Since1984

I agree that the 2023 Orioles would miss Santander’s bat, but 2024 has far more potential to replace his value.

I see a range of a .750 OPS to .800. So .750 floor which bodes well for Westburg’s playing time. how many veteran hitters do the O’s need this coming year? Patience, adjustments and perspective are my concern for new arrivals.

Kjerstad and Basallo. Heston hasn’t played in two years and has the better floor ceiling with a mlb power bat already showing. Basallo may not be a catcher, but has the same kind of bat profile. He may be the better hitter, but it is too early to tell.

I wonder what the analytics come up with on each of these pitcher profiles matching with the Orioles current SP/RP. The Rays SP/RP portfolio has been mentioned for having different arm angles (in game analysis) the last several years. I think this will play into the type of acquisition the O’s will commit to. Is Cease too similar to Bradish or Rodriguez? Or, is Nola to finesse for the playoff atmosphere? I was at game one against the Rangers and Botchy focused on lefty matchups against Henderson as much as was possible. The O’s also struggled against pitchers throwing backwards, which can be more attributable to the atmosphere and lower MLB experience.

Nola is projected to get $150m/6 years by mlbtraderumors. I would go that route if he would sign for 3 years $75m. This is where Cease’s value comes into play. Cease keeps growing on me, but i believe the trade will have to include a SP prospect.

As other posters have mentioned, Cease’s bref comps top out at Flaherty. Skip the trade, unless analytics are overwhelming, and sign Jack to a one year deal (low risk). Trade at the deadline in good fashion. Jack Flaherty went from 30 IP to 130+ in 2023, year over year (my concern on the trade). Will Cease have any issues this coming year? TBH, sign a high ceiling SP in FA and trade at the deadline, as needed. Or nickel and dime the waiver wire.

Congratulations to Gunnar. I am going to follow the draftee picked by the O’s that comes with this award!

Thank you Tony! I am curious to see how this off-season plays out with the ML and MiL depth and need for pitching. I could see a Urias, Norby and top 30 prospect trade for a mlb ready RP reliever (with options) and high ceiling SP/RP prospect to relieve the 40 man roster. This offseason is the most interesting of all consider such a strong farm system and low payroll.

My bad!

I quoted a post that talked about offering $14m at the end of his contract, which would nullify hits Yankee contract. hicks is guaranteed $21m the next two years

Hick’s has a guaranteed two more years, which far exceeds a 14m pillow contract. He can sign anywhere for league minimum and still get paid the $20+~ the next two years each from the Yankees.

Hick’s cannot stay healthy. Any new contract signed will cancel his two years remaining with the Yankees, I believe. Hicks may be an option if Hays and/or Santander gets traded, with plenty of at bats available considering Hick’s DL time. Not sure how the O’s can fit in a better hitter than Santander with veteran experience, but would be more willing for an OF trade in this market if a better MOO hitter was available. Maybe the internal growth remedies all the potential offensive loss of a Hays or Santander trade too.

I liked his comment about joining the big league club in the next 2-3 years, but that may have been from the other week’s interview. Did not listen to the podcast linked at the bottom of this interview (yet)

There was an interview with him last week and posted today. No mention of the absence on the mound

I get it, which is why I left the Sig caveat (his contract was expired too). Plenty of good people have been promoted with this understanding, but I am not privy to any contract terms/extensions and believe Sig was promoted in the last two years. If the Organization is acting in a nefarious way, I believe those actions will create long-term consequences in a negative way.

Elias’ contract had expired, I forget if Sig’s did too

I like the idea, outside of Bieber’s elbow soreness and drop in velocity.

I’m quoting the article, blockbuster is their idea (Shane Bieber). If a former CY winner is healthy, it would be a blockbuster trade. I have my doubts, this is as an example for early offseason trade ideas generating click bait material with no foundation.

There is a new article from SI about the O’s and Guardians doing a blockbuster trade. Not sure Shane Bieber is a good target with the elbow injury this year, especially trading long term pieces: Will add link https://www.si.com/mlb/orioles/news/baltimore-orioles-linked-blockbuster-trade-with-cleveland-guardians

Santander for Burnes. Looking at the top free agents, Santander may be a hot trade chip this offseason

Dare I say re-sign Flaherty LOL. Without researching, I believe the success relates to platoons, pinch hitting, and several hot streaks during the season (Mateo in April, O’Hearn’s call-up, Hick’s filling in for Mullins injury, Hays hot streak in the first half, Gunnar’s second half, and Mouncastle’s streaks) Cedric somehow beat his RBI record in just 111 games. The potential to overcome the RISP surplus will be difficult, without timely surprises throughout 2024.

For me it is the continuation of organization progress. We have yet to see ME accomplish a successful trade for a known impact player, which I define as an ace, MOO, closer. He mentioned in his last presser that there were attempts to make these kind of moves. I would like to see at least one impact FA signing. It gives better flexibility for trades and building depth with players like O’Hearn and Hicks. An Ace, MOO and a potential closer/setup (X’s 2) will go a long way. I think these are the ingredients needed to raise the bar! And my enjoyment of this past season is watching exciting baseball all year, with playoffs on the horizon through 162.

I like your take Tony! Lots of factors to consider, especially with the layoff comment being a factor. Was surprised at the heat hitting 100. Add a little crafty pitch ability to Grayson’s experience and he is a true ace. First year in the pros. Look at Schilling’s later rise. Grayson has the stuff and tenacity! Hope he bounces back as he has already proved this year!

Believe it was a 2-0 pitch, but I would have preferred to keep the pressure on the pitcher with the patient batter at the plate (in Hicks). Believe Gunnar was in the mindset to avoid the double play and making something happen. O’s need to score some runs early and force the Rangers into the bullpen, which is key to this series! Always love the bounce back and resilience of this team. Let’s go O’s!

Mateo is too fast for this rule! What a BS call, but I did like the reversal last week on Rutchmans tag at home verse the Rays. Guess NY Will continue to have their issues on replay