terpoh

I dont understand the contract details and how it works completely you are right. But I am not sure how you came to that conclusion from my post. I proposed exactly what you are saying.. that a team could pay MORE than the 9.5 million for Hicks. My comparison was Frazier getting 8 million and Gibson getting 10 million. I am not sure what makes Kyle Gibson worth 10 million and not Aaron Hicks.

Well if this is the case, then yes Hicks should just take a minimum. I am not aware of how his contract works. I was only comparing his value vs league minimum and his value vs a 10 mill and 8 mill older vet.

Of a guy getting cut but having a contract from one team, playing very well for another team and then signing as a free agent somewhere for his going rate? I cannot. I was just trying to think in my head that Hicks would be more valuable on the open market than a Kyle GIbson or an Adam Frazier. I dont see teams just giving up on pursuing him after he gets offered more than league minimum because the yankees are covering the rest. So then it becomes, does Aaron Hicks want to come to Baltimore at what will almost assuredly be a backup role, or look at other options? I dont see Hicks on the 2024 Baltimore Orioles I guess was my overarching thought, and certainly not for the sole reason of "we can just get him at league minimum."

Every time we say this going into a series our pitching gets absolutely crushed by said "offensively challenged team." Hopefully thats not the case vs Minnesota as we could use a home sweep. Cleveland, Milwaukee, Oakland, KC (the first series), Cubs all had struggling offenses that for whatever reason looked great against us.

That doesnt stop another team from paying more than minimum just because the Orioles are cheap. Hicks is worth more than league minimum, and is a free agent. Other teams don't care that he has 9.5 million coming from the Yankees. If Kyle Gibson makes 10 million and Adam Frazier makes 8 then I dont see why a team wouldnt pay 10+ for hicks on a one year deal if he produces the rest of the way. There is no way hes just "available" at league minimum for Elias to scoop him up.

Reverse jinx!

At what point is it ok to talk about Hicks being 1 for his last 19.

Exactly what he can be good at. A non-strikeout, solid at bat against righties, work the count type of guy off the bench in a pinch hit opportunity late. Hopefully thats his role now moving forward.

Reds throwing lefties next two nights.. No chance they call up Cowser for that. Lefty rookies are Incapable of facing lefties. But, maybe Ortiz gets a start over Frazier tomorrow.

If Mateo goes 0/4 today his OPS will be .599

For all the talk about not having a lot of rookies all playing together- the Cincinnati reds have 4 rookies in their starting lineup most days. And ironically enough those guys have been the ones to help spark their recent run. And when you look at it: McClain is a solid comp for Westburg/Ortiz in terms of age and rank. Elly is a solid comp for Gunnar in terms of age and rank. Cowser is ranked far better than Steer. We could easily start Gunnar, Cowser, Westburg/Ortiz and be just as well off (probably better) as we are now. They are not REALLY blocked when you look at the production of Frazier and Mateo and really Hicks should drop off a bit and settle in as a great 4th OF. It is increasingly frustrating watching this roster when we have 7-10 guys out of 26 that are easily replaceable. If Mateo/Urias/Frazier were all lighting the world on fire I understand the sentiment not to replace them with unproven rookies. But, although its beating a dead horse of most everyone here, with our roster this is not the case.

Ah the old "we are having conversations about him daily"

They sure did. In september.

I never said we slow played either Gunnar or Jackson. In fact we seem to promote through the minors pretty quicly when guys are not challenged. Its once they get to AAA that they stay. And which is why I say Elly would still be in Norfolk. We would still have the same "log jam" with Urias, Mateo and Frazier and they are clearly not ready to bench those guys for a propect, be it a 21 year old top rated guy or a 24 year old with 1.000 OPS.

No I dont think that would be moving slow. I was making a comparison of a top rated guy coming into the year in the high minors as opposed to mid season. Jackson Holiday will be 20 next year, not 19. And Elly is 21. Its a fair comparison, just like Gunnar of 2022 is.

Yes it is not an identical match, it is close enough to know that De La Cruz would not be up. Point still stands. Just like Jackson Holiday will most likely not be up in May of 2024. I guess we'll see. Gunnar was the number two prospect in baseball in MLB Pipeline mid season top 100.

Welp... get Keegin Akin warming this one is getting out of hand.

I mean... August 31...

Gunnar was the same thing last year and stayed down until Sept.

As crazy as it sounds, I am very serious. Gunnar was a solid blueprint for that last year. Gunnar was as highly touted and exciting, same age and dominating the minors and we did not bring him up until September. Some prospects struggle out of the gate but some dont.

Elly De La Cruz would be in Norfolk if he was in the Oriole Organization until at least september. Definitely not playing over Frazier or Urias or Mateo.

I dont believe thats the pattern we've seen from Elias. Guys that have made multi level jumps or mid season jumps have genreally started the following season at the same level they ended the previous year. So I could see JH up to AA for the remainder of this year, then starting next year at AA and moving quickly to AAA if hes hot. Then spending a lot of time in AAA as the fans wonder why he isnt called up yet.

old takes exposed

I am not disagreeing with you in that I think they need to make some moves to improve the team. This weekend was amazing, but it was against the Royals. To your point. Ortiz was up and not playing every day and they sent him back down for that exact reason. He wont bring those guys up to not play. He is ok with Lester not being an everyday guy it appears. I personally think there is enough at bats to go around for Ortiz/Westburg but I dont think limiting Frazier and Urias/Mateo is in the Orioles plans right now. I hope we hear something tomorrow.

Based on your playing time above I dont think he would call up Ortiz or Westburg to only play against lefties when they could be getting consistent at bats. Something needs to give in the IF, be it really limiting the playing time of Frazier or Urias. As for Cowser. He could be plugged into the OF every single day with Mullins out, so I dont really see why they wouldnt call him up unless he is hurt. He has shown that he has mastered AAA. Plays a strong OF at any position and has a great approach at the plate.