Jammer7

The person I spoke with did not really specify. There were things said that make me think that. I believe that to be correct, based on other things I have been told. We talked about a lot of other things unrelated to the signing.

I just spoke to someone in the know about Fabian and the Orioles. He confirmed the rumors about an agreement for $3 million. He said that the Red Sox did not communicate with him before drafting him. Said they made a cold offer of $1.8 million and never negotiated, basically said “here it is, take it or leave it.” So, he left it. Really an odd story for that high of a pick. Anyway, Jud wanted to come to Baltimore because of the fit and philosophy. Very excited to be here.

Why? Finally starting to drive the ball.

I was “haze gray and underway” in the US Navy by then. I missed a lot of that season, unfortunately. I subscribed to Baseball America and usually picked up the Sporting News weekly (when I was home), though I think USA Today was involved in that weekly magazine as well. I remember the era more than that year. We had all those young pitchers. I remember Pete Harnisch and Curt Schilling as promising hard throwers and young OF’s Finley, Devo and Anderson. I thought Phil Bradley was under appreciated. I remember growing up watching Murray, Ripken and Singleton thinking that Oriole hitters would always be great. The failures of Mike Young and Al Pardo, the young switch-hitting catcher stud, really had me puzzled. I was hoping Pete Stanicek was going to end that drought of good switch-hitters. I remember Mickey Tettleton, aka “Fruit Loops” being the biggest surprise power hitter for me. I remember Craig Worthington being a highly regarded prospect. I remember him being drafted in the first round of the secondary draft, which is no longer a thing. We had Randy “Moose” Milligan and I remember he was a high OBP guy. Funny, he is the first guy I remember hearing that it was a good trait to walk a lot. I was comparing him to Murray in my mind, and I remember being down on him because he didn’t hit like Eddie. We had the Otter, a legitimate closer and a solid set up guy in Mark Williamson. Kevin Hickey was pretty solid as well. That team had Cal and Billy. I remember feeling sad about how Cal Sr. was treated. But Frank was the manager, and I always felt cheated that I never really saw Frank and Brooks play. I was too young. It was a strange time in baseball as PED’s were taking over. I remember that ‘89 team defied logic. I wondered what I really knew about baseball if that team was a contender. I learned the Blue Jays had tremendous talent, and I hated them almost as much as the Yankees. As far as comparing this team to that ‘89 team, very different outlooks. This one has young talent everywhere except the rotation. The future is bright. The fans know far more about the coming young studs. The ‘89 team was a team in transition in many ways. Take a moment and hit the link to go down memory lane. https://www.baseball-reference.com/bullpen/1989_Baltimore_Orioles

Not sure. Maybe gathering some data on him, seeing what he does. Maybe he has good numbers against that LHP, or maybe against that profile. Or maybe he talks so much they just wanted him away from the bench as much as possible…

Whatever happened last year when he took a leave of absence, it really affected the staff. Having Holmes around him in the dugout has seemed to help him manage things better this year. Cossins going to the pen was a good move.

Yes! For me, if we show some patience, this is the kind of guy who will work his butt off to improve. I hope we get to see what he looks like by June 2023. He may only be a 4th OF, so be it. The arbitration salary might be difficult to swallow though for 2023.

Take a look at how bad the batting lines were for the other guys I listed. Seriously. Matt Carpenter looked completely lost a short time ago. He’s had a few poor years even. He’s raking in front of the best lineup in baseball. Elias and staff saw something they liked, and they traded for him as they felt he would not have made it through waivers. Give it a little time, and see what happens. I mean, unless you believe Mike Elias is some kind of reckless idiot, then you have to wait and see what they have in mind.

There are improvements he can make mechanically. It looks like they already made some adjustments with him prior to yesterday’s game his hands were higher, and he was more balanced. Solid line drive he stretched into a double last night. Needs some work on recognition and decisions, and really needs to get stronger. Its sad to me to read all of the negative trash in this thread. Some of you hate every move Elias makes. And it is your right. But then it works out, and you’re like…”Oh, I didn’t know that.” Phillips has been a solid bench/role player on a good Rays team for a few years now. A lot of playoff experience. I get you want Stowers. Elias wants Stowers to work out too. He’s not ready yet. Elias takes a low cost flier on a guy with some tools and experience and so many of our fans act like little kids and trash the guy. Did you see what the Yankees have done with Matt Carpenter? He was “done” too. What about Chris Taylor, Mundy and Justin Turner with the Dodgers? This board is not Twitter.

Tony, you know how I feel about this place that you’ve created. I’ve been here with you since 1997. That is about half my life, and yours. We’ve all been through a lot over the years, with the Orioles, and in life. Those things are often intertwined for the members of this community. The OH is important to us, and I’m glad you have decided to stay. It will continue to be a better place with you, than without. Weams is smiling up there.

I’m not sure, but he is certainly very good. I want to believe he will be. He has improved tremendously in all facets. Many here point to the fact that he has not done it so far in his career. It’s true. But, he has never had an opportunity to play SS everyday in the majors. Never. He is developing, but those swing decisions are still lacking. I will say that he has had a major part in the defensive improvement of this much more competitive team. That obviously helps the pitching. The DP he started last night helped Tate get out of the jam he inherited. The ball he picked was mashed to his right, the slick back hand pick, the transition and throw was crisp, smooth and accurate. He makes plays like that regularly. I have never seen any Orioles SS make those kinds of plays. He is special. He changes games regularly. He has all the tools and he appears focused and driven. I wouldn’t bet against him.

Hard to say, honestly, on either question. You never have too many guys in that realm. They break so often. I want to see what Povich is in 2024-2025. Looks like he needs a few years of nutrition and a pro workout program. The video I have seen so far is all highlights, so hard to say. I like the breaking ball, and the FB has interesting possibilities at the top of the zone. I like his frame and overall athleticism, but we’ll see.

I don’t know. I’m just telling you what the mlb.com roster says. Roster Resource says no options remaining as well.

The roster has him going to the minors.

Nottingham too…lol

A cash pick up. Ok. I like the player. Maybe they see something.

This is my take as well. All of it. Last year, I wrote that I thought Lopez is too soft to be a back end guy, but the stuff is very good. I still think he walks a tightrope with his confidence and his emotions. Maybe the Twins will be able to whisper on his ear like Hyde did, IDK. They sold high on him, which is what you should do. Povich is interesting and has improved his stuff this year. Cano is a guy they can maybe help improve his stuff to compete at the major league level. He was pretty good in the minors. The other two, who knows. These guys are unproven talent, but Lopez was a failed talent that they reshaped. They will work to do the same with Cano and the others. I read all of the knee jerk reactions today, and O think many of our fans think Lopez was more valuable than he truly is.

Interesting.

There is some thought that a call up will motivate him. I have heard Diaz has sulked about being in the minors. We’ll see. But either way, take a look and make a decision on him.

If Trey is traded, the return will be underwhelming if he is the only asset being moved in that deal. Maybe a future solid BP guy and a raw low A player would be about the most I expect at this point. They save $3 million and get to DH/1B others, like Nevin.

Could be that they stall as you suggest for the negotiation with Walters, I suppose. I think it may be that McLean either changed his demands or there is something with the physical. It is strange. I really like McLean’s profile. Maybe he wants to play both ways moreso than what Elias and Blood want him to. IDK.

Maybe this report from BA explains why Showalter was paid what he was. A lot of reliever risk here. “Elite ride” on the FB. https://www.baseballamerica.com/draft-history/mlb-draft-database/#/?Year=2022&Round=0&TeamId=1002&Position=&SchoolName=&FourYearSchoolType=false&JuniorCollegeType=false&HighSchoolType=false&OtherSchoolType=false&StateOrCountry=&Signed=&SigningBonusMin=0&SigningBonusMax=0&PlayerName=&OverallNumber=0

We figured McLean, a draft eligible Sophomore, would be a good amount over slot when he was drafted. We are relatively confident the Orioles knew the number it would take to sign him before taking him as the first pick on day 2. The delay in his signing is curious. Andrew Walters, Alden Mathes, James Hicks and Carter Young remain unsigned as well. We have been told Young might not be signable, with his signing with LSU. Walters might be a back up to McLean, but seems unlikely as well. Are Mathes and Hicks going to be over the $125K guys too? Interesting finish to this class. Edit: I just read an article in the draft tracker post about Mathes not signing. Too bad.

Well, this is the first time he has actually played everyday in MLB. The stats are what they are, it I think it is reasonable to expect some improvement/growth. I am not sure what he looks like by this time next year. I think he is in the optimal situation for his development right now in Baltimore. I seriously doubt he becomes a super UT player anytime soon, unless he suddenly becomes uncoachable. I think it makes a difference for him when he plays SS. He sees himself as a SS. It’s a pride or ego thing, whatever. I’m not sure he can be as engaged elsewhere on the field. He needs continued leadership around him, and I think his stock is volatile until he matures more. He was maligned a bit for a “lack of focus” in previous scouting reports as a prospect on BA when with the Yanks. If all goes right, he could be Tim Anderson with more speed. If it goes wrong, he could be Tim Beckham. I don’t think he’s an attractive trade target for a contender. I also don’t think we have a better (or anyone close) defensive SS next season, unless you think Joey Ortiz is coming quickly.

Yeah, potential is a dangerous thing to dream on. But man, is he exciting to watch. He is the kind of guy who puts butts in seats. He obviously strikes out way too much. The slider, especially the one off the outer half, is his arch enemy. If he can reign that in, and it’s a big if, then he might unlock something more special. If he’s .240/.300/.420/.720, I think that’s reasonable as a goal for him. He is capable of much more, I think. Maybe the best thing about him is that he has stayed pretty healthy, except the freak collision on the West coast. That tells me his preparation is very good and he has become a solid professional. Athleticism like his is difficult to keep healthy for an everyday player.