Unless someone says different, don't we have to question Bedard's heart to come back from surgery that usually leaves P's losing 4-6 mph off their fastball?

Gil, the ball jump of Waring's bat, but isn't norfolk a tough place to hit dingers? used to live there (92-94) and the winds off the river killed a lot of hrs. Although I saw Ryan Klesko hit one in the river in RF on 2 hops! Haven't seen Waring like you have...is he like Adam Dunn? And Snyder you'd compare to who? And I'm not saying they'll even make it to the show, just asking for a comparison.

Not sure what news this is other than to one up your commrade, Connolly, who just posted earlier that he thinks the O's are done tweaking their 40 man roster, Place nice boys, winter is almost over and your're cabin fever will pass!

..............................................................................................
Pete's reply: Funny, it was Dan who gave me the heads up and the info.

If he's good enough for MacPhail he's good enough to come back. Bring him on!

Hope he's cheaper than Sheets cost the A's

Cush,

To be honest I have never been to the Norfolk Park, so I don't know what effect it will have on Waring. He may never get out of AAA unless he becomes more selective.

All I can say about Bedard is Troy Patton who after two years is still throwing 4 to 5 miles slower and is younger. Everyone reacts differently to injury, and as I said before, I will have to defer to Andy Macphail. He is such a tight SOB that if he signs Bedard we can be assured that he is healthy. I know that sounds odd coming from me, but it is logical, don't you think?

Agree on Andy's "caution." In this case, right attitude...I like you and many others, would like to see more boldness. I believe he is on his way to building a consistent 85 win team. Will he make the moves that make it a 95 win team? Which in the AL least still wouldn't guarantee a playoff spot. remember '80? 100 wins, 3 games out.

Thanks for the update. I was starting to wonder, with the hendrickson signing, if Andy was done for the winter. I haven't seen too much on Waring can We get a little history on him.

Pete, Doesn't it make sense that there wouldn't be any significant talks yet? After all, Bedard just started playing pitch and catch this week, so no one (not even Erik) knows how quickly he can get up to speed.

The Orioles need to be able to make some sort of informed assessment of how he's throwing and what his time table is in terms of getting back to the majors before they open up the checkbook
...................................
Cush, For reasons alluded to in my comments to Pete, it's too early about whether Bedard has the heart to come back; even he doesn't know how close he's going to get to where he once was as a pitcher.

One thing I do know, though, is that he's not going to lose heart too much in any case (unless he's totally through as a pitcher), because he knows some team out there is willing to take a chance on an Erik Bedard who's even 76% to 80% of what he once was. In other words, Bedard's probably in line for at least one decent paycheck (or maybe that should read De$ent paycheck) based just on his reputation.

And that alone ought to give him a little heart.

Pete,

Forget about how the guy can't pitch into the 7th (when he's healthy). Forget about how this guy breaks down every season....

Why don't you just tell people what a really bad guy he is.

Seriously, how about giving people a few stories about this jerk! You can't possibly believe he'd be a good guy to be around the young arms.....

Pete -

As wayne said, I'd like to hear some stories about this "jerk", if there are any.

As I haven't read anything negative about Bedard's attitude directly from an O's reporter or player, I've always wondered about whether or not it's true.

Could you shed some light on that for us, Pete?

Ken,

What recent reputation are you referring to? The one where he pitched back to back 80 inning seasons in Seattle? Or maybe the one where he's won 51 games in six big league seasons? That reputation? How can people be talking about bringing this guy back?

Roy,

One would think your post would be all anyone needs to see..... Around here however, those facts will be spun into reasons why the O's should grab the guy.

I think the whole "Erik Bedard is a clubhouse cancer" is insane. This isn't Milton Bradley. Erik is quiet and sticks to himself. I am not sure how that makes him a bad guy? I agree with the folks that say he isn't a 7 inning pitcher, but I would rather have a dominant 6 inning pitcher than a guy that we have to worry about getting out of the 2nd inning.

Looking at some of the position players out there, I would love to see Andy scoop up Blalock or Garko. I think there are plenty of opportunities to get either of these guys AB's at 1B or DH. I don't think Izzy is Mr. durable so I still envision Miggy getting a lot of AB's at SS which pushes Atkins to 3B and leaves room for Blalock or Garko to play 1B. It's been a while since the bench had a guy who is a legitimate threat to hit a HR. With guys like Anderson, Dye, etc., out there, players can be had so I hope the FO takes advantage of some pretty good players still left on the open market. Thome isn't the full-time DH for the Twins and Giambi is a bench player for the Rockies so guys just want to sign at this point and it would be a shame to just hand over AB's to a guy like Wiggy. He might be in better shape now, but he had a whole year to step up in 09 and didn't do anything, but complain that if he only had more AB's, his #s would go up. We've seen Andy eat a lot bigger contracts than the one Wiggy has.

For those who are interested, PECOTA just came out with the 2010 predictions and have the Orioles down for 78-84 @ 4th place. For the AL East it predicted

1. Boston 93-69
2. NY 93-69
3. Tampa 92-68
4. Orioles 78-84
5. Toronto 73-89

More info: http://baseballprospectus.com/fantasy/dc/

For those who don't know what PECOTA is: http://baseballprospectus.com/fantasy/dc/

PECOTA is more of a track record thing: it compares current data to past performances, and charts out an average

BTW, for those who will automatically disagree with those predictions, PECOTA will update itself at the end of spring training once the rosters are complete. The predictions now are based off the projected lineups/rotations in the present time. Of course, injuries, trades and signings will change the scheme of things.

Also, I messed up one of the links I provided: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/PECOTA

The link will explain what PECOTA is in full detail

Bedard won't be ready until June or July and by then the O's will be going into thier yearly tailspin. Why go through all the Bedard drama unless you have half a chance at a wild card? The O's did nothing to improve the bullpen in the off season. All Gonzalez does is replace Sherill. there's no solid middle relief pitchers unless Albers recaptures his old magic. I'll bet the o's still allow the most homers in the majors this year.

78-84 seems like 100 wins after last season. I know this is a leap in faith but how do we get to 88-90 for a sniff at the playoffs????

Sign Bedard to a minor league contract and bring him back after the allstar break. We can always use a fresh arm in August.

Bedard, Schmedard.. we didn't like him when he was here. He was a PR nightmare. Surly and never appeared to be happy to be an Oriole. He's broken, but hey! He's lefthanded!
He was never a fan favorite and bringing him back would be akin to adding too many lemons to an already acidic lemonade. When the Orioles get a real pitcher and a bopper for the middle of the lineup, maybe I will pay attention. Kool-Aid O's fans better brace up for fourth or fifth place. Those of us getting older would like to see one more Championship before we die. I just don't think it will happen with Uncle Pete guiding the Krazy Kop Kar that is the Orioles franchise.

The Orioles will have enough turmoil this year without bringing in a player in mid year that is not a team player. By my reckoning, Bedard should be ready about the time Trembley is let go and a new temporary (about 21/2 years) manager is put in place so the O's " can go in another direction."
It won't make a lot of difference one way or another, but it will deflect the fans ire away from the the real issue. Which is; that the Os cannot compete in the AL East as long as there is the unbalanced schedule. Then, add another playoff team and in good years (assuming there are some) the Os will stay in the race until the end. PS -That's Zinnos idea.

It's funny how some of you are asking Peter for stories of how Bedard is such a "jerk". Does that mean you are making the assumption that he is a jerk without knowing one story that you can share with us yourselves?

Step back and think about how rediculous that sounds.

You guys: "Tell us a story Pete about how bad a guy this Bedard is - yeah, yeah, I don't have any proof that he is a bad guy but please Pete, tell me it's true".

Pete's response: "Well, sometimes he gives short smirky answers to our repeated questions and sometimes he doesn't like to talk to the media. Oh yeah, and sometimes he has this look on his face that he'd rather be somewhere else instead of being interviewed by reporters".

You guys: "See, I knew it! He is a cancer and a jerk - just like that other guy we had like that around here in the 1970's and 1980's, what's his name.... ummmm..... oh yeah, Eddie Murray. Yeah that guy was a cancer and a jerk too because the press didn't like his interviewing skills. Thanks Pete, you're the best!"

Do any of you live in the real world? Do you really expect every ball player to act just like the way you want them to? And why would you even want or expect that?

i think i would rather the orioles sign wang instead of bedard. on a different note. it is utterly rediculus the hall of fame is making andre dawson go in a a expo than a cub. the player should be able to chose which team he wants to enter the hof

I pretty well dismiss those comments about a player being a cancer etc...Ouside of Peter,I'm sure none of us has access to the O's clubhouse on a daily basis so who knows what Bedard is like as a teammate? Besides, I'm sure many good pitchers weren't liked by everyone anyway-what really matters is can they get the job done?
As much as I liked what Bedard did for us in the short time he stayed healthy(and besides he's a fellow Canuck!) I'd have to question the wisdom of signing a pitcher whose track record isn't good as far as avoiding the DL.
Furthermore, the A's ridiculous 10 mill-1 yr deal for Sheets just reduced the chance of picking up Bedard for a reasonable deal. Even if he does sign for a half year/3 mill, he could just be a half year rental, in order to prove himself and cash in big elewhere.
Another point is that there's no sure-fire guarentee that he'll recover to where he was, so when you look it, there are more negatives than positives so I'd pass on Bedard and build with what we have.

Well said EJR. In his first Mariner press conference in spring trainining last year, he told the seattle media, "Three questions" and one guy said, "Are you kidding" to which Bedard replied, "Thats one." SO WHAT? I read the 'Miggy is a cancer' quotes and not one player on the Os or Astros has said anything but good things about him as a teammate...not even a curt 'no comment' from anyone. Would I like the guy to run out ground balls hard every time? Sure, and that makes him lazy not a cancer.

As I understand things (heresay from an old friend who is in long term front office middle mgr) Bedard gives short terse answers (like Eddie Murray) to reporters due to repetitive banal nature of the questions and they resent that because it adversely affects their jobs; he gets on teammates when they make mistakes in field (like Jim Palmer used to do); and he shuts himself down when the slightest injury emerges (like Mike Mussina). He is puportedly a primadonna but as I have eluded to, that's not necessarily a bad thing. A young team needs a few veterans who insist on defensive focus and excellence and Bedard, on the days he pitches will do that. Being well liked is not always a good trait. Now, what other pitcher or player the O’s have will get on players for errors? Not Roberts or Markakis.
Bedard won't play until he is absolutely 100% and when he does he'll demand full focus from the young guys on the field. As I see it, the bottom line is reporters don't like him because he makes it clear he does not respect their profession. Everyone knows at least one starter when season starts will drop out (Tillman or Guthrie) and having Bedard to step in June 1 would seem a better option than rushing Arrieta/Patton or inserting Hernandez/Berken. And, like jello, there's always room for one more pitcher, especially a lefthander.

I say sign him to a contract in the 3M range with incentives for starts made and see how things go. Everyone knows the O’s will be lucky to reach 80 wins and young guys need to adapt to all types of personalities. The young guys will develop more by encountering an aloof guy like Bedard who makes them feel bad when errors are committed. In business a few hard donkeys might make work less fun but they do improve production.

A.D.D. moment, starting last post with Bedard and ending with Miggy. Every positive with Bedard comes with a big IF. I can see why the Os would stay away. At least sheets had a very good (i read) throwing showcase.

78 wins! That's a prediction to get excited about?

Let's see, AM puts together a club last year, brings in FA stiffs, wins 64 games...........

......then when the team stinks again the following year, improves by 14 games, but increases their consecutive losing streak, it's a win?

Some of you should just start planning the party now. No, I'm serious! Party in Hawaii. Whatta you say Chris?

Bedard,

And let's bring in that 6 inning, always broken down, 80 inning per year, bad club house guy, in to help get to those 78 wins.

I mean he will be cheap, thus won't threaten to raise the O's payroll to #25.

Let's just do it!

Wayne, I will just say it. You're a dick and I cant see how you have any friends.

Any agreement with Bedard should to be an incentive based contract. The last two years he pitched on average 80 innings and then the surgery. I think Bedard would be a real plus for the young rotation; he’d bring up the experience factor, which is a serious deficiency.

I enjoy eating cold Spaghettios.

I fail to see what you second guessers don't like about signing Bedard. We have signed many who were less likely to contribut than Erik. I think he gets a bum rap. He was not a trouble maker. He was quiet , did his job and did it very well, when healthy. He's the best we've had since Mussina. Reporters didn't like him because he didn't bitch, yell of gripe and kept quiet. Everyone is not a vocal leader or a rabble rouzer. As to the fears that he might not be available until June or July, it is also possible he may be ready for a rehab assignment by the regular season start . I heard 3-6 months. That could be April to July. Another thing no one has touched on, if I'm not mistaken , he had rotator cuff surgery when he first came up with the O's and recovered fast and nicely from that. He's a gamer and takes care of himself and works hard. I wouldn't be surprised if he wins 12-14 games for us or someone else this year. His era is always 3.5 or less, even when he's hurting. Lets sign him . We've signed far worse.

Pete -

good luck to the O's this year. wayne is a cancer to your blog and I am sorry to say I have found a new one.

-philly o's

.....out of the can. No spoon, ..just my fingers.

Sign Bedard now! This team was last in starting pitching ERA last year. The O's will need all the pitching they can get.

Hey Steve Sno Sno, that's because your tongue is too short.

Wayne, are you related to Brummie on Roch's blog? Just askin'..........

The O's shouldve signed Sheets. When healthy, he is a LEGIT #1 SP. As it is now, we have a mediocre innings eater masquerading as an ace.

This team hasnt had a bonafide ace since Mussins left, but then again, aces cost money and we cant be cutting into petey's profits--dont want to fall out of the top 5. I know greedy petey is pissed that they fell out of the top 3

In 2007, the Os were the 3d most profitable team in baseaball,even with am approx 95 million dollar payroll. WE could've signed Sheets and Bay and our payroll would still be about the same as 07. WE couldve even tried reimold at 1b and passed on atkins and signed holliday instead of bay and still had a payroll at 2007 level... BUt if we did that we'd ahve a legit ace and legit clean-up hitter, but might only be in the top 10 in profits--cant fall out of the top 5 now can we

Apologists will still try to justify this. DO u want the team to win or just make money?

COuntdown to the apologists excuses ....3,2,1.....

The biggest, most obvious thing that jumps out at me when looking at what they've done this winter is that (while supposedly competing with the Yanks and Sox) they're still searching for players by overturning the trash cans out in the back alley of MLB's low-rent district. Which, BTW, means Peter Angelos is still involved. Kevin Millwood was a dump-off. Atkins is a reclamation project. Tejada is the recycling of a former Oriole who was good years ago, but today is aging, steroid-recovering, out-of-position, and overpaid. But he's a "veteran gamer" who "knows how to win", is a great influence "in the room", and will "lead by example" (though not performance).

Sound familiar?

The second-most obvious thing is that you STILL can't believe a word they say. We thought MacPhail might be different...but you can put his "Buy the Bats" mantra and his "emphasis on defense" right up there with "We're only interested in players with upside" and "Next year we'll be right in their faces, I know you've heard this before but this time I guarantee..." blah, blah, blah. The real truth is that Angelos is not willing to pay for impact players, so once again they're following the same old pattern: Lie to the fans about being in the hunt for the top guys; forego impact players and instead substitute a "familiar face" who is flawed; force a square peg into a round hole by playing him out of position...and hope nobody will notice the difference. But they will, when the team finishes last again.

Bedard's a quiet composed guy from Canada, and like lots of Canadians are not naturally outgoing (see self-centered) like Americans.

That being said, if he was such a bad guy, does anyone really think that Andy and/or Dave would have him in the mix to return?

The reality is Bedard is a quiet, highly-talented (when healthy) MLB pitcher who would be a great addition to the O's.

Bring him back Andy.

McPhail has certainly held up his end of the bargain regarding growing & stockpiling the arms. This year wasn't going to be the year to "buy the bats" with the relatively weak free agent market. No one out there would have been enough to put us over the top.

If the young arms develop at the major league level and Josh Bell continues to progress, the O's will be in a much better position to spend that money on a big bat next off-season.

Also, if Bergeson and Matusz turn out to be the real deal and either Tillman or Arrieta show signs of progress next year, then the Orioles will be in a position to even trade some of the young arms they are stockpiling for a bat.

Bedard doesn't make sense for the O's because he apparently won't be ready until mid-season. He really should sign with a contender who could use a midseason boost.

If the O's sign him, they need to offer him two years, or 1 year with a team option, in order to get a full season out of him. I just can't see offering him two years. So the only deal that works for both might be something like $1 million in 2010 with an $8 million team option for 2011.

The thing is, Bedard can probably get more than that from a contender. But that's what he's worth to the O's.

Wayne,
What is your problem? Seriously. If this team improves 14 games this year, I would think that is good news. What exactly will make you shut up? 82 wins? 90 wins? 14 game improvements are not something that happens year in and year out. I think most of us on here are looking for proof that this team is improving and moving in the right direction. Do we want to see a division win, AL pennant or World Series win? Of Course. I just think we understand that this isn't going to happen overnight. I know this team has been an embarrassment for over a decade and no one here can deny that. The difference is that some of us are celebrating and enjoying the road back to respectablilty for the organization. It is not a short road and it has had a few pot holes, but at least most of us can see that this is finally the right road as opposed to all the dead ends we were on from '98-'07. Stop harrassing people for believing in what they choose to believe. Everyone is entitled to thier opinion, even you.

Hate to break it to you Wayne, but if we do sign Bedard, it will be for a discount just like Miggy. I think we can get him for $2 to $3 million with incentives. He won't get a big contract for half a season. Even if we don't sign him, our rotation is much improved from a year ago. I am not saying the rotation is special, but the team ERA should definitely be improved towards the middle of the pack. I wouldn't even be surprised to see them bring him on as a long reliever. Why not if he his durability is an issue? Could he solidify the bullpen along with Koji? Just think, if Gonzalez is getting a hefty salary, and we can sign Bedard for peanuts, why not put him where he can last the rest of the season without risking injury? Gonzalez gets $12 million over 2 years. If we get Bedard for less, why not use him in the bullpen like Koji?

I would say this makes for a pretty decent bullpen. Much improved from a year ago....

Koji
Bedard
Hernandez
Meredith
Hendrickson
Mickolio
Johnson
Gonzalez

What a nasty bunch! Takes a lot of courage to call someone names under the tag Anonymous. I've heard it said before, and I'll say it now. The real cowards, the ones who call people names and such, are likely the same person.

And philly o's, you're leaving because a guy simply comes on these pages and calls the Orioles out for losing year after year? Be a man, or has the philly influence already taken over your complete persona?

There are really so many whimpy persons on this blog. People threaten to leaven (as if anyone cares), but then simply come back under a different name. That's right philly o's. Guys like you, instead of having balls, revert to either calling names or, threaten to leave, or just come back as someone new.

How about relaxing bloggers, or whatever you are? The way to shut guys like wayne up is to hope the Orioles win. As it is, you're like the fans at a high school game, chanting some positive chant from your side of the court while you're team is getting killed. Meanwhile, Wayne and others on here are across the court chanting things like 'scoreboard'. And it just makes you so mad. So mad that you walk out of the gym.

Stop being a bunch of babies. You're looking like the guys that got cut from the baseball team, running home to mommy crying that it's not fair.

Section 34,

I think Bedard would be a good signing for the O's because he won't be ready until mid-season. Letting the young guys pitch early in the season before the bats start to heat up and then throw Bedard with a fresh arm out there in June. Of course, he'll have a few rough outings while getting into form but by Aug. and September he'll be rounding into mid-season form. Which, is when the O's do they're annual nose dive. Then, he can help by giving us a solid 6 innings giving us a chance of not having so many big losing streaks during this time. And for those of you who complain he's only a 6 inning pitcher, may I remind you who the manager is (Trembley) so, even if he's throwing a 1 hit shutout Trembley would take him out after 6 anyways. That makes him a perfect pitcher for Trembley. Now, as fas as his heart, I'd say signing him to an incentive laden contract with an emphasis on innings pitch should jolt his heart into shape.

Funny comments Roy! Aren't you doing the same thing? The complainers get frustrated by constant negativity about everything. Wayne makes some good points but he never says anything positive and at some point you have to move forward instead of wallowing in misery. Get it?

Jason, do yourself a giant favor and go check out ben sheets IP over the last five seasons or so and then come back here and tell me what an innings eater he is.
He hasn't thrown over 200 in any of the last 5 years, and 0 last year.
10m for a guy who didn't pitch an inning last year. And has spent his entire career in the NL. And that qualifies him to be the ace of the O's staff?? Exactly how??? He's 3 games over 500 for his career!
Let me guess at what your stupid comment would have been if they had signed him: Do you believe it! They just spent 10M on a guy that didn't pitch last year and now he's our ACE!!!

You're about as dense as the day is long. Keep your lame-ass ideas to yourself.

Roy, or is that rookie of the year? Its the reduncancy of the posts many negative posters put up. Rarely a suggestion, just negative. The Os have had a bunch of losing seasons...really? Wow! Wayne in particular speaks the loudest yet does NOTHING to hold the Os accountable. Two years ago, unhappy with the Os direction, I took my baseball weekend business to Chicago because I wanted to see Wrigley again, plus Chi-towns great...the only think we can do to truly hold the Os accountable is to stop giving them our money...and even then its more symbolic cause they'll still make plenty. l like the direction of the team, so this year I'll be back at OPCY hopefully watching a team on the rise. If you don' like it, I'm going home to tell my mommy...funny too cause i shoulda got cut from the HS baseball team, but coach liked my swing so kept me on. Go figure

jim66,

I know about Sheets, thus the caveat, if healthy.

Its only money and the O's ahve plenty of it, despite the feigned ignorance of apologists like you

I get it, u care more about the O's finishing higher in profitability than standings-- a strange position to take for someone who calls themselves a "fan"

Then again, maybe Im presumptious and u're just a dude whose hobby is to defend the indefensible on sports blogs

BTW, I think I trust beanes opinion more than yours. He seems to think he'll stay healthy, but beane is actually trying to win something in oakland other than finishing at the top in profits

Your hero macfail wasted 10 million on that slug Koji and what have we gotten out of him ?

Id rather spend 10 mil on sheets than koji 7 days a wk and twice on sunday

Bedard would create a perfect 6 man rotation and allow the young guys to transition to the higher innings load more gradually. It also gives us elasticity with injuries.

I would love if they did this and it makes sense for him.

Fells Point Frame and Design
1622 Thames St.
Baltimore, MD 21231
443.869.4945

Wayne -

I never said I was "excited" about 78 wins as you claim, I was merely posting something that I found interesting. Also, I never put much stock into these projections anyway, especially when it's as early as January. The projections that I posted are preliminary, meaning that it will change by the end of Spring Training once the rosters are complete.

And while we're on subject, if in fact the Orioles improve to 78 wins, how would that be a bad thing? I know 78 wins is just 78 wins, but if the improvement is in front our faces, in reality it must be a good thing.. Oh, wait a minute, it's because they're 25th in payroll. I forgot.

Tell me jim66 in your infinite wisdom

who is going to produce nmore for their 10 million Koji or SHeets ?

Care to make a bet ?

I know a coward like u who talks tough on a msg board would onnly welch anyway. Surely u lack the integrity to honor your bets. There are probably 10 bookies looking to split you wig

I guaranteee Jim(IQ of)66 doesnt talk tough to ppl face to face--what a douche

He gets owned everyday too when he even attempts to talk baseball, LMAO

jim isnt very bright. he's too dumb to know that he's dumb. He thinks he's smarter than billy beane though

There it is......

Tony P, Thank you for giving the first 'you would think a 14 game improvement is a good thing' rap!

They have you right where they want you!

The reason a 14 game improvement isn't a big deal is because the team was so terrible last year. When you only win 64 games Tony, a 14 game improvement isn't something to celebrate.

A 14 game improvement is another losing season. A 14 game improvement will make it year #13 in the consecutive year losing streak. A 14 game improvement will continue to assure the O's are one of the worst teams in baseball.

When you put a team on the field (last year) with players like Eaton, Hill, etc, and when you suffer yet another 2nd half collapse, you only win 64 games. And winning only 64 games is hard to do (look up the history of the O's to see how hard in fact)

The good news with only winning 64 games though Tony P? If you win 78 the following year, some fans will but it.....and the media will be right there, along for the ride.

So excuse me for not getting overly excited at the prospect of continuing the losing streak ride with the Pittsburgh Pirates.

ben sheets has been healthy 1 out of the last 5 years

i like billy beane, but he gets too much credit for simply being billy beane. he makes as many bad moves as good moves. Sometimes I think he makes moves because he's bored and needs something to do. He chose Chavez over Tejada, as an example. He traded for Holliday, then shipped him out in July. Let's see how long Sheets lasts in Oakland.

Look, if the O's can field a winning team on 70m dollars, as can the Rangers, Rays...why do you care how much money they make? What is this obsession with payroll?

you're a dunce. If you were sitting across fom me, i'd tell you that you were a dunce.
get a grip.
wayne is almost a pleasure to read after reading your wacked out posts. I said almost.

Dim JIm(IQof)66

This is probably something else a dummy like you didnt consider

If healthy Sheets anchors a young roation as the #1 SP a young staff desperately needs (sound familiar)

IF Oakland is out of it, BB can flip Sheets for 3 prospects at the deadline.

Basically if healthy Oak cant lose with Sheeets even if you're too much of a moron to understand it

If he doenst stay healthy then the only thing lost is $$$$ and so much has been saved that it doesnt even matter

U think Koji is bringing back 3 prospects at the deadline, ol DIM jim ?

No wonder u call names in lieu of baseball converstion, you're about as dumb as dog dookie. LOL

U are obsessed with the Os saving money tho, if thats not the sign of a true fan, I dont know what is-

IF THE OS CAN FIELD A WINNING TEAM WITH A 100 MILLION DOLLAR PAYROLL AND STILL MAKE A PROFIT, Y R U AGAINST IT? Malaka Pousti

What fan cares about a low payroll? Im not a conspiracy theorist, but the idea that outhousers post here certainly seems more viable when a so-called fan puts payroll b4 pennants. Dim JIm thinks he's smarter than Billy Beane though

DIM JIM

most ppl dont like getting owned LOL

stick to calling names, you're not very smart when it comes to baseball

u r the fan of a 70 million dollar payroll though--thats always the 1st thing on my mind when i tune into the game LMAO

Bedard is ALWAYS hurt. If he's just playing catch at this point it isn't likely he's going to be ready for 2010. Want to shell out the big bucks for an AA or AAA guy? For a constant rehab guy? And you're going to have to move another guy out to make room for him, right? The O's are .500 with or without him......forget it.

~If he doenst stay healthy then the only thing lost is $$$$
that's all 10m bucks, np. only money.

how do you know he can get 3 prospects for sheets?

ok, the o's got millwood for 9m, and he's been pretty consistent innings eater over the last few years, avg about 180. He's healthy. they don't have to wonder about his health. I'm sure he can help out the young guys, like he did in Texas last year.

Oh I forgot, Sheets didn't pitch last year.
Dummy me...

how did koji get into the argument? he wasn't in the original wacked out profit-and-loss statement rant of yours.

Wayne,

That's funny! Does Tony get some kind of prize? I do have to agree with you though, much to the dismay of some, that even if they do get to 78 wins, it's only an improvement because they were one of the worst teams in all of sports last year.

Now if they won 81 games last year, a number so many predicted for 2009, then 14 games would be great. But 14 games more than 64? Not so much!

Wayne -

There is a difference between 'not excited' and always negative. I once compared you to the two old men in the balcony on the Muppets show. All you do is complain. If you only want to get excited when the O's have a winning record because they've been bad for so long, then please just stop posting until they are winning.

Seriously, why do you post? Need the attention?

jim -

When Billy Beane chose Chavez over Tejada, Chavez was a 27-year-old coming off a four year stretch in which he averaged 146 games, 31 home runs and an .875 OPS. Oh, and he won a Gold Glove in each of those four seasons.

Tejada's numbers over that same stretch? 162 games, 30 home runs and an .825 OPS.

It was clear that Tejada was hoping to test the free agent market, while Chavez was more than willing to discuss an extension. Oh, and even before it came out in Houston, there were questions about Miggy's age. So, without your 20/20 hindsight, who would you choose?

And with the Holliday trade, you've got to look at the bigger picture. Beane took a huge gamble in 2009, hoping that Holliday, Jason Giambi and Orlando Cabrera would jumpstart the offense while the A's core of young pitchers pulled everything together and won a bunch of games. In the end, it didn't work. Holliday took forever to get going, Cabrera struggled and Giambi was a disaster. Brett Anderson and Trevor Cahill were solid, but Josh Outman and Dallas Braden got hurt and Gio Gonzalez and Vin Mazzaro clearly weren't ready.

But anyways, Beane went all in by adding some solid veterans to a young team. It didn't work, so he dumped Holliday, Cabrera and Giambi. Again, hindsight is 20/20.

On Sheets, I'll add a bit to jason's response...

Sure, they spent $10M, but honestly, who are the A's paying right now? Prior to the Sheets contract, only three A's players were set to make more than $3.1M: Chavez ($12.5), Mark Ellis ($5.5) and Coco Crisp ($4.75). And past those three, only six other players are making more than a million bucks. They may not have a ton of money, but at this point, the A's are the epitome are payroll flexibility.

So why not risk $10M on a guy who could be one of the best pitchers in the league? It's a no lose situation when you look at the three possibilities:

1. Sure, the chances of Sheets staying healthy aren't very good, but if he does get hurt, so what? The A's are out $10M. Big deal. Sheets and Chavez will be off their payroll in 2011 and they'll have about $20M to spend next winter.

2. What if he's healthy, but he's not very good? See above. One and done.

3. If he's healthy and just as good as he used to be, but the A's are out of it by July, the ship him to a contender for a handful of prospects. I think we all know how much a good starting pitcher can net at the trade deadline. Especially when Billy Beane's the one doing the dealing.

4. If Sheets is healthy and just as good as he used to be and the A's are still in it, well, Sheets is probably one of the reasons the A's are still in it, so kudos to Beane for wagering $10M to get his team a nice shot at the playoffs.

That's all for now.

And to jason - Quit it with the name calling. Seriously.

John in Conn

So Canadians are shy and reserved or something. That's news to me. I've been down to the US many times and the only difference I notice is accents. We're no nicer than anybody else, eh.

DIM JIM 66 IQ thinks 10 million on koji is better than 10 million on a true #1 SP

dim jim cares more about a low payroll than winning seasons

dim jim 66 iq thinks hes smarter than billy beane

dimjim 66 is incapable of seeing the big picture and doesnt understand the value of trades

dim jim 66 isnt very perceptive

dim jim 66 doesnt realize the depths of his own stupidity

dim jim probably posts under other aliases

dimjim thinks trading sheeets for 3 players is a bad idea

dim jim is a bigger fan of a low payroll than winning (deserved to be said twice)

dim jim is a LIAR (but u have to lie when attempting to defend the indefesnible) Sheets has pitched every yr except last yr, but claims he hasnt been healthy in 5 yrs

DIm Jim claims sheets has only been healthy for 1 of 5 seasons, yet in a 9 yr career sheets has started less than 20 games only twice. 7 of 9 seasons over 20 starts 4 over 30

DIm JIm doesnt realize that BSheets had some freak injuries

Dim Jim fails to mention that Carpenter came back from teh same injury

Dim Jim says BSheets hasnt pitched for 200 ip for 5 yrs, but fails to mention the 198.1 he pitched in 2008 ( 1 whole inning short)

Lies and misrepresentations are the sign of low character

DIm Jim fails to mention that BSheets has one of the best K to BB ratio's in the history of the game (3rd all time over 1000 ip)

DimJIm doesnt understand baseball

DimJim thinks 10 mil for koji is good but 10 mill for sheets i bad. DImjim isnt very bright

not brooks

DImJIm IQ of 66 started the name calling, so pardon me if i tell u to kiss my pucker

last time i checked you were nothing but a fellow poster so y dont u get over yourself.

jc in sfla

Sorry, jason, if the ridiculous 10-year-old behavior that goes on here annoys me.

But since you're going the "he started it" route, I guess you've got a point.

Oh, wait. You don't have a point. Because none of us are in kindergarten.

I'm sorry that I had to stoop to calling all of you name-callers little children, but I'm not sure of any other way to get the point across.

Seriously guys. Let's just stick to baseball. If you want call each other names, set up a meeting place so you can fight in real life.

Koji got in beacuase he cost 10 million the same as sheets

its not astrophysics there dim jim - LOL

Wayward O has said it before

and Wayward O will say it again

BUH

DARD

not brooks aka not in charge

I couldnt care less what a dweeb on a msg board with delusions of granduer thinks, get over yourself and mind your own friggin business

ill worry about what i post so Y dont u worry about what u post and STFU

I dont give a flying fruck if u dont approve

I just don't get the fascination with Bedard.

200 innings? Never.

30 starts? Once. Four years ago.

Complete games? One.

137 innings per year including the healthy years.

Ben Sheets? I'm okay with that non-signing. $10M guaranteed is too much.

Money should be spent and would be spent if the team is genuinely interested in winning. Spending it on a high-risk player (Sheets) when this far away from being good would not be smart.

I don't know what Bedard's price tag is likely to be, but he won't come for a minor league contract as suggested by someone. I have a feeling there's an option for a second year between buy-outs and a guarantee for this year, we're looking at $7-8M guaranteed.

Again, the O's should spend money but if that is the guaranteed outlay for this pig in a poke, I think the O's should pass. Spend the bigger bucks on the bigger return guys.

speaking of kindergarten, i thought u took your ball and went home last wk

I sort of recall hearing u say something along the lines of

"Im not posting here anymore wahh boo hooo wahhh" LOL

isnt that what u said ?

crybaby brooks trying to step to somebody-- precious

so technically, i'm right. 200 innings does seem to be some kind of benchmark.

ok, a freak injury is an injury nonetheless.

the guy has pitched over 160 innings one time in the last 5 years. 22-17-24-31-0. Before that, a workhorse he was.

I never said Ben Sheets was a bad pitcher. He's not a sure thing,he's a gamble. Only in your guesswork can you say the guy could be flipped for 3 prospects. Unless of course you know this for sure. Do you? Then don't act like you do.

I never mentioned Koji, well once, in asking how koji got in the discussion.
NB,
I guess the Chavez-Tejada decision could have come down to whether I wanted to try and keep a power hitting play-every-down MVP SS or thirdbaseman.
I don't discount the signability factor.
Is it easier to get a third baseman or a shortstop...

I like Beane. The reason he was able to go all in on those players was because he had a bunch of young pitchers and other young players he felt could do the job. And he can wheel and deal with the best.

Here is my point with jason: saying that the Os should have signed Sheets because he would have been an eating-innings ace is presumptuous at best. And I presented a few facts about Sheet's last 5 years. And what do I get?
Not a baseball discussion. A yelling match and a rant about money.

PS - I am amused with everyone calling each other names and semi-cursing at each other while "not caring" what anyone else thinks.

Delusions of grandeur? LOL at jason in FL! So who do you want to be - the pot or the kettle?

One more Bedard FACT ...

He averages 5.8 innings per start lifetime.

I never used the term "innings eating ace". Dont lie. When someone is extolled for "eating innings", they are usually medicore. AN ace is called an ace for more than an ability to eat innings

AS fot your whining, do not initiate the name calling and then try to play the victim. The timeline is there for anyone to see. Just beacuse not brooks ignored it doesnt mean its not there

I used the term "legit #1 SP if healthy" which is indesputable

Im using Koji as a comparison because they both cost 10 million. It seems fair to compare the production of 2 players that would cost the same thing. If u cant understand that, then idk waht to tell u

Youre the one that uses money as an excuse not to do something, I simply state how much of it the Orioles have to spend. Anyoen with a modicum of intelligence and a shread of honesty sees that clearly

Dont start name calling and then play the victim after u get names called back. Play the martyr somewhere else. Not brooks seems lonely, u might be able to play it with him

jim -

I'm with you on Sheets. He's anything but a lock for 200 innings.

I do believe that, if healthy, he'll put up ridiculous numbers at home in Oakland. But problems will probably arise when he pitches well against the big lineups in the AL hitters parks (Boston, New York, Texas, etc.).

I feel your pain when it comes to jason. When I called him out on his name-calling, he just continued to prove my point. Can't say I was surprised...

Anyways, jason knows his stuff, and his arguments about payroll and such aren't unfounded. Just watch out if you disagree with him. He's kind of like wayne but with some serious roid rage.

To everyone: I did say that I was going to take a break from this blog, but that proved to be more difficult than I thought. I really enjoy talking baseball and I don't really know many baseball fans. Even when I lived in Baltimore, I didn't have a whole lot of people to talk baseball with. But anyways, I'll probably continue to be around, as this is where I come to talk baseball.

Hopefully we can all stick to baseball talk and keep the name-calling to a minimum. I don't say that as if I'm the leader or moderator of this blog. I say that as a baseball/Orioles fan who wants to see the discussion here kept to baseball and the O's.

Keep drinking the Oriole Kool-Aid.. Bedard would do nothing, zip, zero, nada for the Orioles. As usual, he's another question mark with a "high upside" etc, etc.. This is typical of the Orioles. Instead of ponying up for a real pitcher, they fool you into lowering your expectations for a pitcher that may never be the same again. Sorry, I refuse to be blinded by the false light emanating from the Unawarehouse.

dave in glen burnie

you're irrelvant so who cares ?

I never try to tell ppl what to post or act like im in charge

I simply provide FACTS about the payroll or macphails abysmal record. PPl dont like it when their misconceptions are erased. They prefer toiling in ignorance.

BTW, dont you usualy reserve your posts for making apologies for the latest in Oriole ineptitude

stick on the sidelines where u belong.

glen burnie - isnt that redneck central - BWHAHAHAHAHAHAHA

not brooks

r u joking ? LOL

Jim66 calls more names than anyone on this board, I just gave him a dose of his own medicine

if i cared enough i would find the link from a blog last wk where thats all he did

get serious

Jason C:

You're nothing more than a pathetic little punk who plays tough guy while hiding behind his laptop.

I'll be in Sarasota for spring training. Drive on over and let me know where I can find you. And then we'll see how tough you are, you weak-ass little douche.

I know Schmuck hates the playground threats here, but he stopped policing this blog a long time ago, so he only has himself to blame for what it's become.

So how about it, Jason C? Gonna back up all your tough talk and insults, or just piss down your leg as usual?

jason c,

How old are you?

Not Brooks,
I couldn't agree with you more, sometimes the maturity level of some of the posters are suspect at best. What i do is, as soon as the name calling starts I stop reading they're post and scroll down. Unfortunatly, I've done a lot of scrolling down on this topic. That being said, I don't always scroll down on they're post, when they give intelligent thoughts and some goods stats without the name calling I enjoy reading they're posts. We are all tired of losing and we have different OPINIONS of how to and who to go after to put and end to our misery. We shouldn't ridicule each other if we have different OPINIONS. Sometimes I agree with Wayne, Jason, Jimm66, Gil, and all the other posts and sometimes I don't. But, when I don't I don't feel the need to call them stupid or a moron for they're OPINION. But, hey...that's just my OPINION.

jason in south fla ....after reading your posts I HOPE U REMAIN in s fla ....and perhaps root for the marlins or go play in the surf - B/C U SOUND LIKE TRUE JACKASS! just a MAJORITY observation - signed, MASN

jason in south fla ....after reading your posts I HOPE U REMAIN in s fla ....and perhaps root for the marlins or go play in the surf - B/C U SOUND LIKE A TRUE JACKASS! - just a MAJORITY, observation - signed, MASN

Wooo Joey, Im shaking, LOL

SO tell me "Joe Steele"

You're talking tough behind a messge board right now

R u a hypocrite much ?

DO u possess the intelligence to recognize your own hypocrisy

I doubt it. Joe Steele isnt your real name anyway

I never tire of ppl posting under a multitude of monikers on here

WHo is Joe Steele ? (other than a loudmouth buffoon) Is he Jim66 or shamrock or bf ?

Inquiring minds want to know

Is there a bigger tool than someone making threats on a msg board- LMAO

Little Joey's upset, mustve punked the shiznit out of him on his real moniker-- thats adorable

Jason in FL -

You find me irrelivant because you disagree with me. I provide the facts, too. But because I prefer to look at both sides of the coin, people like you call me out for being an "apologist". I've given my opinion in the past, but unlike you I'm not going to make childish attempts to insult somebody. Excuse me for trying to sound educated, even from Redneckville. BTW, I've driven through south Flordia a few times. I was unimpressed. With that said, please spare me the redneck comments.

If you want to know my opinion, I'm going to copy and paste what I've said in past (because I hate repeating my self:

"......And honestly, this "plan" has much more structure and vision then any other "plan" that the other puppets had in the past. I can admit that much. But what I won't admit is my faith in this franchise to actually take a chance and go after one or two marquee superstars in the intermediate future. It seems me that the "conservative approach" that fames MacPhail should be called the "pussy approach"."

"......Up to this point, I support the plan. But I have this hard feeling that MacPhail won't do what it takes to supplement the talent that we already have on the Major League team. His conservitive approach is good in terms of nursing the top prospects that we have in place in the minors. But I don't think he'll ever be aggresive enough to aquire those players who will put us over the top. His love for the In-House-Option I think is his biggest downfall. Sure, it'll eventually pay off down the road. Do you ever get the feeling our building block Markakis will be 30 years old before this team sees a winning season?"

".......His plan, as it now stands, looks like it will make us a perrenial 85-game winner. That's unless he makes the big moves, but that again falls back on whether he wants to rely on the in-house-option. Whenever we get to be a 80-some game winner, that's when I hope he would trade a hyped up prospect for a big-named player. His track record shows otherwise, though"

".......I don't want to lean towards being a perrenial 85-game winner either. But based on MacPhail's track record, 3rd place seems to be our future. And we'll get lucky in those years when the Sox or Yanks have a bad year and the O's win the wild card. It's not impossible. But the other years will be the same 'ole ESPN story lines about the race between the Sox and Yanks. And the O's, well, they'll just be lucky when it happens. Or an "upset", as the national media refers it too"

"Hail Mary is fine for the '10 slogan........

Maybe "the plan" should be renamed "The sign-and-release program". It can feature an orange black poster of an unemployment line with unwanted former major leaguers entitled "Hope". The Orioles will then sign Sidney Ponson and slap a picture of him on the offical Opening Day Program that discusses how at the age of 32, he's finally buckled and changed his ways to become the pitcher was was supposed to be.

Hope - The Plan"

Paul Markis, U really should get something for that receding hair line

I might pay u a visit at Jevili's

Y does a guy who lives in MA care so much about what team I root for

Internet insults arent good for business, esp the real estate business. Im not sure moran would approve

Im working on "Joe Steele " as we speak

Jason in FL -

based from the random comments I've left in the past, I'm far from being an apoligist. You can choose what you want to believe. But I believe what I feel is logical and that there are positives and negitives. You don't have to agree with me, but please, I do my best to show respect even to those here that annoy the hell out of me at times. But even I slip sometimes.

Dave,

jim started the name calling, all i did was respond the same and u jumped into insult me.

What do u want me to do, speak glowingly of you after ?

keep it real. i guess i could ignore it, but how i react is my business. I dont try to tell anyone else how to act

then there are toolboxes like "joe steele" who's never posted b4 and all of the sudden he posts in a pathetic attempt to sound tough when 10:1 its just a regular using an alias

I would say the apologists really stick together, but its really several ppl using 5 different monikers each (as goofy as that is)

I don't get the obsession with Bedard either. I think he's too injury prone. I think the reason is because he, like many other pitchers in the league, have been coddled in their minor and major league careers. The obsession with pitch counts has had a negative effect on starting rotations.

With that said, I think Bedard is a very talented pitcher when he is on and he would add to a weak and underdeveloped starting rotation.

Pete -

I've asked before and I'll ask again.

Can we please get some kind of moderation system here?

By the way,
I like this blog, but sometime it gets too rowdy in here. There are a couple of posters who have hijacked this blog with box cutters, profanity, and not-so witty condescension. Simmer down now.

Wayne, Larry, and the rest of you who don't think a 14 game improvement is a big deal,
I can't understand why you continue to call yourselves fans of this team when they effect you so negatively on a daily basis...Make yourselves less miserable and cheer for the Yankees, Redsox and whatever other team you see spending boatloads of money in order to make yourselves feel better.
Let's face it, if the O's signed Figgins, Holliday, Bay, or Lacky and they came here and bombed you would be complaining about how horrible the FO is and how they don't know how to evaluate talent. The fact is that no matter how successful your teams are, you guys will find something to complain about...
A 14 game improvement, if achieved, would be significant because it would mean that our young players are improving as anticipated. I am not going to be doing cartwheels and jumping up and proclaiming how great it is to finish in 4th place, but I will be glad to see the team progressing. If we had gone out and over-spent on some of the FA's that were available and we only improved by 14 games, I would completely agree with your point. The fact is that we did not and we were never planning to. The Plan, as we all like to refer to it, has always been to build from within and when the right fit comes along, we can add them. Now we can sit here and argue about what the right fit is, but the only person with the authority to make that call is Andy. To me, the right fit is a player that wants to come here, all things being equal. I am not expecting to get a discount on free agents, but I don't want a guy who comes here just because we offered them 10 Million more than the 2nd highest bidder. Overpaying is desperation. You set a value that you think a player is worth and if someone is willing to pay him more, good for him.
As a fan, I want a player who wants the challenge of knocking off the Yanks and Sox every year. I want a player who sees this as a team on the rise and wants to be the next piece of the puzzle to get us to where we want to be. For example, I like the Mike Gonzalez signing because I honestly believe that he wants the challenge of taking this team to the next level. He could have gone to a lot of other teams for what we are paying him, but but he felt he could make a difference here. That is the kind of players I want this team to sign. I don't want a guy like Jason Bay who went to the Mets because they offered him more than anyone else. Do you think he cares if they win 74 games or 90 games? Look at that team for pete's sake! Unstable, poor management, 2nd fiddle in their own city... He could have stayed with the Sox, made a little less money and won a lot more. He was after the payday. If he wasn't he would have never signed with the Mets.

Wieters, Jones, Markakis, Matusz, Tillman, Reimold, and Pie will be here for a while and I have faith in there abilities to become above average major leaguers who will have this team fighting for the post season for years to come.
I don't care if you agree with me or not. I don't care what you think of my opinion, much the same way you don't care what anyone thinks about yours. The only difference is I don't have to insult, berate or chastize you for feeling the way that you do. You are not the end-all be-all authority on how to rebuild the orioles so let's lay off the holier than thou attitude and let people believe what they want to believe.

I also like the Mike Gonzalez as well as the Garrett Atkins signings. I'm not sure about bringing back Mark Hendrickson though. I also hope the Kevin Millwood has a more sunny disposition by the time the O's break from spring training.

Tony P,

Where were the insults, beratement and alike? I'm not going to speak for Wayne, but all you got was a little attitude. Very little in fact. In fact, it looked to mostly be in fun to me.

The point was, and speaking for myself only, a 14 game increase isn't that great when you consider how bad the record was last year. I think that's very reasonable to suggest Tony.

Remember, last year was the year we were suppose to get close to 500. 78 wins last year would have been great, and if they got there, I think people would be talking differently. But they fell apart again Tony, and lost 98 games.

So now, a year later, people are thinking 78 wins would be a big deal? Of course it's your perogative to think that way, but it certainly doesn't seem reasonable.

I'm not a negative person in anything I do. never have been. Mainly, I think guys like Wayne are funny and harmless. He's a season ticket holder and I respect his opinion, even if it's of the negative tone.

It is tough though to call people out for being negative when they're generally just speaking factual about the constant losing.

As in anything in life Tony, the only way to stop negativity is by turning things around. I just don't think a 14 game improvement, after what was another miserable season, would constitute turning things around.

In other words, Jason C. won't be taking me up on my offer.

Show of hands if you're shocked.

Hey sign Bedard for 2 seasons hope he can pitch without injury and hope he pitches like his old self and then trade him for another boat load of talent Then we get the real corner infields we need and we could be the first team to rebuild a complete team with 2 trades of one player lol

Hey Wayne,

You've become the choir boy of the blog. Who would have thunk it? I'll be called a 'follower' for just saying that, but I think you're right on most of the time. I can see how what you say hits a nerve with so many though. I think people are on edge because they're tired of losing as well.

It is just amazing how people get so upset just because some don't agree with what angelos and macphail are doing with the team though. Don't you think you'd have a better leg to stand on if you were ever right about the Orioles?

Here's a serious question: Does not the win/loss record tell the entire story in professional sports? Twenty years from now, when someone looks back at the win/loss record of any team, won't that team be judged solely on their record?

I say that because 2008 and 2009 were two of the worst ever for this team, and it appears this will be another losing season. So if this continues this year, then into 2011, wouldn't the last number of years look like all the rest during the losing streak?

I'm just worried. The guys before Andy brought in some good players as well. Markakis, Roberts, and as Wayne keeps saying, guys like Reimeld and Bergesen are from the previous regime.

So why is this one so much better? Is it because of the minor league system that we won't truly know about until years down the road?

I hope Andy is the right guy. It's been a very long time since he's won though, and he's sure not talked great about in Chicago. I guess I'm just worried that we're still running in place.

No one else thinks Bedard should be considered as a reliever instead of a starter? If he is brought in as a starter, who do you send back to the minors or switch to the bullpen? Or are you going to make a trade? No one thinks moving Bedard to the bullpen, like Koji, will help with durability and solidify the bullpen?

Joe Steele

Anytime anywhere, u little b1tch

That was addressed in one of my earlier blogs....
Send Guthrie back to the bullpen.
That's where his initial success with the O's was, and I believe he would thrive there.
A rotation of
Bergesen
Bedard
Millwood
Matusz
Tillman
would be as good or better than Boston's and the Rays' and rival those of the Yankees .

If we'd trade some of the dead weight like Andino, Hernandez, Berken, and Johnson to the Dodgers for Sherrill, our bullpen could look like this:

Gonzalez
Guthrie
Sherrill
Uehara
Hendrickson
Mickolio
Meredith

You've got it!

Just be sure to tell your mommy and daddy that you're going to the skating rink or the mall so they don't worry about you. And bring lots of money because I plan on rolling you and taking your wallet afterward.

12 years makes everyone frustrated. Just agree to disagree.

Bear,

Let's see if we have this straight.

Bergesen - a complete surprise that teams will adjust to, who's coming off season ending injury. In other words, an unknown.

Bedard - Averaged 80 innings the past 2 seasons, recovering from major surgery.

Millwood - Most feel he'll revert back to his 07 and 08 numbers (and the reason the orioles were the only serious bidders).

Tillman - Likely needs another season in AAA.

Matusz - Rookie with upside.

That's the starting rotation that is going to rival the Yankee's?

I'm sorry, but I feel a whole lot dumber for even responding to such an unbelievable post.

What are some of you smoking? And where can the rest of us buy some?

doug, of course he's right a lot. All he says is THE OS SUCK. Obvious.

Bedards a cancer...where's the proof? Who says? I have a job where i'm excited to go to work every day...there are parts of it I hate and its obvious but i'm not a cancer.

12 LOSING SEASONS Congrats he can count!

HOLD THE FRONT OFFICE ACCOUNTABLE he doesn't.

How many companies that have gotten there butts kicked by this economy would like their bottom line to go up 22% in one year? Thats the Os going from 64 to 78 wins. Now if said company eventually needs to go up 47% to be competitive (that'd be 94 wins) i think they'd still say they're glad the bad momentum has stopped and they're on their way. I won't be doing cartwheels if the Os get to 74-78 wins this year, however that'll be their first improvement in how many years? Stopping the bleeding is sometimes the hardest thing to do.

Pete: Please start approving the legitimate posts and deleting those from the "kiddies" and get the drunks, crybabies, and name calling babies off here so the rest of us can talk sensible baseball

Jason C in S FLA, I believe Joe said he'd be in Sarasota for Spring Training

Bedard as a closer?

It could save the wear and tear on his arm, as closers rarely even warm up unless they're coming into the game.

And then with Gonzalez, Johnson, Uehara and Mickolio as set up men, it could be special.

they should sign bedard just for the sheer fact that they would have gotten 10 prospects for free and they can always use pitching at any stage in the season

cush,

I guess I'm just as stupid as Wayne then. I don't know, but I see that 22% you're throwing out there as pure spin. The kind of spin that a slick used car salesman would use.

I guess I'm an idiot for agreeing that a 14 game increase equaling 78 wins only means that the previous season was worse than anyone wants to admit.

Sure cush, it's a 22% improvement, and any company would take that. But when that improvement is due to the previous year being so unprofitable, and when that 22% improvement still leaves the company in the minus, well then I'm thinking the company would want to keep the enthusiasm to a minimum, at least until they started making money again. Or in this case, win games again.

mark my words...the orioles will be a vast improvement this year (even if they don't sign bedard)...they will be in the mix in the wildcard this year and a bona fide threat to win the east in 2011

mark my words...the orioles will be a vast improvement this year (even if they don't sign bedard)...they will be in the mix in the wildcard this year and a bona fide threat to win the east in 2011

jisf knows no more than anyone else on this blog, and without a doubt a lot less than most.

jisf, your constant yelping about the orioles payroll has me fed up to about here. Its tiring and adds nothing to the discussion. Nothing. When I present a couple of cases about clubs that are winning with quality talent AND fewer dollars you don't even respond.
Next, I like BB, as you call him.explain to me in plain english your fascination with BB? Is it the idea that the guy has probably done more with excellent young players and a LOW payroll than any GM in baseball? Nah, the O's are trying to do that, and you like to spend money, so it could not be that. He makes mistakes like everyone else.As NB posted, he went all in last yr and came up empty. No sweat.You like his risk taking? Fine. Holliday cost him some young players. He got a few players back when he traded him. Horsetrading. Like to see the O's run like that? I can only imagine AM taking that chance and failing. Your problem is you want it both ways, and when it fails, the beatdown is coming...Why did he trade for that guy? Why'd he sign that guy. Or if the payroll is some certain amount. you gotta shut your yap as that seems to be your only discussion point in here?

His team has been in the playoffs once in the last 5 years. In a weaker division than the AL East. AM has been here 3 years, so don't give me any of your O's sucked for 12 years crap. Let it go.
We know.
Next. Let's define an ace as a guy who takes the ball every 5 days, throws a bunch of innings(200+), wins a bunch of games... Now, let's slot Sheets in there somewhere. Last 5 years- 200 innings or more = 1(i'll give it to you); last 5 years-most wins in a season=13. So what in that history tells you that he's even going to be healthy, let alone win an ace number of games? Or maybe you define an Ace as someone supposedly better than someone the O's have who pitches well when healthy but you never know?
Or maybe an ace is a guy who averages 150 innings and win 13 games?
I guess the deal is to use stats when they help, but disregard when they don't.
And the last 5 years, well that's a pretty good sample size.

If I could retract the dunce part, I might as it seems to have started a childlike torrent by you. Nah, that's ok.

And for the record, I hope the guy pitches well. It's good for the game, and I don't need the guy to fail to make a point.

doug,

You're 5:41 post really did hit the mark. One of the biggest problems with blogs is, before someone finishes reading one post, they're thinking how they can make a smart come back. Well before thinking of a come back, people should finish reading your post.

At 78 wins (a reach), one could say the bleeding has been stopped. But you're so right. Wasn't the bleeding supposed to be stopped last year? If so, why are we talking about 78 wins all over again?

I feel like we're in another oriole time warp. this time though, it's courtesy of Mr. MacPhail. New chapter - same results! Oh well!

Just to put it out there, the projections that PECOTA puts out are more accreate for the better teams because the projected players on their potential roster are more definative then say, the Orioles. In other words, we already know the Yankees are a 90+ win team. But if the Orioles aquire, lets say, Tim Lincecum, you're looking at a potentially HUGE change in the W/L column.

That's why I keep stressing that the 78 wins that are projected are preliminary. Wait till closer to Opening Day for the final projections.

Roy and Wayne, I'm talking about Bedard's reputation as a pitcher with a lifetime ERA of 3.71, who in 2007 was led the AL in most strikeouts per nine innings (10.929) and the fewest hits per nine innnings (6.973), second in WHIP (1.088), third in strikeouts (221), third in adjusted ERA plus (146), fourth in ERA (3.16) and fifth in Cy Young voting and Win-Loss% (.722).

I'm talking about Bedard's reputation as a Cy Young-caliber pitcher who netted the Orioles five players in return, including two All-Stars and one of the most highly-touted pitching prospects.

I'm talking about Bedard's reputation which has several teams besides the Orioles reportedly interested in his service, including the Mets, Mariners, Blue Jays and Royals.

Like the O's, any contract he signs will be a smaller incentive-laden one, given his history of injuries. Everybody seems to understand that except you guys, who don't appreciate a pitcher with plus talent.

wow.... I mean wow!

Jason and Jim66,

You guys mixed it up! Nothing wrong with that. Didn't get physical at least. Did it?

Doug, Larry and others

Some awesome post today. One thing though guys.... please don't feel you need to have my back. While I do appreciate it, please know that I take nothing that what anyone says on these blogs personal.

That said, you guys really did say things better than I ever could have. Know this though.... if some people want to believe a 14 game improvement over last seasons disaster is relevant to where this team should be, then you're not going to change their minds.

One of the best points made today was that winning 78 (or there about) games was the goal for last year, yet here we are again, ready to celebrate if we meet last years goal in 2010.

It really leaves one speechless when you take in what some people are saying.

Hey Dave..... Just a thought. What was their projection for Oriole wins last year? Just wondering.....

BY THE WAY everyone..... Props to Pete for taking the plunge today. I wish I was there this year, although I hear the weather was brutal today.

For anyone thinking about taking the plunge next year - know this: When you get out of your car, out into the cold, and prepare to enter the frigid water, you'll question your own sanity like you never have before. When you're done however, and when you think about what you did, and who you did it for, you'll feel a warmth that will last you the rest of the year.

Good job Pete! Now beat up the O's please (sorry, couldn't help it!)

wow.... I mean wow!

Jason and Jim66,

You guys mixed it up! Nothing wrong with that. Didn't get physical at least. Did it?

Doug, Larry and others

Some awesome post today. One thing though guys.... please don't feel you need to have my back. While I do appreciate it, please know that I take nothing that what anyone says on these blogs personal.

That said, you guys really did say things better than I ever could have. Know this though.... if some people want to believe a 14 game improvement over last seasons disaster is relevant to where this team should be, then you're not going to change their minds.

One of the best points made today was that winning 78 (or there about) games was the goal for last year, yet here we are again, ready to celebrate if we meet last years goal in 2010.

It really leaves one speechless when you take in what some people are saying.

Hey Dave..... Just a thought. What was their projection for Oriole wins last year? Just wondering.....

BY THE WAY everyone..... Props to Pete for taking the plunge today. I wish I was there this year, although I hear the weather was brutal today.

For anyone thinking about taking the plunge next year - know this: When you get out of your car, out into the cold, and prepare to enter the frigid water, you'll question your own sanity like you never have before. When you're done however, and when you think about what you did, and who you did it for, you'll feel a warmth that will last you the rest of the year.

Good job Pete! Now beat up the O's please (sorry, couldn't help it!)

If that comment about Bedard saying "three questions" at the Seattle spring training press conference is true, all I've got to say is...I LIKE THIS GUY! "Three questions." "Are you kidding?" "That's one!" HILARIOUS. Definitely my kind of people. Clever mind, doesn't have time for B.S. To say he's a clubhouse cancer or a bad influence based on these stories is ridiculous. Bedard wasn't a bad influence. David Wells was a bad influence (ask Rocky Coppinger). Sidney Ponson was a bad influence. Does Bedard become the butt of jokes like "I went to a bar and ordered a pitcher full of beer. They brought Sidney Ponson over." No. THAT's the kind of bad influence you want to avoid...drinking, getting into fights, encouraging young pitchers to drink and get into fights. Bedard didn't do that. No, he just GOT. MEN. OUT. So he didn't throw nine innings. Excuse me, but it isn't exactly a "new trend" to see pitchers not throw complete games. That reached its zenith in 1980, remember the Oakland A's under Billy Martin? EVERYBODY threw complete games because Martin knew he had NO bullpen (you think the O's have had bullpens, remember how bad those guys were, sheez). Anyway, if it doesn't break the bank, absolutely, sign Bedard. Let him get back into shape in the minors. If he can get back to what he was or within a horseshoe's throw of it, it's WORTH IT. I've said before on this blog, I've been an O's fan for over 30 years and in all that time, I never saw a pitcher dominate like Bedard did. Not Palmer, not Stone, not Flanagan. Ball just FELL OFF THE TABLE. I saw Bedard pitch in the minors and remember thinking, "Who is THIS guy???" Sign him. Let him get well. Let him pitch, and shut the bleep up. Good night.

jim66,

You seem grouchy. The Orioles payroll is a prescient issue in my opinion. Angelos and Macphail are cheap. But that's"the plan", until the "the time is right". When exactly is that, jim? That's right, you don't know, I don't know, and nobody on this board knows. Macphail doesn't even know. There is no way this team is going to smell 78 wins this year, the pitching, from starters to bullpen is an unknown. I think it is a shame the way the Orioles organization has been stringing the fans along since Macphail got here.

I am sick and tired of hearing about the prospects version 2110.1 version 1, Release 12.

Macphail had a chance to really improve the team over the winter and flat out didn't do it. He and Angleos are putting it the bank rather than on the field. I have thought it over and I have come full circle. If this team wants to win they will stop screwing with our heads, spend some money and put a competeive team on the field. It's too late now for 2010. But then it never was about{fill in the blank} year. It's always about the next year. Hell most of the true believers have been talking about 2011 since Christmas anyhow, so they bought in early.

Jascon C. in Florida I agree with you put please stop calling Jim names. He is a good guy. And Jim PUULLEASE don't go into one of your rebuilding seminars. I'm all rebuilded out. This team is going to stink this year, and Macphail is planning to lose once again until the " time is right".

Amazing post Gil....

It would be impossible to do better, thus I'll retire for the evening.

If AM read your post Gil, I actually think he'd feel a little guilt, a little shame....

Happy Saturday Night All... Be careful out there!

Have fun with Jim Zorn Baltimore!

Doug, of course its spin like "the fastest growing show on tv" because they went from 1 to 2 viewers. Would you complain if the Os won 78 games? I said i wouldn't turn cartwheels but it'd be an improvement and we haven't gotten that in 3 years? If my employees, the ones i inherited combined with the ones i hired, had me up 22% i don't think telling them "yea we're up, but we still suck" is the way to go as long as I feel like we're on a good path. Its been years since it even felt like the Os were on a good path.

Rare is the team that goes worst to first. Its a build, some slower some faster. The fact is there aren't many positive facts when it comes to the Os.

Larry, the bleeding was supposed to stop last year, it didn't. That's reality. You can choose to whine and complain about it or try to find something positive in a sorry situation. I'm staying positive. Considering they could lose 98 games again this year, I'll take 78 wins for now.

Doug, you shouldn't call Wayne stupid. I don't think either of you is stupid.

Hey :) (or redskin loser),

Zorn is a qb coach. That's what he should have been for the Redskins. Only your midget, incredibly ignorant owner would make him the head coach!

Enjoy Shanahan by the way. Question: How many playoff games did he win after Elway retired?

Enjoy another losing team Washington!

wayne-

69 wins was their projection in '09

NY - 99
Sox - 99
Rays - 93
Jays- 73
O's - 69

wayne-

69 wins was their projection in '09

NY - 99
Sox - 96
Rays - 93
Jays- 73
O's - 69

*correction on the Sox

maxmorf,

Bedard has had 2 good seasons out of 6. He had one 200 K season, and was never the same after that. 2007 was a long time ago (in baseball terms), while 08 and 09 were disasters. The guy has won 51 games in 6 years. Another year or two on and off the DL, and you'll be able to stamp him an official Bust.

Heck, i thought they'd go 58-104 last year with that mess of 5 starters they began the year with.

cush,

I do see your point. I just can't allow myself to wrap my arms around another losing season though.

I think Gil really captured it for many of us. I know the losing is hard for most, but I don't think it's that big a deal for some. I'm more like Wayne when he says that the only thing that matters in pro sports is wins and losses.

doug, for the teams its about W's and Ls .as its their job to win games. from 96-'to the year before PA couldn't hire a GM it was about Ws and Ls for me too, then I realized this thing was going south quick. it was about W's and ls for . What was the first year with no Os GM?

I get where you're coming from with another losing season. Like I said, i think they're on the right track for the first time in forever so I'm gonna be a little more "warehousy" than you.

I think its fair to say we both want a winner in OPCY

cush,

A agree, I thought sure they'd lose 100 games last year with that rotation. The worry this year is we simply have no idea what the rotation will look like at years end.

I think everyone's missing the mark on Bedard.

At this point, arguing about his injuries is irrelevant. We all know that he's hurt all the time, but that's not the point.

It's also irrelevant to argue his numbers. We all know that, when he's healthy, he's among the best pitchers in the game.

If the O's signed Bedard, they would be gambling on his health. And if he doesn't cost more than $5M for this season, it would be a nice gamble. For a team that always tanks in mid to late summer, Bedard would be an excellent addition, as he would probably be ready just in time to take over for one of the young starters.

Bedard was a very good pitcher talent-wise. However, his heart was just not into being the guy who takes the ball when you need a win. He pulled himself from games when he was in command .. all, in my opinion, because he was in a contract year. Let's all let him slide into oblivion; otherwise, he'll just milk the team for a few mil and disappear after his ailments appear, probably in mid August. When the going gets tough, Bedard looks for an exit sign.

The only way McPhail will sign Erik Bedard is if Bedard's agent will accept a one year minor league contact .
I'll bet that Mark Pieper is asking for, no less than 2 yrs / 4 milion.

Bedard's career winning percentage: .554
Sheets' career winning percentage: .509

Bedard's career era: 3.71
Sheets' career era: 3.72

Bedard's career K's per 9: 8.8
Sheets' career K's per 9: 7.6

Obviously these numbers are just a selective sampling. Sheets pitches more innings per game/season, has more complete games (18 to Bedard's 1) and has a noticeably better k to walk ratio (3.85 to 2.46).

He's also apparently significantly healthier than Bedard right now, seeing that he had a throwing session that got him a $10 million contract, while we're not quite sure what Bedard's status is.

That being said, Sheets has had health issues long before last season when he didn't pitch at all (which if you factor in last season, he's averaged one more start a season than Bedard has, which is obviously better then Bedard, but not as different as one would probably expect).

Basically, Sheets and Bedard are similar pitchers at this point in their careers, with similar question marks. Sheets has a bit more of a track record than Bedard but there's no certainty with either of these guys.

Coincidentally, I'm pretty sure that neither one of these guys is worth $10 million in this market. The logic that the O's not paying Sheets that type of money is symbolic of anything other than a rational front office (at least in this instance) is hollow to me.

I realize that I don't know what the odds are that the O's sign Bedard, I don't know when Bedard would be ready if we did and I don't know how effective he would be once we got him. I do know that at this point of time that if we were to sign Bedard at $4 million (which is nothing more than an arbitrary number I've seen thrown around) it looks like a significantly better deal for the O's than what the A's got for their $10 million.

None of us know what either one of these guys are going to do this up-coming season. That being said, with sheets being brought up so much, I think there are some pretty good reasons to be happier with Bedard.

Where is Larry promising to break laws and threaten the harassment of others when he posts their address when you need it?

Anyway, I think we got all we needed out of Bedard. He's no Mike Mussina. There'd be no nostalgia of having him back. Maybe the DL misses him already though?

Dear Pablo:
I don't smoke, but obviously you do as pertains to your inquiry about "where you can get some".

I'll not engage you in the headbanging to which many on this blog seem to have devolved.

When I post something it's because I expect some form of intelligent response. Neither you or anyone else can simply look at numbers and predict the future.

I sincerely believe Brad Bergesen was and will be our number one starter.
Bedard can be a great lefty complement to him as the #2.
Millwood will work quality starts no matter where he is in the order.
Matusz is the complementary lefty after him.
And Tillman should get his "seasoning" as a major league fifth starter whose turn does not come as often as the others.
I think this rotation would be terrific.
Throw in a couple of other non-predictables, such as Burnett not having such a great year, Sabathia's health-luck running out on him (he is after all, a fat slob, and sooner or later, he will suffer a minor injury which will cause him to shift his weight during his delivery and loose it.)
Such things were not predicted for Santana or Wang..... and look what happened to Dice-K with Boston.

You never know.

So next time how about refraining from the smartassmanship and stick to talking baseball.

Thank yoouuuuuu......

For any kind of Bedard deal to make sense it would have to include a 2011 option. Obviously like the Atkins contract, the team option would be significantly more than the first year, almost double. In addition the buyout if the option is declined should be relatively low. This kind of contract is a win-win for both the player and the team.

Having said that, in regards to Bedard, the contract I envision should be
2010: 4.5 million
with a team option for
2011: 9 million and a 1mil buyout for Bedard if the option isn't picked up.

In the event that Bedard is hurt and doesn't play much or play well in 2010 the team lost 5.5 mil and a lot of that could be recouped in attendance for Bedard's first few homes starts, (regardless of how he pitches in the beginning, I'm sure fan interest will be high for a while). If the option isn't picked up Bedard can pull the same stunt on another team in 2011, 5.5 million is not a bad yearly salary for not much work.

In the event Bedard stays healthy and pitches a great second half in 2010 the O's have another piece of the puzzle for a serious run in 2011, and Bedard has made himself a nice little 2year/13.5 million dollar contract, maybe not ideal, but not bad at all for the question marks he started with. With his value raised he could still get a 5 year deal for big money as he'll only be 33 entering the 2012 season. (By which time mini-Bedard Zack Britton should coming into his own)

Regardless of the outcome, I think both sides could live with a deal like this. When healthy, a lefty of Bedard's caliber is a very rare thing in MLB. I think Andy, having giving the road map for this kind of deal with Atkins, is very aware of it's risk/reward ratio and knows it is smart. I think the cheapskate in him is waiting to see what other offers Bedard gets in the mean time in the unlikely event that he can save a few dollars. BIG mistake. Make the offer now and show Bedard you want him, before an actual contender entices him and scoops you. The O's can certainly afford a 5.5 million dollar gamble with huge upside.

If Bedard was coming off most other injuries, but most pitchers just don't come back nearly as effective off a labrum injury/surgery. There are exceptions, but when you're talking Bedard's stuff (freaking nasty) I don't see him being worth it. That said, baseball peeps, as a whole, aren't dumb and he'd have to impress a la sheets in one or more throwing sessions.

maxmorf, i heard that from a friend of mine whose from Seattle and a big fan. he called to tell me cause we had talked about how EB doesn't like answering the same thing over and over.

I have to admit, I was never a great fan of Bedard. Obviously, the guy has quality stuff but I got tired of watching him throw 5 or 6 innings and then duck out of the game. Several times, I saw Bedard with a shutout through seven or eight innings, only to "remove" himself from the start. Now, this could just be the M.O. of managers (another thing that detracts from the enjoyment of the game) but I get the impression that it's more Bedard. The O's could certainly use him, but given his past and the current injury, I think I might pass and let the young guys have a go. Might as well, nobody is going to catch the store-bought Yankees anyway.

Good Sunday Morning James C.,

There was little snow above Leader Heights and only a few flakes in York. I am glad I don't have to put on my
snow removal cap this morning.
My snow blower has a flat tire and I have been hoping i wouldn't have to crank it up again

James, I was on the computer yesterday for a couple of hours reviewing team by team, what the outlook was, and how many think they are in a positon to compete. When I got to the Orioles what wasn't said was conspicuous by it's abscence. The talk was about the "prospects" not about playoffs. It was about progress not about contention.

That's when it really hit home and I got really depressed. To think pitchers and catchers will report in a few weeks, 162 games loom and even the organization has low expectations. In my opinion, this offseason had so much promise to fix the team and not worrry about "blocking' the prospects. To spend some real money on FA's and not rationalize that "they are not worth it." To put offers on the table and not assume that"they won't come here anyway."

'm sick of Angelos, I'm sick of Macphail, I'm sick of the"Plan" . I'm sick of the fans on this board giddy about the prospects for 70 something wins. And most of all I am sick of losing.

Signed,

Depressed in Harrisburg.

Bear,

Your definition of talking baseball is obviously different from mine. Ok, I threw in a line or two in an attempt to be funny, but maybe you need to take yourself a little less serious.

I'm all for being an optimist Bear, but to engage in an intelligent conversation comparing the O's staff to teams like the Yankee's, is mind boggling to me.

Sure, I suppose their staff could all come down with a bad case of the swine flu or worse, while the O's staff all outperform expectations. But we really don't think that'll happen, do we? Even if a couple Yanks or Sox do go down. you really think our youngsters will exceed their promise (in their first full year)? Not to mention Bear, Millwood is a huge gamble - just look at his seasons prior to 2009.

Wayne says it a lot on this blog, and he gets a ton of crap for it. But I agree with him when he says the hype needs to stop at some point. It seems like no fan base hypes their own players more than Baltimore fans. Maybe that's due to the constant losing, the way the media reports on the team, or whatever. It just would be nice if people took a more realistic view of the team more often. Then and only then, can the team ever improve.

Gil,
I must admit I never thought that rattling the Spend Money Cage would cause a fight.Whew!

so here's some food-for-thought for those that can only see the bleakest.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/writers/sky_andrecheck/01/21/andrecheck.royals.pirates/index.html

as for Free Agent acquisition, I have yet to see how the moves made be Andy are not productive.

who were the missed Free Agents?

nor has there been a good argument that with a rampant spending spree the O's could compete with the Yankees Red Sox and Rays.

which free agents meant beating the AL East?

Supporters of Andy (at this point) are not Simply making the argument that it's about Prospects...it's about prospects as much as it's about the lack of Free Agents that can make the O's a contender.

cheap? non-spending? I don't know how many times the argument has to be made...the O's have SPENT oodles of dough for nearly 2 decades and here they are. It's been 2 years of belt tightening and we get pages of posts about greed.

there will be a time when Free Agents have to be added aggressively and at substantial cost, and Andy will have to make those moves and be held accountable for them (made or unmade).

jim66,

Ha Ha, If this board had been a bar your input would have emptied it into the parking lot!

Jim, it's a moot point I guess anyhow. Macphail is done dealing and we go into this season, his fourth, with still with more question marks than answers, especilly with the pitching staff. I can't see a good reason that we can avoid another second half collapse, as the young starters wear down or are shut down.

Tejada should be an upgrade offensively vs. Mora but I am skeptcal that at 36{at least} he can make the transition from short to third. I really think Atkins is on the wrong side of his career and Reimold can't hit high heat, which he will be pounded with early and often until he does.

Adam Jones. Tremendous potential. That's all so far. He does not get a good jump on the ball which is why he nearly kills himself once a week out there. Paul Balir used to read the bat and would be waiting for many of the balls that Jones is going all out for. Jones has a stronger arm than Blair, but Blair got rid of it quicker and was more accurate. Every fly ball to the gap does not need to make the highlight reel.

I think the Orioles could have spent some smart money on Laroche and Kouzmanoff. They also needed to add another proven starter who was ready to go, and another good reloever. These were minimum requirements to filed a competiive team

I think the 2010 Orioles are designed to be an absolute lab demonstration of Murphy's law.

And then there is Gryzinski's Law:...Murphy was an optimist.

Maybe I missed it, but I haven't read a single response from the "78 wins isn't a good enough improvement" crowd that would indicate just WHAT would constitute a good enough improvement... yes I realize the O's were worse than expected last year, but even given that, wayne, doug, et.al., what would you consider a sufficient improvement for 2010?

I was happy to see Bedard go, and am not pining for him to come back, but what the hell, it's not like he's really going to make a whole lot of difference one way or the other. He won't even be able to pitch in the first half. All the name calling and bad mouthing over a guy who is going to make no impact whatever seems misplaced to me.
When he's on, he's lights out, but he is inconsistent, and injury prone. Perhaps he can help the bullpen which will be wearing out again by the time he's able to pitch, but I expect no more.
So really, I just don't care if they sign him or not.

Keith,

Are you talking about that computer thing that projected 78 wins at this point?. The only thing I would consider a significant improvement is a winning record. I'm sick and tired of fans trying to project how "good" our losing record is going to be and spin it as success.. That's just plain ridiculous.

I don' think you'll see any crowds gather at war Memorial plaza saluting 70 something wins, if they even make it over 69, which is a push in my opinion.

Gil
3rd year for Macphail. I don't think it's fair to count the partial season where he simply observed the mess going on. It does suit your negative reflexes to call it the 4th though. All these supposed free agents we should have signed........oh nevermind

Bill,

Excuse me Bill, my apologies. let's just give Macphail a pass for the 2007 season, which he was here for two thirds of.

Funny thing, a number of years back, a Senior officer at the Bank I worked for asked me in early spring of that year to accept a new assignment and attempt to clean up the mess in the Lending Divison. If I accepted the job, he didn't offer to give me five years to show significant improvement in performance and results from the Lenders in the division. He gave me 90 days. I took it and did it, and didn't whine or complain about what a mess the VP ahead of me had left behind. I also did not have an rooting gallery apologists regularly making excuses for me and constantly reminding my boss what a mess I had inherited.

Macphail's performance can only be measured in wins and losses and by any measure it has been a dismal failure, both in W and L's and falling attendance..

Gil,
You are wrong about the ONLY measure is wins and losses. Just plain wrong. He inherited a mess and it doesn't turn around in 1 or two years. Yes after this season and next if we are not competitive, i will agree it has been a failure. You have been a fan long enough to know your statements about wins and losses being the only barometer are false. Falling attendance also is false. after they start winning again the fans will return. Happens everywhere.
It's fine to be negative if you want, but don't pretend some company you worked for is the same as running a major league franchise. The differences would far outweigh the similarities I am sure.
When did you ever hear AM complain about his predecessors? Didn't happen.
EVERYONE knew what mess he came into, including yourself.

Here's my prediction for O's wins this year
Millwood = 15
Matusz = 15
Guthrie = 12
Bergeson = 12
Tilman = 10
10-12 wins from various Pullpen and spot starters giving us 74-76 wins Woo-Hoo!!
Oh well...there's always 2011 : (

Thanks Rick,
Now I don't have to watch all season.

When I was 10 my mother asked me to take out the garbage. I did. Thus Andy failed.

anecdotal comparisons really don't advance an argument.

I liked the comment about how Bedard will be coming back about the same time the Kids will need a break in innings. I'm sold all the more on Bedard...but I heard the Mets are also looking at him, and they seem more desperate for his services. Hope that doesn't complicate things.

Bear,

How does half a season's worth of pitching convince you that Bergesen is a number 1 starter?

Bill,

So you give Macphail this year and next to become "competitive" and you call me negative? I think competitive probably has two different connotations for you and me. I define competeitive as having a winning record. You probabably mean 70 wins this year and 78 the next.

Falling attendance is a fact right now and 74 or even 78 wins is not going to send them streaming back. The only way to start getting them back is a pennant race, and that is not going to happen in the next two years, even the most ardent of the plan believers admit that.

Bill, what other pursuit on the face of this earth is not measured by winning and losing other than perhaps theology, and even the clerics want to beat the devil as often as they can.

Gil,
I want to be in the playoffs. Could happen this year. Why Not!!!!!
Hope springs eternal!!!!
Why settle for less.
I'm expecting them to be in the hunt.
I'm like a kid, you see Gil, because baseball is a kids game and I root for the home team every year. I'm not jaded at all about all the losing. I'm hoping everything breaks the right way, just like it did for Tampa a couple years ago.

Why Not 2?? Catch it this year!
Homegrown talent!!! A few good trades. Some cool free agent signings? Are you kidding? And you can't get excited about this team? Man, I can!
The main thing, THE ABSOLUTE BEST PITCHING WE"VE HAD IN !# YEARS WITHOUT A DOUBT. And it ALL starts with starting pitching.
Go O's!!!!

Dear Kieth:
Every interview I saw or listened to at season's halfway point which featured coaches and especially other pitchers on the staff (with the exception of Guthrie) pointed to Bergesen as the main guy. Terms like "heady" and "mature" and "leader" were used.
When he went down, it was like a domino effect, or so it seemed.
One only has to have studied his demeanor on the mound to understand the unflappable makeup of this quality starter.

Dear Pablo:
You obviously have your opinions and I have mine.
The trouble with you is, you can't seem to disagree without using the terms "intelligent" "unbelieveable", or references to "smoking" along with the implied desire to buy that which is allegedly being smoked.

You are not entitled to your own personal definition of what constitutes "talking baseball". Either one is or one isn't.
And you, Pablo, can't seem to do so without adding some comment expressing your feelings of superiority on the subject.

Let's see if you can prove my last statement inaccurate.....

I believe we should return Adam Jones to shortstop (where he originally played) and make Felix Pie the everyday CF.

I believe that Jones is injury-prone to the extent that Eric Davis and Jeffery Hammonds were.
Put him at a position (with which he is already familiar) where he won't run into walls at full speed and take himself right out of a successful season or worse yet, a promising career.
The guy could be another Ripken.

In the meantime, Pie gets to blossom in CF while left field gets left for Reimold, Scott, Wigginton, and Atkins to share along with DH.

Can't wait to read your reply.
Try to use strictly baseball terms.

Bill,

I love baseball, and the hope that Spring brings. I coach a 14 to 19 American Legion team up above York and we have been throwing and hitting in the gym since just after Christmas.

The Orioles pitching, especially the starters is the "X" factor, no question about it. It could be very good, if everything comes together, or it could be very bad, if the 3 young starters can't pitch deep into games and blow the bullpen out by the All Star break. I think it is a 50/50 propostion either way. That's why they needed another established starting pitcher so Tillman could have started the year in the bullpen and worked on his command rather than going out every fifth day with two really just two pitches that he has confidence in.

Dear Depressed,

We need to get you some vitamin D to help lift your spirits. That and Adrian Gonzalez.

I'm kind of reminded what my nursery guy told me about crape myrtles. In the first year it creeps, then in second it sleeps and then the third it leaps. To me, last year seemed like they year of sleep (with 2008 being the year of creep) and the young guys seemed ready to leap this year. I don't have anything scientific or statistical to really back it up, but these guys really seem ready to get at it.

I think you'll rest easier about missing on guys like Kouz and LaRoche as the season progresses though. I don't really see either of them being what puts any team over any kind of hump. Of course I'll be wrong if Atkins ends up hovering on the Mendoza line all year, but I feel like the bar will be low to match or excede what those guys do this year.

We've got to get you into some sunlight though before you start shedding the orange and just go to wearing straight black.

James C.,

Thanks,I needed that.

Howdy all, As a lifelong Oriole fan, and only a sporadic reader of this blog. I just can't wait for this season to get started. I will get to see the actual opening day roster, and see the real day to day results of the team, rather than just predictions and expectations. I will love the Orioles no matter the wins or losses, although it sure makes discussing baseball with non- Oriole fans more enjoyable, if they are winning. I take as much enjoyment out of watching the young players develope or flop, and established players build upon their careers, as I do with the W/L record. In my younger years I was much more concerned about the winning, and it would really effect my mood when they were not. I enjoy the game much more now that I have realized it is not my job to get upset if they lose. When the game is over and they have lost, I just remind myself that it is the players, managers, and owners job to get upset at the losses, as I have other things that are actually within my control to worry about. LETS GO ORIOLES, LETS GO, (STOMP,STOMP) LETS GO ORIOLES LETS GO, (CLAP,CLAP)!!

Bear,

If Jones was a better than adequate SS, he'd be there......

If he's average, or below, can you imagine that infield? 3B - out of position. 1B - Changed position. SS - ?

Plus, you'd weaken CF since Pie hardly looks adequate in the field.

With a starting staff comprised mostly of rookies, I would think defense is more important than ever.

I think Pie is a much more than "adequate" in CF based on speed and arm alone. Besides, he's going to be there anyway because Jones can't seem to keep from kicking walls.
We want Jones in the lineup for his bat.
Yeah, yeah... I know he won a Gold Glove. So did Palmeiro the year he only played 26 games at 1B.
I don't put much stock in Gold Gloves.
Some are deserved and some are not.
Get Jones back in the infield away from the walls.

As for being out of position, I don't forsee Atkins at 1B that much. However, in case you weren't aware, he was originally a first baseman, so he's been "out of position" at 3B.

My pick for 1B is the slick-fielding Michael Aubrey. We'll see.
At 2B we have an all-star.
And I've always felt Tejada was better suited for 3B. And they have all spring to work it out, so I see no problem.
Will they move Jones to SS ?
Not likely.
But I wish they'd try it before the young man winds up in a cast yet another time.

Jones could never play short. He'd blow a bubble and block his view of the ground ball he's trying to field. :)

And Pie in center? He's probably throw to third with the bases empty and a ground ball up the middle. j/k - but you get the drift.

BEN SHEETS is worthless,. he wont be in uniforn 5 months,. beddard for 800,000 one season is a great choice , he provides experience ,knowledge for others,. plus gives us a good lefty,. THE ORIOLES will win 90 games , so do not be SURPRIZED,. yes, post season,. will be herein BALTO> in OCTOBER you heard it here first. RICK WAECHTER ,.

RICK WAECHTER thinks Sheets is worthless.

Beane thinks hes valuable

I think Im going to go ahead and side with Beane on this one

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Affiliate Marketing is a performance based sales technique used by companies to expand their reach into the internet at low costs. This commission based program allows affiliate marketers to place ads on their websites or other advertising efforts such as email distribution in exchange for payment of a small commission when a sale results.

www.onlineuniversalwork.com