Orioles Looking At Someone Else???

[StunninSteve]

Some interesting information I just read... Anyone care to speculate?


Standard speculation is that the O's are looking at Brian Matusz and Justin Smoak, but Mayo's heard there might be a non-Beckham dark horse.

[ChaosLex]

Some interesting information I just read... Anyone care to speculate?

Alonso would be a darkhorse.

[StunninSteve]

Alonso would be a darkhorse.

So if Alonso or Smoak were drafted, does that mean the O's are close to giving up on Snyder? He has limited range and probably wouldn't be a very productive outfielder.

And with a future outfield with Reimold, Jones and Markakis would pretty much kill any chance of Snyder doing that anyway.

[Greg Pappas]

Alonso would be a darkhorse.

I would not be happy with Alonso... unless the information regarding his splits vs. lefties is wrong. I've read teams are concerned about Yonder's inability to hit even mediocre lefties. He kills right-handers, and is an outstanding hitter and on-base machine, but again...

I wonder if Hosmer is the one he means, or perhaps Crow? Dunno. I really don't know that either are true dark horses based on their talents.

Talk about 'dark horses', here are a couple of guys that would really surprise folks...

Casey Kelly, HS SS, (FL)
Brett Lawrie, HS LF, (Canada)

Doubtful.

[Greg Pappas]

So if Alonso or Smoak were drafted, does that mean the O's are close to giving up on Snyder? He has limited range and probably wouldn't be a very productive outfielder.

And with a future outfield with Reimold, Jones and Markakis would pretty much kill any chance of Snyder doing that anyway.

Just because a team drafts a player doesn't mean they are 'giving up' on their current prospects. If we draft a 1B'man, great, but Snyder can continue to develop and hope to become a productive big leaguer. There are no guarantees that the draftee makes it. If the draftee does and he's better than Snyder then he'll have value to be traded elsewhere. :)

[Dracula]

I guess Hosmer would be a semi dark horse. I read something about Cutter Dykstra the other day. I think it was some scout that said he would take Cutter Dykstra number 1.

[RVAbird]

Alonso would be a darkhorse.

Please no! Can't hit lefties, awful defense, very bad 1.4 pick.

Although I really think it is between Matusz and Smoak (assuming Alvarez and T. Beckham are gone) a darkhorse candidate sounds to me like Hosmer or Posey. Perhaps they've warmed back up to Crow.

[crawdad]

Please no! Can't hit lefties, awful defense, very bad 1.4 pick.

Although I really think it is between Matusz and Smoak (assuming Alvarez and T. Beckham are gone) a darkhorse candidate sounds to me like Hosmer or Posey. Perhaps they've warmed back up to Crow.

Yeah, I was thinking Hosmer and Posey. Posey may count as one with regard to the fact we drafted a catcher last year.

[ChaosLex]

Yeah, I was thinking Hosmer and Posey. Posey may count as one with regard to the fact we drafted a catcher last year.

I'd be VERY happy with Hosmer or Posey. Especially the latter.

[PeteCanes]

Alonso would be a darkhorse.

Picking Yonder of Smoak would be crazed based on his question marks. Great hitter, but the draft is such a crap shoot, you have to go with the guy who will most likely succeed.

[Hank Scorpio]

I'm kind of a dark horse.

[Greg Pappas]

I found the info (http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=7570) about Alonso. It comes from Kevin Goldstein at BP on May 24th...

"...and Alonso’s splits are currently really hurting his draft status, as he’s struggled mightily against even mediocre college left-handers."

[Sports Guy]

Yea, I think the dark horse is Posey.

[LookinUp]

I'd be VERY happy with Hosmer or Posey. Especially the latter.

I've officially made up my mind that I would not be happy if we draft Posey. He'd certainly be a fine asset, but at number 4 I want a top of the rotation type starter or a power impact bat. Posey looks like a nice player, but does not have the impact potential of Alvarez, either Beckham, Smoak or Hosmer, IMO.

[RVAbird]

Some interesting information I just read... Anyone care to speculate?

By the way, can I ask where you read this?

[wayne25]

I would not be happy with Alonso... unless the information regarding his splits vs. lefties is wrong. I've read teams are concerned about Yonder's inability to hit even mediocre lefties. He kills right-handers, and is an outstanding hitter and on-base machine, but again...

I wonder if Hosmer is the one he means, or perhaps Crow? Dunno. I really don't know that either are true dark horses based on their talents.

Talk about 'dark horses', here are a couple of guys that would really surprise folks...

Casey Kelly, HS SS, (FL)
Brett Lawrie, HS LF, (Canada)

Doubtful.

Man, I do not want a friggin DH as the # 4 pick in the country. As for Hosmer, how can you go wrong here. If he doesn't hit , you have a lefty with a 98mph fastball. Lawrie, if he projects as a good glove at 3rd, would be one of my "horses,dark that is" .

[Greg Pappas]

Man, I do not want a friggin DH as the # 4 pick in the country. As for Hosmer, how can you go wrong here. If he doesn't hit , you have a lefty with a 98mph fastball. Lawrie, if he projects as a good glove at 3rd, would be one of my "horses,dark that is" .

Alonso improved his defense by a good bit this year and seems able to handle 1B defensively. However, I agree that I'd not want him in R1.

My rating of Hosmer at #1 overall tells you how I view him.

Lawrie is not a good defender at third, which is why I refer to him as a LF. He is athletic and runs well, but is blasé in the field. With coaching and a newfound attitude he may be quite solid in LF.

[StunninSteve]

By the way, can I ask where you read this?

Sure can... I got it from MLBTradeRumors at this link...

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2008/05/mayos-latest-al.html

[Sports Guy]

I don't see the Orioles giving a HSer 5+ million dollars...Can't imagine we draft Hosmer.

[LookinUp]

I don't see the Orioles giving a HSer 5+ million dollars...Can't imagine we draft Hosmer.

Maybe that's why he's considered a dark horse. On talent alone, he could be considered top 3.

[Stotle]

So if Alonso or Smoak were drafted, does that mean the O's are close to giving up on Snyder? He has limited range and probably wouldn't be a very productive outfielder.

And with a future outfield with Reimold, Jones and Markakis would pretty much kill any chance of Snyder doing that anyway.

No, it would just mean they like Alonso or Smoak. They won't draft to fill holes, real or perceived.

[Stotle]

I've officially made up my mind that I would not be happy if we draft Posey. He'd certainly be a fine asset, but at number 4 I want a top of the rotation type starter or a power impact bat. Posey looks like a nice player, but does not have the impact potential of Alvarez, either Beckham, Smoak or Hosmer, IMO.

I certainly understand this view. I'm of the belief that the bat doesn't have to be a 30 HR bat in order to have a huge impact. He certainly has development to go to reach his ceiling, but that ceiling is Pudge Rodriguez. I'd have a hard time being disappointed at having this talented kid in the pipeline -- although it would sure be interesting to see what BAL would do in '10/'11 when both he and Wieters are ML-ready...

[wayne25]

I certainly understand this view. I'm of the belief that the bat doesn't have to be a 30 HR bat in order to have a huge impact. He certainly has development to go to reach his ceiling, but that ceiling is Pudge Rodriguez. I'd have a hard time being disappointed at having this talented kid in the pipeline -- although it would sure be interesting to see what BAL would do in '10/'11 when both he and Wieters are ML-ready...

they have some real interesting draft profiles at MLB.com , and having just read Poseys' profile, I have to agree that he seems like a "solid major leaguer" but not an impact guy...Hosmer seems like the safest bet to me, as he could always be switched to pitcher.

[Stotle]

they have some real interesting draft profiles at MLB.com , and having just read Poseys' profile, I have to agree that he seems like a "solid major leaguer" but not an impact guy...Hosmer seems like the safest bet to me, as he could always be switched to pitcher.

Not sure Hosmer as a pitcher is worth the 4th overall pick at around $5.5 mio dollars. His bat could be, but I tend to be conservative with HS bats, and 1first basemen don't leave much value if their bat doesn't stick. I think whichever lucky team ends up with him would be will advised to try him out in RF, first. Utilize his arm and let him try and learn the OF in rookie ball and LoA the first two seasons.

[OsandBohs11]

Would Gordon Beckham be much of a reach at #4? We need a franchise SS.

[Jammer7]

I would not be happy with Alonso... unless the information regarding his splits vs. lefties is wrong. I've read teams are concerned about Yonder's inability to hit even mediocre lefties. He kills right-handers, and is an outstanding hitter and on-base machine, but again...

I wonder if Hosmer is the one he means, or perhaps Crow? Dunno. I really don't know that either are true dark horses based on their talents.

Talk about 'dark horses', here are a couple of guys that would really surprise folks...

Casey Kelly, HS SS, (FL)
Brett Lawrie, HS LF, (Canada)

Doubtful.

My thoughts...exactly!

Hosmer is the kind of bat that Jordan would love to take at #4, regardless of position. The biggest obstacle with Hosmer is the bonus demands and hardball tactics of Boras clients. I really don't think it's as big a deal these days. Boras and the O's have come a long way from the impasse of the past. And, I don't think Hosmer will get $7 million as has been speculated, maybe more like $5-6 million.

Lawrie has come from nowhere with a bullet to the point where I wouldn't be too surprised at all if he's it. Lawrie hit five homers in a doubleheader the other day against an extended spring training team and he's been described as the "most sure-thing" high school bat in the draft. He's said to have an extremely advanced approach who will move quickly through the minors.

Kelly would be a big longshot as his bat is not considered elite enough for the #4 pick, atleast not that I've heard or read, but then again his makeup is off the charts where the comparisons to Jeter have come up a lot.

That said, I suppose Posey is a possibility. If you're sold on Posey's bat, leadership and defense behind the plate, then maybe you'd be inclined to move Wieters to 1B down the road. You may be worried about Matt's size and how he may wear down over a season. Maybe you'd like to keep his bat in the lineup on an everyday basis.

I said a while ago that I don't buy all of the talk about Matusz and Crow. I still think it's Hosmer and Jordan is just being real quiet about it. I believe Jordan sees Hosmer breaking windows on the warehouse for years to come.

[markpolis]

I certainly understand this view. I'm of the belief that the bat doesn't have to be a 30 HR bat in order to have a huge impact. He certainly has development to go to reach his ceiling, but that ceiling is Pudge Rodriguez. I'd have a hard time being disappointed at having this talented kid in the pipeline -- although it would sure be interesting to see what BAL would do in '10/'11 when both he and Wieters are ML-ready...

I keep seeing your comp for Posey being Pudge. Do you really think Posey has the potential to be perhaps the greatest defensive catcher ever to play the game? I think the best case scenario for Posey (comp-wise) is somewhere between Jason Kendell and Pudge.

[mikezpen]

Draftng a pitcher is too much of a risk (see, Adam Loewen). Anyway, thes team needs hitting and it has next to none. Looks like both Snyder and Rowell could be lost picks .

Draft the best impact hitter on the board when their pick comes. Period.

[JJLinn29]

I'd love to get Jemile Weeks but I know it'd be a huge reach at #4.

[crawdad]

I keep seeing your comp for Posey being Pudge. Do you really think Posey has the potential to be perhaps the greatest defensive catcher ever to play the game? I think the best case scenario for Posey (comp-wise) is somewhere between Jason Kendell and Pudge.

It looks like the comp is toward the bat.

Posey does have above average defense, not plus though.

[markpolis]

It looks like the comp is toward the bat.

Posey does have above average defense, not plus though.

Ok, that's what I was thinking as well. It sure is hard to project anyone to be that good defensively. Offensively, the comp makes perfect sense.

[Stotle]

I keep seeing your comp for Posey being Pudge. Do you really think Posey has the potential to be perhaps the greatest defensive catcher ever to play the game? I think the best case scenario for Posey (comp-wise) is somewhere between Jason Kendell and Pudge.

Well, that's why it is called a ceiling. Posey has the tools and work ethic to be among the best catcher in the Majors whenever he arrives (no one can really be Pudge defensively). He can certainly bat in the low-.300s. The question will be power. I would not be entirely surprised if it turns out he's a 8-12 HR guy, but he certainly has the potential to top out around 20 HR.

In no way am I saying he will be as good as Pudge, I'm just stating what I think the height of his toolset could be. Sort of like saying Hosmer has the potential to hit 40+ HR eventually.

[Greg Pappas]

Well, that's why it is called a ceiling. Posey has the tools and work ethic to be among the best catcher in the Majors whenever he arrives (no one can really be Pudge defensively). He can certainly bat in the low-.300s. The question will be power. I would not be entirely surprised if it turns out he's a 8-12 HR guy, but he certainly has the potential to top out around 20 HR.

In no way am I saying he will be as good as Pudge, I'm just stating what I think the height of his toolset could be. Sort of like saying Hosmer has the potential to hit 40+ HR eventually.

Good post.

[hoosiers]

Hosmer is the kind of bat that Jordan would love to take at #4, regardless of position. The biggest obstacle with Hosmer is the bonus demands and hardball tactics of Boras clients. I really don't think it's as big a deal these days. Boras and the O's have come a long way from the impasse of the past. And, I don't think Hosmer will get $7 million as has been speculated, maybe more like $5-6 million.

This is my thinking too regarding Jordan and Hosmer.

If Jordan liked Rowell so much, I imagine Jordan must like Hosmer a LOT.

[Greg Pappas]

This is my thinking too regarding Jordan and Hosmer.

If Jordan liked Rowell so much, I imagine Jordan must like Hosmer a LOT.

I imagine this is true. Good post.

[Moose Milligan]

I'm hoping for Smoak.

[furryburres]

Draftng a pitcher is too much of a risk (see, Adam Loewen). Anyway, thes team needs hitting and it has next to none. Looks like both Snyder and Rowell could be lost picks .

Draft the best impact hitter on the board when their pick comes. Period.

And suddenly, the mysterious Hangout Syndrome has reappeared! :laughlol:

With Snyder, you very possibly may be right. But Rowell's 19 and has been doing well at Frederick. He's got 4-5 years to get to the big leagues, and that's plenty of development time.

I'm beginning to come over to the side that says you don't draft for need in the first round.

If I had to choose some darkhorses, they would be Crow and Hosmer

Crow has an electric arm and possible #1 potential.
Hosmer is an impact bat with power. Plug him in at first, Rowell at third, draft Kelly and your homegrown line-up looks like this.

C: Wieters
1B: Hosmer
2B: Adams
3B: Rowell
SS: Kelly
LF: Reimold
CF: Jones
RF: Markakis
DH: Snyder

P:
Cabrera
Arrieta
Tillman
Hernandez
Olson