Zrebiec: O's Agree to Terms w/ Lee

[Os84]

http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/2010/12/os_agree_to_terms_with_lee.html

[Miller Time]

http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/2010/12/os_agree_to_terms_with_lee.html

Good News. Way to go Andy. A one year deal satisfies most of us around here.

[OrioleMagic]

I think I like it given the alternatives. I like Loney a little more, but he was not an alternative.

[crissfan172]

2.5 out of 3 Andy. I'll raise that score to a 3 out of 3 if we can land Fielder next offseaon. Loving the new infield!

[Spy Fox]

Good move/Finally!

Very pleased with the offseason overall...We've gotten one of the top available solutions at 3b, Ss, and 1b.

[helloharv]

Andy finally solved our long term 1st situation.....no wait.....you mean we go thru this all again next off-season?

I thought everyone told me we were rebuilding?

[wildcard]

Great news!!!!!!!! This will be a very productive line. Lee will make the rest of the lineup better.

The news should also shut down the OH for a while once the word gets on. If you want to read and post - Be sure to sign in.

Tickets, get your tickets......

[PlumOriole]

Nice fit for the lineup. Good job Andy!

[AgentOrange]

Andy finally solved our long term 1st situation.....no wait.....you mean we go thru this all again next off-season?

I thought everyone told me we were rebuilding?

Just go away.

Your act is annoying. How can you not see this is a good move? All you ever do is complain about everything.

[helloharv]

Great news!!!!!!!! This will be a very productive line. Lee will make the rest of the lineup better.

The news should also shut down the OH for a while once the word gets on. If you want to read and post - Be sure to sign in.

Tickets, get your tickets......

You expect him to improve on his numbers last year? Or would you be happy with the same production?

.260 avg

19 homers/80 rbi

[Ven6]

Props to AM on vastly improving this team.

And props to mathew W with his insider info.

[wildcard]

Andy finally solved our long term 1st situation.....no wait.....you mean we go thru this all again next off-season?

I thought everyone told me we were rebuilding?

Harv, you are going to be greatly out numbered on this one. 99% of the OH and the Orioles fans are going to just love this signing.

[oriole]

Im very happy to hear this! Here's to hoping for his 09 numbers though even last years numbers aren't horrible.

[MrOrange82]

Props to AM on vastly improving this team.

And props to mathew W with his insider info.

Could've been a lucky hit, but given the proximity in time (and factoring in the benefit of the doubt)...yep, I owe him rep.

[Frobby]

I'm very happy about this. We finally have a lineup with no gaping hole. We finally have a 1B who can field and who could hit 30 homers if we are fortunate. We're in a good position now to have a winning team and make a run at Fielder. I consider this winter a success and Andy's got plenty of time to do more.

[BaltimoreTerp]

Andy finally solved our long term 1st situation.....no wait.....you mean we go thru this all again next off-season?

I thought everyone told me we were rebuilding?

It's ok, we know that not everyone can be happy when the Orioles make good moves that help lead to winning, and that some will criticize anything that they do.

[Hooded Viper]

Andy finally solved our long term 1st situation.....no wait.....you mean we go thru this all again next off-season?

I thought everyone told me we were rebuilding?

Dude, how many teams have a long term solution at every position??? None is the answer. Who is the long term solution at 1st for the Rays and Jays? Who is the long term solution for RF for the Yanks and Sox (And please do not tell me you think Swisher and Drew are long term solutions.). Anyone who doesn't think this is a good deal just has no idea what they are talking about. But I am not surprised by your reaction given your previous posts!

[wildcard]

You expect him to improve on his numbers last year? Or would you be happy with the same production?

.260 avg

19 homers/80 rbi


If his hand is healed he will probably put up something close to his three year avg. 25HR, 94 RBI, 286/367/488/855

[hatepaste]

If his hand is healed he will probably put up something close to his three year avg. 25HR, 94 RBI, 286/367/488/855

Even the .260/19/80 line is a major improvement over what we had.

[OsEatAlEast]

All I have to say is! Sweeeet!! :2yay-thumb::beerchug1::thumbsup1:

[helloharv]

If his hand is healed he will probably put up something close to his three year avg. 25HR, 94 RBI, 286/367/488/855

That would be great.... I hope he does..... but he isn't getting any younger...so I don't know how he will get back to those solid numbers.

[MrOrange82]

If his hand is healed he will probably put up something close to his three year avg. 25HR, 94 RBI, 286/367/488/855

It is disappointing that we'll still be searching for a long-term 1B solution next offseason (especially since BRob's going to represent another hole sooner rather than later), but I'd put our 2011 lineup against most comers. It's going to be an interesting year.

[Moose Milligan]

This is FANTASTIC! I am officially excited about the team. We should get 30 homers from Reynolds, could get anywhere from 15-20 for Hardy, 10-15 from Roberts and 25 from Lee. Finally, a solid lineup, 1-9. Revamped infield, better defense and DEPTH!

Well done, MacPhail.

[byrdz]

You expect him to improve on his numbers last year? Or would you be happy with the same production?

.260 avg

19 homers/80 rbi

He was injured the first part of the season. At the end of the season his Braves numbers were right in line with his career numbers:

287/384/465/849 151 PA's

The guy adds power to 1st, and has amazing plate discipline, which is sorely needed in this O's lineup.

[Brendan25]

The only reason why I would like this signing is if ends with a Prince Fielder or Adrian Gonzalez signing next offsason. I would rather have 3-4 years of LaRoche then 1 year of Lee and then an average signing after that. I think that Lee will have a good season in Baltimore, and help our team this season, but if next offseason we miss on Fielder or Gonzalez then this signing is a bad one, in my opinion. Only because I think that LaRoche over the next 3 seasons is better then Lee this year and a scrub next.

The only 1B currently on the free agent list that is not named Adrian Gonzalez, Prince ielder, and Albert Pujols is Ross Gload, so this 1 year deal better end with a long term one next year.

[ChaosLex]

Does it make me a bad person that I wanna laugh at LaRoche?

Welcome aboard, Lee. Thrilled to have you! :clap3:

[helloharv]

Honest question----Was D.Lee Your 1st/2nd/3rd/4th/5th choice going into this off-season ?

How did you rank the available 1st baseman?

My order was :

A Gone
Dunn
Victor Martinez
LaRoche
Lee

So--that is my rational with the so so reaction to this news. Hopefully he is better than what we had last year but was hoping for more since we compete in such a tough division.

[scOtt]

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[MrOrange82]

Does it make me a bad person that I wanna laugh at LaRoche?

Welcome aboard, Lee. Thrilled to have you! :clap3:

Correct me if I'm wrong, but this is the second time LaRoche has really fumbled his FA opportunities, isn't it?

My prediction: he signs with the Nationals for 2/12.

[MaineFan]

Terrific! What great news to end the year! A healthy Lee in the 3 hole will certainly make this a more potent line up. I would guess Andy will now turn his attention to the bullpen.

[helloharv]

The only reason why I would like this signing is if ends with a Prince Fielder or Adrian Gonzalez signing next offsason. I would rather have 3-4 years of LaRoche then 1 year of Lee and then an average signing after that. I think that Lee will have a good season in Baltimore, and help our team this season, but if next offseason we miss on Fielder or Gonzalez then this signing is a bad one, in my opinion. Only because I think that LaRoche over the next 3 seasons is better then Lee this year and a scrub next.

The only 1B currently on the free agent list that is not named Adrian Gonzalez, Prince ielder, and Albert Pujols is Ross Gload, so this 1 year deal better end with a long term one next year.

Agreed----Good points

[wildcard]

It is disappointing that we'll still be searching for a long-term 1B solution next offseason (especially since BRob's going to represent another hole sooner rather than later), but I'd put our 2011 lineup against most comers. It's going to be an interesting year.

Everyone is touting Boston as favorite to win the division. DH Ortiz, RF Drew and SS Scutaro are all one year solutions at this point. And no one knows if Salt will stick at catcher. So its pretty hard to give the O's any grief on signing a productive one year+ solution in Lee.

[Goop]

Glad to see us finally get the 1b spot filled, although my sister (a Cubs fan) is gonna be devastated that he didn't go back to Chi-town (she LOVES Derek Lee.)

I know I'm probably over reacting, but these kind of quotes always worry me:


According to sources with knowledge of the situation, Lee was lukewarm with the idea of signing with the Orioles earlier this offseason, but the number of teams with first base vacancies has dwindled.

I just hope he doesn't come here with an attitude of "whatever, I'm only here for a year." I don't think that's the case with him, but it's in the back of my mind.

[BaltOriole]

I'll take it. Better than the alternatives.

[Frobby]

I'm going to be realistic here. Lee is coming off surgery, he's 35, he's coming off a poor year by his standards and he'll be facing tough competition. I can see a downside where he resembles the Huff of 2009, with a slightly higher OBP and better defense. But the upside is that he's the Lee of 2009. If that's the range of possible outcomes, I'm very satisfied. We know Lee will be motivated to have a great year. An outcome in the middle, even lower middle of his range of outcomes likely produces 100 RBI.

[MrOrange82]

Everyone is touting Boston as favorite to win the division. DH Ortiz, RF Drew and SS Scutaro are all one year solutions at this point. And no one knows if Salt will stick at catcher. So its pretty hard to give the O's any grief on signing a productive one year+ solution in Lee.

It's not grief, exactly. I think Lee on a one-year deal represents the best of a bad situation (after Dunn signed elsewhere...I haven't wavered from that opinion). Given that the O's weren't in a position to send a ransom to the Padres for AGon, I don't think the O's could've done much better for themselves.

Honestly, I'd put our 2011 lineup up against any other team's. We wouldn't "win" the head-to-head in every case, but our lineup won't get blown away by anyone else's. If our pitching develops as hoped, I think the O's will be serious troublemakers in 2011.

[clapdiddy]

Last year's OPS by position:

O's

1B - .625
SS - .549
3b - .668

Newbies:
Lee - .774
Hardy - .714
Reynolds - .753

So...even if these guys perform to last year's numbers, our offensive production should go up drastically.

[AgentOrange]

Glad to see us finally get the 1b spot filled, although my sister (a Cubs fan) is gonna be devastated that he didn't go back to Chi-town (she LOVES Derek Lee.)

I know I'm probably over reacting, but these kind of quotes always worry me:



I just hope he doesn't come here with an attitude of "whatever, I'm only here for a year." I don't think that's the case with him, but it's in the back of my mind.

He is playing for his last big contract. I doubt we get anything but his best. Contract year!

[OsEatAlEast]

The O's are going to have one heck of a defensive infield this year!

[Moose Milligan]

Honest question----Was D.Lee Your 1st/2nd/3rd/4th/5th choice going into this off-season ?

How did you rank the available 1st baseman?

My order was :

A Gone
Dunn
Victor Martinez
LaRoche
Lee

So--that is my rational with the so so reaction to this news. Hopefully he is better than what we had last year but was hoping for more since we compete in such a tough division.

Hey, he was still on your list.

[Arthur_Bryant]

Honest question----Was D.Lee Your 1st/2nd/3rd/4th/5th choice going into this off-season ?

How did you rank the available 1st baseman?

My order was :

A Gone
Dunn
Victor Martinez
LaRoche
Lee

So--that is my rational with the so so reaction to this news. Hopefully he is better than what we had last year but was hoping for more since we compete in such a tough division.

Rank by what criteria?

Best for 2011?

Best for the next 3-4 years?

Best value while maintaining payroll flexibility?

Best choice if money is no object?

The ratings are different in every case. Depends on your priorities.

Tell me your priorities, I'll tell you how my list matches up.

[SilentJames]

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[sangar]

Glad to see us finally get the 1b spot filled, although my sister (a Cubs fan) is gonna be devastated that he didn't go back to Chi-town (she LOVES Derek Lee.)

I know I'm probably over reacting, but these kind of quotes always worry me:



I just hope he doesn't come here with an attitude of "whatever, I'm only here for a year." I don't think that's the case with him, but it's in the back of my mind.He's coming here to reestablish his value. I'd think having to sign with a crap team for low money would give him more incentive to arrive in great shape and put in 110% this year.

[helloharv]

Hey, he was still on your list.

Yea.... so was a razor on my christmas list...WAY behind the 52 ich LED ;)

[wildcard]

Honest question----Was D.Lee Your 1st/2nd/3rd/4th/5th choice going into this off-season ?

How did you rank the available 1st baseman?

My order was :

A Gone
Dunn
Victor Martinez
LaRoche
Lee

So--that is my rational with the so so reaction to this news. Hopefully he is better than what we had last year but was hoping for more since we compete in such a tough division.


AGon - Would have cost too many prospects and wasn't coming to Baltimore.
Lee - Best solution
VMart - Not a 1B defensively
LaRoche - Starts slow and does not have the upside.
Dunn - Simply a DH

[PrivateO]

I'm going to be realistic here. Lee is coming off surgery, he's 35, he's coming off a poor year by his standards and he'll be facing tough competition. I can see a downside where he resembles the Huff of 2009, with a slightly higher OBP and better defense. But the upside is that he's the Lee of 2009. If that's the range of possible outcomes, I'm very satisfied. We know Lee will be motivated to have a great year. An outcome in the middle, even lower middle of his range of outcomes likely produces 100 RBI.

It sounds like he wants to get another contract before retiring. That (hopefully) means he will work hard as an Oriole, as I don't see/want this team to resign him after next year. hey, maybe it's even possible he can get Type A/B status.

[helloharv]

Rank by what criteria?

Best for 2011?

Best for the next 3-4 years?

Best value while maintaining payroll flexibility?

Best choice if money is no object?

The ratings are different in every case. Depends on your priorities.

Tell me your priorities, I'll tell you how my list matches up.

Simple --- Best for Upgrading/Improving our team this year and beyond and help turn us into contenders in the near future.

[wildcard]

The O's are going to have one heck of a defensive infield this year!

One heck on a defensive team. Add Wieters, Pie, Jones and Nick.

[scOtt]

Glad to see us finally get the 1b spot filled, although my sister (a Cubs fan) is gonna be devastated that he didn't go back to Chi-town (she LOVES Derek Lee.)

I know I'm probably over reacting, but these kind of quotes always worry me:



I just hope he doesn't come here with an attitude of "whatever, I'm only here for a year." I don't think that's the case with him, but it's in the back of my mind.
I don't buy that idea, at least not on a one year deal. If he really wants a one year deal to secure a better multi-year deal next year, he has EVERY incentive to go balls out this year.

[Goop]

He is playing for his last big contract. I doubt we get anything but his best. Contract year!


He's coming here to reestablish his value. I'd think having to sign with a crap team for low money would give him more incentive to arrive in great shape and put in 110% this year.

Good points, both of you. I didn't look at it that way.

[Goop]

I don't buy that idea, at least not on a one year deal. If he really wants a one year deal to secure a better multi-year deal next year, he has EVERY incentive to go balls out this year.

Yeah, I didn't think of that...good point. Where's my jump to conclusions mat? :D

[helloharv]

AGon - Would have cost too many prospects and wasn't coming to Baltimore.
Lee - Best solution
VMart - Not a 1B defensively
LaRoche - Starts slow and does not have the upside.
Dunn - Simply a DH

So D.Lee was your number ONE target going into this off-season at first base to help turn our team into a contender asap. ??

[ccbird]

Very nice. Legitimately excited about this lineup next year. Still wouldn't mind Thome, Ramirez, or Guerrero as the DH with Scott in LF and Pie as the 4th OF but I'm guessing that isn't in the works.



Now, just add a RP or two and possibly a veteran SP and I think we are a very solid team.

[weams]

http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/2010/12/os_agree_to_terms_with_lee.html

Fear the Sweater Vest.

http://fsnbstore.com/images/sw701.jpg

BooYah.

[SrMeowMeow]

Honest question----Was D.Lee Your 1st/2nd/3rd/4th/5th choice going into this off-season ?

How did you rank the available 1st baseman?

My order was :

A Gone
Dunn
Victor Martinez
LaRoche
Lee

So--that is my rational with the so so reaction to this news. Hopefully he is better than what we had last year but was hoping for more since we compete in such a tough division.

Lee was my first choice for the whole offseason.

[wildcard]

Somewhere, Buck is smiling!

[UMDTerrapins]

Great news. AM managed to get Lee, Reynolds and Hardy...all serious upgrades and a giant leap vs lefties without costing a single draft pick or starting pitcher. Of course, if we go out now and blow a pick on a reliever I'll blow my top. But Lee is the guy I wanted all along....happy it worked out.

[jerios55]

RH, strong D, 1 year and should net a pick (we have to offer arb right...:rolleyes:)

I really like this move.

[OsEatAlEast]

One heck on a defensive team. Add Wieters, Pie, Jones and Nick.

No doubt! Our defense and offense can go toe to toe with any team in the league. Now we just need the pitching staff to continue what they did under Buck last season and we really have something. I think this is the first time I've been excited about watching this team in quite a long time!

[theobird]

I don't know if Lee can produce at the level of his '09 season going forward or not. But I do know that he is a really good guy, and that effort will not be an issue. This guy is a pro's, pro. Lee will show up in great shape, be a great teammate, and hopefully he can still play at DLee's established level.
In any event, you have got to tip your cap to Andy MacPhail. The man has had an awesome off season for this organization. The Baltimore Orioles are indeed relevant again. I said all along that AM had an opportunity to make some great moves this off season, and he has done just that. Color me impressed.:)

[ChaosLex]

Somewhere, Buck is smiling!

As are so many of us. :clap3:

[scOtt]

Great news. AM managed to get Lee, Reynolds and Hardy...all serious upgrades and a giant leap vs lefties without costing a single draft pick or starting pitcher. Of course, if we go out now and blow a pick on a reliever I'll blow my top. But Lee is the guy I wanted all along....happy it worked out.
I don't really see that either. He's protected that pick so far. And he's played FAs and trades one off the other a couple times now. Bartlett off Hardy. Now Lee off LaRoche.

We had great interest in Gregg, then suddenly (reportedly...) change interest to Balfour. I think it's just another smokescreen by MacPhail. The Puppet Master. :D

[wildcard]

So D.Lee was your number ONE target going into this off-season at first base to help turn our team into a contender asap. ??

VMart was the up there also. He can hit. But his defense scared me. He might have been adequate defensively in time. And he would have been on the team for 4 years. That is probably one year too long.

[wildcard]

Fear the Sweater Vest.

http://fsnbstore.com/images/sw701.jpg

BooYah.

Love it!!!

[Moose Milligan]

AGon - Would have cost too many prospects and wasn't coming to Baltimore.
Lee - Best solution
VMart - Not a 1B defensively
LaRoche - Starts slow and does not have the upside.
Dunn - Simply a DH

Agreed. I would have been cool with LaRoche but not for multiple years at that rate he wanted.

A-Gon was never made available to us. It irks me to no end for people to think that he was a legit option. I wouldn't have wanted to go for that 4th year for VMart, either.

Lee also brings good defense to the table.

[RandyM]

Lee was my first choice for the whole offseason.

Talk about low expectations :).

Not saying I don't like the signing, but lets temper expectations.
I am happy because:
- This at least gives the organization another year to find a long term 1b solution (not there is anything immediately in the system or in FA next year that is realistic).
- Doesn't completely hamstring the org with a bad long term contract.
- I am surprised that a player like Lee, older and looking to sign a short term contract to build his stature for next year would come to the O's considering we ARE NOT contenders.

The last item is probably the biggest item for me. I wonder who was able to sell him on coming over for such a type of deal? Was the market that bad and we were the only team out there?

[PaOsFan]

I'm very happy about this. We finally have a lineup with no gaping hole. We finally have a 1B who can field and who could hit 30 homers if we are fortunate. We're in a good position now to have a winning team and make a run at Fielder. I consider this winter a success and Andy's got plenty of time to do more.

not to mention that if he does have a good year we can hope to resign him or offer arbitration and get draft pics. We can still go after another 1b and move one to DH if needed. If it's a bust then we only have another Atkins for one year but i'd be highly surprised if the was 1/8th that bad.

Good move by Andy.

Now get a LH reliver and someone to lock down or compete for closer and we're good to go.

[UMDTerrapins]

I would imagine Lee spoke with Buck and was assured that he will be used in the 3 or 4 spot. He needs ABs if he's going to sign a 1 year deal and set himself up for a longer and bigger deal next offseason. Potentially part of the appeal of playing in Baltimore.

[El Gordo]

This is FANTASTIC! I am officially excited about the team. We should get 30 homers from Reynolds, could get anywhere from 15-20 for Hardy, 10-15 from Roberts and 25 from Lee. Finally, a solid lineup, 1-9. Revamped infield, better defense and DEPTH!

Well done, MacPhail.Weren't you the guy who said AM wasn't going to do anything this winter......:scratchchinhmm:
http://blogtown.portlandmercury.com/images/blogimages/2009/04/24/1240605367-eating_crow.jpg

[Brendan25]

Not a LaRoche fan at all, so I completely disagree. However, I'd bet money at this point that LaRoche will be available a year from now as he's likely misread the market yet again (the man really needs to find a new agent if he's following said agent's advice).

LaRoche is not a top 10 1B, but he is going to give you 25 HR's a year. i would rather have that for the next 3 years then Lee this year and Ross Gload next year. We'll see what happens net offseason to fill the 1B hole. If they can find a solid guy then this is a fantastic move. I'm not saying I hate this move, but I hope they have a plan for next offseason if they didn't want LaRoche for amulti year deal.

[GMU Orioles Fan]

Cool, glad we could land him.

[theobird]

Weren't you the guy who said AM wasn't going to do anything this winter......:scratchchinhmm:
http://blogtown.portlandmercury.com/images/blogimages/2009/04/24/1240605367-eating_crow.jpg

Lol.:clap3::clap3::clap3::clap3::2yay-thumb::2yay-thumb::agree:

[Arthur_Bryant]

Simple --- Best for Upgrading/Improving our team this year and beyond and help turn us into contenders in the near future.

Then it's a compromise choice, because there is almost always a conflict between near term and long term, with the reality of limited resources and limited talent.

In that case, Lee is the best compromise, with the good chance of putting up something like .270/.350/.500 (25-30 HR) at reasonable cost and no loss of prospects. The O's are buying talent. It isn't a long term purchase, but they've improved themselves for 2011 at no cost except a pretty moderate salary.

I liked Martinez a lot until I saw what would've been required to sign him.

Dunn was at the top of my list as a DH, not at 1B.

LaRoche--zero upside, essentially mediocre, possibility/probability of decline over a multi-year contract.

AGon is sort of a class unto himself, obviously the best choice as a player. But the reality is that he would cost too much in talent and almost certainly would be gone at the end of the year. But he and Fielder would be the best choices if you were playing for 2011 only AND you didn't have to give up any MLB talent. Obviously that would be disastrous beyond the end of 2011.

BTW, how could you have put together your rankings until you knew what the cost of these players would be? Are you saying that the difference between 3/36 and 4/60 for Martinez would've been inconsequential to you?

I guarantee it's not inconsequential in reality.

[Saintbird]

Alright fans, this is our team. Get ready for these Birds.

[Gurgi]

I hope he puts huge numbers up and we make a little noise this year.

I imagine he bats 4th and is great protection for Markakis? Or Markakis hits second and Lee third?

Also with his favorable contract numbers if we are crap next year it doesnt take a huge imagination that he could be dealt for a real nice prospect at the trade deadline. Even more if he is putting up fat numbers because then he would bring the team we trade him to a 1st or 2nd round prospect.

[Arthur_Bryant]

LaRoche is not a top 10 1B, but he is going to give you 25 HR's a year. i would rather have that for the next 3 years then Lee this year and Ross Gload next year. We'll see what happens net offseason to fill the 1B hole. If they can find a solid guy then this is a fantastic move. I'm not saying I hate this move, but I hope they have a plan for next offseason if they didn't want LaRoche for amulti year deal.

There is a very good chance that LaRoche will not have 75 HRs in 2011 through 2013. The fact that he did it between ages 28 and 30 does not mean that he will do it between ages 31 and 33. In fact, it probably means that he will have fewer.

And unless Zrebiec missed it, I don't think the signing of Lee comes with a long term deal for Ross Gload.

[sangar]

Are you saying that the difference between 3/36 and 4/60 for Martinez would've been inconsequential to you?

I believe Martinez may have cost us a pick too.

[Cakes2Kakes]

Have to love the fact that 12 minutes after posting about Lee to the O's, MLB TradeRumors followed with a post titled: "Nats Offer LaRoche Two-Year Deal", and ends with, " LaRoche, 31, has been said to be looking for a three-year deal in the range of $21MM. With the O's seemingly out of the bidding, he may have to settle for less

My guess is that the early post on here that said LaRoche was seeking $14mil/per for 4 years should have read "Washington is offering him $14mil total for two years!

[Brendan25]

I hope he puts huge numbers up and we make a little noise this year.

I imagine he bats 4th and is great protection for Markakis? Or Markakis hits second and Lee third?

Also with his favorable contract numbers if we are crap next year it doesnt take a huge imagination that he could be dealt for a real nice prospect at the trade deadline. Even more if he is putting up fat numbers because then he would bring the team we trade him to a 1st or 2nd round prospect.

I would think that Markakis will hit 2nd, with Lee 3rd and Scott 4th and Reynold 5th.


There is a very good chance that LaRoche will not have 75 HRs in 2011 through 2013. The fact that he did it between ages 28 and 30 does not mean that he will do it between ages 31 and 33.

And unless Zrebiec missed it, I don't think the signing of Lee comes with a long term deal for Ross Gload.

I know that it doesn't but at this point, the only free agent 1B for next year are Pujols, Gonzalez, Fielder, and Gload. So what I'm saying is that if the O's missed a multi-year deal with LaRoche, and then they also miss one of the big 1B next offseason, then this is a bad deal.

[Moose Milligan]

Weren't you the guy who said AM wasn't going to do anything this winter......:scratchchinhmm:
http://blogtown.portlandmercury.com/images/blogimages/2009/04/24/1240605367-eating_crow.jpg

Fry it and put some hot sauce on it.

[RandyM]

There is a very good chance that LaRoche will not have 75 HRs in 2011 through 2013. The fact that he did it between ages 28 and 30 does not mean that he will do it between ages 31 and 33. In fact, it probably means that he will have fewer.

And unless Zrebiec missed it, I don't think the signing of Lee comes with a long term deal for Ross Gload.

There is also a very good chance that Lee won't have 25 - 30 hrs that people are project at age 35.
As I stated in a thread before, I think it is a good short term band aid better than that we have normally gotten.
I am more happy that we were able to sign a guy on a one year deal looking to improve their stock for next year. We previously haven't been able to convince those type of players because of the fear of playing in the AL East and on a constantly bad team.

Kudos to AM and Buck. They have done a very good job of doing what they needed to do. Not hitting the home run, but hitting that double that sets up the youngsters to put up or shut up.

[El Gordo]

This was my complete wish list. I preferred one year of Lee over VMart, but I saw the reason behind persuing him Vmart. I couldn't be more plaesed. Koji, Lee, Reynolds, and Hardy. Kudos to Andy.:smile11::mwahaha::boogie::2yay-thumb::beerchug1:

[ShaneDawg85]

The only things you could really complain about with this deal is that we still don't have a long-term option at the position, and that Lee could have a bad year next year given a variety of factors. Outside of that, though, this is a fantastic deal and the best possible option for the Orioles. The revamping of the major's worst infield last season is complete. The work isn't finished, but the three biggest priorities have been taken care of.

[theobird]

Fry it and put some hot sauce on it.

LOL. Your a class act Moose!!! A man that will step up to the table and pay the fiddler. Wow. I am just thrilled with what AM has done this off season. Thrilled.

[JimDH]

There must be something negative to say about this. Well I am sure DF will spin some stink on it.

[Moose Milligan]

LOL. Your a class act Moose!!! A man that will step up to the table and pay the fiddler. Wow. I am just thrilled with what AM has done this off season. Thrilled.

Yeah, I'm pretty giddy. I'd like to see a bullpen arm who doesn't cost us a pick and see if he plans to replace Millwood with a veteran starter...but a completely revamped infield is awesome. Just awesome.

[Shopay]

Solid move by AM.

[VAB2110]

Well, after posting just yesterday that it was unlikely that Lee would sign here let me say, the Orioles will never get Felix Hernandez. Maybe the reverse mojo will work again. Great pick-up, especially for one year.

[Art Wing]

This was my complete wish list. I preferred one year of Lee over VMart, but I saw the reason behind persuing him Vmart. I couldn't be more plaesed. Koji, Lee, Reynolds, and Hardy. Kudos to Andy.:smile11::mwahaha::boogie::2yay-thumb::beerchug1:

I'm right there with you El Gordo. I'm so happy right now.:hearts:

[fish113d]

You expect him to improve on his numbers last year? Or would you be happy with the same production?

.260 avg

19 homers/80 rbi

Not to be a jerk or to jump on you here "Harv" but obviously you don't "study". He played the whole year practically with a torn thumb ligament or some deal...I think he can improve on that especially in OUR PARK....of course, I thought Sammy Sosa would hit 40 the year we had him too....whooops.

[fish113d]

This is FANTASTIC! I am officially excited about the team. We should get 30 homers from Reynolds, could get anywhere from 15-20 for Hardy, 10-15 from Roberts and 25 from Lee. Finally, a solid lineup, 1-9. Revamped infield, better defense and DEPTH!

Well done, MacPhail.

10-15 from B-rob? I think you mean 10-15 from Markakis...I HOPE 'Kakes can hit over 20, Jones can as well, and Roberts can steal 30+ bases this year. YOu do that and what you stated about Reynolds, Hardy, & Lee will at least make us a very competitive offense.

[osbaseball08]

Actions speak louder than words! Nice job MacPhail.

Great Signing.

[Roy Firestone]

A motivated veteran who is coming off an injury that hampered him for most of the previous year. A proud veteran who knows how to hit and is a very very good defensive player.
The Orioles have MORE than a stopgap, they have a player who will be on his game(assuming he stays healthy), and it puts the Orioles in a flexible position for the following season. Fielder? Maybe.
Bottom line, is that this team is on paper, a MUCH better offensive infield and it affords the club the luxury of going with the hot hand in LF or DH.
The Orioles HAVE to be pleased with what theyve picked up. If thery add an innings eater and another reliever, this should be a competitive team nest year.
We wont win anything, but it will be alot more fun to watch this club.
Thanks Andy!

[UMDTerrapins]

A motivated veteran who is coming off an injury that hampered him for most of the previous year. A proud veteran who knows how to hit and is a very very good defensive player.
The Orioles have MORE than a stopgap, they have a player who will be on his game(assuming he stays healthy), and it puts the Orioles in a flexible position for the following season. Fielder? Maybe.
Bottom line, is that this team is on paper, a MUCH better offensive infield and it affords the club the luxury of going with the hot hand in LF or DH.
The Orioles HAVE to be pleased with what theyve picked up. If thery add an innings eater and another reliever, this should be a competitive team nest year.
We wont win anything, but it will be alot more fun to watch this club.
Thanks Andy!

Obviously getting back the playoffs has to be the end goal, but if we are a good team in 2011, it could be the year that really changes the way these FA's look at us this time of year. And I love that Lee is so confident in his ability that he wants a 1 year deal. He's going to be an excellent addition.

[Tank]

http://twitter.com/SI_JonHeyman/status/20962290341773312


derrek lee turned down $8.5 mil from #padres. so it'll be interesting to see his o's deal. maybe he simply loves crabs

So much for him not wanting to come here I guess.

[clapdiddy]

http://twitter.com/SI_JonHeyman/status/20962290341773312



So much for him not wanting to come here I guess.

I find it hard to believe that the Pads offered 8.5M.

[crawjo]

This was absolutely the best move out there for the Orioles at first base this offseason. A seasoned veteran with a solid glove coming off a down year willing to work on a one year deal. I didn't think it would get done because I figured Lee would prefer to stay in the National League...happy to see I was apparently wrong about that.

[palmer22]

Lee is a big right-handed bat, with good plate discipline, a nice glove and a solid reputation in the club house. Plus he won't cost us a pick. I really like this signing. Of course, I wish he had come here in 2003.

This may be the best defensive infield we've had in some years...

[backwardsk]

I hope the Yankees get Carlos Zambrano and Lee hits a grand slam on him.

If you were to tell me in October that we'd have Lee, Hardy, Reynolds in our line up, I would have been happy that we got better but concerned because we gave up too much for both Reynolds and Hardy and gave Lee too many years. Then you tell me that we lost Hernandez, Mickolio, Jacobson, Hoey and have Lee for only one year, well that excedes my expectations. Well done FO.

[Moose Milligan]

10-15 from B-rob? I think you mean 10-15 from Markakis...I HOPE 'Kakes can hit over 20, Jones can as well, and Roberts can steal 30+ bases this year. YOu do that and what you stated about Reynolds, Hardy, & Lee will at least make us a very competitive offense.

Why shouldn't we expect 10-15 homers from B-Rob? I was strictly talking about the infield.

[osbaseball08]

http://twitter.com/SI_JonHeyman/status/20962290341773312



So much for him not wanting to come here I guess.

Probably had something to do with PETCO. If I was trying to have a good season before trying to get my last multi-year deal PETCO would be the absolute last place I'd want to go, especially in the NL West with all those stud SP's.

[TakebackOPACY]

ZiPS from BaseballThinkFactory (http://www.baseballthinkfactory.org/files/oracle/discussion/2011_zips_projections_-_atlanta_braves/) has Lee at .262avg/.343obp/.432slg. That said, they're very up front about the limitations of ZiPS. Notably in this case, ZiPS doesn't try to predict the effect of specific injuries or the odds of a rebound.

[Ommaculate]

Anyone else realize that the O's are going to be really good this year?!?!

[weams]

Yeah, I'm pretty giddy. I'd like to see a bullpen arm who doesn't cost us a pick and see if he plans to replace Millwood with a veteran starter...but a completely revamped infield that plays gold glove defense and hits for semi extreme power is awesome. Just awesome.

That it is Moosey. Happy New Year

[backwardsk]

Anyone else realize that the O's are going to be really good this year?!?!

It all comes down to the young starters staying healthy and making the next jump in their development. Pretty exciting offseason so far.

[TheBee]

I hope the Yankees get Carlos Zambrano and Lee hits a grand slam on him.

If you were to tell me in October that we'd have Lee, Hardy, Reynolds in our line up, I would have been happy that we got better but concerned because we gave up too much for both Reynolds and Hardy and gave Lee too many years. Then you tell me that we lost Hernandez, Mickolio, Jacobson, Hoey and have Lee for only one year, well that excedes my expectations. Well done FO.

A Very good synopsis...

[byrdz]

http://twitter.com/SI_JonHeyman/status/20962290341773312



So much for him not wanting to come here I guess.

He wants to boost his numbers. That ain't happening in Petco.

[Tank]

He wants to boost his numbers. That ain't happening in Petco.

Sure but we kept hearing how he didn't want to come to Baltimore and wanted to stay on the west coast with a team that could contend. San Diego was said to be a desired location for him and it looks like he might've taken less money to come here. I'm guessing he gets $8 million with incentives that could boost it to $10 million from us. But my point is don't believe everything you read.

[byrdz]

Speaking of Crow dinner. Where's SG when AM makes a good move??

[hoosiers]

Very solid move IMO (and one called by multiple posters a while ago).

Lee is a huge offensive and defensive upgrade from 1B last season and retains a decent upside if healthy - OPS north of 850.

The organization did some good work here figuring out the 1B situation - offering VMart, then Konerko and then waiting out the remaining bunch to obtain a quality 1B. What I especially like about the move is that we netted a quality player who originally had little interest in coming to Baltimore.

We'll have to see how much LaRoche overplayed his hand if at all. Just because he wanted three years and no one offered does not mean he overplayed his hand in not rejecting the two year offers on the table. That still has to play out.

[Tank]

Who else would give even two years to LaRoche other than the Nationals?

[blid]

Oh man, I liked Dunn and Thome because I really wanted a big-time slugger. But this was a GREAT offseason for the O`s and I am PUMPED to watch them this year.

[scOtt]

I find it hard to believe that the Pads offered 8.5M.
Or that we only offered 8. I'll bet it's closer to 10. Not that that's a bad thing...

[Enjoy Terror]

Derrek Lee hit .287/.384/.465 in Atlanta last year. 3 HR in 151PA is kind of concerning though. That's a major power outage from a 1B.

[theobird]

Speaking of Crow dinner. Where's SG when AM makes a good move??

Well, to be fair, SG was the original DLee supporter. He is going to be happy with this move, no doubt. IMO, it is not the moves that AM makes that SG is critical of. It is the lack of moves.

[El Gordo]

Speaking of Crow dinner. Where's SG when AM makes a good move??With the possible exception of wanting a trade for Furcall over Hardy, this is pretty much what he wanted IIRC...:scratchchinhmm:

[Orioles Magic]

Good sign McPhail. Best thing is that it is for one year leaving open the possibility of pursuing Fielder next offseason. Now some here can finally stop crying so much due to lack of patience. Our GM is on his job. Andy is doing a fine job this offseason. :thumbsup1:

[sangar]

ZiPS from BaseballThinkFactory (http://www.baseballthinkfactory.org/files/oracle/discussion/2011_zips_projections_-_atlanta_braves/) has Lee at .262avg/.343obp/.432slg. That said, they're very up front about the limitations of ZiPS. Notably in this case, ZiPS doesn't try to predict the effect of specific injuries or the odds of a rebound.Notably optimistic Bill James has Lee at an .840 OPS for next season.

[Riggodrill44]

Does anyone remember the Baltimore-Marlins trade particulars that included Lee? Do you remember what type of money Lee was looking for when he nixed the trade?

[scOtt]

Does anyone remember the Baltimore-Marlins trade particulars that included Lee? Do you remember what type of money Lee was looking for when he nixed the trade?
Lee didn't nix it, we did. PA IIRC.

[Hank Scorpio]

I have preferred Lee all along because he's right handed and he could pop 30-35 HR if he can stay healthy.

Good job by our much maligned GM.

[RevOlution]

One word ladies and gents! :clap3:

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GO O's! :mwahaha:

[Riggodrill44]

Lee didn't nix it, we did. PA IIRC.

Well, he didn't agree

[scOtt]

I have preferred Lee all along because he's right handed and he could pop 30-35 HR if he can stay healthy.

Good job by our much maligned GM.
I wanted Dunn going in, defense be damned. Was intrigued by Konerko for a few days. Liked LaRoche til I was convince. SG kept saying that one year of a great player declining is better than three years of a mediocre player, also declining. LaRoche's playing with us, and Lee being right handed and a better fit for our 3-hole sealed it.

Kinda wishy-washy, I know. But I'm happy tonight.

[byrdz]

Well, to be fair, SG was the original DLee supporter. He is going to be happy with this move, no doubt. IMO, it is not the moves that AM makes that SG is critical of. It is the lack of moves.


With the possible exception of wanting a trade for Furcall over Hardy, this is pretty much what he wanted IIRC...:scratchchinhmm:

Right! He didn't sign Laroche to a stupid "poor" deal and got Lee. So, he can stop all the AM hating, for something he was never likely to do anyway...

[olehippi]

I guess we all...or most of us.....can now REALLY celebrate the New Year!! We now have a legit 1B in Lee. Truthfully, I was actually leaning towards LaRoche hoping for a longer term solution, but it became pretty obvious that he was jerking the team around and didn't want to come here.

So....we have Lee for one year, and will have to go through all this again next off-season and pray that we can sign AGon, Fielder, or perhaps extend Lee. And doesn't MacPhail's contract expire at the end of 2011? If so, who will be negotiating?

[Dodobirds]

I'm thrilled with D.Lee for a year. He's a rock-solid 1B with one of the better bats in baseball when healthy. If this team pitches & plays hard for Buck the way they did at the end of last year, Wieters and Jones take a few steps forward offensively, and BROB stays healthy, I think it's a real possibility to see us in the hunt for a playoff spot this year.
Nice job Andy. Just make sure you follow it up with Fielder or AGon (or a D.Lee extension) next offseason.

[bluedog]

You expect him to improve on his numbers last year? Or would you be happy with the same production?

.260 avg

19 homers/80 rbi

No - but he's probably going to be significantly better than that given his announced full recovery from the injury that hampered him most of last year.

But that's not the point. This is a wonderful move because its hard to find a scenario where it could turn out to be a disaster;

Scenario 1: Worst Case
Lee falls flat on his face and pulls a Garrett Atkins or gets injured again and provides below replacement level production - the O's are not hooked into a multi-year contract, they aren't on the hook for huge amount of money and they retain both roster and financial flexibility to go after a long term solution via trade or free agency next year.

Scenario 2: Average Case
Lee provides 20 HRs / .260 like he did last year - the O's improve on their production at first base from last year and slightly overpay for it, but as above aren't locked into a long term contract or limited financially.

Scenario 3: Above Average Case
Lee provides between 25 - 30 HRs / .280 / 90ish RBIs - the O's would get more value out of Lee in the scenario than what they paid for him which is a perfect scenario for offering him arbitration and then grabbing a draft pick when he walks as a type B free agent (I can't imagine he takes less than market value to stay with the O's after a year like that).

Scenario 4: Best Case
Lee goes off and hits 40+ HRs / .300 / 100+ RBIs and plays stellar defense at first. The O's now have an asset they can easily move at the trade deadline in an attempt to find a long term, younger solution at 1b assuming they are out of the playoff race. If they are in contention (and a year like this from Lee wouldn't hurt those chances) then they can hang onto him and go the arbitration route with the likelihood he'll be a Type A and they'll get a high draft pick when he walks.

If the O's signed a player to a multi-year deal and they bombed, then they'd have a lot of problems with payroll and roster flexibility moving forward and still not have a long term solution at 1b. I don't see any downside to this move and I see quite a bit of upside.

[JDubs]

Where is oldfa...err...maybe2050? He should be able to type a mea culpa just fine with his foot in his mouth. Has he reached the 500 post limit already?

[El Gordo]

Right! He didn't sign Laroche to a stupid "poor" deal and got Lee. So, he can stop all the AM hating, for something he was never likely to do anyway...

No he'll still fault AM for not trading Guthrie and Scott for prospects to be named later.:laughlol:

[Remember The Alomar]

Where is oldfa...err...maybe2050? He should be able to type a mea culpa just fine with his foot in his mouth. Has he reached the 500 post limit already?

Dude's on a permanent vacation.

[jets4ever]

One word ladies and gents! :clap3:

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GO O's! :mwahaha:

Not to be picky.... :scratchchinhmm:

But, that's two words. :thumbsup1:

[JimDH]

not to be picky.... :scratchchinhmm:

But, that's two words. :thumbsup1:

r.e.s.p.e.c.t

[NCRaven]

Koji, Reynolds, Hardy, Lee and AM is the King! Until he signs Balfour, then his loyal subjects will proclaim - "He is an idiot and deserves to be fired!"

[rochester]

Does it make me a bad person that I wanna laugh at LaRoche?

Welcome aboard, Lee. Thrilled to have you! :clap3:

IMO NO you are not a bad person...:)

[RevOlution]

r.e.s.p.e.c.t

Exactly! :D

[weams]

All TIme OPS Season

120. Derrek Lee (29) 1.0798 2005 R

[UMDTerrapins]

Tweeeted by Buster Olney this morning:

Buster_ESPN
Heard this: The O's liked Adam LaRoche, but were concerned about giving him a three-year deal. By giving Derrek Lee a one-year deal (more)

Buster_ESPN
they are staying flexible. It will be interesting to see if the Orioles get involved in the Prince Fielder talks next winter.

Buster_ESPN
Also, another pivotal factor in the signing of Derrek Lee was his defense; Buck Showalter believes in having a strong defensive 1Bman.

Buster_ESPN
The mystery of the first weeks of the new year will be: Where is Rafael Soriano going to get his expected money?

[crowmst3k!]

You expect him to improve on his numbers last year? Or would you be happy with the same production?

.260 avg

19 homers/80 rbi

I think he'll have modest improvement. 20-25 bombs, similar average, 350ish OBP. I consider Lee to be Victor Martinez light. Considering the abysmal production from the position last year, it will be a welcome improvement.

I still hope the O's go out and get Vladdy for DH and give Luke Scott LF. That would be a lineup with threats from positions 1-9...something this club has not seen in a while.

[Frobby]

Does anyone remember the Baltimore-Marlins trade particulars that included Lee? Do you remember what type of money Lee was looking for when he nixed the trade?

The O's offered 3/$24 mm, he wanted 4/$36mm, if I recall correctly.

[Shopay]

Looks like deal can be worth up to $10 million with incentives.


http://twitter.com/TBrownYahoo/status/21054579688873985

[Frobby]

Looks like deal can be worth up to $10 million with incentives.


http://twitter.com/TBrownYahoo/status/21054579688873985

You know what? I really don't care if it's $8 mm or $10mm. I'm just glad we got a guy who fits in well strategically.

[OsEatAlEast]

The O's offered 3/$24 mm, he wanted 4/$36mm, if I recall correctly.

I know hindsight is 20/20 and all. But I remember alot of people saying Lee would be an even better hitter if he got out of the Marlins home ballpark. Then they traded him and he did what most expected him to do. To bad the O's missed the boat on him the first time. That contract would have been a bargain by today's standards and even back then with the production the Cubs got out of him.

[Shopay]

You know what? I really don't care if it's $8 mm or $10mm. I'm just glad we got a guy who fits in well strategically.

Agreed. He is a very nice add and only a 1 year deal.

[24fps]

I wanted Dunn going in, defense be damned. Was intrigued by Konerko for a few days. Liked LaRoche til I was convince. SG kept saying that one year of a great player declining is better than three years of a mediocre player, also declining. LaRoche's playing with us, and Lee being right handed and a better fit for our 3-hole sealed it.

Kinda wishy-washy, I know. But I'm happy tonight.

I had my mind changed as well. The Lee/LaRoche debate in its entirety was a great example of this board at its best IMO.

The prospect of an upcoming season has me more excited than I've felt in a long while.