LookinUp

I saw this thread title and scoffed, but actually think it might not be the worst idea ever. I could imagine the O's signing a viable starter just to protect the young arms. I don't think Cashner is a viable starter, but that's for smarter people than me to assess. So if it's a move that protects young guys and could improve their development, I'd consider it. If it's a move that is meant to be parlayed into a July trade, I'd laugh out loud at someone suggesting it. That ship has sailed.

Yes, and I think we're about to find out with the Red Sox.

There are certainly some rules that could be written, but every rule has a loop hole or a work around. You can write them for today, but it's hard to keep up with innovative cheaters.

These contracts all have exit clauses for promotions. All the Astros would have to do is request permission to interview him. The O's wouldn't, and likely couldn't, say no. It would up end the entire hiring process in sports. Seems an academic point though since it appears the Astros are hiring /promoting someone else.

What would the guidelines say? Would they punish people for violations?

Houston could hire Sig without giving us any compensation. It would be a promotion. Note, I'm just speculating; hoping they don't go there. Elias certainly didn't bring this cheating to the Orioles, unless of course he was giving other teams access to our video replay room so we could tank even better.

This is a concern I have with Elias. Hopefully he's different. If you ask BJ Surhoff, he's not, but I know that's only one side of that story.

I hope Crane doesn't call Sig and offer him the GM job. If I were him, I'd at least be considering that.

The Red Sox were amazing in 2018. Amazing. Now it makes better sense.

Now THAT would be too much, IMO. I do think a very significant penalty is warranted.

Hmmm. I think it's about right. I also wanted them to strip their international pool too. A lot of people think they should have their World Series vacated. Others wanted more people, including players, punished. I'm not sure how far I'd have gone, but I don't think this is really too much.

I imagine prices for guys who can both hit and field would start to go up, at least a little bit. Total disaster.

No doubt. Luke's opinions need to be proprietary, but he'll also have access to much more information than before, so they just cannot let someone like him post. As an aside, if I were a young scout, I'd start posting here and hope to get Tony's attention. In addition to Tony, this site has featured smart posting from a few guys - including Luke - in the past. A couple went on to baseball careers.

I had a feeling this was going to happen. All one has to do is see what you put out on the Rule 5 guys to know that you can bring valuable insight. Most people cannot scout a player, evaluate data and use that combination of inputs to project specific coaching changes that could help a guy reach a new level. I haven't seen anything like it online, and I say that with full respect to a few other guys in particular who I think are very good at what they do.

Looks doubtful he'll fall that far, based only on that article...

https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/top-2021-prospect-nick-bitsko-now-eligible-for-2020-draft/ My very superficial look at this kid doesn't look like he is in consideration to be a top 2 pick, but I'd be interested in the opinions of others who are more informed.

If you click on the tweet, instead of the video, you will see the full thread.

We could likely get this guy if we really want him and he's willing to post this year. If next year, all bets are off.

Saw this on twitter. Hard to post from my phone, but think it refers to Jose Iglesias. @editti22 Hearing that the Orioles are closeeeeeeeee with a certain smooth shortstop. ??? #ScoopCity

It would be interesting to know what other variables he found to be not predictive, and why. Velocity? Spin rate? # of plus pitches? It's just not clear what he considered. The reason I ask is, if read incorrectly, this model gives the impression that player development essentially doesn't matter. So if you're not ranked highly in this model, it's almost presented like you essentially don't have a chance. I'm sure he doesn't think this way, and I'm certain teams don't think that way. My take is that I'd rather be on this list than not, for sure, and as a team I may even target guys who fit a model like this. More importantly, teams are trying to find people who project to fit their own models after maturation, and that likely overlaps this model fairly well. Also interesting that the O's didn't draft "young" pitching last year, so it's clear they're focus is slightly different.

Wildcard drives a lot of discussion here. It's a perfectly fine OP.

I remember listening to Philly sports talk once before NFL training camp. There was a spirited debate over who was the Eagles 3rd fullback. These things have a way of working themselves out.

Mancini is clunky. Reimold was a straight line runner. Fast, but not particularly athletic. I think Mountcastle has better agility, but isn't particularly fast, so the difference won't be huge I'd guess. And it will. The best case scenario is if we can flip one or more of those guys for a pitcher like Wojo who needs a chance. Our kinda decent fat for another team's kinda decent fat.

Me too, with the added benefit that your odds of building a better foundation are higher with much more draft capital that comes with high picks. Still, it REALLY stinks if this model fails. The reaction will likely be an expensive rebuild that has a hard time competing in our own division.

Yeah, they're really not up to the level of profile that I'd want to sign early, but I could see us revisiting the topic in a few years for sure and being wrong.