Duquette's declaration Orioles would be over .500

[HankGChuck]

Sure. But the entire question is when to take a swing.

I mean, does he swing at the first pitch? Or does he wait to get a read on the pitcher and see whether the first pitch is a ball or a strike to plan his strategy?

Let too many strikes go by without a good swing and you are out anyway, but offer a swing at the wrong time and you make an easy out.

Is someone paying you to pretend that we're the Yankees or Red Sox? I've been reading your posts and you come across as a man completely out of touch with the reality of this team. To use your analogy, we don't swing at all. We bat 9th and get scared on the way to the batter's box. Then we make up an excuse and go running to the showers where we sit under cold running water and mumble about next year.

[Todd-O]

I don't think it's that outlandish to say that this team could get very close to - or achieve - .500. We aren't talking about winning a championship and finishing 25 or 30 games above .500... Which would amount to 30+ game swing. We are simply talking about .500 ball.

It all hinges on pitching. Last year was a total and utter disaster in that department and they pulled out 69 wins. So... He went out to try and find some decent starting pitchers... The bullpen (which coughed up a lot of games) is radically different... It all really hinges in the pitching staff improving from the worst to average.

The pitching staff last year was so bad, I'm surprised they even got to 60 wins. So, they get 15 more quality starts through out the season as compared to last year --- and say the bullpen only blows half as many leads. Isn't it safe to say you could see how they could dig out 11-14 more wins this year?

Anything can happen here. If they get wrecked early, I could see this season being a tough one. But, if they get some confidence, this team could be fun to watch and I think they can hit their goal.

Really though, we need to see who is healthy going into opening day before an predictions are possible. Way too many factors to consider, otherwise.

[BaltimoreTerp]

Is someone paying you to pretend that we're the Yankees or Red Sox? I've been reading your posts and you come across as a man completely out of touch with the reality of this team. To use your analogy, we don't swing at all. We bat 9th and get scared on the way to the batter's box. Then we make up an excuse and go running to the showers where we sit under cold running water and mumble about next year.

Then you don't understand the analogy. Read it again and give it another try.

[mrbig1]

Guthrie could eat some innings. He's gone and our bull pen which suck anyway will be over worked. We'll be lucky to finish 20 games under .500.

[jabba72]

There's no reason for Dan to spend any more than the minimum this year. He inherited a system bereft of talent. Jackson or Cespedes were interesting, but beyond where they made sense.

You're depressed because you think the FO didn't even try to get any stars. I'm depressed because I think Duquette took the job and realized there's NO big talent on this team. None to build on...

I dont know how he would change his mind during the winter before seeing anyone play. Its not like Wieters called him up and said "Hey...there isnt any big talent here. Sorry to disappoint." Cespedes and Jackson signed pretty small deals, the O's could have gotten them both combined for about $20M per year. The Orioles told everyone they were interested. This is a team that doesn't seem like they want to be good. Just hope for .500.

[BaltimoreTerp]

I dont know how he would change his mind during the winter before seeing anyone play. Its not like Wieters called him up and said "Hey...there isnt any big talent here. Sorry to disappoint." Cespedes and Jackson signed pretty small deals, the O's could have gotten them both combined for about $20M per year. The Orioles told everyone they were interested. This is a team that doesn't seem like they want to be good. Just hope for .500.

Jackson turned down the same money over three years from Pittsburgh to sign one year with Washington. Why on Earth would he sign in Baltimore for that money?

And giving $36 million to a completely unproven player isn't anywhere near a "small deal".

[jabba72]

Jackson turned down the same money over three years from Pittsburgh to sign one year with Washington. Why on Earth would he sign in Baltimore for that money?

And giving $36 million to a completely unproven player isn't anywhere near a "small deal".

Jackson wanted 4 years. Which the Orioles should have given him. He would be our #1 on opening day. Who cares what Pittsburgh offered. Also $9M per for a relative unknown OF might be overpriced but it would have excited the fanbase which right now is pretty lethargic. Im not sure how overpriced he is, but if Cespedes turns into a stud or has a couple great years, that isnt going to look good. Billy Beane and the A's think he will be a bargain. Again, the O's told everyone they were interested.

[BaltimoreTerp]

Jackson wanted 4 years. Which the Orioles should have given him. He would be our #1 on opening day. Who cares what Pittsburgh offered. Also $9M per for a relative unknown OF might be overpriced but it would have excited the fanbase which right now is pretty lethargic. Im not sure how overpriced he is, but if Cespedes turns into a stud or has a couple great years, that isnt going to look good. Billy Beane and the A's think he will be a bargain. Again, the O's told everyone they were interested.

It certainly wouldn't have "excited the fanbase" to any extended degree.

[scOtt]

I dont know how he would change his mind during the winter before seeing anyone play. Its not like Wieters called him up and said "Hey...there isnt any big talent here. Sorry to disappoint." Cespedes and Jackson signed pretty small deals, the O's could have gotten them both combined for about $20M per year. The Orioles told everyone they were interested. This is a team that doesn't seem like they want to be good. Just hope for .500.

I was just speculating of course. Maybe he thought all along that it was a LONG road to contention. I do remember Roch's columns during and right after the Winter Meetings. He's usually pretty positive, and those were just bleak. Talking about DD trying to make trades and deals and just nothing to be had. Maybe that changed his mind.


Or maybe I'm just full of hooey.

[24fps]

I was just speculating of course. Maybe he thought all along that it was a LONG road to contention. I do remember Roch's columns during and right after the Winter Meetings. He's usually pretty positive, and those were just bleak. Talking about DD trying to make trades and deals and just nothing to be had. Maybe that changed his mind.


Or maybe I'm just full of hooey.

Makes sense to me.

[luismatos4prez]

Is someone paying you to pretend that we're the Yankees or Red Sox? I've been reading your posts and you come across as a man completely out of touch with the reality of this team. To use your analogy, we don't swing at all. We bat 9th and get scared on the way to the batter's box. Then we make up an excuse and go running to the showers where we sit under cold running water and mumble about next year.

I'd rather be a disappointed optimist than a vindicated pessimist.