terrible in the AL".

By the way, Reimold's minor league numbers were huge, and hopefully, for him, they translate. But it's really hard to put any stock in minor league numbers.

Take Holliday, for example. He basically jumped straight from Double A (where he put up a .730 OPS in two season) to the majors. And in the majors, he's only "struggled" for an extended period of time once. And even when he "struggled", he put up an .823 OPS with one of the worst offensive teams in the worst hitters park in the AL.

So he goes from a .730 OPS in AA to a .932 OPS in the Majors. How do you explain that?

not brooks;

I would say it is explained as a young guy coming into his own, starting to put it all together.

Just for the record. I wasn't alluding to any specific discussion you had on this subject when I asked my question. Sorry if it came out that way, but there was nothing between the lines. I was just seeing a huge difference between the two guys that, based on what I've seen of the two, shouldn't be there. I just thought you might know more about the leagues they played in. They can be a big difference.

Does anyone know if Sheets is recovered? He would be worth a shot if he was recovered from his surgery. He is a health risk, but so is Bedard. I think the O's are going to have to take some risks this winter if they aren't willing to overpay.

I would like to see the O's make a play for Pedro Feliz. He is a solid 3B. Chone isn't coming here so other than a trade, Beltre is the only other option. Adrian is great with the glove, but his offense is in decline and given the offensive woes of the O's, they need someone who can knock in runs. Feliz isn't going to hit a lot of HRs, but he can knock in runs which is the big problem for the O's since they can get guys on, but not bring them home.

I like the idea of going after JJ Putz, as he was nasty for the M's, but I can only imagine the number of teams that will make a play for him like the Phillies, Rays and Tigers if Rodney signs with someone lese.

SHAMROCK, I am with you, as I am not a Luke Scott fan. I think what you see from him now is what you will get. He's 31 so I don't see him being anything more than a streaky player. I do think a lot of teams that don't need a consistent run producer, would want him because when he's hot, he's hot so I do think he has some trade value especially when you factor in his salary. He was awful after the break and for this team, they can't afford a streaky player.

Todd -

The only reason Feliz drove 80+ runs last season was because he was a part of an amazing lineup.

RBI's are completely team dependent. Put Adrian Gonzalez on a team with even a decent offense in 2009 (the O's, for example), and he knocks in 130+ instead of the paltry 99 he actually drove in for the Padres.

That said, look at Feliz's meaningful numbers...

Age: 35
Lifetime OBP: .293
Lifetime OPS: .715
2009 OBP: .308
2009 OPS: .694 (full season career low)
2009 HR: 12 (full season career low)

One word: Ugly.

I'd take Adrian Beltre, Troy Glaus or even Miguel Tejada over Feliz in a heartbeat.

not brooks:

yes, maybe I've over stated Holliday as being "terrible", and fair point that his OPS rates have climbed each year.

if one can claim his bad year was exacerbated by bad home ball park, and bad team, than just as easily someone can say his good statics also get a boost from a great home park, and pretty good teams with the Rockies.

In the end, I see him as a player that has yet to truly prove that the "Coors effect" is not all to the story. Yes, in St Louis he did a very good job, but I'd like to see a full year before deciding his stats aren't overly inflated.

Therefore, I don't believe the price he'll command (15 million, per year guesstimating) will be worth the results. At least at this point. He may prove me wrong, but I see him not-likely to return the investment. IMHO.

I will admit a bit of a bias against NL players; I fall into to that "the NL is AAAA" thought process*. I guess it's just snobbery.

*(that is these days...not the past)

Our fans have an unfortunate habit of overrating the players currently on the team. That said, Matt Holiday would be an instant plus over any player currently under the teams' control. Our ballpark is made for this guy, which is a good thing, considering the fact that the Mets' fans are slavering in anticipation of signing him. RE: Chone Figgins. The Phillies have him in the crosshairs. Trying outbid them can become something of a nightmare. Time and money better spent by bringing in a couple of quality starters. Should they sign Holiday and acquire some pitching help, it just might be enough to push us over the .500 level.

Pete,

As far as the offseason is concerned, I think it is more important to land the best setup/closer type pitcher to compliment Jim Johnson than to acquire a veteran starter. If they get a veteran starter, I hope it isn't in the Adam Eaton or Rich Hill mold. I also think it's very important to to have on the 25 man roster a player who wont hurt you defensively at third. But its Angelos' money and McPhail wants a right-handed bat for the cleanup spot.

What do you think it would take to get Billy Butler in a trade other than having those guys that stole the #8 statue, pay Mr. Butler a visit?

Does it really matter anymore? The Orioles window is in 2011-2012, where we will be on the same level as the Brewers of today. Unfortunately, the Red Sox will have retooled and the Yankees will be the same as this year. There is no more reason to watch baseball if you're an Orioles fan.

jack:

Do you have any doubt that had Pat Gillick stayed with the Os and, more importantly, PA had given him free rein to run the club, that the Os would have been a competitive winning club for most of the last 12 years. I very much doubt that most knowledgeable baseball insiders would have bet sizeable sums against that proposition.

AM isn't Gillick, but he's a good baseball man. He's going to show you that a well run middle market team can be competitive.

Have you heard the rumors regarding the O's making a big push to land Dan Uggla from the Marlins (and move him from 2B to 3B)? The same source indicates the Giants are also interested....

Mike, I heard the rumors about the O's and Marlins, but the Giants is a bit of a shock given their superstar 3B and resigning of Sanchez at 2B. I don't know what the O's have or are willing to give up to get Uggla.

I have family in FL that have season tix to the Marlins so I've seen him play a lot and he is gritty and tough. The player in the AL that he reminds me of the most is Brandon Inge.

I know that the Marlins are looking for a power hitting OFer to go along with Cody Ross so I am thinking Luke Scott because he is a power hitter and is cheap which is important to the Marlins, but it will take more than Luke to get Uggla.

Uggla in my mind, would be the only 3B that isn't a short term solution, as the rest are either old or so so. Someone who I think would be a nice 3B if this doesn't work out, is Mark DeRosa. He has power, he's a vocal leader and plays with toughness. He is 35, but anyone the O's sign to play 3B, are short term solutions to buy time for Josh Bell or someone else in the system to step up.

I would still like to see the O's get Hideki Matsui, as their DH. I sound like a broken record, but to me, this is a position in which age means nothing. The O's need someone who can hit, protect Jones and Markakis plus I do think this helps the O's out even more in the Asian Market, as they could have Godzilla as the DH and Koji as the closer so that would certainly give the O's a huge presence in Japan.

I bet the Marlins would take Scott or Pie plus a starting pitcher prospect from the Oriole minor league system who doesn't figure into Baltimore's plans at the major league level this year.