orioles22

That's why I don't like the idea of moving Gunnar to short. Let him stay at third for a decade or more. No reason to move Ortiz there either - just let Mateo hold it down for two years until Holliday is ready. We could have a great defense with an infield of Gunnar, Mateo/Holliday, Ortiz and Westburg/Mountcastle from left to right.

I am a long way from believing Kremer and Bradish are long-term fixtures in our rotation although I am happy we have them. I do think Cowser is part of our core group in left field. I would not g\ve up six years or more of him for two years of Burnes.

One prospect , a Gold Glover and a couple of young pitchers with potential.

I didn't say that. I said I think Ortiz will be a very good shortstop for the next decade or so, or perhaps he plays second with Mateo or Holliday.

Urias, Westburg, Hays, Kremer and Voth

I'd have to find someone besides Cowser. I'd rather give up Holliday since Ortiz is very capable of playing short long term.

Exactly what I've been saying. I'd like to see one of those two in a trade for pitching.

I hope Elias is putting together the pieces to trade for a pitcher. We now have Urias, Mountcastle or Westburg (the one who stays plays first), Vavra, Stowers, Voth and maybe Hays to get a good starter.

It would be nice to see the front office to make an effort for at least one high priced guy after all the talk of adding quality players. As much as I love the Orioles, I suspect it's nothing more than talk at this point. I'd like to see early, early extensions for a couple of key guys (like the Braves and some others) and a top of the rotation starter in free agency.

The only way it sounds good to me is if it's part of a three-way trade for e legit starter from the Marlins.

I keep waiting on the Marlins trade. It seems we have plenty of pieces to include in a deal.

Did you see the part where it talked about "below average footwork" and "inaccurate" throwing motion leading to a push to first base? Ortiz sounds like a much better option to me.

I knew I read something Tony had on him. Michael Young ended up playing first base quite a bit. Westburg is a good athlete overall, but defensively, he's probably destined for second base where his below average footwork won't hinder him as much as on the left side of the diamond. He has an over the top throwing motion that can be inaccurate at times and he struggles to throw accurately when moving away from 1st base. At 6-3 and over 200 pounds, his quickness will not improve as he fills out which could ultimately pash him over to first base where his size would be a plus What we think: Some observers and scouts feel Michael Young is a good comp for Westburg. While Westburg may not have Young's hit tool, he may have a bit more power and could have a little more defensive versatility overall. Westburg is similar to Conner Norby in that his bat will be his calling card at the major league level, but there is a chance that Westburg could become a solid everyday defensive 2B since he does turn the double play pretty well and his arm strength may be a tick above average at the position. If he's not traded, Westburg probably will get an opportunity to come into camp next year with a chance to win the starting 2B job along with Joey Ortiz, Terrin Vavra and possibly Conner Norb

Sounded like his defense was questionable at second also, and he could end up at first base. I'd prefer Gunnar at third, Mateo/Hollliday at short and Ortiz at second.

I'd much rather deal from Westburg than Ortiz because of what I've read on here about their defense.

The MLB Network had a writer covering the Marlins on the other day and she mentioned Mullins for Lopez and seemed to indicate the Marlins may have to add someone else. I wonder if that is an even trade or if we have to add someone. It seems to me that trading for a young pitcher and signing a veteran would be the best use of our resources.

I don't have the range for anything but first base. I agree we need to add a couple of starters. There is just no scenario I see where Mateo plays anything but short, for us or someone else. He's too good to move and weaken that spot. I didn't like Gunnar at all at second. I think he has to play third. There's no reason to move him to short anyway with Holliday. I think we get the best out of Mateo the next two years and turn it over to Holliday in 25.

I think this was the original post where moving Mateo to second was suggested, but I've seen it several times. I suppose Mateo could be a utility guy, but I would imagine he always would play short with someone else moving to second. Some of you guys would have tried to put Belanger in left field.

I doubt moving to second helps him hit any better. I just don't get why anyone thinks the Orioles should move their best defender off short. Makes no sense to me. He either plays short for the Orioles or for someone else.

With the defensive options we have in the other three spots, I think Westburg or Mountcastle will play first long term with the other part of a trade for a pitcher.

Yeah, I agree, but you see that from the promote them all the way to the top crowd after a prospect has spent a couple of weeks at a particular level.

I think I read at one point that he's one of those guys who had "nothing left to prove in AAA." Another reason I think it's good to give these guys an extended look, in most cases, to see how they hold up.

I agree. I didn't remember that one. I started watching in 71 when I was 8. It seemed like he was there forever when you're that young.

I keep wondering what Weaver would have said if someone suggested moving Belanger to second or center. Mateo is a shortstop, and maybe the best one in the league and seemingly still getting better. It just makes no sense to me to play around with your best defender.

Dumbest Idea I've heard on here this year. Waste of talent to move Mateo anywhere, unless it's to another team for a starting pitcher.