Board Member 1: I've never heard of half of these guys and the ones I do know are way past their prime.
Charlie Donovan: Most of these guys never had a prime.
Rachel Phelps: The fact is we lost our two best players to free agency. We haven't won a pennant in over thirty-five years, we haven't placed higher than fourth in the last fifteen. Obviously it's time for some changes.
Board Member 2: This guy here is dead!
Rachel Phelps: Cross him off, then!

Gotta love Major League!

Scott Moore has hit two HRs, one a grand slam, as an Oriole. Name the pitchers.

I always liked Scott Moore, I guess its my endless fascination with Cubs.

Pete:

I like Arrieta. Number 17 on the top 100 list of minor league prospects - ahead of Drabeck whom the Phillies included in the Halladay trade this winter (after refusing last summer). He has the stuff to pitch Guthrie into the bull pen.

FanFarce:

Newest FanFarce Booth announcement:

The 'Oriole Invite' Booth: (At this booth, all you need to do is prove you've played some organized ball.... but you also have to be a kid, because - Duh, that's been the theme for over a decade).

More Booth announcements to come.......

Instead of stating the obvious, I will resort to something constructive. Or as constructive as one can be when talking about invites to the worst party in town.

I like Arrieta, too. Won't make the team with all of the hopes being dumped upon other youngsters, Millwood and Guthrie. But let him train with parent club for a good portion of Spring Training.

I rather like the potential of Simon, too. I'm not sure if he has gained any polish since last season but since he did spend some time in the big's, it is probably good to show he's not forgotten.

Don't know the other pitchers. Won't be looking them up.

Similarly, the only catcher I know on that list of three is Chad Moeller. I don't know if he's the best of the three but I did like the way he seemed to handle pitchers when he played for the O's and at the Tides games I went to. He's not an offensive juggernaut but as a back-up, he would be adequate.

Salazar, Moore? They're alive so it must be a catcher or pitcher on the list who is dead. Norfolk is a pretty nice place for baseball players. Well, maybe not Glenn Davis ...

Where is Jeff Fiorntino this year? I mean he can hit, has above average speed & gets a remarkable jump on the ball yet he can never seem to catch a break.

I say we invite Ripken and see if he'll play 3rd.

waspman -

You should look up Josh Perrault.

In his first season in the O's system, after being acquired from the Nats in the AAA phase of the 2008 Rule 5 draft, he put up a 2.13 ERA with 74 K's and just 18 BB's while splitting the year between Bowie and Norfolk.

At 27, he's old for a career minor leaguer, but he could impress in camp and find himself heading north with the O's in April. If not, I'd expect him to be the first callup when a reliever goes down with an injury.

Caleb Joseph is another name to watch. He was a 7th round pick in the 2008 draft and he put up a nice season in Frederick in 2009, his first full season as a pro. Joseph isn't going to take Matt Weiters' job any time soon, but he could be a nice trade chip if he continues to progress.

Frank Mata looks decent, but he's got control issues. If he figures them out and makes it to the majors at some point, I hope they don't put his last name first in the Media Guide because then someone might get the urge to kill Frank...

I am a little disappointed in the invites. The only noteworthy players listed are Caleb Joseph and Jake Arrieta. I would have liked to see them also bring in some of the young pitchers such as Erbe and Britton. Position players Bell, Snyder, and Waring.

not brooks,

you slay me.

Frank,

Dan Connolly wrote in his latest story on the website that because the big league and minor league facilities are now only 15 minutes away, it makes it possible to bring in some of the kids who haven't technically been given major league invites. So, you might see them after all.

Frank,

Britton's not gonna be there (but like Enzo said...) but the other guys (Erbe, Bell, Snyder...) should be at ST 'cause they're on the 40 man roster.

They all suck!!! C'mon Andy, I expect that list to be Crede, Branyan, Blaylock, Tejada, Bedard, Sheets, AGonzo, Holliday and six other guys currently under contract with other teams!

Do it for the fans, make PA open the check book and sign REAL TALENT for non-roster invitees! The truth will set you free! Schmuck is a WAREHOUSER!!

I'm going to go punch a hole in the wall!!!

but seriously, Id like to see someone from (figuratively) out of left field making a comeback... like Chuck Knoblauch or Darren Dreifort... someone totally random to make and otherwise boring spring training interesting.

Caleb Joseph is an outstanding young catcher. In 3 yrs, he may make Weiters our starting 1st baseman. Great prospect that proves Andy's system is working.

Glad to see Simon is back with his rebuilt arm. Could have been a solid starter in 2009, may still be.

Finally why does anyone want a bunch of "ole once was" invitees? Let's focus on our future not other teams problems.

hey, maybe the O's can have Knoblauch and Steve Sax work out the new first baseman?
I hear Rickey Henderson is available to teach the kids some card tricks. He can walk in literally from left field.
Schilling, now that his political boat has sailed?He strikes out Glenn Davis to secure Aubrey's spot on the roster...talk about some drama.

What about Wilfredo Perez? Pete was speaking pretty highly of him throughout much of last season. Any chance of seeing him again at some point? We do need another lefty in the bullpen...

Shamrock: I hope you break your own sheet rock. Destorying anothers wall is a crime.

Your ideas could hurt the Orioles future.

Chris in Hawaii can provide training sessions for your rehablitation. He definitely understands the process.
Our 40 man roster is loaded with quality talent.

Enzo in Brooklyn: Please go to;
http://baltimore.orioles.mlb.com/team/roster_active.jsp?c_id=bal

Our 40 man roster includes Wilfrido Perez and 20 other pitchers.
In addition the roster includes Michael Aubrey our future 1st baseman.

These guys are coming to ST.

Enzo in Brooklyn: Please go to;
http://baltimore.orioles.mlb.com/team/roster_active.jsp?c_id=bal

Our 40 man roster includes Wilfrido Perez and 20 other pitchers.
In addition the roster includes Michael Aubrey our future 1st baseman.

These guys are coming to ST.

"...Michael Aubrey our future 1st baseman."

Does that make anyone else a little sick to their stomach?

You should look up Josh Perrault ... Caleb Joseph is another name to watch ... Frank Mata looks decent, but he's got control issues. - not brooks

Thanks for the heads-up. After looking up the 37 "arms" from last year, I have sort of lost my enthusiasm for looking up mass quantities of players.

I can't say for sure if Joseph played in the game I saw in Frederick.

Great prospect that proves Andy's system is working. - west anchor

It certainly is admirable you have taken to Andy's defense -- even to the point you're on a first name basis with him. However, proof is an end-result and I believe (or I hope) having a "great prospect" is not an end-result.

The only thing proven is MacPhail is better than Syd Thrift which is not much of an end-result either. (I won't even compare any of the lap dogs in between.)

Let's see if the Orioles can actually get at least 82 wins in 2010 or 2011. If so, I will grant you MacPhail has this team going in the right direction.

And, no, improvement to 71 wins, then 75 wins will not count. After five straight years of demise, two years of "improvement" almost happens by default.

By Jeff Passan, Yahoo! sports:

.....“We were legit on Teixeira,” MacPhail said. “If you superimposed him on our lineup now, 28, with great work habits, played a position where you could expect him to perform over a long-term deal, local kid. He really would be somebody you could go out for. But if you’re wrong …”

And there’s the rub. The Orioles cannot afford to be wrong with a free agent as they build around their excellent young core......

McPhail in a nutshell. Wrong about Teixeira? Who in the hell is he waiting for? Who is EVER signed without a risk of injury or falling on his face performance wise?

"Gee, I thought about a long term deal for Pujols. But if I'm wrong..."

Barack McPhail. Change we can believe in! s.o.s. in reality. Scrub ass roster fillers with the "change we can believe in" perpetually around the corner.

I hope I eat my words. But I'll just get some breakfast in the meantime. Wouldn't want to starve to death.

Joseph had a decent first season in organized baseball. It is interesting that the ballclub invited this young guy to spring training. I supposed the team wants to see how he handles the pitching staff and his overall mechanics behind the plate. The Yankees had three catchers back in the day. Elston Howard, Yogi Berra, and John Blachard. One year the three of them hit a total of 60+ hrs out of the catching position. Never have enough pitching, and never enough catching.

Everyone wants to win today, which is understandable. So do I. But you have to be realistic in your expectations. We have three very good corner IF prospects in Bell, Snyder, and Waring. Out of those, I would expect 1 or 2 of them to meet expectations. I think Bell will be the more consistent player out of the group while Waring will be the pure power hitter. Snyder I am not sold on any longer after his rough season at Norfolk. He has more to prove than anyone. It is apparent that Bell will be the first one called up. Most likely, he will take the same route as Weiters. As long as he plays well, he will be here around June or July the latest. When Bell is called up, I expect Waring to be promoted to Norfolk. At that point, it will be a toss up between Snyder and Waring for who the next guy up will be. Either way, I would expect both of them to be called up by the end of the year or start next season with the O's.

This season could still still be a transition year with the bats. I do however expect our pitching to improve dramatically from last season. I am very excited to see the three young pitchers start the season with the O's. I think Bergensen could be a 15 game winner and surprise everyone, as he has his whole career at every level he has played. Matusz I think will be ROY. He too could win 15 games, but realistically, I think 12 is more likely. Tillman is still 21 years old. He will show inconsistency and learn as he goes. He will go through some growing pains and show brilliance at times. We know what we have in Millwood and Guthrie. Both are inning eaters and should hopefully keep us in games going deep each time out. When your team ERA is consistently the worst in MLB, how do you expect to do well? Now, our rotation is almost complete. We should at least improve to the middle of the pack and that alone should give us some hope at finishing at or above .500 next season.

Everytime I start to post about the Orioles organization,
my mother's words ring in my ears,"Son, if don't have something nice to say about people, don't say anything at all".

Mom, you win this time.

Kevin Cowherd,

Bravo! I'd watch your back around there now though. Negativity + Orioles, usually = Cya!

Nevertheless --- Bravo for telling the truth!

Gil,

When I think of the Os im reminded of my grandather who said fool me once shame on you, fool me twice, sheme on me

The Orioles are up to like 5 digits on the fool part

welcome to "watch the kids play"

vol 16,989.0

and it really about next yr version 13.0

the more things change

Here we stand on Day 30 since the Orioles did something of significance (the Atkins deal was finalized on Dec. 22nd).

Meanwhile, the Angels recently reached an agreement with Joel Piñeiro, the Brewers just signed Doug Davis, and the freaking Pirates added Octavio Dotel.

The more days that go by without even so much as a whisper from the Warehouse, the more likely it seems that Andy is done.

Prove me wrong, Andy!

PS - Here's the link to the article that Guru quoted: http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=jp-hsdorioles012010&prov=yhoo&type=lgns

The "He really would be somebody you could go out for. But if you’re wrong…" quote is a major reality check. If the "if you're wrong..." bit applies to Mark Teixeira, how can we expect Andy to even consider signing a pitcher like Josh Beckett or Cliff Lee to a long term deal? If you're worried about being wrong about Mark Teixeira, how are you going to have enough confidence in yourself to sign Adam Dunn or Carlos Peña? If you're worried about being wrong about Mark Teixeira, how are you going to be ready to give up some prospects for Prince Fielder or Adrian Gonzalez?

This is awesome. Not only is our GM the most patient man in the world, who would be willing to wait 10 years for this team to build itself into a winner, he also doesn't have the balls to do what it takes to acquire the elite talent that we need to compete in this division.

Jason C.,

I hope to get to ask a question during the Front Office part of FanFest.

If I do, I will surely get thrown out, beaten up, or both.

PSS - If Teixeira listened to the O's offer and "scoffed at it", the O's weren't really "legit" on Tex.

10 years, $200M should have been the starting point for the O's offer. What they actually offered wasn't even remotely close to that.

Gil -

For me, ask Andy this question:

Since Teixeira and Boras flat out rejecteed your offer last off season, what makes you think the O's were "legit on Teixeira" as you were quoted in the recent Jeff Passan article?

I think the official 2010 Orioles mantra will be "Prove Us Wrong, Andy!"

Gil,

I sent out a post the other day about that very same thing. I asked people for idea's on what question I can ask the front office on Saturday. I received many good suggestions.

Problem is, I'm sure one of the warehousers will give someone a heads up to be looking out for me, thus they'll be ready to yank the mike as quickly as they can.

The key is to look non opposing (perhaps I'll wear a MASN shirt), and for it to be a quick question - while getting the point across.

It won't be easy!

Initially, Jon Garland wanted to only consider West Coast teams, but he is reportedly mulling an offer from the Mets. If Garland is willing to play on the east coast, the O's need to make a serious offer. Innings, Innings, Innings, enough said.

not brooks,

Everyone, especially Tex's family, knew the O's would not make a serious offer.

It's a whole other subject - on another level.

It's up there as the biggest front office snow job in the history of the Orioles.

Then, the media ALL jumped on board when Tex said he wore a Yankee's hat to O's games.

By that time, sitting in front of the NY media, with Tex's entire family bitter about how the O's conducted their business, what was he suppose to say?

It's the single biggest moment that defines AM and PA as complete shams!

Better question, Gil:

"Mr. MacPhail, a recent quote from a Jeff Passan article says that you thought the Orioles were "legit on Mark Teixeira" last off season.

The Yankees won the Teixeira bidding with an 8 year, $180M contract. Since Tex went to an annual World Series contender at that price, the Orioles would have had to offer considerably more to woo Tex to Baltimore.

So, how much did you offer?"

More awesome news from MLBTR: According to Buster Olney, the O's "are very comfortable letting the field of free-agent corner guys come to them, at their price".

Link: http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2010/01/olney-on-lee-pineiro-orioles.html

Translation: The only way we'll see the O's sign another player or two this offseason is if no one else wants said player.

Chances of no one else wanting Miguel Tejada: 0%

Chances of no one else wanting Joe Crede: 99%

You've got to love a reactionary front office...

Not Brooks,

I printed your last question and will try to ask it.

nb,

They'll simply say..... 'the bottom is we couldn't make a player come who didn't want to be here'.

Of course it's a lie, because at the time, Tex would have come to Baltimore for 10 yr, 210m. He would have been the face of the organization for years to come. He was a 'special' case!

But hey, he has a ring, he lives in an incredible house in Conn, and his family ALL hate the Orioles now. You think any of them care when he gets booed by the Baltimore fans?

Through it all, Tex and his family have seen what the Orioles for what they really are... losers!

nb,

They'll simply say..... 'the bottom is we couldn't make a player come who didn't want to be here'.

Of course it's a lie, because at the time, Tex would have come to Baltimore for 10 yr, 210m. He would have been the face of the organization for years to come. He was a 'special' case!

But hey, he has a ring, he lives in an incredible house in Conn, and his family ALL hate the Orioles now. You think any of them care when he gets booed by the Baltimore fans?

Through it all, Tex and his family have seen what the Orioles for what they really are... losers!

nb,

They'll simply say..... 'the bottom is we couldn't make a player come who didn't want to be here'.

Of course it's a lie, because at the time, Tex would have come to Baltimore for 10 yr, 210m. He would have been the face of the organization for years to come. He was a 'special' case!

But hey, he has a ring, he lives in an incredible house in Conn, and his family ALL hate the Orioles now. You think any of them care when he gets booed by the Baltimore fans?

Through it all, Tex and his family have seen what the Orioles for what they really are... losers!

nb,

They'll simply say..... 'the bottom is we couldn't make a player come who didn't want to be here'.

Of course it's a lie, because at the time, Tex would have come to Baltimore for 10 yr, 210m. He would have been the face of the organization for years to come. He was a 'special' case!

But hey, he has a ring, he lives in an incredible house in Conn, and his family ALL hate the Orioles now. You think any of them care when he gets booed by the Baltimore fans?

Through it all, Tex and his family have seen what the Orioles for what they really are... losers!

Hey Pete,
Just wondering if you have heard anything about the color commentator vacancy. Is there anyone the O's have in mind?

A guy over at you're old buddie's blog posted this - is this true or did they really cut Guthrie's salary?

Roch seemed to reinforce what this guy said - What's the deal?
---------

FRANK said:
Here's the deal with Guthrie - I don't know the dollar figures off of the top of my head but I do know how his contract worked.

Guthrie was a first round pick of the Indians and received a bonus. That bonus was spread out over multiple years and was front-loaded. Imagine getting a signing bonus from a new employer of $100,000, spread out as yearly payments of 40k, 30k, 20k, 10k - That's how his bonus worked and was still the responsibility of the Indians. He received his standard pay increase from the O's last year as a non-arb eligible player. YES, his total compensation decreased - his original signing bonus contract stipulated that it would. Also, the O's can only increase a non-arb eligible player's salary by so much year over year - if I remember correctly, they increased his pay by the normal amount for a player in a similar place in their career.

Bottom line, his total compensation (salary + pre-negotiated bonus) decreased BUT the salary paid by the O's to Guthrie increased. I don't remember if Guthrie was upset about it last year (I think it was just the trolls blowing it out of proportion to blast the O's). But if he was upset about it, he needs to call his agent and get someone that understands it to explain it to him...

In the end, it's a moot point as he is arb eligible this year and should be in seven figures...

---------------

Thanks!

AM: "Mr. Boras, we'd like to offer Mr. Teixeira a contract to play baseball for our Baltimore Orioles baseball club."

SB: "Mr. MacPhail, thanks but no thanks. Mr. Teixeira has no interest in signing with your team. Don't bother sending in another offer."

-
Can we please drop this Teixeira issue? It's over. He wanted to win a World Series. The Yankees were the best team in baseball last year and agreed to pay him $22.5 million per year to play first base.

When you're making over $100,000 a week AND play for the best team AND win a Championship, is there really any dollar amount that could convince you to go play for a last-place team instead?

Leave this story to a fairy tale Yankee fans can tell their kids at bed time.

Wayne,

I agree a million percent. That's exactly how Andy will respond to a Tex question. Just an incredible whiff by this organization. How many whiffs do they get by the way.

I don't know what question you can ask that will get their attention before they grab the microphone away from you. How about this though.

'Andy, since you admitted your failings in ChiTown on multiple occasions to the Chicago press, why do you think your conservatism will work in Baltimore'? And if you can get a follow-up in, 'Since it took so long to see any signs in ChiTown, how long should fans give you in Baltimore'?

And Wayne, you may want to have your own security with you as you exit.

Peter-

I wonder where Britton is here? I guess with the minor league complex so close, he could be called quickly over if they feel it. Some would say he is closer than Erbe maybe. Hmmmm?

Ryan -

Britton's only 22 and he hasn't pitched above A-ball.

He'll most definitely start 2010 in AA, so there's no reason to put more pressure on him by bringing him to big league camp.

Britton does appear to be more polished than Erbe. And Britton's certainly less of an injury risk. If Erbe can stay healthy, I would bet that those two will be fighting for a rotation spot in the spring of 2011.

Here is what is gonna happen at Fan Fest.

1 - Wayne gets up and asks his question.

2 - Andy answers it sensibly, but not in the way Wayne wants.

3 - Wayne goes back to his seat and stews.

4 - Wayne comes back to Pete's blog and rips on Andy for "lying" to the fans.

If you think anything else is gonna happen, like someone ripping the mic away from someone asking a question, you're delusional. Of course, that assumes that person isn't screaming into the mic like a madman.

Fire Trembley!

Chris -

Although I believe there are some questions that don't have a reasonable answer (Why so quiet for the past month? Why wasn't more of an effort made to sign Teixeira?), I do agree with you.

This bit from wayne actually made me laugh: "Problem is, I'm sure one of the warehousers will give someone a heads up to be looking out for me, thus they'll be ready to yank the mike as quickly as they can."

How do you expect people are going to recognize you, wayne? Are you going to be wearing a shirt that says, "I'm wayne from Pete's blog!"?

Second, if someone is going to be looking for you, why would you be given the mike in the first place?

Third, why would anyone be looking for you, wayne? The front office knows that fans aren't happy with the team. They know that there are tons of fans like you out there. Why would they take any sort of action against you in particular?

Stop acting like you're some kind of revolutionary figure, buddy. You're not. You're just like thousands of other dissatisfied O's fans. To even suggest that you're going to be on some kind of FanFest Watch List is just plain ridiculous.

Texeira's own words about why he signed with the Yankees:

"I always had the Yankees in my sights, and one thing my agent and I had asked every single team is, we're not going to negotiate through the media, and we ask you not to. The Yankees were really the only team that did that. The other teams went out and told everybody their offers, told everybody that they talked to me, that they made this call, made that trip. The Yankees kept quiet. We talked all winter. When they were ready to make their final offer, it was a great offer, and my wife and I were excited about going to New York."

I hope Moeller is as good as last year. He did not hurt the offense as much as other backup catchers have hurt the team in the past.

I also hope Scott Moore rebounds from thumb surgery and has a good spring to at least make himself a viable callup option.

Anonymous -

I've got to laugh at the mere suggestion of Scott Boras asking teams to not let their offers slip to the media.

After his well-known binders, using the media is Boras' #2 negotiation tactic.

Anyways, here are the real reasons that Tex signed with the Yanks:

1. They offered the most $$$ per year.
2. They contend for the World Series every year.

how about inviting chicken little and porky pig to camp?

nb,

It's really quite simply, and certainly not about me.

To expect that they'll have a heads up (more than in past years) that some disgruntled fan will step up to the mike is quite reasonable.

Don't take things so literal though. Just as the Orioles will never do as you wish they'd do, I'm sure they won't be looking out for me, specifically...... Unless of course I am wearing a MASN shirt and hat with a W on it... hmmmm!

Wayne -

You said, "I'm sure one of the warehousers will give someone a heads up to be looking out for me".

How else am I supposed to read that?

I Tex's own words?

Trust me, at that news conference. Tex was prepped big time so he could put things in his 'own words'.

Boo Tex all you want, What you're doing when you do however, is booing the Orioles!

nb,

fair enough.... all good!

Not a normal reader and only stumbled on site when P Schmuck was disparaging the Jets and saying that the Bengals would win the rematch handily.

Well Schmickie, those Jets obviously beat the Bengals (handily) and beat everyone's chick pick to win the Superbowl as well...Now those same "lay down" Colts get to show the world that they did lay down and can lay the wood to Jets to quiet everyone...

Except that the Jets will win this one too and you will look like more of a fool than before...

Oh and since this is an Oriole's post (was waiting for an NFL post, but talk is oddly quiet there with Ravens out) and I am also a Yankees fan, I will pose this question:

How does it feel to know going into every season for the past decade that the absolute best you can hope for is to be 3rd in the division? As a long suffering Jets fan, I can at least visualize a wild card shot each year, but you guys don't even have that really...

*snore*

Green Lantern,

Well, given your bravado and lack of insight, I would guess you are a Guy Gardner man.

You read about Pete's prediction of the Bengals/Jets game and then waited for a Raven's post, but didn't see one? Really? I mean I understand that there are a lot of illiterate Jets fans out there (except for when the Giants are winning), but it's hard to fathom how even a person as lacking in knowledge as yourself could have missed all of the 13 Ravens posts Pete made following the Jets win over Cincy.

I'm surprised you were able to find your way here on the internet. Did your mom have to type out your post for you? Does she cook your dinner nightly? Does she tuck you in at night? Does she let you stay up past 8:30 if the Jets are on MNF? Does she get the protein stains out of your tube socks?

So many questions remain about you, Lantern.

My suggestion to you... check out the movie Big Fan. You may just find it very enlightening.

Green L,

Don't fret, That's a typical response from someone who attempts to stand up for the losing.

You see, every year, they say the same 'exact' things. At the end of each year though, they have nothing to stare at accept....losses!

So, because this will be another losing season, even if the 'kids' do well, they have nothing else.

They'll say we're negative, and that we say the same ole same ole. Fact is though, the so called 'negative one's' are always right. Right before AM was here, right when AM arrived, and right into AM's 3/4th year.....

Sad, but true!

I knew it.

wayne was a Yankees fan all along.

nope hulahula, but i'm not surprised you'd say so. All good!

Well, if you're not one, you just apologized to one. So what's worse?

A guy from New York comes to Pete's blog, taunting Baltimore fans (Ravens and O's alike) and what do you do?

"Oh, I'm sorry massa. Please forgive us Baltimore fans. He ign'ant. He din't know no better."

You lapped at his feet like a little dog.

Have you NO DIGNITY, Sir?!?!?!?

Problem is, no matter who it is, I can't call someone out if they're correct. I will say that he was wrong about one thing though. He suggested that the O's only play for 3rd place each year. That's just not so, although I'd take it today!

Yankee and Sox fans will continue to take over Oriole Park. The only thing that will take back Baltimore's stadium is wins, Until then, people just sound ridiculous debating with them.

All Balt fans have is 'well, how can we be expected to win in the american league east'? And they do have a good point!

The problem is Chris, this organization no longer even tries.... Not really! Deep down, I think you realize it as well. Sorry!

You guys both gave in to taunts from a Yankee fan.

Have you no dignity, sirs?

@not brooks,

Don't act so high and mighty, my man. I saw you give a shove back to that red sox fan yesterday. (good job by the way)

@wayne,

Whatever. You kow-towed to a New York fan. You could have stepped up and talked about the Ravens (remember how you love them so much because they are WINNERS?), but instead you chose to cower and apologize. You showed your true colors today.

I'm pretty sure, not brooks, that MacPhail has stated that the offer was $140 million over 8 years. He's also said that when the Yankees presented Tex with an offer, Boras did not let him counter.

Even after that, Teixeira didn't want to come to Baltimore. NO MATTER WHAT. I wish you guys would please stop with this, "Why couldn't we get Tex?" crap! It's over. It was over last offseason. Just please forget about it and move on with your lives. What's the use dwelling on the past? Has that EVER done ANYONE any good?

Ilana -

Boras said from the start that he was looking for $20M+ per year for Teixeira.

8/$140 averages out to $17.5 per year, and proves my point that they weren't serious about signing Tex. If they were serious, their initial bid would have been 8/$160 ($20M per, what Boras/Tex were asking for) or higher.

Everyone knows why we didn't get Tex: The Orioles weren't willing to pay him what it would have taken to get him to play here.

And when you're talking about a cheap baseball team, it certainly makes sense to look to the past. Past indicators of how the team dealt with elite free agents are a good way to gauge how the team will deal with elite free agents in the future. In the case of the O's, it doesn't look good.

Actually, the offer to Tex was $140/7. But who gives a crap anyway.

The Nats outbid the Yankees and look where he went. Tex had no intention of coming to Baltimore. Baltimore had their chance to draft him the 1st time around and blew it then.

"Baltimore had their chance to draft him the 1st time around and blew it then."

@dave - Actually he was already off the board by the time the O's got to pick in that draft.

Oh please, it's really getting on my nerves when you guys insist that (something along the lines of), "This is what the O's did LAST year or TWO years ago, OR THREE (I could go on like this)," it's not about last year. To quote Dave above me, who gives a crap? We're talking about ST invites, how the hell did we get back on this--may I go valley girl here? It's so last year.

I beg you, LET IT GO. He's on the Yankees. He will be for seven years. He wasn't coming to Baltimore, I hope to God that you see that soon.

llana,

Settle down.

I don't care.

I was just joining in the conversation. Good lord.

Chris,

I was talking about '98 when the Red Sox picked him up in the 9th round. The same year the Orioles drafted Cliff Lee but didn't sign.

the timing just wasn't right to sign tex. maybe next time he's a FA, we'll be getting serious about the 'plan' and will be ready for that final piece.

@dave - Point taken. Luckily we have Joe Jordan making draft choices now. His record so far is not too shabby.

Ilana -

Nice to know that you're positive that Tex wouldn't have come to Baltimore if Andy offered 10 years, $220M.

Could you tell me, please, what will happen if the O's offer Josh Beckett five years, $80M next winter?

Anyways...

It's not "This is what the O's did."

It's "This is what the O's do."

The offer lowball contracts to big free agents just to say, "Hey, we tried." They've been doing it ever since they missed out on Vlad Guerrero in 2004 and there's no reason to believe that it's going to stop any time soon.

And you're right that it's not about last year. But, based on what's happening now (or should I say, what's not happening now, as noting has happened for a month) it's not about this year either. And unless things go shockingly well in 2010, it won't be about 2011 either.

All I want to know is when this team is planning on fielding a team that can compete in the AL East.

The Syd "Confederate Money" Thrift teams couldn't compete in the AL East.

The Mike "Hey! I got an idea! Let's spend $40M on a bunch of 30-year-old relievers!" Flanagan teams couldn't compete in the AL East.

The Andy "Slow and steady wins the race!" McPhail teams haven't been able to compete in the AL East.

So when is Andy going to realize that pure rebuilding without wavering from "The Plan" isn't going to yield on-field results in this division? Especially when the other four teams are constantly making moves to improve themselves.

I sure hope he figures that out soon, because, based on the attendance, Oriole fans (or should I say ex-Oriole fans?) have come to realize that there are 27 other Major League Baseball teams out there that are in much better shape than the one in Baltimore. And the internet and MLB Extra Innings makes it much easier to follow them these days.

I had the enjoyment of watching Arrieta pitch during his 2 years of developement. He reminds me of a young Jack Morris with commanding fast ball, good slider & most important mound pressence! He is confident without being overly "cocky" & can be intimidating to opposing batters! I just pray he continues to develope without injury. He could be "special" especially if developes a changeup or split finger just like the "other Jack" had.

It's depressing reading O's blogs. You have two types of people here: the glass half empty and the glass half full types. Neither one of them is wrong, but they all fight against each other. At the end of the day, the O's don't care, nobody cares.

From Bronx Tale:

"Are you a Yankee fan?

Sit down.


Come over here. Sit next to me.

You must be pretty upset after the Yankees lost.

Bill Mazeroski, I hate him.

He made Mickey Mantle cry.
The papers said the Mick cried.

Mickey Mantle?
That's what you're upset about?

Mantle makes $ a year.
How much does your father make?

- I don't know.
- You don't know.

If your dad needs money, go ask
Mickey Mantle. See what happens.

Mickey Mantle don't care about
you. Why care about him?

Nobody cares.
"