clapdiddy

Sounds like the "real" baseball draft to me. Some first round guys who get the big money never make it...and later round guys can turn into stars.

I think it's ridiculous to actually say that the Orioles "should" sign at least two. Sportswriters know who owns this team.

I don't think that gets a deal done, but I would do it. I think Elias would still need to include another fairly significant prospect.

I'm not sure what happened to Giolito. If Elias/Sig & Co. think they can "fix" him, I wouldn't mind an incentive-laden deal for him, but I wouldn't put all my apples in that basket.

Do you think he can bounce back to his 2022 form...or at least between 2021/2022 form? If so, I'd do the second deal for sure and maybe include another piece if needed. I don't want Kjerstad as part of that deal unless we look at expanding it and getting Robert as well.

Would love to see him remain an Oriole his entire career, but I doubt that will happen unless we have a change in ownership.

Honestly, I prefer his idea of a "super utility reliever" for Wells. If he can come out and blow people away for 2 innings a couple (or few) times per week, that could be way more valuable than pitching half the season as a starter.

Love the idea of Robert...it's the availability of Robert that scares me.

Would love to see this. Either Westburg or Ortiz can be the backup infielder who likely plays a few times a week.

If you would have told me two years ago that the 2023 Orioles would win 101 games, I would have bet you any amount of money that it would not happen.

Good question. I don't know if Kim Ng was the interested party, but she's not coming back to the Marlins. I would move Santander, but it would have to be the right deal.

I think Montgomery would be a great fit here, but he's likely to get a huge deal from someone.

I'd take those guys, too, but our owner is not going to spend enough to get them.

Looking at this list, I think our best bets will be to acquire talent via the trade route.

I may be reading into this too much, but I get the feeling that Cowser, Stowers and Ortiz are going to be traded. They didn't really give any of them enough time to get adjusted to playing at the MLB level. I think if Holliday looks the part in the spring, they will bring him north. Now, will he be playing 2B or SS? I haven't seen much of his infield play, but I'd be surprised if he's better than Gunnar at SS. I think you'll see the infield being Westburg at 3B, Gunnar at SS, and Holliday at 2B. Urias will be the backup infielder. I hope that Mateo is dealt. Based on your list, I think Kjerstad is now here to stay unless he has a horrible spring. I see Mayo and Norby returning to AAA, but I wouldn't be surprised to see either of them up at a relatively early part of the season. Norby to me, is still a bit of a wildcard. Would he be someone they may look to deal? What player(s) could you acquire in a Norby/Cowser/Ortiz deal? Now, if Mouncastle, Santander, Mullins, or Hays are moved, what I've said could blow up, but I guess that's what happens when we are speculating.

I'm not so sure about the offseason side of this. The 2022 season could have been a blip on the radar. Did anyone here see the Orioles winning 100 games before this season started? I will acknowledge that they could have done more at the trade deadline. Getting a guy like Chapman turned out to be a big deal for Texas. We got Fuji and Flaherty who were both mostly disappointing. I do believe some big moves need to be made. We've yet to see if Elias and/or ownership of capable of such moves.

Personally, I think you could have a "two-headed" closer with Hall and Wells. I like those guys in the bullpen. It doesn't mean that they couldn't pitch in the same game from time to time, either. If you have a dominant closer like Bautista, it's a no-brainer to have him out there for the 9th. You'd think there would be some analytics pointing toward a situation where you have a righty/lefty doing it in lieu of him not being available next year.

Not sure if it's been mentioned, but the other AL East teams are not going to stand pat. It's going to be harder for them next season if they don't make a few key moves.

Yup. I thought he actually pitched pretty well for a nice stretch and was actually showing increased velocity out of the bullpen.

Totally agree about the Rangers. They are a different kind of team than KC, but they look like they can beat anyone right now. I also agree about Irvin. He should have been on the playoff roster instead of Bryan Baker. Baker goes through too many stretches where he can't throw strikes. Elias should have beefed up the bullpen at the break. It was nice to take a chance on Fuji, but you needed someone with more experience.

Of course...not even close...but what would we have given up for them?

Wow...15 Ks on a 109 pitch CG. He had it working that night! Pretty lousy lineup for TX, but still impressive.

Totally agree. To me, these guys will always be Orioles...regardless if they stay here their whole careers or move on to another team.

I could see one or more of Hays, Mullins, and Santander being dealt. Need to make room for Cowser, Hjerstad, and possibly Norby.

I am all for the idea of a "matchup" bullpen with Bautista down in the playoffs, with no designated closer.