Debating the deal
Debating the deal
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
I know we have plenty of anti-Kevin Millwood fans reading this blog, but you wanted the Orioles to accomplish something at these meetings, and obtaining a frontline starter qualifies. Millwood went 13-10 with a 3.67 ERA last year. He's made at least 29 starts in 10 of his 12 full seasons. He's topped 200 innings five times and logged 198 2/3 this summer. And while the Orioles will have to absorb more than $3 million of Millwood's $12 million contract, they won't lose a young starter...
How many starters will be added?
How many starters will be added?
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
If the Orioles can nail down this Kevin Millwood trade, which The Sun's Jeff Zrebiec learned earlier today might involve reliever Chris Ray, they still could be in the market for another starting pitcher. Don't assume that the Orioles would immediately lose interest in Erik Bedard if they acquire Millwood. They still like him and could continue negotiations, though that might become more clear later today when we meet with president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail. Dave Trembley gave...
Just thinking out loud
Just thinking out loud
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Trading for Kevin Millwood would give the Orioles a top-of-the-rotation starter for 2010. But for how long? If you're pondering which pitching prospect (say that three times fast) should be sent to Texas in the deal, you must also consider that the Orioles could flip Millwood to another team at the non-waiver trade deadline, making him a half-year rental. The hope, of course, is he would bring prospects in return. The bigger hope is the Orioles are contending and they need him for the...
Another morning in Indy
Another morning in Indy
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Two days down, 1 ½ to go. The annual managers luncheon takes place at noon. None of the conversation is on the record - notepads are left in back pockets, tape recorders are turned off - but it can provide insight into potential moves down the road. You also learn everybody's favorite salad dressing, but it's not worth reporting. At least one team official is optimistic that the Orioles could make a deal before the winter meetings conclude. If it doesn't happen, he's...
MacPhail on third base
MacPhail on third base
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The Orioles' brass made their first road trip during these meetings, heading over to the downtown Marriott tonight after previously hosting agents and team executives in their suite at the Westin. I'm assuming they wore the gray jerseys with "Baltimore" stitched across the chest. The group consisted of president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail, director of baseball operations Matt Klentak, director of professional scouting Lee MacPhail IV, manager Dave Trembley and major league scout...
More MacPhail
More MacPhail
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The Orioles retain interest in Texas Rangers pitcher Kevin Millwood as they seek a No. 1 starter to anchor a young staff. But it seems pretty clear that they're not close to finalizing a deal unless something changes overnight. We didn't dig up much news from Andy MacPhail's media session beyond the confirmed meetings with agents that I wrote about in my previous entry. If a blog had presses, we wouldn't be stopping them. "No late-breaking developments," he said. "What about any...
Meeting with MacPhail - II (w/ video)
Meeting with MacPhail - II (w/ video)
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
President of baseball operations Andy MacPhail confirmed tonight that he met with the SFX group, which represents former Orioles left-hander Erik Bedard. MacPhail hasn't seen the medical reports on Bedard, but the club seems confident that he'll be available soon enough after undergoing a second shoulder surgery that it's worth holding discussions. Andy MacPhail and Roch Kubatko recap Day Two of the Winter Meetings MacPhail also met with Alan and Randy Hendricks, who represent Cuban...
Another slice of Pie
Another slice of Pie
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Remember when most fans in Baltimore wanted to run Felix Pie out of town? Now his name keeps popping up - much like he did during his first two months with the Orioles - in trade discussions. Bob Dutton writes, via Twitter, that the Royals are the latest team to inquire about Pie. You can read it here. Andy MacPhail, president of baseball operations, isn't looking to unload Pie and wants as much outfield insurance as he can get after running disturbingly thin at the position late last...
As long as we're talking about Millwood (w/ video added)
As long as we're talking about Millwood (w/ video added)
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
I've received confirmation that there's absolutely no truth to the rumor that the Orioles offered outfielder Felix Pie to the Texas Rangers for pitcher Kevin Millwood. The two sides are talking. The Rangers want a pitching prospect and salary relief. Pie doesn't fit into that equation, and the Orioles never put him on the table as part of a deal. No sense debating it any longer. Buck Martinez and Roch Kubatko discuss rumors around the O's at the Winter Meetings
Gammons will be gone
Gammons will be gone
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Peter Gammons is leaving ESPN after the Winter Meetings. The only explanation provided in a press release is that he decided to pursue new endeavors. As I continue to pick the brains of people close to the Rangers, it sounds like the club wants a significant prospect in return for Kevin Millwood, along with the chance to escape most of their $12 million obligation for next season. Also, the Rangers would need to have a deal in place for another veteran pitcher such as Rich Harden or Ben...