foxfield

Mateo when he is playing well is truly a joy to watch. Even in the playoffs last year, watching him move was pretty incredible. But unless he finds another gear or settles into a more consistent hitter I think he ultimately gets pushed aside. And yes, I have no doubt he has frustrated coaches. In the meantime he is a valuable asset even if he isn’t valuable as a trade chip. I’m glad we have him and if/when he is overtaken I’ll wish him well. This is what happens with extremely deep and talented teams. And it’s the type of problem you want to have.

Question for @Tony-OH… Will you apply for press credentials this year? Any hope they will fix their previous error?

I don’t think that is unreasonable to think he will have regression But he is going to get the chance to repeat his season. I think he is a lock to make the team. But if he has much regression there are other ways to use his at bats.

Come on guys. Bauer is a pitcher. Not a hitter.

It's a good problem to have all of these defensive and offensive possible alignments. Trying to fit these pieces into a 162 game lineup and have all of them ready to perform in October will be a season long ongoing function. Mayo, like Holliday offers a tremendous upside. There is more talent lower on the farm. It really is a fun time. The questions of whether Mayo or Holliday are ready and what they could be if they perform as expected are luxuries we could only dream of 5 years ago. And yes, we do not value guys like Mateo and Urias enough. I'm not saying they could bring back tremendous value in a trade. But when you have guys like that who are essentially placeholders who could perform nearly everyday if needed...there is no question that has value. So far, we have gotten some nice work from pitchers too. Still early however so like most, I am still worried about both starting and relief pitching for the long haul. But I am optimistic in spite of the early injury info and looking forward to what this season holds. I have a ticket package for the first time in almost 10 years. Everyday is like Christmas....I come downstairs and peek in here to see what is going on today.

It’s February. There are at least 166 games before you need to concern yourself with Game 5.

I really do not think the injury news had any effect. Everyone knew we were looking to improve our starting pitching. We held off on the high price that the White Sox were asking for Cease. I think the Burns move happens no matter what. If we had done the Cease deal after all and paid a high price, I think an argument could be made that the injuries forced the Orioles hand. It just didn't pan out that way and I don't think the injuries had any impact on making a move...at least as of today.

I think it is an easy disagree the way it is framed. I'd like to have another pitcher. I may think it is a must at the trading deadline. I wouldn't be shocked to see one soon even by opening day. But no. I do not think it is a must.

You two are debating mile #1 of a 26 mile marathon. Both make some points but the answer is down the road. The only point I think is wrong is that JH could not be as valuable if he never fully lands at SS. I mean if I have Cal Ripken and Alex Rodriguez I ain’t gonna complain. And I ain’t worried about one of em not being happy. I utilize them in the way that works best. These are phenomenal problems to have. And the answer in March of 24 isn’t necessarily going to be the answer in July of 24 and may not be the same answer in 25 or 26. What if one of the International kids blossom and we have another. These are first world issues that 5 years ag we would have died for. I am open to multiple possibilities and believe that future development and health could alter what we see today. But I sure am happy we have the resources to even have this conversation. I am here for the ride.

It’s a great day to be young and an Oriole fan. Which will have to be good enough because 60 is not young. But is sure is good to have Oriole baseball back AND to have such a talented group. All thanks to Jobu and may he continue to favor all that Mike Elias and the Orioles do. Also Jobu, I do not want to be greedy but please look out for the group purchasing the Orioles. Thank you for making the sale possible.

I don’t think it’s really a fight. ESPN could pay it and have their way.

I think this is correct. But here is the thing. ESPN now controls college sports and drives the conference alignment situation. We are headed towards one of two endpoints: 1). One super conference for major sports. The rest can play in a different division or go back to the old conferences. 2). Schools force take over the NCAA, reinstate the old way of student athletes and rid themselves of the worry of money. The second way might ultimately be better for fans who care about history of conferences and the old rivalries etc. But college presidents are just as drunk on the money as everyone else and I don’t see this path as a viable choice. The first way is practically here. If you are an ACC fan, for example, you are less than 5 years away from seeing that conference gone. At least according to a friend of mine who is a former AD in the ACC.

I agree. Regardless of whether any of us would consider him or not (I would be fine with it). I don’t think this is something that hasn’t already been considered and given the lack of action…discarded.

I am still giddy at the vast range of possibilities here. And yet, being near the top presents its own challenges. There are no assurances as the Dodgers, Yankees, Mets, Padres, Braves and Phillies know.

I mean who wouldn’t? It’s almost that a month for DirectTV.

I would think this would be very profitable for MASN.

It seems to me the question with Bauer should be simplified. Would he be better than say…Kremer? That is what we need. And of course there are other options. Some would be expensive in cash some in prospects. And of course others have said this….I trust Elias to evaluate the teams needs and make the right decision. This is a baseball team. It isn’t the anything more.

I would argue the chances at least as good as the the number of folks who drink “responsibly”.

Yeah, this is what I was hoping to avoid. But seems like the VPNs require some work. It is my likely path this year. Thanks

If you live “in Market” is the VPN the only alternative? The DirectTV package in my area that has MASN is about 90/month. I assume a Firestick would not solve the market issue? Have never done a VPN but am certainly considering it.

@Roy Firestone um Roy… This is absolutely correct but…there is another problem. The Orioles also have NEVER been to or WON a World Series without Jim Palmer on the roster.

Owners and MLB announce sale approved and the All Star game will be held in Baltimore for 10 straight years as soon as the sale is completed due to the final transfer event.

Yes. I think we are headed to the equivalent of about 150-160 in today’s dollars. New ownership may find this run is quite profitable and will sustain higher. That is possible.

I am not trying to be insulting. But you seem to indicate that the spending for the orioles should equate to the wealth of the owners. If so that is wrong.

There is just so much wrong here. It’s like a hand full of facts accidentally but grossly misinterpreted. I agree that financially the Orioles are going to have more flexibility. How much, if any, the new owners are willing to subsidize in any year remains to be seen. But no team, even the Mets and Padres to quote your earlier examples are likely to run at massive deficits for more than a couple of years. Elias likely settles in at around 150-160 bases on today’s dollars. How that gets done could include some extensions. Or it could include some larger free agent deals. It would be a gross exaggeration to expect the Orioles to spend at the level of the Yankees or the Dodgers. I do think a key component is that new ownership has flat out said it wants to bring a title to Baltimore. That is going to take more than the bare bones minimum that the Angelos family has operated on. Time will tell. But I will be happy if: 1). Elias is extended and 2). He has the support of ownership that allows him to run a tight ship and compete in the AL East every year and 3). Allows him to push the envelope when a crowning touch or final piece is needed to maximize an opportunity and 4). As noted above. If we do nothing at all the payroll is going to jump almost 80 million over the next 4 years I think you believe the Orioles can spend what the owners have. They likely won’t. But I think it is likely they will do everything they can over four years to maximize revenue and I think they will likely plow back profit into the team. Maybe they do dip into their personal funds some. I just think it’s a bit foolish to expect that and very foolish to expect it today.