Jagwar

Who would you rather see at the plate for the O's... Chirinos or Paul Bako?

I'm not even sure I could recognize a single Tool song.

I typically ignore C of S like it never happened. But listen to side 1 of Moving Pictures. Epic.

Yes. And he doesn't have to do that this offseason. But that doesn't mean that he won't sign a 2B this offseason.

I came late to the party. Great posts all around. Here is my humble take: Mateo's trade value is much higher than it was before this season. I think a team will overpay for him. Maybe he's included in a trade for pitching? Ortiz has looked elite for 3 months... After looking meh for 3 months. He very well may be able to replace Mateo. But what is the plan B if not? If Westburg has a good Spring, bring him up as a utility guy. Find him a first baseman's mitt and teach him to play there. Norby looks like a stud hitter. Simple compact swing with power. Can he play in positions other than 2B to increase his value? Alex Lifeson is seriously underappreciated as a guitarist. Top 10 all-time IMO

Man that sweeper pitch is a frisbee

Agreed. If Elias can execute signings and trades to bolster the lineup at other positions of need, I believe an infield of Henderson, Ortiz and Westburg is the way to go. Maybe a few other utility signings to minor league contracts for depth?

Perhaps... but Vavra, Mateo and Urias don't seem to be a solid plan B. More like status quo. And with Elias saying the team is ready to take a big next step, I'm thinking he won't want to settle for status quo. Again... strengthen the lineup in 1B/OF/DH and it lessens the downside risk of Ortiz/Westburg falling flat.

No you're right, I wouldn't expect that Ortiz/Westburg would be worse than Mateo/Odor offenseively. But I'm thinking that for a team that has playoff aspirations, it's risky to hand starting jobs to two unproven prospects, with likely no plan B if they falter. Can't have reward without risk though. Heck, go acquire 2 proven bats for 1B/OH/DH and I'm not as concerned about Ortiz and Westburg being able to handle the job.

Would you want Ortiz, Westburg and Henderson from day 1? Seems a bit risky to give 50% of your starting infield to two guys who will not have proven they can handle major league pitching.

One huge difference between those years and this year is that Duq, Buck and PA did not have a top rated farm system to play with. But I'm with you. The O's are flirting with .500 with the lowest payroll in baseball by far, and excitement/anticipation is high among the fans. Add $100 million to the payroll in the offseason through trades/signings... strengthen the rotation, bolster the bullpen, add a MOO bat, add a 1B and an OF who get on base. Hopefully players will want to sign.

Absolutely. But everything had to be perfectly executed, and this team just isn't there yet.

YES! Perfect perspective

Here's the thing though. It's all about perspective and context right? This was considered to be a 100 loss team last Spring. And the team has overachieved big time to even sniff at the wildcard at this point. I'm proud of this team (and I know you are too) and I can't wait for increasing success.

All we have is a Mountcastle walk. Which may or may not be a sign that the apocalypse is upon us.

I can't believe we're letting my plumber no hit us.

I suppose. And if my auntie had balls she'd be my uncle?

Understood. I can't blame you for wanting to lessen the pain of a potentially awful loss. But it ain't over.

Oh you're killing me. My preference was always Mango with soft serve vanilla

Hey it doesn't look good. But it's the 4th inning and crazier thing have happened.

It was perfectly place with the infield drawn in.

Then log off and don't comment again tonight.

Then you should probably log off now. No need to participate further

Wow... great baserunning there by that unknown Tiger

Is this game over yet? Has MLB changed the rules so games end after 3.5 innings?