clapdiddy

No way I give Hader that contract. I could see a team like the Yankees or Dodgers giving him that, though.

No worries, Tony. I LOVE your insights into the O's system. This place is the BEST place to talk about my favorite sports team!

If we got Hader and a starter (Cease, Woo, etc,), I'd be pretty happy with that as an offseason. I still think we need another bat, but solidifying the rotation/pen would be pretty darn awesome.

Hence, why I said "could"! Totally agree with what you are saying. This team can't get sold fast enough.

They COULD do both. I wouldn't want to sign Hader to anything more than 4 years. Gunnar and Holliday could be under contract at relatively low salaries for that time.

I think we already have #5 type guys. We should be aiming higher.

I like this idea. Maybe he's not ALWAYS the closer, but he has the stuff to be a very good high-leverage guy.

I find as I'm getting older, I'm turning into a drink "snob". I don't drink a lot, but when I do, it's something worth drinking...and never to excess.

Yup...that's the type of guy you sign to a MiL deal with an invite to spring training.

If that is the key pitching addition, I'd be pretty disappointed.

His control scares me. Reminds of another Cabrera we had...

They'll go after someone like Lugo or Wacha, since they'll consider them a "#3". Hopefully, if they are at the same spot at the deadline in 2024 as they were this season, they make a significant move for a true difference-making pitcher. Not holding my breath, though.

Thanks for this. Overall, I think the Dodgers (and Braves) do a good job of holding onto the prospects they feel will produce and trade others that aren't so "productive". I guess this happens in a lot of trades where multiple prospects are acquired, though.

The Dodgers and Braves seem to do this a lot. How many of their prospects dealt for a high-ticket player have made an impact?

But, if the O's prospects are better, why would Chicago not want them, even if they are in the O's 5-10 range? Not sure how Atlanta's and LA's systems stack up to the O's right now.

And the year before that...and the year before that...and...

Agreed. The options these guys have are the main reason to hold onto them. And...if you have to create roster space, they could be attractive in a trade for a "lottery ticket" type prospect .

I see your point, but our prospects/roster is heavy with left-handed hitters. I agree he's not an ideal guy, but I think he fits a role on this team. I'm thinking they will wind up moving some guys and having him as depth at a cheap price is OK. At his salary, you could cut him and send him down to AAA if he clears waivers at very little cost. Just to be clear...if he's not tendered, I'm not losing sleep over it.

I may be in the minority, but I kind of like McKenna as a bench guy. He's a very good outfielder, has decent speed and is a good guy to get into the lineup against lefties. I'm not saying I'd sign him to a long-term deal, but for less than 800K, he's not a bad guy to have on your team...at least for 1 more season.

Loved this line: "He’s a very hard worker who has goals of not just being the best Orioles player of all-time, but the best player of all-time. Despite his lofty goals, he’s an affable player who plays with an infectious youthful game who is a fun player to watch."

I don't know how anyone can read that article and think otherwise.

Could this also be a reason the lease is NOT signed?

I'm just hoping that if this is true, Elias is happy here and will work well with the new ownership. I'm not getting my hopes up, though.

It's easier to gain wins with a 200M+ payroll.

My theory about pitchers is that if Elias & team think they can "fix" them, they likely can. If Kopech can be that guy, I agree he would be a nice target.