Gentile4

Barring injury, there's no reason Mountcastle shouldn't play 150 games at 1B in any given season. I know that's unlikely, but still, dude's 25. He was drafted as a shortstop, so I have to believe he will continue to improve defensively. Worrying about a backup first baseman doesn't seem worth the time.

We know Odor is not the answer, and while he's been moderately serviceable on defense, his prolific offensive days appear to be over. As has been stated, let's see what we have in Vavra. If he's worse, so be it, but I find that unlikely.

I'm not saying they should even give him a look over Stowers, but I think it's that he was the centerpiece in the Machado trade that has me reluctant to just bury him in AAA despite his lack of production. Doesn't make sense, but there it is.

And I would just add that keeping Nevin around as a backup first baseman is ludicrous for all the reasons you just mentioned. Once Mancini gets traded, Mountcastle should play everyday, and let's be real, if he gets hurt, anybody can finish out the game.

I am in no way comparing Mateo to Belanger, but they both present a similar dilemma. Can a team that wants to win afford to have a good field, no hit player at shortstop? We saw it was possible w/Belanger. Obviously, Mateo isn't in Belanger's class defensively, but he's still above league average, and he can do things Belanger couldn't. It appears he'll hit 10-12 home runs, and while the value of stolen bases appears to be less important than many think, his speed on the bases does provide offensive value. All of that said, the problem isn't Mateo; it's the black holes at 2B and 3B. The team could absorb a .200 hitting SS w/moderate production at the other two positions. Nevin is worthless. Once Mancini or Santander is traded, Mountcastle should play everyday at first. We only need a backup if he gets hurt, otherwise, given his usage in the minors, Adley can play there once every two weeks if we insist Mounty needs a rest.

It appears that the price for either is going to be in the $450m+ range. I can't see the Orioles, under any circumstance, entertaining that kind of contract, and it has nothing to do with the Chris Davis fiasco. For that money, the team could sign three all star level players and have a much better chance of winning since they'd keep their key prospects. The Angels arguably have the two best players in baseball, and they suck. $40m a year on one player would be around a third of the O's payroll.

There's a lot to process in this thread. Is it reasonable to let Adley run the pitching staff, produce good offensive numbers, hopefully lead the team into the playoffs multiple times during the next six years, and then let him walk in free agency? How many catchers are truly productive after the age of 30? Is it financially sound to resign him in FA? Now, if they can cut a deal now for a reasonable dollar amount, that's one thing, but I don't see that happening. Is he a generational talent? Maybe, but it's obviously too early to tell. That said, I like the AR pick over Witt. Time will tell.

Unless I'm overwhelmed, there's no way I'm trading Tate. They have, I think, four more years of control, and decimating the bullpen is a big mistake for a team that lives on the edge as it is. Yes, I know, relievers are a fickle bunch, but I really like what I see in Tate.

How is that a waste? Wouldn't it be good for him to face the best if only for an inning? Experience is experience is experience.

Putting aside that many thought it an odd pick at #5, what did we think we were getting in Cowser? I was under the impression he was a high avg/high on base guy who played well above average defense in centerfield. That's pretty much what he's delivered to this point. We'll see how he does in AA where he's two years younger than average, but I'm fine w/his progress so far. As has been noted, the power numbers should increase now that he's left Aberdeen. On a side note, does anyone know why they configured the fence distances that way? Did Cal have much input?

Maybe the Lopez experiment should end.

If we were in a race for a playoff spot, I'd agree with you, but young pitchers have to learn how to get out of a jam.

This is kind of the way I feel about Stewart. Seems like a good guy, but to think that he projects as an everyday outfielder on a competitive team seems unreasonable. I've read the arguments that he's never had consistent AB's, and while true, that's the life of a 4th/5th outfielder. He's failed in that role. We've got too many other options of guys who've got far better tools than Stewart.

Obviously, I don't have the data available, but could the Norby situation be similar to what we saw from Mountcastle early in the year and Adley in the opening two weeks of his promotion? Hitting the ball on the nose but right at a fielder.

Did DJ get hurt today? Stowers moved from DH to RF and Stewart left the game.

That may be true, but we know what we have in Stewart, and it's not a pretty sight. I'd like to see Vavra and Stowers up for some extended playing time, and it doesn't even have to be at the same time. I'm happy Stewart's having success in AAA, but I don't need to see him again.

Good point. I was looking his overall breakdown for 2022, but now that he's at Norfolk it does appear 2B/SS is the plan for him. His bat seems ready wherever he plays.

Is there really a reason to leave him in Norfolk much longer when the 3B job is screaming for someone to claim it?

Obviously, Mateo is no Belanger, but he's by far the best SS option we have at the moment. The data that shows he's well above average defensively, so it makes sense to play him there. That said, it's the offensive boat anchors at 2B and 3B that prompt many to find another lineup option. If we had reasonable offensive production at 2B and 3B, couldn't we live w/Mateo at SS until one of the young players is ready?

Agree, but even more ridiculous that Santander didn't run hard to first. I'm surprised Palmer didn't point that out more vociferously.

If he can hit .265-.270 w/a .335 OBA and 12-15 HRs, with his defense and base stealing ability, why not keep him. He's only 27. Now, whether he can put up those numbers remains to be seen.

Lowther's DFA is understandable, but do we really need another infielder who can't hit?

Now this I can get behind. I love Palmer and Ben and Dave Johnson are quite listenable. Between the actual visual of the game and the added studio graphics, do we really even need a play by play person on a broadcast.

I don't mind Melanie, but good lord is Roch terrible in the tv booth. I'll take her any day over him. Stick to blogging, Roch.

In a manner of speaking. I'll just leave it at that.