woodberry

I don't mean to spout off, but this is a spectacular failure on the part of the Orioles. He had all of that pressure AND they pulled the plug after 3 weeks. Of course he will come back, hopefully better than ever, and we will all forget about this, but to me, it just feels like they've mishandled him so far this year. Which is unusual given their recent track record.

This is a very real possibility. Matt publicly questioning the Orioles keeping Jackson down to start the season, followed by the Orioles quickly promoting him afterwards...at the very least it looks odd. It has to be a tough spot for Jackson to be in, even if he says the right things.

The team will have deep pockets soon enough! But seriously, this.

1). Let's do this. It's not just Holliday's clock that will be ticking. Gunnar and Adley are on the clock, as is Bradish, G-Rod, etc. Keep all of those dudes together as long as possible and keep taking shots. If Holliday is ready now, and it sounds like he is about as ready as he needs to be, then you have to field the best team possible starting OD. We're past the point of saving players for 5 years down the road, at least I hope we are.

This is exactly the type of move they make when they're trying to win a WS in the next 2 - 3 years while the core is intact. Take your shot with a proven stud who can lead the staff and show the way. Cease is still learning on the job and may never become what Burnes is now. I like it. If it doesn't work out take the pick and try again next year. The time to start going for it is now.

Regardless of how you assess the quality of the in-house starters (I tend to be optimistic, but pragmatic), I keep coming back to this quote. I think it's spot on. Hoping for a repeat (or even growth) from all of the in house guys is not realistic, and quality depth (deep depth) is not there. We want to build on last season, not expect continued growth or linear progression. We all know this. It only takes one pitch to drastically alter the trajectory of a player's or a team's season. I'm sure Felix can speak to this.

I agree, expect the worst for this year. Worry about this year now and next year later. The one problem with assuming he is replaced by a bad closer who will save 8 out of 11 is that this assumes he is replaced by one guy. If they mix and match there are just so many more variables to take into account, and so many more opportunities for failure because everyone is out of order. I don't expect them to blow all 11 of the theoretical save opportunities, but I'm also not taking 8 of 11 for granted.