Yardball85

My point is, the Orioles could draw similarly to the Cardinals if they are run better. The cities are similar, which was the original point being made.

They draw well because of the Cardinals positive brand, sure, but they also draw well because they are well run and consistently good.

A midwest team like the Cardinals is also "squeezed" between teams. Cubs, White Sox, Brewers, even Royals. I lived in the Midwest. I can tell you that a lot of people from Missouri are Cubs fans.

That may be their reasoning, but it is very poor reasoning in my opinion.

What? The Orioles can't hand out mid-sized contract like the Tigers and White Sox that could help the team, because of the division they are in? I honestly do not get that argument at all. They should aspire to be as good as they can be and make smart baseball decisions, regardless of what division they are in. Also, why can't the Orioles be like the Jays? Are the Jays/Toronto a significantly wealthier franchise?

Tampa traded for Cruz at the deadline. Signing free agents and making shrewd, offseason moves are not mutually exclusive.

I think the Orioles could be like Detroit, or even the White Sox/Cubs. They don't just have to add players on cheap, short term contracts. Sure, they cannot and should not be reckless with their spending (see Panda and Han Ram contracts), but they can give out a big contract every few years if that is what is needed to lure a good player here.

Right. And it is a fine model to follow, but the Orioles should not, and cannot, avoid handing out smart free agent contracts and trading for players. You can't JUST follow the "Tampa Model."

It sucks that the O's have to "be like Tampa." We can adopt some of their strategies for developing talent, but we also shouldn't be crying poor like them.

So Maikel Franco, Brian Holiday, Matt Harvey, and Fernando Abad. Would be pathetic if this offseason is a carbon copy, or close to, the 2020-21 offseason. I don't understand why rebuilding and developing talent from within PRECLUDES the team from adding actual good players. I really don't get that strategy at all.

If it really is just a cost cutting move, and they trade him for a song... that would be epically pathetic.

Best of luck to Pedro.

You trade him if the return is surplus value and makes sense. There should be zero players, including Adley (though practically, you don't actually trade him) who are off limits. I like some of the suggestions with the Marlins for a deal including Max Mayer. Seattle could make sense too if Kelenic is seen as more of a corner OF.

Yea. And it is really amazing how many DFA'able players remain on the 40 at this time.

Agreed with you and Frobby, and I would too. As I have said before, the rotation will not be comprised of five home grown players, and when a good, still relatively young (30 at start of season) free agent becomes available, the team should fully explore that option.

Would you give Stroman five years?

I really want Stroman. For three years, 48M, that's a steal.

I saw this thread and thought you were discussing promotions like bobbleheads, floppy hats, and dollar hot dog nights!

Dan's moves in 2012 were not win now moves. They just worked out well, everything clicked, and the Orioles made the playoffs. O'day and Ayala can be likened to signing/claiming Kriske/Greene. You could argue signing Betemit was the 2012 version of signing Franco this offseason. The moves worked in hindsight, but I think we are giving DD too much credit for making "winning" moves in his first offseason.

Agreed for the most part. But I would've thought removing Harvey from the 40 would'e been newsworthy. It's not like he's Eric Hanhold, who I was fine with not reading about until the Pirates claimed him.

Gotcha, thanks. I would've thought removing him from the 40 would've been newsworthy. Players are dropping off the 40 like flies. Still a lot of people on the 40 I would've dumped before HH. Disappointing, but not the end of the world to lose a 27 year-old injury-plagued pitcher.

When was he outrighted/DFA;ed? Did I miss something?

Agreed. It's too bad, because they most likely cannot build a team made entirely of homegrown players. If good players are available, you need to add them while working to stock the home grown talent. Payroll is low enough with the prospects coming up that you can afford, hopefully, some more expensive good players.

Would be great to make a serious run at Stroman and one of the SS. Players who are still young and would be a big part of a contending team. Not expecting it though.

I expect the same cheap patheticness that we get most years. Dumpster diving and the like.