MCO'sFan

I was giving Garceau the benefit of doubt when the team was on the road. I am sure that it's not easy to do PBP watching a monitor. But, he's been just as bad at home. I can live with his bland style. The unwatchable part that gets me talking to the tv is him constantly and consistently getting the players mixed up. He does it almost once an inning. It drives me nuts.

Kind of a Frobby queson but How common is it for other teams to claim a rule 5 guy after he is placed on waivers?

While I don't like to root for anyone to fail, I agree with Frobby!

I was referring to the Pirates teams of the years around 2008 - 2013 (IIRC) and yes, the Padres tanked in the 2015 - 2018 when they first took over the team and brought in Preller prior to deciding to splurge on Machado and others. Which proves they were willing to spend money when they deemed themselves ready to compete. They are among several teams to tank during a rebuild. I didn't mention the historic tank job by the Cubs or Marlins.

I find the comment interesting in that the O's are certainly not the first team to rebuild in this manner. They are not even the most extreme version of the tanking. The Astros, Padres and Pirates all come to mind as teams that have tanked it worse than the O's. But, I guess the record is not complete yet.

Nope, not a thing! Looks like they are going to miss their target of opening day. Unless they release it at 2:10pm tomorrow which strikes me as something they would do.

Hey that is my line (actually I may have stolen it from you... don't remember) but as I have said at nauseum since he was left unprotected, this is/was a bad decision. Frankly, I don't think it was even close... I had him lumped in with the guys they did protect. I get that he is likely a 1 inning guy but, I think he could be a late inning guy/closer. I like the movement and if he's sitting 96+ then he's a good bet to reach it.

It's a good thing I am not a betting man. I would have taken Felix over Matt Harvey making the team at the beginning of ST.

IMHO they desperately need a new set designer. MASN sets are depressing and they look like they are broadcasting from a conference room in PA's law firm that hasn't been updated since the 60s with all the dark paneling and wood. It makes the broadcasts of the studio shows unwatchable for me.

I listen through the SirusXM app in my car. If you already have satellite radio it's nice and clear. Each MLB team has their own dedicated channel which carries each radio broadcast. I'm not suggesting that you get satellite radio just for the games but if you already have it it is a nice plus.

Well, now I am kind of sorry I missed it. ?

I've been consistent with my frustration with this decision since the day he was left unprotected let alone the R5 draft. I am not saying the guy should be fired. I think overall he's exactly what the O's need right now but man this decision is just completely inexcusable. Pop is the type of guy he has been acquiring at the expense of the ML team. To let him go for nothing and keep the three guys mentioned "Goudeau (who he already DFA'd and lost), Lakins and a 31-year old Sulser." I also think that Shaw was on the 40 man when R5 was set is mind blowing.

I used to have it. It got pretty expensive $85 a month for the package I wanted. The quality was good. No issues at all. not easy to go from channel to channel (no channel numbers) but they are all like that. It was data free if you have At&T mobile service. No 4K at the time. Not sure about now.

I think it would depend on the money which assuming he's elite (or the conversation we're having is pointless) would be 300 million or higher then I think you have to trade him. I would look at it a little differently if I could afford one guy at elite $ and the majority of my team is cheap. But, they will begin to be expensive as they go through arbitration. If he's elite and two years away from FA, I don't see him signing below market. I think it also depends on what you have as a replacement. In this scenario I am assuming since my system is cray loaded due to previous trades and smart PD that I have a replacement that gets me within 2-3 wins or the pieces to get one. Then obviously the return. If you can get 4 prospects, 1 top 25 another top 100, then I think I would trade him. Paying one player that much money rarely works out for small to mid-market teams.

I am guessing he was talking about Witt Jr.

I may not understand your post correctly so, if I have it wrong, I apologize but, you never trade a 20 year old elite prospect. But when that guy is 23 or 24 then I think you look to flip him for multiple high end guys. That's assuming that you have a capable replacement which of course is the idea of trading guys for multiple guys. You build your system so you always have a replacement.

I am beginning to think the key to sustainability for mid to small market teams is actually what TB is doing. Trade the asset prior to them hitting FA and replace with 2-3 high end prospects. That is if you trust your SD and PD to identify the right prospects and develop them. You don't get TB's system without trading 1 for 3+. No way you hit on that many IFA or draft picks. You have to make smart trades.

Like I've been saying... unforced error and he ain't coming back.

I don't know if that has been the case ever before. Maybe pre-free agency when teams could just stockpile players. I don't think a roster has been released but here is my guess off the top of my head for a starting 8. Feel free to add your own. C - Wynns (only non-prospect position until/if AR gets there) 1B - Nevin 2B - Jones 3B - Bannon SS - Martin (technically not a prospect but still is by default) LF - ? CF - McKenna RF - Diaz SP - Baumann, Lowther, Zimmerman, Wells, ? RP - Could have a few prospects here too.

He hasn't pitched in games since the TJ and It will be interesting to see if the velo comes back assuming he's healthy. I want to see where he is at after building up arm strength by pitching competitive innings and being in a competitive environment. As most on the board know game velo and pen velo can differ significantly for a lot of guys.

You certainly may be right but I value his potential higher than that. If he stays 92-93 and doesn't develop then you are correct.

While everything you said is true and I don't want to exaggerate Pop's potential or how easy or difficult he may be to replace. My original point was that he could have protected him and still achieved his other "goals." There are still have guys on the 40 man that I think should have been cut loose before having to make the calculated low level risk (to use you words) that's why I used the phrase unforced error. There is something to be said for flexibility with the 40 man so I get that it doesn't hurt to have a guy or two that are easily to let go. I just value Pop's potential as a late inning reliever over other guys still on the 40 man at the time of the R5D

The fact that you make lucid and intelligent points here undermines the emotional and irrational posts I made... stop it! ?

No doubt and he is not a lock to reach his potential. I think the reason he was left off was ME was counting on him being passed over due to the TJ. It was two years ago and it was a silly gamble in MHO. It is not the end of the world as the O's are loaded with the relief pitcher prospect types. Just an unforced error in my opinion. They had a bit of a roster crunch this past offseason but it was nothing like the (good) problems that is coming during the next few offseasons.

I hope you're right. It's just a feeling I've had since he was taken.