The outfield and more on Steve Johnson
The outfield and more on Steve Johnson
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
If you're a fan of FanGraphs, you might be interested in this piece about the Orioles' potential logjam in the outfield - which doesn't seem to concern the Orioles, considering they were ready to coax Al Bumbry and Ken Singleton out of retirement back in September as they began to run short of healthy bodies. I'd like to add a few key points: Luke Scott might approve a move to first base, but the Orioles certainly do not. Manager Dave Trembley dropped a pretty strong hint about Scott's...
Bay tripper (updated)
Bay tripper (updated)
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Rather than being forced to accept a lower offer than the one he turned down from the Red Sox, outfielder Jason Bay reportedly has agreed to a four-year, $66 million deal with the Mets that includes a vesting option for 2014 that could bring the total package to around $80 million. Bay didn't want any part of Citi Field until the Mets gave him around 80 million reasons why he should reconsider. The Orioles weren't going to venture into that neighborhood for Bay, and the vast majority of...
The next class
The next class
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
While wondering how many of you were surprised by LeRon McClain's selection to the Pro Bowl... With so many readers being curious about next year's free-agent class, and debating it's worth vs. the current crop, I wanted to pass along this link from mlbtraderumors, in case you missed it in the comments section. You'll notice a significant drop at first base after Albert Pujols (and this is assuming he doesn't sign an extension before hitting the market with the same force that he uses to...
No Holliday greeting (expanded)
No Holliday greeting (expanded)
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Orioles president of baseball operations Andy MacPhail has denied a FOXSports report that the club made an eight-year, $130 million offer to free-agent outfielder Matt Holliday. MacPhail said there's "no validity" to it. And he was adamant. MacPhail and agent Scott Boras discussed Holliday once, during negotiations with free-agent closer Mike Gonzalez, but the Orioles weren't willing to meet his price. Sorry to disappoint you, but Holliday's demands far exceed what the Orioles are...
Shorebird shuffling
Shorebird shuffling
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Was it supposed to snow again? Wasn't I supposed to buy a shovel and gloves? I hate winter. The Orioles still need to fill a few more positions on their minor league staffs, but they've already made an interesting hire at Single-A Delmarva. Former center fielder Mike Devereaux will serve as field coach for the Shorebirds in 2010, replacing former third baseman Ryan Minor, who has been promoted to manager. It's nice to have Devereaux in the organization again. I didn't know he had any...
A little housekeeping
A little housekeeping
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
President of baseball operations Andy MacPhail indicated yesterday that the Orioles aren't nearing any deals for a corner infielder or starting pitcher. These things can change abruptly, but nothing is expected to happen in the near future - unless they offer Matt Holliday $200 million over 10 years. It appears that first baseman Carlos Delgado could begin playing in Puerto Rico this weekend, which would give the Orioles a chance to scout him. I'll see if his name starts appearing in any...
Oh Danys Boy
Oh Danys Boy
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
I can't let Danys Baez join the Phillies without wishing him the best of luck with team No. 6. Baez reportedly has agreed to a two-year deal, pending a physical next week. I'm a little surprised that he netted more than one year, but good for him. A few notes about Baez from the 2009 season: • He went 4-6 with a 4.02 ERA, 59 hits allowed, 22 walks and 40 strikeouts in 71 2/3 innings. • He allowed one earned run or fewer in 50...
The first entry of 2010
The first entry of 2010
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Happy New Year to everyone here at the School of Roch. I hope your head isn't pounding so loudly that the neighbors can hear it. I'm not big on resolutions, but I refuse to watch any bowl game that's named for a corporate sponsor. That means the Outback Bowl can bite it. Same to you, Capital One Bowl. The Konica Minolta Gator Bowl gets a pass, but just barely. Do they still play the Tangerine Bowl? Yes, they do. It's now the Capital One Bowl. So, did anyone make a sports-themed...
Who's on first? - Part II
Who's on first? - Part II
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
The NFL Network still lists the Denver Broncos as one of the two wild card teams in the AFC, and the Ravens as being "in the hunt" with an identical record. Shouldn't that be reversed, since the Ravens beat the Broncos earlier this season? I understand that it's a complicated formula, but the Ravens are in if they win. Picking winners against the spread is especially challenging in the final week of the regular season, with teams that have clinched first-round byes often choosing to rest...
Venting machine
Venting machine
Roch Kubatko
Orioles
Please tell me why I'm forced to watch the San Diego-Washington game on FOX-45, instead of the Dallas-Philadelphia matchup that's much more interesting and important? Who's the pinhead behind that decision? Is it coming from the network or the league? I need answers. I want his name and home address. I know we're supposed to be slobbering all over the Ravens today, but my television comes with a remote. Dallas-Philly is a big game. I wanted to switch back and forth. It's what I do on...