For $25 million per, one would hope that Cliff Lee could pitch for one team and play first base for another.

It might be difficult though, when Lee is scheduled to pitch in, say Florida and the O's are in Seattle.

Its ok i've had 3 already myself. I Love this move. We needed a right handed bat. Happy New Year Peter.

Am I thrilled with Lee, no.
Am I happy? I would say somewhat content would be a better description. Would I like Billy Butler U Betcha! Alas, I am not sure if the Royals are willing to trade him. Could Lee maybe help Butler with his 1st baseman's skills, u betcha. Is that going to happen, probable not. Lee is a one yr deal, I kinda like it. If he does good everyone wins, if he doesn't, oh well it's only one year. Now, my only hope is the O's don't sign Gregg. I would much rather see Papelbon in that slot, then Gregg. The nice thing is, if we did indeed trade for Papelbon. He would only be a one year deal, in case if he stinks out the joint. If Gregg gets signed, we are stuck with his stink till the end of 2012 season. We can't have that! Also, I am sure the Sillies are on the prowl looking for a replacement to Lidge. So the only thing I can say to the O's management. Go and Try to stick it to the Sillies. It would be "NICE" to get Papelbon or Soria. I could dig that!

It'd also be interesting if the O's and Phillies had an interleague series where Cliff Lee started and was playing first, meaning he'd have to face himself pitching... I'd pay to see that one :)

But Derrick Lee should be a much better solution than Scott at first...

The Lee signing is actually pretty big. The Nats didn't get him, which supposedly was his first choice , and we didn't end up with a leftover like Glaus or Branyon to fill the 1st base slot. Regardless of what he actually does, the O's actually signed someone of consequence.

Sign Gregg or Rauch, Ohman, Glaus over Cantu, and Chris Young to start and the O's could actually finish in third place if the "cavalry" live up to expectations. As you can tell, I broke out my rose colored glasses.

We will not see any big time free agents until we show some real progress as a club. Now many in the baseball world saw us start to take a step forward at the end of last year when Showalter arrived. Now with his full staff and attention and alot of the injuries hopefully healed, we can finally start to take those steps forward we have been aching for the last few years. If we are healthy and we get to atleast 500 or better this year I think we will become a real target for some of the bigger free agents.
And when the draft comes around this year I would really like to see the front office draft the best college hitter they can find right off the bat. We have gotten alot of Pitching the last few years and with the exception of Manny we really havent put enough effort into getting enough hitters especially those in college.

Glad we did not get Beltre. He has monster contract years and average other years. Lee will hit and play solid D. He also will handle AL East better than LaRoche, and should be helpful to the younger hitters. LaRoche has come off a bit weasly through this whole process.

Pete, I don't think this move will be viewed as cheap if Lee doesn't fare well. Cheap would have been Nick Johnson or Casey Kotchman.

I agree Pete, signing crawford, cliff lee, vmart, beltre, and trading forAGon while surrendering useless minor league pieces is exactly how I would have gone. And to let Werth get away for that paltry sum, and not make a 100 m dollar offer to Konerko was a big miss.

Short of adding 150 HRs and 350 runs, along with 3 new arms(Mariano and Greinke would look mighty shiny in Os colors!!!), the team is destined to repeated failure.

Time to sell the team and clean house.

I think that should about about cover it.

My feelings are much like yours Pete, I really wanted Martinez, but knew that was a long shot at best. Between LaRoche and Lee, I think Lee makes more sense.
I am more optimistic about the O's right now then I have been in a very long time. With the way they played the final 1/3 of the season under Buck, more run production at 1st, 3rd, and short, and a hopefully healthy BRob, they may not be ready to challenge for the top spot but they certainly should do much better than last season.

I'd rather hear that the unbalanced schedule and the interleague play gimmick have been consigned to the trash heap where they belong, but at least the O's will have an actual first baseman who actually has a good chance to improve over last season's numbers, unlike Atkins. I'd have preferred them to trade for a blocked AAA or even AAA player with high OBP and good power to play first in 2011 and beyond.

In another division, the O's would be better. Bring back two divisions with a balanced schedule, with two division winners and two wild card teams with best records regardless of division.

Lets see.

Instead of Wigginton, Izturis, and Bell in the everyday lineup they now have Lee, Hardy, and Reynolds.

If Scott, Markakis, and Roberts produce as usual and Jones, Wieters and Pie continue to improve it will be very exciting.

The O's are once again relevant.

great move ,now if we can only get writers who dont kiss up to managers during spring traing and really report , and drop the sandles too

..............................................................................................
Pete's reply: I'll give up my sandals when you pry my cold, dead toes from around them.

I don't even really understand why we would want V-Mart so much more than Lee. If last year Lee's problems were really due to his injury and not age, he could very easily hit better than Martinez; Lee's stats overall are better. Also, I thought Martinez would get to catch in Detroit, which is part of the reason he went there. Martinez's main advantage is being 4 years younger, but hopefully for a one-year rental that won't matter much. Martinez would just be pretty average for a first baseman; I wouldn't see the big advantage for us to sign him to a long-term contract.
I'm pretty happy with Lee - what happened to all the people who said we wouldn't get Lee or Laroche?

Started the partying a little before the final edit Pete?

And secondly, you wasted no time in starting the second guessing and grousing. It's disgusting, really.

How about a celebration of the moves the O's - Andy MacPhail - have made since the season ended to improve the ball club before you rain on the parade?

Time to tip another one back I suppose.

Switching gears:
Happy New Year O's fans. Things are looking up. Go O's!

...............................................................................................
Pete's reply: Sorry for the brain cramp. I wish I could blame it on anything but my defective brain.

Let's be a little realistic. Victor Martinez was a hot commodity and he wasn't aiming for O's after playing for Red Sox. With that said, the O's got a decent fielding first baseman with some pop in his bat. He's great in the clubhouse, especially being the calming Cub to deal with Carlos Zambrano. With a shorter LF fence at the Yards (335 vs 355 at Wrigley), Lee still may put up some big numbers, especially if he's healed. I see nothing but good things and this move is so much better than the Atkins pickup last year. I sort of felt with the Cub connection that AM has, Lee was destined to be an Oriole once the 2010 season was over. Anyhow, the O's are a better team and this may translate to some wins next season. I'm being hopeful and next season has started with a lot of hope!

Lineup looks something like this:

BRob
Hardy
Markakis
Lee
Reynolds
Scott
Jones
Wieters
Pie

Sign Thames, let Nolan play every day in Norfolk until we really need him and he's ready. Rest of bench Fox, Izzy, and Tatum.

Sign Chris Young. Let Tillman and Britton start in Norfolk. call up when needed (when Young gets hurt). Sign one more reliever. Bullpen Vandenhurk, Berken, Accardo, Johnson, Gonzalez, mystery reliever, Koji. Starters Guthrie, Matusz, Young, Bergeson, Arrieta.

Sign a handful of minor league pitchers as well - reload there and use as fillers mid-year or for future trades.

Why is it people only complain about an unbalanced schedule in baseball? Every sport has it.

I would like to do away withinerleague play and maybe have a few less division games.

But if you're going to have a completely balanced schedule then do away with divisions. What is the point?

Lol Cliff Lee...

..............................................................................................
Pete's reply: Don't you wish it was not a typo?

PetePetePetePete,

We actually pretty much agree....... And that's about as depressed as I've ever seen you on your blog.

You were almost negative. Bravo!

This is another CHEAP move by the person who has lost more games than anyone else in the past two decades.

A one year rental, coming off surgery, with no one in the pipeline to step in once he's gone next season.

But of course that's when other worldly posters will start talking about how Lee's a good filler until we can bring in the big guy from Milwaukee.

But hey, this is an INCREDIBLE improvement at 1B over last season. So what if last season was the worst season at 1B in the history of this club.... improvement is improvement.... right?

Cheap is what cheap does.... Right on cue AM

Lee would bat 9th on the Yankees

The O's continue to be irrelevant, they dont care, why should we?

John in Conn,

Sorry, but it's obviously you who has been downing them aplenty this fine day. The only reason MacFail had to make moves this off season is because there were massive holes all over the field. Oh, and fill the holes he did.

What a weird collection of additions. Why do you think other teams haven't been knocking on Lee's door John? Please wake up. Of course these guys are an improvement over last year at the same positions. Were you a witness to how bad the positions Mac filled were last season? Positions that MacFail filled so dismally last season?

What a team. And this is what we're suppose to be excited about? Oh Boy!

I like this move and all the moves this off season. While we won't compete for 1st place we will finally have a competeive team. This looks like our best team since 2004. The sub .500 streak will end in 2011.

Great signing!

Andy has made the 2011 BETTER than the 2010 Orioles. Improvement. Good job.

The Orioles are about the Youth, and always have been. The future is found in the Arms of Matusz, Arrietta, Bergensen, Tillman, and Britton. The future is in Wieters, Jones, Pie, Scott, Riemold, Bell, Waring. Always has been. It hasn't changed.

Andy added to the future in Reynolds and JJ.

And then he solidifies the Defense AND Offense with Lee. (something LaRoach would not address on either part of the ball).

Derrek Lee will be a more valuable Offensive player than Markkkk Reynolds by the end of the year.

lineup:

Roberts
Markakis
Lee
Scott
Reynolds
Pie
Jones
Wieters
Hardy

LET IT BEGIN!!!!

Let me fix the bottom of your lineup there, paulie...

6. Wieters
7. Jones
8. Pie
9. Hardy

That's better.

I like Lee for 2011, but I can't say I'm "excited" about this move. While Reynolds and Hardy could turn into long-term solutions (if everything goes right), Lee is one and done. And after year 14 passes without a playoff appearance, the O's will be searching for a long-term solution at first base yet again.

Prince Fielder will be there for the taking (five years, $120 million ought to do it), but no one here can say, with any true confidence, that he expects the O's to sign Fielder (or even make an attempt to do so).

So, while I think Lee will put up a good year in 2011, I want to know what's next if Lee helps the team to a .500ish record. And, unfortunately, I have absolutely no confidence in my GM to take the next step after what could be a solid season.

not brooks,

Very good sir. That bottom of the order could go so many ways...and I'm sure it will. I'd love to plug Wieters into the 3 hole now, but...

That's also one of the fun parts of the line up since any one of those guys could see a solid uptick this year and be pushing for the middle of the order next year. Maybe even that 2 hitter starts looking like a 3 hitter.

Honestly, the 1B thing after this year doesn't have me concerned at all. There will be some big fish in the market, and even if not them, any one of the bottom of the order could be middle of the order by 2012, and allow a youngster at 1B from within the organization, through a trade, or even another year of D-Lee if he does what he should be able to do this year.

Nice pickup!

not brooks,

5 year 120 million should do it...in a perfect world. (or rather, that might be where Andy starts and stops negotiations. And is thus called cheap again...).

But after Jason Werth, Prince is like a 8-9 year deal for like 200-220. It's Boras, Prince is the top free agent, and the exchange rate of Confederate money to Green Backs is at a low.

from where I sit anyway...

what a joke in sigining lee. i think a lot of the writers are in dream land. peter angelos is not interested in putting fans in the seats and a winning team on the field.

Typical O's move. One time good player, downside of his career, and CHEAP.

Did anyone mention that he REALLY didn't even want to come here??

So many seem thrilled with the possibility of an 81 win season. Since when is .500 anything to get excited about?

I was really optimistic when McPhail came onboard. He made a couple of nice trades early, but he is loathe to spend money on anyone is their prime.

Oh sure, he's waiting to spend the cash on Prince Fielder next season. What a bunch of manure.

McPhail is out of his league in the AL East. He may have been a good GM in other divisions, but being successful in the AL East requires guts, not "tire-kicking" and "waiting for markets to set themselves".

The O's make me sick.

Certainly Lee is not the type of player that will make the Orioles a great team.

However, the road from bad to great needs to pass through good, and Lee can help the Orioles be a good team. To get tthe type of player in free agency that will help the Orioles become great, the team most needs plausability; to perform well enough in a season that a player and agent with vision can realistically believe that a championship is possible. So while Lee won't get them a championship, he may get them plausibility, and that is an important next step for the club.

Happy New Year, Peter, and to all my American friends. It is already 2011 in Latvia.

When is .500 anything to get excited about? Well if you have been in the the desert a couple of day a bottle of urine would start to look good!
Seriously though .500 isn't anything to get excited about, but after the previous 13 seasons I would take it under one condition that there would be hope of an even better year after that. Not that I have much hope of .500 or something better the year after...

Yep,

Here come the Fielder dreamers.... Right on cue.

Hey guys, haven't you learned that kind of dreaming has and will never come true while AM is here? When will you get it?

He will never pay for a big productive bat, unless of course...they're coming off a down year or two or an injury. IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN.

You'll talk about Prince into next off season, then when AM underbids, you'll just move on as if you never brought it up in the first place....

Guys.... and you know this will happen.

So keep forgetting that this is one of the richest medium market teams (because of masn), and keep letting PA and AM off the hook.

You spend the O's money as if it were your checkbook. IT'S NOT! Enjoy being with the small markets again. enjoy being cheap!

Work your miracles Buck... You'll have no choice.

These offseason moves show tremendous thought and foresight. This offseason shows how Macpahil built 2 World Series winners and almost a 3rd with the Cubs.
I think he is the leading candidate for GM of the year and the O's have improved more than anyone in the division except maybe the Red Sox.
I believe we will contend for the Wild Card if not the division title.
Buck has his history of turnarounds like that and if anyone thinks Buck isn't on board with all these moves, he is simply ignorant of how things operate in the warehouse. This offseason is Andy and Buck taking this team to the next level.
Why you are so negative Pete is astounding? I believe you will see the National press rate this O's off season as one of the best in baseball this year. It's Ok maybe surfer troll dude has really gotten into your psyche.

Hey paulie, Where was Atkins in your line up last year? What a joke

I don't think Fielder would be a good signing. His numbers declined last year. He's way overweight and whoever signs him to more than 3 years is crazy.
Who really cares about 1st for 2012 right now. Could be Mahoney, could be another stellar trade by AM, could be resigning Lee if he has a good year. Just get ready for some exciting baseball in 2011. Just enjoy the best offseason around here in 15 years!!!

@ Paul,

The joke is that you're trying to compare Garret Atkins and Derrek Lee.

Gotta give the Os an A for doing the very best they reasonably could. They improved the infield D (and thus pitching) and upgraded the lineup at 1st, 3rd, and SS.

Top FAs aren't coming to this time yet so it's silly to fault AM for failing to land them.

This will be an interesting team to watch.

Gotta give the Os an A for doing the very best they reasonably could. They improved the infield D (and thus pitching) and upgraded the lineup at 1st, 3rd, and SS.

Top FAs aren't coming to this time yet so it's silly to fault AM for failing to land them.

This will be an interesting team to watch.

Pete, did wayneo at least send you a bunch of flowers,some good chocolate, and make you a promise for this layup?'
Jeez, in the spirit of Barthelme, you might have titled this entry- In Which Wayneo Gets a Freebie

Happy New Year everyone.

Whoa,

We got an injured relic to play first, but all is well, he's a former Cubbie, who can actually remember the last time they won it all? I think this was just another CHEAP move, I recall someone buying the bats?

We're WAITING!

More of the same, this team will be looking at 75 wins best in the AL East, but thats ok were used to that kind of season.

Thanks Andy!

Smitty,

Either you're being sarcastic or you'll a complete fool. People are right when they say that this team once again went the cheapest route. This is 'buy the bats'? This is what he meant when he got here long ago?

When doe the honeymoon wear out on this organization? GM of the year? You've got to be kidding. And 2 rings Smitty. Brian Billick won a ring 10 years ago and can't get a job. Andy won his rings how long ago? Many of the current Orioles were in pre-school when he last won.

It's just terribly sad, coming off the hope from the end of last season, that this organization took the least inexpensive route in filling vital positions on the roster.

nope,they'll go 0-162

Everyone knows Budgets win Championships!!!

The Giants just the World Series, and they had the highest Pay Roll in all of baseball.

Andy should have signed Derrek Lee for 55$ Million to push the O's toward the top of the Payroll war.

Just like the American Presidency, spend the most...you win. 100% correlation.

Line-Up:
roberts
jones
markakis
lee
scott
reynolds
pie
weiters
hardy

Bench:
Nolan, Fox, Izzy, Tatum

Starters:
Guthrie, Matusz, Bergeson, Arrieta, Tillman.

So thankful it's Lee instead of LaRoche. LaRoche is not a good baseball player... doesn't get on base, doesn't have good at bats, not someone you want to lead by example, not as good at 1B as some make him out.

Good article on Lee:
http://espn.go.com/blog/statsinfo/post?id=14997

He gets on base, hits the ball with authority, and is above average in the field. If he's healthy he'll be great. Plus, he was a major piece of a team that won the World Series. Who's the last Orioles that could claim that?

I decided to grade the Oroioles instead this week.

D+

This is IT folks...... Your 2011 Baltimore Oriole additions.......

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

3B - PROJECT WHO WANTS TO PUT '10 BEHIND HIM

SS - PROJECT WHO WANTS TO PUT '09 AND '10 BEHIND HIM

RP - PROJECT WHO WANTS TO PUT '08, '09 AND '10 BEHIND HIM

UT - PROJECT WHO WANTS TO PUT CAREER BEHIND HIM

AND..... DRUMROLL PLEASE....

1B - EX CUB, BEST YEARS BEHIND HIM, ONE YEAR RENTAL

$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

Once again, your Baltimore Orioles will have one of the lowest payrolls in all of baseball. This, in spite of the fact that they're one of the richest medium market franchise's (see masn deal) in baseball.

Enjoy

LaRoche to Nationals? Probably. 31 yrs old. Hit .261/.320/.468 (average/on-base/slugging) with 25 home runs and 37 doubles last season. In 2009, he made two errors in 148 games at first base. His UZR last season was 5.2.

At least someone is paying attention. CHEAPCHEAPCHEAPCHEAP.
When does it stop? Thanks wayne for keeping everyone straight

Neither Dunn nor Martinez were worth the money they got, and it would have taken even more than that to have gotten them here. Just like anything else in life or business, if the price isn't right to own, look at a rental. Lee will be a solid veteran presence, and I'll take 20 HR, 90 RBIs, .275 and Gold Glove caliber defense out of first anyday.

Everyone on this team is capable of hitting their career averages next year. If they do that, we'll have an offense comparable to the 2004-2005 O's team but with better pitching and a REAL manager. I predict they will be competitive through early July, and then we'll see if they make a move in the trade market. After all these years I'd love to see an 83-86 win team that is relevant in September, and I think the makings of it are here.

so I guess Boog Powell would get $16 million? His 1969 numbers;.304 with 37 home runs and 121 RBI.. MacPhail is a desperate man,he has driven the Os so low that they are irrelevant.Without question,MacPhail is the worst GM in Os history.MacPhail has made me into a football fan.Go Ravens

Lee will be great to trade for prospects towards the end of next season...

Lee will be great to trade for prospects towards the end of next season...

Next year, Prince Fielder gets signed. Why lock up LaRoche for 3 when that load can be in Orange and Black in 12 months?

83-86 wins? I hope your enjoying the New Years Eve punch!

I'm so embarrassed by this offseason after the fine job Buck did the last two months that I'm drafting up the paperwork to switch my allegiance to a team committment to winning!

I guess AM will tell us how we are positioning ourselves for offers to Fielder and Pujols next year. Then he will offer less money for less and be dissapointed again! Then we will hear they didn't want to come here, they didn't want confederate money, the agent didn't call AM back, we were waiting for the market to shake out ....................................etc

For those of you who are happy with the 2011 roster, congrats on your 14th consecutive 5th place finish in the AL East.

I also find it amazing where folks are saying this guy was overpaid, that guy was overpaid on this blog, they call that the market price, by teams who are actually trying to win. In fact when a team such as my former team the O's is so far underbudget they can AFFORD to overpay for a player or two to make the point, they are in it to win it!.

Oye Vei

I keep reading how AM has driven the Orioles to new lows and that he is a liar and cheap.
Being cheap I can agree with being a liar I won't comment on that and as far as driving the Orioles to new lows lets be honest that wasn't a very far drive now was it.
The question is lets just say tomorrow AM resigns, or is fired, or falls in a hole and ends ups with Alice in Wonderland. Who takes is place and more importantly who would want the job.
The poison root of this soap opera is ownership; has been for thirteen going on fourteen years, and will continue to be till either ownership sees the light or there is someone else owning the team.
Not that AM is blameless in this whole affair he deserves his share, but it is also hard to win a fistfight when your strapped into a straitjacket.

Whoever is THANK THANK THANKING wayne, you dont know him so well. He'll whine and blow hot air.

Then he'll let em have it at fan fest with a bunch of tough questions...nope.

He'll stop giving the Os money (nope)

He'll lead a walk out of thousands? uh uh.

If you read his last post, you've read em all.

Re: Wayne

Whiny is as whiny does.

I bet if Wayne was around in 1920, he'd have said the Yankees should have never paid that much money for an out-of-shape, alcoholic, ex-pitcher.

Wow. Wayne disagrees with an Orioles move. Stunner.

Look, the Orioles will not be able to attract the A-list free agents unless and until they show they can make inroads against the top teams in the division. They don't necessarily have to win the division or even make the playoffs, but they do have to show themselves to be something more than cannon fodder for the big guns.

Yes, it's a catch-22 of sorts. They won't get the attention of the big hitters and ace pitchers until they show they can succeed without them. But that's the deal. Player development, trades and mid-level free agents are what the Orioles have to work with.

They have been able to develop a few pitchers who have drawn interest. MacPhail has little interest in trading the starters, but was able to turn some of the spare parts into half an infield, upgrading two spots in exchange for dime-a-dozen relievers. Growing the arms, then using them to buy the bats.

Now they bring in Derrek Lee, right handed hitter, 3-time Gold Glove, 2 years removed from being top-10 in the NL MVP voting. We hear how broken down he is. Yep, he missed 54 games. The last 4 years. Combined. Fragile? His offensive and defensive numbers were virtually identical to LaRoche last year.

And he does not represent a 3-year commitment at 1st base. Spending money does not necessarily guarantee results. It only guarantees spending.

A serious question, Wayne. Since the MASN books are closed, where did you find out how much Angelos is getting from the channel? Yes, owning your team's channel can be a big revenue source, if you sell the ad time. Apart from Amstel, who are the big advertisers on MASN? Luna Carpet? I don't think Angelos is getting rich off that.

When the Orioles, and the Nationals for that matter, get better, they will generate more money through MASN. For now, I'm inclined to think it isn't the windfall some seem to think it is.

Oh, and for the record, I am not a Fielder dreamer (Although I liked Costner in that). I'm a Pujols Prayer. If you're going to dream, dream big. Or you can stay miserable. That's a choice.

And lastly, MacPhail the worst Orioles GM ever? Please. Syd Thrift and J. Frank Cashen wouldn't even let him in the door to that club. Now those guys knew how to screw up a 2-car funeral.

In 1920, The Babe was playing at a very high level, thus was traded at market value...... something the Orioles don't know the meaning of. While Wayne can and does speak for himself, you morons sure don't listen to what he says. You just come on here and make shit up, doing whatever you can to make yourselves look cool. It's not working. Wayne may be some old geezer drooling in his drool cup. Doesn't matter. You guys still make him look like the coolest person in the room.

I think people are confusing "improvement" with "Andy's a genius!".

This team is drastically improved over last year, and though they're still in the AL East, I think there's much room for optimism. They should break .500 for the first time in over a decade and they'll at very least be fun to watch day in and day out. I think we've seen an end to the constant string of mistake-filled blowouts or butt-busting one-run losses. This will be a competitive team that other teams take note of next year.

That being said, I don't think Andy deserves that much credit. He deserves some, because he did make a couple solid moves...but there was certainly more out there to be had and he didn't do enough to get it.

As I've said all along...Andy is great at putting in rebuilding plans and beefing up the minors. Now, he needs someone else with intensity and financial aggressiveness to come in and turn the page.

Andy's like a poker player who constantly folds good hands or gets bullied because he's afraid if he puts his money in the pot, he may lose it...even if the odds are in his favour.

I like the guy, but he's done all he can do for this team. Time to turn the page.

F*ck Beltre!.... Reynolds is still on his upside at 27 and is a more positive player to have in the clubhouse. Lee is also a positive influence and they will both be great mentors for the younger players. Win-Win all around for the team.

You can look at who we didn't get all you want to but I choose to look at what we added to the team and how much we have improved over last year. AND we are a much better and more improved team from last year!

I see good things happening next season....if the pitching holds up :)

Put some tang in my cool aid, please....

Hey all. I think you all forget that AM has to put up this year. This is the final year of his current contract.

I do not know why anyone wouldn't like Lee. He's not an A+ off/def player anymore but he is a good player still. Even in a down year he had a .347 OB%. I think thats pretty good for having a torn ligament in his thumb, a bulging disk in his back and going on the bereavement list.

Last 3 years hes average 25 HR 90+ RBI. Solid numbers and he is great against LH pitching.

At this point Lee is a great addition. As for the lineup, with due respect to "Paulie and Not Brooks," I believe mine is more logical:

1) Roberts 2B S obvious reason
2) Markakis RF L doubles machine plus he may get some fastballs to pull
3) REYNOLDS 3B R with runners on base he'll get more fastballs and better counts. Must avoid 0-2; 1-2, and 2-2 counts to avoid off speed breaking pitches where he strikes out.
4) Scott DH L left/right logic-will benefit most by these additions.
5) Lee 1B R most pitch selective of the three HR hitters.
6) Weiters C S left/right logic
7) Jones CF R less pressure hitting here
8) Pie LF L no pressure hitting here
9) Hardy SS will turn lineup over

In hitters counts Reynolds rips the cover off the ball. But, he has monstrous problems with breaking pitches breaking out of strike zone. With runners on he'll get pitched to.

'we re waiting for market to set itself' -MacPhail , 2007

'we re waiting for market to set itself ' - MacPhail , 2008

'we re waiting for the market to set itself ' - MacPhail , 2009

'we re waiting for the market to set itself ' -MacPhail , 2010

'we re waiting for the market to set itself '- MacPhail , 2011

Is it me , or do I detect an pattern here ?

Happy New Year Everyone !

'we re waiting for market to set itself' -MacPhail , 2007

'we re waiting for market to set itself ' - MacPhail , 2008

'we re waiting for the market to set itself ' - MacPhail , 2009

'we re waiting for the market to set itself ' -MacPhail , 2010

'we re waiting for the market to set itself '- MacPhail , 2011

Is it me , or do I detect an pattern here ?

Happy New Year Everyone !

The o's were 16 million short on Martinez. Is that a legitimate offer?

Just looking at these proposed line-ups and you realize how drastically we've improved.
With Buck at the helm there is good reason to think we will compete for the playoffs this year!! Yankees and Tampa definitely going backwards and we've made better moves than Toronto. Sure Boston may get their 95 wins ....and we'll get 96!!!!
Thanks Andy! Legitimate hope has returned to Balto. That young pitching doesn't need to make a giant "step forward".
It did that in August and September. We just need to pick up where we left off.

I just discovered why it's been taking McPhail so long to make his winter moves for the Birds. The guy is moonlighting as head coach of Manchester United! (Have you seen him on the sidelines? Remarkable!

I post only occasionally, but consistently read from my home in NJ these blogs and have been an O's fan since the 1966 World Series. When it comes to the "Wayne vs. the Warehousers" Points of View war, I find myself seeing truth in both sides. Baseball is a bottom line game, which makes it hard to argue with Wayne's World. On the other hand, looked at case-by-case, there is a great deal of logic in the Warehouse of Optimism perspective:
1. Years of poor performance can at least partially be linked to inexperienced, ineffective managing (I base this largely on the difference we saw in the team post Buck);
2. Recent Big-ticket disappointments (Mark T being the biggest) were never serious about playing for the Orioles;
3. An important change was made in offering large signing contracts to 1st round draft choices. Yes, Hobgood might have been the exception, but drafting in baseball is a real crap shoot. It's not like the Orioles are the only team who miss on people. They also signed Wieters, Arietta and Machado to pretty large contracts, which for many years prior to AM the team never would have done.
4. Andy did a very good job (IMHO) in the prospects he got for the veteran players he traded away. Don't forget, that was job #1 for him when he took over, and although we haven't seen whether or not Tillman will really pan out, Jones alone was clearly worth a lot more than the broken-down lefty we traded for him. Speaking of broken-down lefties, Josh Bell may not be MLB ready (and may never be, for all we know), but how is Sherrill doing? Does he even have a job in MLB?
5. I thought we gave up one decent arm (Hernandez) for a potential powerhouse at 3B (K's aside and at least you're not grounding into a DP, right?), which was a great deal in my book.
6. #3 Redux: we were never going to outbid the Red Sox for AG, although I suppose AM could be criticized for not pushing the price up. Red Sox simply have a better system of prospects (largely due to their picking up extra picks for letting free agents walk). Cliff Lee was never coming here, and neither were Konerko (loves the White Sox) or Martinez (wants to catch). I wouldn't want Dunn, despite his power, because of his poor defense. Out of the rest of the 1B free agents, my #1 choice would have been Derrek Lee. I've followed his career closely because he's been on a number of my fantasy teams over the year. It took him a couple of years to recover from his write surgery. I overestimated a couple of times how quickly he would bounce back. Lee talked later about how it continued to bother him until year before last, when he put his old numbers up. Last year he hurt his thumb and kept it a secret for a long time, trying to play through it. Over the second half of the year, he began to swing the bat well again (post All-Star #'s, representing less than half a full season: .298 in 225 AB, with 9 HR, 22 2B, 44 RBI, 38 RS), and he is a very high character guy who has won a championship. IMHO, having someone like that is an important step in teaching a young, never-won-anything team how to win. What has Dunn won? I would have loved Konerko, but again...he wasn't coming here!
Back to Wayne's World now: I predict next off-season will be the key. The Orioles will be significantly better this year (with 3rd a real possibility, if Buck can continue to have everyone play with intensity and discipline), and next off-season will be their chance to add a real clean-up hitter. I know "market rate" has been a phrase bandied about by both sides, well, sometimes you have to set a new market to get people, if you think they are worth it. The planets are aligned for a real run at Pujols, if St. Louis can't sign him to an extension first. The Yanks and Red Sox are set at 1B, as are the Phillies, Tigers, Twins and White Sox. The Dodgers are in Divorce Court, and the Orioles could afford adding $30-35 Million per year to their payroll and still only still be only be 7th in payroll, $90 Million or so behind the Yankees, $60-80 Million below the Red Sox, and tens of Millions less than the Cubs, Phillies and even the Mets.
Even the Fat Prince at $25 Million per would be okay, though getting one of the greatest right handed hitters of his generation just feels right for this aging Frank Robinson fan. But this is a Wayne's World paragraph, and I predict it won't happen. Peter the Great will decide he'd rather have the $25-35 Million per year in his pockets instead, and prove he'd rather make money than win baseball games.
I hope they prove me wrong. But I think in the end it may be Wayne's World after all, and management thinks that, "WE'RE NOT WORTHY! WE'RE NOT WORTHY!"

ml

Wow, Pete, seems like from your post, the animals have got to ya; Pep up Pete, it's a brand spanking new year! and for once in a REALLY LONG TIME, the O's actually will be fielding, barring massive injury, a professional team on Opening Day. All 9 starters will boast significant professional statistics and 33% of the order and 3/4ths of the infield have been improved significantly. We can expect 115-150 more hits from our corner spots and shortstop. 60-75 more Dingers too! Your point on the continued improvement of the pitching staff is not lost on me. But I'm an optimist by nature and want to believe the last two months of baseball that we saw under Buck's Leadership, and make no mistake, we witnessed leadership. I'm believing that this staff, the one that shaved a half run off immediatley upon Buck's arrival, then over a full run in the final 36 games, that this young, fearless and burgeoning right before our eyes staff will continue to improve. KUDOS to AM for standing fast and sticking to the plan: Grow the Arms, Buy the Bats. Yes, I too would have loved Victor Martinez in an O's Uni, but he wanted to stay a catcher and get out of the AL East. Can we blame him? Dunn swings and misses as much as LaRoche and Reynolds. We got Reynolds, so adding LaRoche, yet another lefthanded hitter doing his best to reduce the flying gnat population, for a lineup already loaded w left handed bats, would not have been as preferable as adding a solid, right handed thumper. Agreed, only father time knows if Derreck Lee will return to his stats of 2 years ago, which were MVP like, but one thing is for sure, at least we're only on the hook for a year in finding out. Paradoxically, while it will most likley bring fortune in Philly next year, I'm willing to bet Cliff Lee doesn't even sniff the performance level in the next 5 years that he has set in the previous 5. Now, I'm not saying I wouldn't want him as our Ace, and for the next 5, but knowing that we were never even in the conversation has allowed me to look more closely at the grass on this side of the fence. And you know what, I like Brian Matusz and Jake Arrieta, Bergy too. They have top shelf stuff and the mindsets individually to take on their bulldog manager's attitide. ALL 3 will win more games this year. Bergy and Matusz could win 15-20 games, this year w this new lineup backing them up.

Speaking of lineup, all Buck has to do is take a quick look at Derreck Lee's lifetime batting avg in the 3 hole (.295) vs all other spots (.270) to see how it might look. Likewise, Markakis's BA goes up as well when he's in the 2 hole, (.293). Properly placing these guys will gain 40 % points form your most important hitters.

So I think the linuep will look something like this.

Roberts
Markakis
Lee
Scott
Reynolds
Weiters
Jones
Hardy
Pie/Reimold

And that folks, is a real bonafied, professional lineup. One that has power from the top to bottom. Heck, Hardy, if fully recovered from injury as well, can hit 20 dingers from the 8 hole!

Start spreading the good news please, times, they are a changing.

Peter, the O's seem set for position players this year. Do you think they'll seek an experienced SP to add and aid a young rotation?

Happy New Year, Pete.

First time in a long time we have had all of our position covered sufficiently. Lee is a good player and has a lot of experience. I live in VA, but almost every one of my friends is a Yankee fan. I went over various scenarios, and every time they said Lee was a good fit. When I say we landed Mark Reynolds and Hardy, they say nothing but good things. You want a real perspective on the O's, ask a Yankees fan. They have a lot of respect for the what O's are doing and have seen first hand what some of our young talent can do. If they are impressed, then I am impressed.

We will start winning when our team doesn't blow leads. We screwed up 28 times last year. If we fix 75% of that, we have a .500 ball club without making changes to our infield.

All this talk from some of you jokers about signing Soria and Martinez and Dunn and Greinke and whoever else is baseless. You don't know how much money the O's have, and even if you had access to their balance sheet, you probably couldn't read it. The O's have had systematic dysfunction for years. It takes longer than 3 years of trades to get a team and an organization healthy. Do we still have some dysfunction? A little. But not the kind that strip mined our farm systems and put a hodgepodge of vets and youngsters in a lineup that made no sense, led by a bunch of triple-A hacks. We haven't had a good manager since Davey Johnson and we haven't had a decent starting rotation for 10 years.

We have 90% of whats needed to be a respectable team. That means 80-90 wins on a regular basis. If we went 3 years without making the playoffs and had winning records, then we are doing something right. And we will do it without blowing 100 million dollars. When the time is right, we will have that team, but you cant spend 100 mil of you are only bringing in 90. Lets the fans come out, lets the organizations enjoy a day in the sun, and then lets worry about how to win a WS.

Every decision MacPhail has made this year has been good. Aside from Garrett Atkins, I dont see many errors on Andy's part. Be thankful we have the talent we do in the front office. It could be a lot worse.

These commenters are unrealistic; the top free agents will not come to Baltimore until things turn around. It's a catch 22.
The O's did the best they could this offseason with what they were able to offer.
Lee is low risk and short term; AP is right to try to build with young players. It's the only way to really be competitive in the AL East.

'Aside from Atkins, I don't see many errors on Andy's part'. Are you on drugs Patrick? Would you care to look at the incredibly bad additions to this club since Andy arrived? Wow, what a dumb statement for you to make.

Improved? Of course this team is improved. Did anyone see their record last year? Did any one see that they were again in last place? Did anyone see how they were once again one of the worst teams in all of baseball? 75 wins would be an improvement. But you would still be a fan of a losing, last place, terrible team.

I'm not a big Oriole fan, but reading this blog today only made me feel sorry for those who are.

Those who agree with smitty are either completely out of your minds or just delusional. Those who agree with allan are simply watching what's really going on with this team. A group of you are lying to yourselves, while the other group lives in the real world.

Chuck...I think when it comes to Andy, it's more an issue of what he HASN'T done, as opposed to any bad moves he has done.

He's too timid and insecure. Why would any free agent want to come here when the GM's attitude is always "ya, we like him, but he wouldn't want to play for us *sigh*"?

Look at the Nats...they've lost out on many big names too, but they've aggressively pursued them regardless. And why? Because they realize that big money offers turned down don't result in any losses. Andy's like the kid at the dance who refuses to ask the girl to dance in case he gets rejected...even though he really has nothing to lose since he's just sitting on the sidelines anyway.

ChuckWest: 1st, if you're "not a big Orioles fan" ? why are you spending a Saturday, the 1st day of 2011, drilling down to spout your negativity on an Oriole blog? You must not be much of a baseball person either, cuz baseball fans by nature are stats driven by an d large.
Here's some stats for ya to put in your pipe and smoke.

The O’s were 37-37 in their last 74 games last season, with a 4.13 ERA.

After Showalter took over, they had 36 Quality Starts in 57 games with a 3.16 ERA.

That's nearly a whole run reduction in team ERA, which baseball people know, is everything wehn related to winning.

This kind of run prevention, combined w the potential run production improvement, considering major injuries avoided, will lead to a very competitive team this year.

Don't worry, there's plenty of room on the bus for ya...we'll save ya a seat.

I'm at a deep loss. The O's were 37-37 according to another poster, during the end of a season when most teams are experimenting and trying call-ups and potential players.

Whoever started the myth that AM's only mistake was Gerritt Atkins has missed a bundle. When building anything, where is the minor league depth? In fact at AA or above where is the talent? How do you build a team with old guys on their downside on one year contracts, thats great if you have a player coming, back to that who is coming.

Free agency allows teams to "catch up" when they actually go out and TRY to acquire solutions. That requires spending the market value (and maybe a little more), but this franchise doesn't get it, particularly Mr. McFail. You get what you pay for, maybe one in 7 cheap deals pan out for the short term, because we sign 1 yr contracts.

It's called risk and reward. AM paid Millwood $9M last year, what a waste. Gonzo, outrageous money for what? He fet Huff go and signed Atkins for more money than Huff got?

I'm sorry, Mr. McFail is a loser and the O's will continue to place 5th in the AL East and be 25+ games out of first.

The Following posts is repeated for its classic Redundancy....

Ah.... Not a lot of stuff over the holidays, but nothing funny. And dudes, you spent so much time trying. That's ok though as I cant write anything funny either

And I'll accept that you brought even more attention to my post as your Holiday gift to me. I honestly appreciate it.

For everyone else, who is or isn't an O's apologist, here's my Holiday gift to you...

*$*$*$*$*$*$*$*$*$*$*$*$*$*$*$*$*$*$*$*$*$*$*$*$*$*$*

REYNOLDS - PROJECT LOOKING TO PUT '09 BEHIND HIM

HARDY - PROJECT LOOKING TO PUT '09 AND '10 BEHIND HIM

ACCARDO - PROJECT LOOKING TO PUT '08, '09 AND '10 BEHIND HIM

HARRIS - PROJECT LOOKING TO PUT HIS CAREER BEHIND HIM

*$*$*$*$*$*$*$*$*$*$*$*$*$*$*$*$*$*$*$*$*$*$*$*$*$*$*

That's AM's holiday gift to y'all. I'm sure it make the apologist (including Pete) all warm and fuzzy inside...

But wait..... Here's a little Holiday Bonus....

AM's well into his 4th year and not only were there gaping holes 3B, SS, 1B, LF, P (being filled by projects and fillers), there are ZERO position players in the minors to be excited about... as in NONE.

I'll leave you for the rest of the day now, so my impostors may garner the attention they so crave and need.

Ho Ho Ho

I know im not that bright but at least im smarter than wayne

The very poster I share my real life name and IP address with

Amazing how so many here, like Hoyt, know so little about what really is taking place w the Orioles. Maybe they turned off long ago, and some would say rightfully so, but to pop on here and pop off constant, reduculous hyperbole and just plain nonesense is beyond me.
To wit: The O's under Showalter won 8 of his 1st 9 games he managed, then went on to win more games in the last 2 months than in the 1st 4 (a feat never accomplished in baseball history) Ask the Rays Red Sox and Yanks who they beat ask other contenders like the Angels & Detroit who got swept in their penant drives how the O's looked. If fact, ask any Yankess fan if they'd rather have Jake Arrieta who shut them and the Red sox down in September, if they would rather have him or Burnett?
Ask Cliff Lee about our minor league 3rd baseman who came up to launch two of his pitches out of OPACY, helping the O's beat Texas on August 21st.
I could go over the complete resume of victories but I doubt it would matter. You'd find something else to cry and bs about. Fact is, the o's are moving in the positive with or without your bag of negativity. I for one, will enjoy sitting in your empty seat. Even the concessions will be potentially better this year under a new management. They could keep everything the same, cuz nothing will make a Boog's Pit Beef taste better than a competitive team.
Can't wait to hear your bandwagon banter when their busting up the Yanks, Rays, Blue Jays and Sox again come September!

That post of 4:33......wasn't mine. But thankyouthankyouthankyouthankyou.

Now people are actually cutting and pasting my old post and re-printing them. I'm in syndication folks....

Yeah sizemo......who happens to be the same as 3 other posters around here (but that's ok, it's just a blog).... the O's did have a good last couple months. But brother, look around the league. Every team has a good couple months. The Nats had a good couple months.

They play 162.... and during the 162, this team was one of the worst in the game.......again

You and others come on here EVERY SEASON, ranting just like you did above. Yet, every season you're wrong my good friend.

I understand getting excited, but bro.... you're always wrong.

Let's look at what AM has done.

1B - A one yr ex Cub fill in.
2B - Was already here
SS - Last two seasons have been a disaster
3B - Player admits he wants to put last year behind him
LF - Look at the stats
CF - AM's one positional success
RF - Has regressed
C - Was already drafted when AM arrived.
SP - Guthrie - Was already in system. Matusz - AM's one good starter (we hope). Bergy - Was already in system. Arietta - Was already in system. Tillman - Look at his #'s. Britton - A prospect.
CL - No real closer on the team
Manager - Wasn't AM's first choice (at all).

Minors - Not one position player to be excited about...

True story......

Sorry.

Nothing new huh troll boy of a thousand names?
That's all you have? really?

I can't believe you forgot to mention that Buck was Andys 4th choice... He really wanted Wedge Scott Macgregor and Tom Shopay as his first 3 choices...It was in the papers. I can't believe you didn't repeat it. Even Peter Schmuck knows this.

Macphail is building a champion yet again (he already has *2 rings in case you didn't know and his 3rd will be 3 more than most GM's in baseball.)

Hoyt Wilhelm? Thats a good one what happened to Steve ellerston or something like that. Are you running out of names yet?

Successful people do....critics criticize

*First 2 rings were before the internet when Andy was still in Junior High School

That post of 4:33......was mine.

for redundancy purposes

I am Hoyt and she is me

"Now people are actually cutting and pasting my old post and re-printing them. "

Yes wayne that is what happens when you are a COMPLETE joke...you are an easy target.

BTW no one is re-printing your posts as you incorrectly state or have you not heard of Cut & Paste?

Fyi,

"It's already pretty obvious who posted as my name. I'll wait before I say anything though. It'll also be up to the SUN to if they'd like to contact this person directly, before I do. Just know that this person, under different names, will start to go on the defensive. Also know that this will be my last post under this subject, as I won't get in a battle with this person here, when post should be doing nothing but showing respect to Phil."

or this little gem.....

"I promise you, I will do everything I can to have the device of the person who sent it flagged down. Yes, this is a threat to the ignorant piece of garbage who posted as my name under such a sensitive subject.

It may take a minute, but if the SUN doesn't help me, I have my own contacts who can get the job done.

To anyone thinking devices can't be found, you're wrong. Someone else offered that it could be done a few weeks ago, and I've since found out it's true. You will be found!"

were they found yet wayne? going on the defensive you say...hmmm

how are your contacts doing with this issue? Maybe they can find out where Bin Laden is next after you crack this most important case.

wayne
I charge $200 a day plus expenses (1975 prices) and of course inflation will apply.

Leave your name and number at the Beep

Correction:
Under the post at 7:21 it was stated that Buck Showalter was Andy Macphails 4th choice for manager. Since posting this the warehouse has informed me that Buck was actually the 9th choice on his master list.
Numbers 4-6 were as follows
4. Ryne Sandberg
5. Garrett Atkins
6. Tom Shopay
7. Benny Ayala
8. George Costanza

This list has been verified and is being stored at the National Archives.
No one can figure how or why Costanza got on there, but it's rumored that AM is a HUGE Seinfeld fan and wanted him in for an interview.
Yeah Buck was 9th.
If you want to know the whole top ten, yes it was Rick Dempsey at number 10. The really strange thing is that Peter Angelos list is exatly the same only in inverted order.
So he really did want Dempsey 1st...Go Figure....
No one knows why Shopays name appears twice, but it also appears twice in Angelos card so we are left with this mystery as to weather there was collusion between Angelos and Macphail.
It wouldn't be against any known laws but it sure would make the remaining O's fans pretty suspicious.
If you would like the complete top 20 list of the manager candidates you can send me a self addressed envelope with $20 and I will consider sending you a copy.

"I'll leave you to talk amongst yourselves now"
From Greatest hits Volume 2

"i already said it wasn't about suing.

Keep it up though. I don't have a problem with you anymore, because people know it's not me, and they also know what you're about.

But I will get your information. That you can count on. Makes no matter if you're in europe, china, wherever. I will get information that tells me your cable carrier, your real email address, and the address of your device.

I've learned a lot through this process, and since you want to keep it up, I'm game my man.

Now it's fun!"

Posted by: wayne | February 12, 2010 3:44 PM

yet here we are almost a year later and the real wayne is still covering his tracks from the comment he made that he CANT take back (*smirk*)

This is too easy...

"LF - Look at the stats" Wayne

The O's left fielders combined last year to hit around .270 with 27 Homes Runs and 80 RBI's.

Only a couple of Scotts home runs were used for this comparison. It could even be a little higher.

Now if you can not even look up your own stats and are so wrong in your implications how are we to keep coming to you for advice?

smitty (with so many alias's). It's obvious you try to be wayne. Do you understand how stupid you look? You come on here under so many names, then when you can't get noticed for who you are, you go after wayne. Hw about you let him make his points, then you can make yours? Or is it that your points are always so stupid? Such a goofy guy

where's the Andy Watch count down?

for Some, the fact that Andy now has less than a year left should be the best thing about 2011 season.

...I'm just hoping the 3 year extension happens before they break North.

3 MORE YEARS!! 3 MORE YEARS!!

"It's obvious you try to be wayne. Do you understand how stupid you look?"

hmmm....did you really mean to put it quite like that?

Come on Captain. There is nothing that Andy has done over the last many years or during his time in Baltimore that suggest he deserves a three year extension. You can like the guys personality, his look, his demeanor, whatever. But you can't like the players he has personally brought to the big club or in the system as a whole. I just don't get it. All this guy does is lose. Yet he has supporters in this area. It's beyond puzzling.

And Smitty. What current LF's the Orioles have combined to hit 27 bombs while playing LF last year? Can you break that down please? It's just amazing how people can continue to consistently hype such a poor team, year after year. Does anyone remember what Andy said last year just prior to the team coming North? I do. Short memories around here, although I do not believe many of the bloggers on this site are representative of the real baseball fans of Baltimore. What's more representative is the attendance and the fact that Yankee and R Sox fans take over our Park. That's a real indiction of how the real fans in Baltimore feel.

"It's obvious you try to be wayne. Do you understand how stupid you look?"

hmmm....did you really mean to put it quite like that?"

Posted by: smitty | January 1,
2011 8:52 PM

LMAO Big Time

Hey Patrick

you will never convince the negative nellies of the AM he man haters club that they are wrong

Because they KNOW-IT-ALL

Actually Patrick it was more like 21 Home Runs not 27.
The RBI's and average are and HR are Patterson Pie Reimold and Scott (limited).
Even with the adjusted HR's its not like thats terrible for LF.

And since you don't understand what rebuilding is I won't try to explain how it gets done and why it takes a few years and why you should pay close attention to 2011
If you want to see some of the fruits of rebuilding an entire organization from the ground up that was one of the worst in all of sports when the GM got here, just sit back and watch the product next year.

Here are the actual numbers for our 2010 left fielders, smitty. And it's not just picking the best stats of the guys who played left field. It's taking their numbers from when they actually played there:

.256 average, .294 OBP, .379 SLG, 13 home runs, 58 rbi, 23 stolen bases (I'm guessing most of those are Patterson's)

And here's the breakdown of players:

Jake Fox: 5 at bats
Julio Lugo: 4 at bats
Luke Scott: 43 at bats
Felix Pie: 252 at bats
Corey Patterson: 219 at bats
Nolan Reimold: 73 at bats
Luis Montañez: 38 at bats

Here's the link: http://www.baseball-reference.com/teams/split.cgi?t=b&team=BAL&year=2010#defp::none

That will take you to the O's 2010 hitting splits on baseball-reference.com. You'll see "Defensive Positions" at the bottom of the page once it loads.

For another downer, look at first base. Ugh...

Dear Pete,

I forget -- did you get coal in your stocking when you were a kid or do you put coal in kid's stockings now or both cuz you sure can't seem to find anything nice to say about the O's...EVER.

Do you have to rob every kid and grown kid of very last little bit of fun and hope? What is it with you and every other guy who writes for the Sun? I feel sorry for you and anyone related to you -- no fun, period.

I love my Orioles -- and god bless them, every one. Yes, they stunk up the league and Camden Yards and everything and for thirteen years. But come on, Pete, give then a break, just once.

I can only imagine your glee if both Lee and LaRoche had gotten away. I think you would have been proud.

Nobody thinks the O's are going to the playoffs this year, but we sure as he'll hope they do. We actually want the starters to win. We want Matt Wieters to become a home run hitter. We want our new left side to excel. We'd like Luke Scott to hit 30 home runs. These are all things we hope for, Pete.

I want to be in a traffic jam after an Orioles game against a team that doesn't play in Boston or New York. I want to listen to Joe Angel go all ga-ga in Spanish after an unexpected home run in the bottom of the ninth. I want Buck to kick some lime on an umpires pants to give out team an edge.

Why can't you?

I had a lot of fun in august and September for the first time in over a decade -- did you? I don't think so.

What I'm saying is stop throwing a wet dish towel on every thing the O's do. Here's my challenge to you in 2011: try writing one column, or even just one post, without being negative. I dare you.

.............................................................................................
Pete's reply: Sure, but could you please contact Wayne and tell him how I'm too hard on the Orioles organization.

WOW...lots of reading.
All I wanted was a free donut!

WOW...lots of reading.
All I wanted was a free donut!

Ok, Wayne...BROTHER, first of all. I post on the Ravens, Terps, all things Maryland and Baltimore Sports as well as call into Scott G & Jeremy over at 105.7 The Fan. I assure you, I am not a combination of other posters. Secondly, I have been EXTREMELY critical of Peter Angelos and the myriad of loser GM's we've had not named Pat Gillick so you need to check yourself... BROTHER.
Furthermore, I spent last spring in Sarasota covering the O's for a book I'm working on and came away from several meetings with Andy, very impressed with his knowledge, experience and capabilities as a GM. His peers, I;m quite sure you sheepishly know but refuse to reveal by hiding in constant hyperbole, also reveer MacPhails' prowess as a GM and they are unanimous in approval with regards to what he is currently doing with the Orioles. When he got to Balmur, what did he have? Two stars, BRob and Tejada, a complete shambles of a farm system and an Owner refusing to deal w the economics of the the AL East! I think paradoxically, to where they were, he's literally working magic...growing Giant stalks from a hill of beans! Speaking of things large and growing, here's a GIANT STUFF IT in the form of actual facts vs your typical schewed meanderings and utter bs.

Why I bother, nobody knows. Maybe its for the LOVE of the game.

1st the lineup.
BRob = Perrenial All Star and quintesential leadoff hitter, doubles machine. Rebounded nicely from injury and is having solid off season training.

Nick Markakis, Career .290 hitter, also doubles and gap power machine, superb fielder w cannon arm, 25hr power if protected, not regressing in the slightest. One of pureset swings in baseball says Peter Gammons, an actual analyst. Will flourish in the 2 hole!

Derreck Lee, twice mentioned in MVP voting, just one year removed from 35 dingers and 111 RBI's, boasts career .283 BA Avg, .367 OBP .498 SLG.
Has averaged 7th in 9 Major Categories over 14 seasons in Pro Baseball. Slick defensive fielder as well along w strong clubhouse presence.

Mark Reynolds, 121 Dingers and 346 RBI's in 4 seasons as a pro. An out is an out, stop getting fixated on strikeouts, Adam Dunn correspondingly, avgs. more whiffs and he not only was wanted here, he signed a $60M contract legtimizing slugging value vs stikeouts. Somebody get Earl Weaver on the phone to explain this to Wayne.

Luke Scott, has increased his offensive totals every yr in the majors, reaching 27 dingers last yr and adding 127 hits. He was less streaky last yr too, wait til he sees more strikes in the zone w Lee and Reynolds on either side.

Jones you noted is a solid pro. I'll add, no one might benefit more from being removed from the pressure of trying to swing for the fences. I suspect he settles back into the Jones of '09 which was All-Star worthy recognition.

Wieters, had a rough sophmore season at the plate, but handled the staff well and gunned down runners w laserbeam accuracy. Catchers, as you know, need to catch first, anything offensive is a plus. His resume is too good too think he's the hitter of last year, I'm guessing more like .270 w an occassional .300 if he shortens his swing and continues to hit to all fields.

Hardy has had 2 injury plagued years indeed, but he is only 28, and his two years prior to that were ALL STAR Caliber. Regardless, even half of Hardy is an improvement over automatic out Izzy at the plate.

I'll give you Remold and Pie, the combination of the two can be dizzingly good and dizzingly absent, all the reason why I think you'll see the O's add another corner outfielder/bat for the bench. One w some pop.

As for your nochalant snub of the change that took place under Buck, stating that even the Nats got hot, yadda yadda, well... BROTHER, no team in history has ever won as many games in the last two months as they had in all of the previous months! And since you were probably working overtime at the post office, or at McDonald's, you tell me. I'll forgive you for not knowing that the majority of these late season wins came vs the AL EAST and contending teams like the Angels and Tigers.

Moving on, to the farm system, I could sentd you to scouts Inc and a whole host of sites where actual baseball scouts honestly rate our system, but I'm going to assume that you could manage finding them yourself if you really wanted the truth. However, that doesn't seem to be your game. You'd rather try to get a rize out of the brethern here, I guess in replace of being able to get a real rize anywhere else in your life.

We're collectively sorry dude. It must blow to be so sterile and infintile at the same time. Ultimately, you don't seem like an embacile. Merely someone who is bored, lost, and or lonely or all the above. I vote ALL OFTHE ABOVE.

Let it go...BROTHER.
We birdbrains got nothing but love for ya,

And Zack Britton, BrandonErbe, Manny Machado, Troy Patton, Xavier Avery, Billy Rowell, Chorye Spoon, Matt Angles, you know, all those zeroes in our farm systmem. The ones pipelining rapidly upwards to knock that misguided angst out of that silly head of yours. Well, they've got love for you too, even if you're too ignorant, or misdirected to give them some.

Happy New Year...BROTHER..from Birdland...The Trees Are ALIVE!

Careful criticizing the O's there Pete or the Sun will have Eck hit you with another RKO in the office for breaking the code.

That's it from me for a while. I want to dig into some of the absurd comments, but I've come to the conclusion they don't really believe what they say. No one can be that devoid of common sense. They just like the attention.

FIRE McFail......

Blog impersonators are ruining this great country of ours fellas!

You should be able to criticize anonymously without the fear of impersonation not to mention persecution!

Being critical at a distance and without reprisal is what has made this country great

wayne im with you FIND this guy, take back your anonymous name and your earned Blogger reputation

@sizemop

It might just be me but anyone can post as anyone Brother or dude as you 13 year olds say

you dont get it and as Ill keep saying the Os with their money laundering ways and lack of perception are ruining baseball for ever in this town

as for my impostor

im still looking for you ,,,do you got that ? I could be around any corner or sitting next to you at Chucky Cheese..YOU DONT KNOW

If you flag down a cab or pick up a paper on the corner dont be surprised if one day I hand you a Snapple and confront you.

what will you say than bigman? will you apologize and take everything back?

one thing is for sure you will be obligated to write me an apology on this Blog for the whole world to see so that my peers will repect me once more

the truth not lies set you on the right path

nb That must have been my imposter getting those stats so wrong :)
anyway thanks for the heads up.
I do stand corrected...not the first time...

I am correct on the lists of managers Andy preffered before Buck though...

I bought a bat. I bought a bat. I bought bat.I bought a bat. I bought a bat. I bought a bat. I bought a bat. I bought a bat. I bought a bat. I bought a bat. I bought a bat. I bought a bat. I bought a bat. I bought a bat. I bought a bat. I bought a bat. I bought a bat. I bought a bat. I bought a bat. I bought a bat. I bought a bat. I bought a bat. I bought a bat. I bought a bat.

Pete,

The acquisition of Derrek Lee should take the pressure off the team's young hitters. I think this team has as good a chance to be a winning team as the 2004 Oriole team. And the off-season isn't over yet.

Nope..... 7:41 wasn't me.......

But smitty ole boy, it's gotten so obvious now that it's just silly.

Listen, if you want to be me.... I honestly don't mind. You may think I mind, but I don't. It's a blog, and no one knows who anyone else is anyway. But dude, not only are you not funny, you come on as someone else to laugh at your own post.

So be me if you want to smitty, especially if you makes you feel more like a man. But please be funny or relevant.

And please smitty.... don't lie anymore. Your LF stats were so awful, so lame, that every point you ever attempt to make falls under the same category of 'pathetic'. Come on smitty..... Have some dignity.

Sizemo,

Thanks for the book. I appreciate the effort and the time put in. There are a couple things you're missing though sir.

The better players on this team (Roberts, Markakis, Wieters, Guthrie, Bergy, Arietta, Riemold - if he rebounds) were already here or in the system.

AM then goes well into his 4th year with COMPLETE holes at key positions like 1B, 3B, SS and Pitching. Now of course some teams have holes........ BUT I thought this was a rebuilding process.

You mean to tell me that well into 4 years of your rebuilding process, you have such blatant holes at such key positions.....having to fill them with 2 projects and a one year rental?

Read that last paragraph again Simemo... It's important. I mean if you're going to write a book, you really need to understand certain things about how this man operates.

As for the minors, come on sizemo. You know I was talking about position players. And the only positions players one can even talk about are in the low minors. And NO ONE knows how those players are going to develop. The man has been here over 4 years. Why are there NO positions players even close to making a dent in the bigs?

AM has made some good moves...... But who wouldn't over the course of almost 5 years? But you seriously believe he's made the kind of moves that deserves an extension? It's just absurd!

This guy is such a loser sizemo, that no one in his position has lost more games over the past 20 years. That's tough to do. This man wants to be commish sir... everyone knows it. He will NOT get the votes needed if he spends competitively...... and I think you even know such. Not Yankee money mind you..... just plain ole medium market dollars.

He won't do it....

So when you combine the fact that his acquisitions have PROVEN to be miserable over the years, with the fact that he is arguably the cheapest exec in the game..... you get a loser. A loser who has lost more games than anyone in over two decades.

Enjoy ST. I go there myself. I love baseball. It's just sad to see a liar running the team I'd love to see win.

And smitty...

I'm off to the football game. So if you want to be me for much of today, please be my guest.

But be funny bro... And don't lie anymore about stats, etc. It's beneath even you.

.............................................................................................
Pete's reply: I heard a rumor you're going to be sitting in Dan Snyder's box at Fedex. Please confirm.

2010 Opening Day Lineup & Starter

Brian Roberts, 2B
Adam Jones, CF
Nick Markakis, RF
Miguel Tejada, 3B
Luke Scott, DH
Matt Wieters, C
Felix Pie, LF
Garrett Atkins, 1B
Cesar Izturis, SS

Kevin Millwood, SP

2011 Opening Day Lineup & Starter
[Prediction]

Brian Roberts 2B
Nick Markakis RF
Derrek Lee 1B
Luke Scott LF
Mark Reynolds 3B
Jim Thome DH
Adam Jones CF
Matt Wieters C
JJ Hardy SS

Jeremy Guthrie SP

One more bat like Thome, and that lineup would be thunderous top to bottom!

Pete:

It seems to me 2011 is another crap shoot for the Orioles with injured players signed and hoping for better seasons. Alas 500 will not happen!!

If one or two FAs work out, the record could improve to tops 70 wins. If the FAs do not have a good or average season ( ala Atkins) the Os or lucky to win 64 games.

We signed the FAs from bottom of the list and I am not impressed, but this is the best we could do with this organization's history.

Final Last place in the division is reserved for the Orioles and will be for the next 3 years.

...............................................................................................
Pete's reply: I think it is a crapshoot, but I don't think 70 wins it the best-case scenario. If the free agents work out, you're going to score a lot more. Then it's a matter of the young pitchers stepping forward or back. I think the best-case scenario is much better than that, but I wouldn't put a lot of stock in best-case scenarios.

Ah, could somebody explain the whole Wayne, Smitty thing to me? I'm new to this. Thanks very much.

Atkins was a complete mess, trending badly, a bad signing who was ultimately released.
I mean, this team won 65 games last year in what can be called an unmitigated disaster of a season- a couple of bad signings, a few key injuries, a few youngsters, all led by a lame duck manager who seemed to have so little control over the situation that finally in Toronto he gets so fed up that he bemoans the fact that he and the staff tell the players one thing and they go do another playing in a tough division. A season so bad that the team's best player had to meet with the owner to give him a State Of The Screwed Up Mess address!

It might not be great, but a 16 game improvement to 81 wins can be had just by the new guys having average years.

I mean, c'mon, this team can win 75 games this year standing on its collective head. And no, to answer your next complaint, noone should be , happy with 75 wins. You know the new manager won't be.

Its wayne fishing his impostors identity and he is trying to draw him out by placing the blame on Smitty

However wayne posted this in the Phil Iztoe Memorial thread to start this whole thing and has since tried to cover it up

"With our losing streak..he should have said NO at lot more!!!

Ill bet he didnt say no to AM and his losing record!!"

Posted by: wayne | February 10, 2010 11:57 PM

No matter if he said it or not...its your spoken word that gets you into trouble. If he wasnt such a know it all or a constant griper

He wouldnt have this problem bottom line

Im convinced he MADE the statement that he denies

For some reason he (Wayne many other names) is all hung up on me probably because I have zinged him pretty good a few times. He also is obviously not a fan but what you call a troll who continually directs attention to himself (unfortunately with good success). For awhile he claimed me and Shamrock and a few others were the same person. He seems to have settled on attacking me. In real life I feel quite sorry for a person who craves so much attention and hates people so much (Macphail, Pete, me and any other who disagree with his one note criticisms of anything Macphail does. He resents Macphails past success and especially his current success at rebuilding this franchise. My guess is he's from New York, but most people accept that he really loves the O's and Balto. I don't buy it. He's very condescending to balto. fans in case you missed that many times. But that's OK. I just look forward to an exciting season with the team Buck/AM has assembled

Btw, I get a kick out of Waynes imposter but I'm not as clever as him. I post as Smitty here and on Masn. But since everyone is anonymous anyway, I fail to see the big deal either way. It's just funny that Wayne accuses others of doing what he does all the time.
Sincerely,
SHAMROCK......I mean....Paulie....uh oh now I'm caught

Smitty
Its obvious even to wayne that the supposed impostor isnt you but for all wayne knows it could be anyone. see below

He earned this with his arrogant attitude and stupid posts

However I have it in good standing that he actually made the Phil Iztoe remark

but I will never tell how i know ...wayne knows and he knows who I am but its just the game he is playing

be a human being wayne and man up

HaHa P Pants (smitty),

Nope... I never said it.... but it doesn't matter to me any more. It did when it happened, as it showed smitty's complete lack of class. But since then, I determined how it means nothing.

And oh year Pants. I know who you are, and you know who I am..... Isn't this fun?

Regardless....... here's the deal....

3B - WANTS TO PUT 2010 BEHIND HIM
SS - WANTS TO PUT 2009 BEHIND HIM
RP - WANTS TO PUT 2008, 2009 AND 2010 BEHIND HIM
1B - EX CUB, ONE YEAR FILL IN
MINORS - NOT ONE POSITION PLAYER KNOCKING ON THE DOOR.

This is the rebuilding plan under AM folks..... I'm not being negative. All you need to do is decide for yourselves if this is what rebuilding looks like.

The warehousers will do everything to SPIN what's happening... But what they don't know is - you see how they're ALWAYS wrong. Every year they make predictions. Every year they defend AM. Every year they're wrong.

To make up for always being wrong, they attempt to discredit me. They think it directs attention away from the reality of AM.... Keep at it warehousers..... I will ALWAYS win as long as AM's here.

P Pants is the inside Joke between you and I but its just so you know who you are dealing with wayne.

How can you continue to lie and act like your above this when your the one who made the comment?

From day 1 , 10 Feb 2010 you have blamed almost 20 other posters and that is the saddest part of all this (it might be more but I have lost count)

Wanna now why I sold you out? Because of your bragging away from this site and its disgusting but I have blown your cover and Im happy as i have done the right thing

Thanks right wayne. You know I know you. You know I know where you sit at the games. And you know that I can harass you and your friends at the game anytime I want.

You and your friends think you're the shxt. You think by having the seats you have, that you and your friends think you're better than anyone else. Well you're not and if you keep it up, some of us will be sure to help you to change your ways.

You are not better than us wayne. smitty and I are real fans. This team will go to the playoffs, and Andy will get the credit he deserves. In fact, Andy is without a doubt the best GM in the game. You can't name a better one.

And no wayne. I'm not your imposter. I've been smitty for years, and I'm proud of it.

hey wayne is fighting back as P Pants

Waynes credibility....non existent

With our losing streak..he should have said NO at lot more!!!

Ill bet he didnt say no to AM and his losing record!!

Posted by: wayne | February 10, 2010 11:57 PM

Jesus Christ, Wayne, have some f*cking respect....

Posted by: Pasadena Nick | February 11, 2010 12:14 AM

Wayne, sometimes it's better to keep your mouth shut and be thought an idiot, than to open it and remove all doubt!

Posted by: Scott Graeff | February 11, 2010 12:20 AM

Wayne even Brett Favre showed more class

HaHaHa,

We own you wayne. We own you. We own you. You think you own this site, but we won you. we own you. we own you

HaHaHaHaHaHa,

We can get anyone to believe anything we want wayno. we own you

HaHaHa,

We own you wayne. We own you. We own you. You think you own this site, but we won you. we own you. we own you

HaHaHaHaHaHa,

We can get anyone to believe anything we want wayno. we own you

HaHaHa,

We own you wayne. We own you. We own you. You think you own this site, but we won you. we own you. we own you

HaHaHaHaHaHa,

We can get anyone to believe anything we want wayno. we own you

HaHaHa,

We own you wayne. We own you. We own you. You think you own this site, but we won you. we own you. we own you

HaHaHaHaHaHa,

We can get anyone to believe anything we want wayno. we own you

Ok Ok Alright that will be enough Joseph (P Pants)

I admit I made the comment about Mr Iztoe and even though I have never met him or knew he even existed I will now apologize so we can all move on.

I apologize to Peter and all you fellow posters for the remarks I made and how I tried to cover it up by blaming Smitty and others.

Im doing this because I have been found out by a co worker and he is threatening to expose me and this is a condition of the terms we agreed on

I never meant anyone any harm but the power I felt while carrying on this charade put me on an incredible high that I have never known.

I also apologize to Mr Andy Macphail who doesnt deserve the constant criticism of this amateur.

I really never did mean to hurt anyone and I hope we can all still be friends

Sincerely wayne

Oh. you want facts Wayne? Why didn't you just say so. The goal is to improve the club, right? You can't go from being one of the worst organiazations in baseball to being in a World Series in a year or two can you?
Well, here's another way to look at things

3B- Significant upgrade
SS- Significant upgrade
1B- Significant upgrade

Minors- Significant upgrade to facilities and stabilization for years to come with long term lease...also good drafts (according to unbiased news outlets) with lots of good prospects in the pipeline with many already on the Major League roster...ie Weiters, Matuzs, etc.

Also
Manager- Significant upgrade
CF Significant upgrade
Closer- Significant upgrade/stabilization with healthy Koji and Gonzales and soon to be mys1 2B Brian Roberts

Major League Roster in 2007 when AM started

Baez, Danys
Bedard, Erik
Benson, Kris
Bradford, Chad
Burres, Brian
Cabrera, Daniel
Guthrie, Jeremy
Loewen, Adam
Parrish, John
Ray, Chris
Rleal, Sendy
Trachsel, Steve
Walker, Jamie
Williamson, Scott
Wright, Jaret

Bako, Paul
Hernandez, Ramon

Bynum, Freddie
Gomez, Chris
Mora, Melvin
Roberts, Brian
Tejada, Miguel

Gibbons, Jay
Huff, Aubrey
Markakis, Nick
Millar, Kevin
Patterson, Corey
Payton, Jay

Birkins, Kurt
Hoey, James
Johnson, James
Penn, Hayden

Fahey, Brandon
Hernandez, Luis
Torres, Eider B ,

Fiorentino, Jeff
Majewski, Val
Stern, Adam

O's current 40 man (not done yet, soon to be 1 or 2 pitchers added)

Nick Markakis
Adam Jones
Luke Scott
Derrek Lee
Mark Reynolds
Matt Wieters
J.J. Hardy
Felix Pie

Projected Bench
Craig Tatum
Jake Fox
Cesar Izturis
Nolan Reimold

Projected Starting Rotation
Jeremy Guthrie
Brian Matusz
Brad Bergesen
Chris Tillman
Jake Arrieta

Projected Bullpen
Koji Uehara
Mike Gonzalez
Jim Johnson
Alfredo Simon
Jason Berken
Rick VandenHurktery
Jeremy Accardo

Zach Britton
Josh Bell
Brandon Snyder
Pedro Viola
Robert Andino
Adrian Rosario

Anyone looking at these rosters with an open mind will say that Andy has done a decent to outstanding job of reshaping this roster.
How bout it Wayne alittle love for 2011 or do you thing the roster he inherited in 2007 was pretty cool?
Troy Patton

I can honestly say folks... I never thought I'd get this much attention. I really can't properly put into words how much I appreciate it.

I knew people were listening. But seeing how the reaction is now, it's obvious that I've gotten under people skin in a way that I couldn't have imagined. In other words, my words are now being heard.

Why else would I irritate people so so much.

This is how change is made folks. This is how people take notice and at least consider making a change. I'll do my best to hold up my end of the bargain.

Some fun facts:

AM HAS LOST MORE GAMES THAN ANY OTHER IN HIS POSITION IN OVER 20 YEARS

IN HIS REBUILDING PROCESS, HE HAD TO FILL HUGE HOLES WITH PROJECT PLAYERS AND A ONE YEAR RENTAL..... ALL WHILE NOT HAVING ONE POSITIONAL PLAYER ANYWHERE NEAR READY TO STEP IN.

MOST OF THE STARTING ROTATION WAS EITHER ALREADY HERE OR ALREADY IN THE SYSTEM.

THE FACE OF THE TEAM (BUCK), WAS NOT EVEN CLOSE TO BEING AM'S FIRST CHOICE AS MANAGER.

HE SAID HE WOULD 'BUY THE BATS'. WELL INTO HIS 4TH YEAR, HE NEVER HAS.

AM WANTS TO BE MLB'S COMMISH. IN ORDER TO GET THE VOTES HE NEEDS, HE CAN NOT BID COMPETITIVELY FOR FREE AGENTS

AM'S FA ACQUISITIONS SINCE COMING TO BALTIMORE HAVE BEEN THE MOST DISASTROUS IN ALL OF BASEBALL.

Thanks for throwing so much attention my way guys. As for things you say I said way back when. I don't care. All I care about is that....

You just read my post..... again

of course not me posting the 7:33 stuff

Have a good day and boy oh boy just look at What AM has done to that stellar roster he inherited. We Love you Brandon Snyder!

I can honestly say folks... I never thought I'd get this much attention. I really can't properly put into words how much I appreciate it.

I knew people were listening. But seeing how the reaction is now, it's obvious that I've gotten under people skin in a way that I couldn't have imagined. In other words, my words are now being heard.

Why else would I irritate people so so much.

This is how change is made folks. This is how people take notice and at least consider making a change. I'll do my best to hold up my end of the bargain.

Some fun facts:

AM HAS LOST MORE GAMES THAN ANY OTHER IN HIS POSITION IN OVER 20 YEARS

IN HIS REBUILDING PROCESS, HE HAD TO FILL HUGE HOLES WITH PROJECT PLAYERS AND A ONE YEAR RENTAL..... ALL WHILE NOT HAVING ONE POSITIONAL PLAYER ANYWHERE NEAR READY TO STEP IN.

MOST OF THE STARTING ROTATION WAS EITHER ALREADY HERE OR ALREADY IN THE SYSTEM.

THE FACE OF THE TEAM (BUCK), WAS NOT EVEN CLOSE TO BEING AM'S FIRST CHOICE AS MANAGER.

HE SAID HE WOULD 'BUY THE BATS'. WELL INTO HIS 4TH YEAR, HE NEVER HAS.

AM WANTS TO BE MLB'S COMMISH. IN ORDER TO GET THE VOTES HE NEEDS, HE CAN NOT BID COMPETITIVELY FOR FREE AGENTS

AM'S FA ACQUISITIONS SINCE COMING TO BALTIMORE HAVE BEEN THE MOST DISASTROUS IN ALL OF BASEBALL.

Thanks for throwing so much attention my way guys. As for things you say I said way back when. I don't care. All I care about is that....

You just read my post..... again

and to think It was just this easy to make you crack wayne

Im not taking that apology as it didnt come from the heart

BTW P Pants is a ref towards wayne as he has an incredible resemblance to peter griffin of Family guy!

He hates it

actually messed that up I meant Brandon Fahey is who we love and how in the world could AM get rid of him and Freddie Bynum. They were the future..

So wayne aside from annoying your also fat and stupid?

HAHAHAHA

Peter griffin

Hey smit,

SInce you lied about the LF stats.... (see not brooks post), you can't say anything about any position.... for at least the rest of the off season. That's fair.

Joseph,

Really? You won't accept my apology? WIll you please reconsider?

Come on smitty... how many names do you have? Can yo even keep track?

that wasnt me a 757 so I will repost my apology Joseph

Ok Ok Alright that will be enough Joseph (P Pants)

I admit I made the comment about Mr Iztoe and even though I have never met him or knew he even existed I will now apologize so we can all move on.

I apologize to Peter and all you fellow posters for the remarks I made and how I tried to cover it up by blaming Smitty and others.

Im doing this because I have been found out by a co worker and he is threatening to expose me and this is a condition of the terms we agreed on

I never meant anyone any harm but the power I felt while carrying on this charade put me on an incredible high that I have never known.

I also apologize to Mr Andy Macphail who doesnt deserve the constant criticism of this amateur.

I really never did mean to hurt anyone and I hope we can all still be friends

Sincerely wayne

I guess all this posting under different names kills your credibility with Peter S huh wayne?

Oh wait

Actually Wayne I didn't lie. I found out we hit 37 bombs from left fielders but I'm the only one who noticed 22 of them.
And which of those rosters is better? I'm all on pins and needles cause you are such a great baseball mind and I can get on with my life if you will tell me how AM messed up a really bad roster and made it even worse.

Larry, smitty, Pants, etc, etc, etc.....

Fat? nope......

Stupid? nope..... because how could stupid get posters like you guys to continue to pay me so much attention? You're like putty in my hands.

I'm out for the evening all. It's been fun. SMITTY.... please be me for the rest of the night, ok?

I'll leave you all with the following quiz while I'm gone. The winner will get a mention from me in my next post.

Or, you may get a mention from my imposter (smitty) while I'm gone.

Either way, Enjoy.....

***

What did AM say just prior to the club coming North last season?

How many games has AM lost over the last 20 years?

What's the O's payroll compared to other medium market teams?

What other medium market team has as good a cable deal as the O's?

What are the attendance #'s at OPACY since AM arrived?

***

Night

Ill take that the way you meant it wayne

"I GIVE UP"

"Im not as creative as you fellas..I only know how to complain"

Ok im not really tired yet as my mom is cooking me up a snack before bed....i am smarter than all you fellas and funnier just ask Not Brooks and Chris in hawaii

they love my timely wit

and Im not a fat ass so knock it off clowns

leave me to eat in peace

Hey Pete, Is this your Blog? If so, can you monitor it from time to time? Do you get paid for the Blog? If so, it's way too much.

I wish this town had real baseball people reporting for the orioles. This is a playoff team and no one is commenting on it. I see 93 wins which will get it done in the East this year. The Yankee's are old, the Red Sox didn't improve and Tampa is on their way down.

I just wish someone would write about this team that is obviously going to be one of the frontrunners heading into the season.

ANd sorry wayne, but that wasn't me at 8:25. I know it wasn't you, so that must mean there's a different impostor. Who cares?

Now I'm really confused. Are you serious smitty? I'm as positive as anyone, but you're just being silly. Why must people overhype each year, only to set themselves up for disapointment? I just don't understand.

This blog has become a sham. Ok, I don't like wayne, but he only says what many people feel. Personally, I choose to be an optimist. But reading some of the post by those who are saying the Orioles are a playoff team just ruins the credibility of anyone who is trying to remain positive.

This is the kind of blog we should expect from one of the worst teams in history. The Orioles and the Pirates, with their collective historic runs, should just become one team. Nah, that likely wouldn't help either.

I'm with you Prof

EuropProf

Youve checkmated my teenage cynicism

Why must you morons say you didnt post at such and such a time?

do you think anyone cares?

WHAT you mean that wasnt the real wayne or smitty or Eur Prof?

your all the same to me

Begging for attention

hey who cares,

I got your attention... didn't I?

Hey wayne,

Ok, P Pants was a joke. Big deal. Bu how about you just jump on board with the new look Orioles? This is a playoff team and you just can't wake up to the fact that they are now better than anyone in the division.

So how about you jump on board. We won't hold it against you. In fact, we'll welcome you

Buy the bats huh?
Another disappointing move from the warehouse.

Wayne predicts doom for the hapless Orioles yet again then in the same post focuses on identifying which high-quality Orioles (there seem to be many in Wayne's analysis) AM picked and which were picked up by other GMs. That's mixing arguments brother! Who cares about logical consistency though? In Wayne's world, the TONE IS THE ONLY POINT.

This is Wayne's Big Season (January - March) so there should be plenty more to come. When do we get treated to Wayne Classics like bitching about the O's cheer during the National Anthem or telling us that he sits with his Daddy in the good seats and his many scouting connections! Wayne Redux Winter 2011, can't wait!

Most of us really don't care whether it was Andy who built the good, maybe great, young pitching staff or not, we care whether the team as presently constituted is built to win. Has Andy disrupted the good that he inherited? No!

The team is undoubtedly getting there (new strong manager, pitching staff coming into its own, solid veteran (mostly young veteran) foundation of Wieters, Roberts, Jones and Markakis, better FA adds so far this year, etc.)

We will return to respectability and possibly overtake the declining bloated Yankees for second place in the East. Red Sox look stacked (anything's possible, who called the Giants? You Wayne?) so the playoffs seem unlikely now but I am confident this will be a good year for Baltimore baseball fans.

Ah.... a new poster (same person under a different handle - but at least it's somewhat different).

FS,

Thanks for reminding readers of my past post. Yes, this is an important time of year for baseball, and yes, I do state facts and some opinions.

Thing is though FS..... I'm always correct. I'm not bragging (at all), but the facts are the facts. I was correct 3 off seasons ago. I was correct 2 off seasons ago. I was correct last off season. See the trend FS?

I bring up certain players so people can understand just how little AM has accomplished well into his 4th year at the gig.

People suggest he has been in 'rebuild' mode. Really? Is that why after over 4 years, he no answers at key positions like 1B, 3B, SS, as well as other positions.... with no position players anywhere near ready in the minors?

Is that why he had to get a project at 3B, a project at SS and a one year, ex Cub filler at 1B?

And is that why in over 4 years he's brought one pitcher to the starting staff who looks like he may pan out? The previous regime was beyond awful, but at least they gave us Guthrie, Bergy, Arietta and others.

And beat the Yankee's FS? Write this down fella.....just like I told people to write it down last year and the year before. The O's won't be within 20 games of the Yanks. I said that last year, yet they they fell 29 or so games behind.....

Write it down FS...because I'm always correct when it comes to the AM run O's.

Sorry for the TONE.

Ok Ok Alright that will be enough Joseph (P Pants)

I admit I made the comment about Mr Iztoe and even though I have never met him or knew he even existed I will now apologize so we can all move on.

I apologize to Peter and all you fellow posters for the remarks I made and how I tried to cover it up by blaming Smitty and others.

Im doing this because I have been found out by a co worker and he is threatening to expose me and this is a condition of the terms we agreed on

I never meant anyone any harm but the power I felt while carrying on this charade put me on an incredible high that I have never known.

I also apologize to Mr Andy Macphail who doesnt deserve the constant criticism of this amateur.

I really never did mean to hurt anyone and I hope we can all still be friends

Sincerely wayne

Originally Posted by: wayne | January 2, 2011 7:43 PM

This way wayne can have someone to argue with....HIMSELF!

Besides does anyone care what wayne thinks?

I am pumped for the season despite the many waynes at the BS

I Myself and myself only have reduced wayne to his lowest common denominator.

I have goaded him into this game I myself setup....he now posts as different posters in a pathetic response to my attacks that myself started.

"Pull them little strings and I'll sing you a song, I'm your puppet
Make me do right or make me do wrong, I'm your puppet"

I made him proclaim his innocence from his stupid comment and now I have him wasting his time looking for one of many impostors....

Like a puppet

Written down Wayne.

And Myself, yawn, so 11th grade sophistication, not as clever as you think it is.

FS

I doubt you wrote it down bucko cuz if you did I wouldnt have to keep reminding you simpletons that

3B - WANTS TO PUT 2010 BEHIND HIM
SS - WANTS TO PUT 2009 BEHIND HIM
RP - WANTS TO PUT 2008, 2009 AND 2010 BEHIND HIM
1B - EX CUB, ONE YEAR FILL IN
MINORS - NOT ONE POSITION PLAYER KNOCKING ON THE DOOR.

This is the rebuilding plan under AM folks..... I'm not being negative. All you need to do is decide for yourselves if this is what rebuilding looks like.

The warehousers will do everything to SPIN what's happening... But what they don't know is - you see how they're ALWAYS wrong. Every year they make predictions. Every year they defend AM. Every year they're wrong.

To make up for always being wrong, they attempt to discredit me. They think it directs attention away from the reality of AM.... Keep at it warehousers..... I will ALWAYS win as long as AM's here.

As long as you're writing things down FS, include this. The O's will win the division by 3 games. wayne can say he's right all day long, but he won't be right this year.

And myself, Were you talking to me? I can't be sure on this blog anymore.

I may not have been right about the Orioles in the past, but I am now. This team has improved better than anyone in the division. Would anyone really prefer Arod over Reynolds at this point in their careers? And would anyone take Texiera over Lee?

And I'll take the Orioles starting pitchers over NY's or Bostons any day. Matusz will win 23, Guthrie will win 20 and both Bergeson and Tillman will be near 15 each. Throw in Britton winning a dozen and you have a WS contender.

Write it down

Smitty of course I was referring to the Fat assed Moron Know it all that is always right no matter the conversation or situation named wayne

hope that clears that up

You're an ass wayne... We got it, ok? This is just getting old and I can hardly take it anymore.

Like I had to do last season for a time, I'm leaving the Blog. It's just not worth it to me anymore. So I'm positive. So I want to believe that one of these years the Orioles will get good. Sue me.

But I just can't take wayne day after day. You're not better than the rest of us wayne. I may not get to the games like you and I may not know as much about the game as you, but I'm a passionate fan.

I may exaggerate players and stats, but that's just me. In order to make a point, I tend to hype a bit. But I'd rather that than predict another loser.

You'll be wrong this year wayne. I know I said that last year, but you really will be this time.

Goodbye all

smitty. What a loser. So go. Do you really think it matter to posters like me and myself if you're on the board? You actually said the Orioles have better pitching than the Red Sox? And you picked Reynolds and Lee over Arod and Tex? Could there really be anyone as stupid on this Blog?

Cya

SNitty

Finally the Truth has set you free

They will still finish 5th in the AL East but will not be dominated by Toronto this year.

However it won't matter, PA will be bank rolling a ton off this "small market" franchise, AM will become Commissioner and we will be talking about the same needs next winter as the Sox and Yanks get all the good free agents

The rich get richer and the O's will continue to suck!

The truth will set you free!

or beat you into submission

Bye the way I think Wayne sucks too

Ok im back as I didnt plan on being away this long

This is what I have learned in my Hiatus

1. Im still positive

2. wayne is an idiot

3. FS has a t shirt professing his love for wayne

4. and Keith D. Rowe is just plain stupid

any questions?

Wow....I suppose having someone repeatedly post as me is like my 15 minutes of fame?
You really must have a lonely life.

wowowowowowowow,

I leave for a day and people actually re-post entire post of mine. I guess that just proves I never have to go away. My impostors will simply reprint my stuff.

They'll also say other things using my name, but that's fine.... as long as it brings people to read all my original post.

But hey smitty... you called me an azz? How come? What happened to the love my brother? Well I suppose that's better than when you lie about the stats from certain positions in 2010.

And Keith... you think I suck? Ouch!

Anyway, I guess this is it folks. Accept for a reliever here and there, I believe it's safe to assume that AM is done.

That means we'll start to hear about the incredible improvement at 3B, SS and 1B compared to last year....... What they won't tell you however is.... how it was IMPOSSIBLE not to improve at those positions.

Does everyone understand what I just said?

Anyway, last place in the division is a certainty in 2011. Not before AM tells us (again) how this is the best team he's brought north since he's been here. Pretty predictable.

Reynolds, Hardy, Lee and Accardo.

Here's an exercise fello's.... Go back and read the SUN articles, as well as the post on this Blog and see who people were hoping AM would bring in.

Never seems to work out --- does it?

Oh hey Wayne back under your own name eh...hehe
Can you look over the 40 man rosters from when AM got here and the one now and give me your input.
I'm thinking the one from 2007 must be much better....but I guess folks can see for themselves.

Looks like he "grew some arms and bought some bats"
I don't see any lies there

3B- Significant upgrade
SS- Significant upgrade
1B- Significant upgrade

Minors- Significant upgrade to facilities and stabilization for years to come with long term lease...also good drafts (according to unbiased news outlets) with lots of good prospects in the pipeline with many already on the Major League roster...ie Weiters, Matuzs, etc.

Also
Manager- Significant upgrade
CF Significant upgrade
Closer- Significant upgrade/stabilization with healthy Koji and Gonzales and soon to be....

Major League Roster in 2007 when AM started

Baez, Danys
Bedard, Erik
Benson, Kris
Bradford, Chad
Burres, Brian
Cabrera, Daniel
Guthrie, Jeremy
Loewen, Adam
Parrish, John
Ray, Chris
Rleal, Sendy
Trachsel, Steve
Walker, Jamie
Williamson, Scott
Wright, Jaret

Bako, Paul
Hernandez, Ramon

Bynum, Freddie
Gomez, Chris
Mora, Melvin
Roberts, Brian
Tejada, Miguel

Gibbons, Jay
Huff, Aubrey
Markakis, Nick
Millar, Kevin
Patterson, Corey
Payton, Jay

Birkins, Kurt
Hoey, James
Johnson, James
Penn, Hayden

Fahey, Brandon
Hernandez, Luis
Torres, Eider B ,

Fiorentino, Jeff
Majewski, Val
Stern, Adam

O's current 40 man (not done yet, soon to be 1 or 2 pitchers added)

Nick Markakis
Adam Jones
Luke Scott
Derrek Lee
Mark Reynolds
Matt Wieters
J.J. Hardy
Felix Pie

Projected Bench
Craig Tatum
Jake Fox
Cesar Izturis
Nolan Reimold

Projected Starting Rotation
Jeremy Guthrie
Brian Matusz
Brad Bergesen
Chris Tillman
Jake Arrieta

Projected Bullpen
Koji Uehara
Mike Gonzalez
Jim Johnson
Alfredo Simon
Jason Berken
Rick VandenHurktery
Jeremy Accardo

Zach Britton
Josh Bell
Brandon Snyder
Pedro Viola
Robert Andino
Adrian Rosario
Troy Patton

Anyone looking at these rosters with an open mind will say that Andy has done a decent to outstanding job of reshaping this roster.
How bout it Wayne a little love for 2011 or do you thing the roster he inherited in 2007 was pretty cool?

Nice try smitty,

Again though... It was IMPOSSIBLE not to improve at 1B, 3B and SS. AM set the bar so low at those positions that improvement was a given.

It's like saying winning 73 games is an improvement over 66. Well of course it is.... but only because 66 wins is so horrible, it's impossible not to improve.

I do give AM good marks at CF, Matusz and the ST facility. But in well over 4 years smit, it's impossible not to at least trip over a couple successes.

There are so many holes in your book smitty. For instance, you don't list the horrible players AM has brought to the O's since arriving. Players who are no longer here. Players who further solidify AM as the worst acquisition exec in the game for 2 decades.

You also don't list the position players in the minors who are anywhere close to being ready to break into the bigs. And you don't mention how 3 of the 5 starting pitchers you list (Guthrie, Bergy and Arietta) were already in the O's system, with another player (Tillman) hardly showing he is anywhere near major league ready.

I mean I could go on and on....

But I do appreciate the effort

Nobody re reads your post wayne my simple friend

have you not heard of scrolling down?

I have never ONCE read your entire post mostly because they are boring and self serving and way too long.

You pat yourself on the back WAY too much

but that is just one of your problems