Guthrie traded to Rockies for Hammel & Lindstrom

[ccbird]

Here's an interesting comment from an outsider:

Everyone is entitled to their opinion and I do think it's possible Hammel can replicate Guthrie's numbers. That said, I feel pretty confident in my belief that Guthrie is the better pitcher.

[SammyBirdland]

Makes me feel better but I think Guts will do well in Colorado playing for a decent team. He's always raised his game to the next level when pitching in big(ger) games.

I love Guts, but to be honest, I disagree. I think Guts is going to be a home run machine in Coors Field.

[Dwight Schrute]

Here's an interesting comment from an outsider:

The whole add a good defense behind him part might be a bit of a problem.

[NewMarketSean]

I love Guts, but to be honest, I disagree. I think Guts is going to be a home run machine in Coors Field.

It's a possibility.

[Eddie_Ripken]

The Orioles should not be clearing money for anyone. they were willing to offer Fielder over $20 million a year. They have the money, they just choose not to spend it.

Exactly. I have said it before and I will continue to believe it. Angelos is perfectly fine in being a last place team. Low overhead and nice safe reward every year. His investment is returning him a nice solid, safe number ever year and he likes to maintain it. He won't go risky and try for more money. Perfectly complacent.

[dan-O]

Going to be interesting to see what DD says about it. With all the talk about SPs pitching 200 innings, they just traded the one guy that's a near lock to do just that. Pretty confused about it, and Guthrie was sure to have more value in July.

Sigh.

[McLovin]

He guys, news flash: Guthrie is a swell guy and all, but he, um, stinks.

[ccbird]

This is exactly why I should never start to take up for an Orioles GM. The second I do they do something that makes me start scratching my head. This trade makes no sense for the future since it only buys one additional year of a pitcher that "might" be a good as Guthrie.

This feels like a temper tantrum move. We don't like your arbitration number and you won't negotiate a settlement so I'm going to trade you for whatever I can get. I mean if it was Hammels and a prospect then maybe I could see this. But Hammels and a salary dump? Hell, at least he could have gotten the Rockies to take Gregg. This doesn't make the Orioles in the near term or long term. It makes little sense.

I'm with you on this. I'm pretty apathetic at this point to anything the O's do and this one bothers me. I can only imagine how much more upset I would be if I cared more.

[waroriole]

This is just stupid.

Bbbbooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo

[Tony-OH]

Here's an interesting comment from an outsider:

I thought maybe I was missing something so I looked up Hammel's pitch value. His cutter was his only plus value pitch in 2009, his slider in 2010, and none were in 2011. His fastball values have been negative his entire career which tells me he either has some command issues with it or it's straight. Good luck in the AL East.

[Justinlstn]

That may be the good news here. Whoever is evaluating our pitching talent must think these two are going to be lights out.

Wada i believe is now are most experienced starter on our team and he hasn't pitched in MLB. i really like to see what he is capable of but our entire rotation is full of alot of hope with reality hiding around the corner waiting for the season to start. I wonder if DD is taking any bets on his 500 prediction.

[ccbird]

I love Guts, but to be honest, I disagree. I think Guts is going to be a home run machine in Coors Field.

First out on the limb prediciton of the baseball year: He'll have arguably his best year in '12. I think the change of scenery on a better team will do a lot for him. Especially in a walk year. National League West too.

[Birdland]

TroyRenckTroy Renck, Rockies
Players involved have been called. Guthrie will be a Rockie, Hammel, Lindstrom to Orioles. No $$ exchanging. Straight up 2-for-1.

[PaulFolk]

This is just an awful trade. I don't see how you can possibly trade Guthrie and not receive a single prospect in return. It's a prime example of what Sports Guy and others have been saying-- Duquette simply refuses to pick a direction for the team. He's not really building for contention in 2012 (trading the Orioles' top starter confirms that), yet he's also not rebuilding (failing to receive prospects for Guthrie confirms that). So what exactly is he doing? What's his plan? How does this trade make the Orioles any better either in the short term or the long term?

Trading Guthrie for a poor man's Guthrie and a 31-year-old reliever, each of whom is only signed through 2013, is not my idea of progress. I would've traded Guthrie straight-up for Yonder Alonso (when he was with the Reds) rather than accept this package of uselessness.

If this was really the best offer Duquette could get for Guthrie, then there was no reason to trade him now. Wait until the trade deadline and try again.

[ChaosLex]

TroyRenckTroy Renck, Rockies
Players involved have been called. Guthrie will be a Rockie, Hammel, Lindstrom to Orioles. No $$ exchanging. Straight up 2-for-1.

And there you have it. Hello Hammel and Lindstrom, goodbye Guts.