Guthrie traded to Rockies for Hammel & Lindstrom

[RZNJ]

Jim Duquette said this morning on XM COL just really improved in his eyes, that Guthrie is a nice improvement over Hammel. Also danced around it a little bit but said that Guthrie and his arbitration gap were a big reason why he was dealt, that "The Orioles just weren't ok with the idea of paying Guthrie $10m for one season." He said they've been trying to trade him since AM was here, and just couldn't get enough interest at the deadline last year. Olney has been snooping around on this issue too, apparently talks did not go well.

Also of note that he didn't thank Buck for his support and belief in him, while he thanked about 6 other people. Just sayin'.

There have been comments by Buck about the young pitchers not having good examples. That pretty much goes 100% against Guthrie's reputation but you never got the impression that Buck viewed Guthrie as a leader on the staff. He never said much about him. From my own persepctive, Guthrie seems like a standup guy but I always felt he pitched better when his team was behind, which of course happened a lot.

[allstar1579]

So Guthrie would be worth more with only 6 months worth of service time left as opposed to 1 year? How well would he have to perform this season for that to be the case?

I think LookinUp is right, what could you really expect in return come July that would be clearly better then what we got now? I mean, I can understand preferring prospects to what we just got, but if Guthrie is pitching to the tune of a 4.5 ERA come July, and is still owed $4.5m, aren't we in a worst bargaining position then we are now?

Yes, because at 6 months out you are in contention for that season already, you know where you stand and adding a solid starter to stabilize the rotation or replace someone who has been injured that doesn't require a long commitment is a bonus to a lot of contenders each year.

[RZNJ]

Buster Olney @Buster_ESPN

Sources say the talks about settling Guthrie's arbitration case were contentious; maybe the O's just decided they wouldn't pay him big $.

Yeah, obviously the timing of the trade says a lot. This could be a 100% DD trade or it could be Angelos telling him to get what he can before the arbitration case gets settled.

[allstar1579]

There have been comments by Buck about the young pitchers not having good examples. That pretty much goes 100% against Guthrie's reputation but you never got the impression that Buck viewed Guthrie as a leader on the staff. He never said much about him. From my own persepctive, Guthrie seems like a standup guy but I always felt he pitched better when his team was behind, which of course happened a lot.

Yeah that's why it struck me a little odd. Might just be reading into things too much, and he was thanking people that gave him a shot when he wasn't proven yet, BUT the fact that Buck never talks about him could be a negative too. Guthrie is a great guy and a person that the young pitchers should be looking up to.

[tilgaham]

Orioles trading a 105 career ERA+ starter for a 92+ starter and a rock solid reliever. We must be high on Wada and Chen.

[MrOrange82]

I only made it to page 8 of the thread, but I'm in a hurry, so here's my take away: the sky's still blue, and the O's are still stupid. Wish I could claim surprise.

[Singleton]

Do those who were opposed to trading Guthrie to CIN for Alonso last year prefer this return?

I'd prefer Alonso of course but do we really know this could have been done or is this more of "X reported on Y website that Reds are interested in .... and O's have said..."

I despise the Colorado trade but I'm not sure this angle is fair -- though perhaps I'm just not in the know.

[Birdland]

JonHeymanCBSJon Heyman

i am finding some of #orioles moves this winter confounding, perplexing and just downright weird

[TonySoprano]

Yeah, obviously the timing of the trade says a lot. This could be a 100% DD trade or it could be Angelos telling him to get what he can before the arbitration case gets settled.

I mentioned that earlier

The upcoming arbitration hearing might have been a factor. Reportedly the two sides were far apart.

He was supposed to have an arbitration hearing today vs. the Smousenator.

[RZNJ]

Orioles trading a 105 career ERA+ starter for a 92+ starter and a rock solid reliever. We must be high on Wada and Chen.

The ERA+ stat is pretty close over the last 3 years.

[24fps]

JonHeymanCBSJon Heyman

i am finding some of #orioles moves this winter confounding, perplexing and just downright weird

Of course you do Jon...

[TiredofLosing20]

Of course you do Jon...

Well, is he wrong? This has been an odd offseason.

[Mr Snuffleupagus]

JonHeymanCBSJon Heyman

i am finding some of #orioles moves this winter confounding, perplexing and just downright weird

Same can be said for his "rumors"

[GoldGlove21]

I'm sure the deal is going to be spun off as Guthrie equals Hammel AND we got a decent RP. I think DD backed himself into a corner with that .500 team bullcrap. Nobody believes we are even close to .500 and there is really no reason to believe it.

I think we could be "close" to .500, but what does that really mean for a team like us? It means last place and it means we are an expensive league-average, but AL East below average product. We could finish .500 this year, but one .500 season is not going to be enough to change the perception of fans and players alike. We are going to need to finish above .500 and close to third before that happens IMO. If I was a free agent I wouldn't be pumped about signing with the Orioles unless they offered a 25% (not 10%) premium. It might not be the case if I was looking at $500k or $625k, but if I had a 5/$35M deal and the Orioles offered 5/$43M deal than I would probably take the offer of the best team or the best location for my family.

[atomic]

JonHeymanCBSJon Heyman

i am finding some of #orioles moves this winter confounding, perplexing and just downright weird

Yeah DD might be the worst GM we have ever had. And that is saying a lot.