Roch: PROS and CONS of Swisher

[ChaosLex]

ESPN.com first reported that Swisher's agents met with Duquette. I've heard that it was the only meeting at this point. Take it for what it's worth.

It makes sense for the Orioles to check on Swisher because of the positions he plays and the need for power. He also has a .361 on-base percentage in parts of nine major league seasons. That brings special appeal to Duquette.

So what's the counter argument to signing Swisher?

I mean, besides his initial desire to reel in Jayson Werth money.

Swisher, 32, still seems too expensive for the Orioles, who weren't willing to risk the cost of going to arbitration with Mark Reynolds. Swisher made $10.250 million this year, and he's keenly aware that the Red Sox are paying Shane Victorino $39 million over three years and the Giants are paying Angel Pagan $40 million over four years.

Cha-ching.

There's also the question of how Swisher's personality would fit in the Orioles' clubhouse. Manager Buck Showalter doesn't want to wreck the team's chemistry. New York embraced him until the playoffs this year. How would his act play in Baltimore?

Swisher is one of those guys who's described as being hated unless he's on your team. Then, you love him.

I ran that theory past one New York writer, who replied, "No, they'd hate him, too." Funny.

http://www.masnsports.com/school_of_...ake-sense.html

[luismatos4prez]

Screw Swisher. If we're going to spend big on someone, I'd prefer it not be on a total tool. Forcing me to root for the arrogant jerk is not worth our first pick next year.

[OsLuvrInKy]

I'd rather have Reynolds back.

[Dark Helmet]

This offseason is really confusing. The money supposedly isnt therd, so why bother meeting with Swishers people. DD knows what the price will be around, or atleast he knows it will take more then Reynolds would by a large margin.

Funny, that team chemistry was brought up. So Swisher messing up team chemistry, is an excuse to NOT sign a player, and is important to Buck? Yet by all accounts, Reynolds wad a hell of a teammate, but thats not figured into a pro reason for bringing Reynolds back. It all comes down to money. I get so sick of the locall media always finding an added excuse for not signing this player or that player.

[RZNJ]

The Orioles have been linked to 100 players in "having interest". No way Swisher signs with the O's. The biggest CON is that he's too expensive. Next story.

[AZOriole]

The Orioles have been linked to 100 players in "having interest". No way Swisher signs with the O's. The biggest CON is that he's too expensive. Next story.

That, and the O's would forfeit their 1st round pick - to the Yankees.

[MurphDogg]

That, and the O's would forfeit their 1st round pick - to the Yankees.

The O's would simply forfeit their pick. The Yankees will get a pick between rounds one and two regardless of who signs Swisher (as long as it is not them). The Yankees would not get the Orioles pick per se.

[wildcard]

Swisher would be a 5'11" first baseman with an attitude and a fat bank account. Doesn't sound like a match!

[Brendan25]

This offseason is really confusing. The money supposedly isnt therd, so why bother meeting with Swishers people. DD knows what the price will be around, or atleast he knows it will take more then Reynolds would by a large margin.

Funny, that team chemistry was brought up. So Swisher messing up team chemistry, is an excuse to NOT sign a player, and is important to Buck? Yet by all accounts, Reynolds wad a hell of a teammate, but thats not figured into a pro reason for bringing Reynolds back. It all comes down to money. I get so sick of the locall media always finding an added excuse for not signing this player or that player.

You put way too much stock into every single meeting and every single quote that comes out of the winter meetings. Your head has to be spinning.

[brooksfrankjim]

In addition to the "normal" clubhouse stuff and fitting in with the culture, I think the Orioles have to be VERY careful about the salary structure within the team. I think it is ok to bring in a Hamilton who is a better player than AJ, but no way do you pay a guy like Swisher more than AJ.

[Orange_Crush]

He wasnt hated until the playoffs when the fans got on him for not making a tough catch in the ALCS along the railing(before he missed that liner) They blame him for why Jeter broke his ankle.

In NY you had many a egos, I would bet solid money Mr. Rodriguez was hated more.

In a sport like baseball chemistry is of minimal concern to me. This isn't like basketball or football. You need to be on the same page to retain possession and all that good stuff. Chemistry has nothing to do with if you can hit a fastball.

[Dark Helmet]

You put way too much stock into every single meeting and every single quote that comes out of the winter meetings. Your head has to be spinning.

Its really not at all. Once my surgically repaired shoulder allows me to go back to work, I wont think Orioles until April. Unfortunately, I have too much time to waste right now.

[luismatos4prez]

Its really not at all. Once my surgically repaired shoulder allows me to go back to work, I wont think Orioles until April. Unfortunately, I have too much time to waste right now.

Are you Michael Pineda?

[Orange_Crush]

Its really not at all. Once my surgically repaired shoulder allows me to go back to work, I wont think Orioles until April. Unfortunately, I have too much time to waste right now.

Speaking of cheap, maybe your the SP the O's can find for cheap since you're coming off surgery and all.

lol just kidding man but I had to.

[Dark Helmet]

Speaking of cheap, maybe your the SP the O's can find for cheap since you're coming off surgery and all.

lol just kidding man but I had to.

Im gonna hold out for a starting gig. Mr Duquette said id most likely be a depth signing.