Is Soriano the first player the O's SHOULD go after?

[Boca Bird]

If you can get enough players to make a serious run at contending for 2007 then sure go for it. But being big player in free agency and developing a top notch farm system are like oil and vinegar, they do not mix.

I don't know...

After a quick check of the standings, wouldn't teams like the Dodgers, Tigers, Padres, Cardinals, and Angels be examples of teams that are developing a top notch farm system while also being players in free agency ?

IMO, its essential to do both

[Avsfan]

but he's one of the 5 best LFs in baseball.

Not so much....Hell two of the best, play in our own division.

[Andy_Dufresne]

Not so much....Hell two of the best, play in our own division.

Soriano's better than Crawford.

[Sports Guy]

Soriano's better than Crawford.

Crawford will be the better player over the next 5 years, you can bet on that.

[Andy_Dufresne]

Crawford will be the better player over the next 5 years, you can bet on that.

Interesting to see. It would be nice if the Orioles had either one. But if the last 9 years has shown us anything, it's that angelos is either impotent or apathetic, when it comes to trying to win.

[Avsfan]

Soriano's better than Crawford.

No

and I didn't even think of Crawford (had a brain fart) was talking more along the lines of Manny & Matsui

[Mark Carver]

Crawford will be the better player over the next 5 years, you can bet on that.

...and I didn't even think of Crawford (had a brain fart) was talking more along the lines of Manny & Matsui

Soriano

2004 -98 OPS+

2005 - 110 OPS+

Crawford

2004 - 105 OPS+

2005 - 111 OPS+

Ramirez

2004 - 152 OPS+

2005 - 156 OPS+

Matsui

2004 - 139 OPS+

2005 - 125 OPS+

[Andy_Dufresne]

Soriano

2004 -98 OPS+

2005 - 110 OPS+

Crawford

2004 - 105 OPS+

2005 - 111 OPS+

Ramirez

2004 - 152 OPS+

2005 - 156 OPS+

Matsui

2004 - 139 OPS+

2005 - 125 OPS+

Reed Johnson's no slouch in left for the Blue Jays, either.

The Orioles may have the worst left field in baseball. Another reason to get Soriano.

So many nay sayers, but with a 9th losing season in a row and an absentee owner (he doesn't even go to the games) Soriano is an acquisition that makes a statemtent of intent to win, and Zito.

[Avsfan]

Ramirez

2004 - 152 OPS+

2005 - 156 OPS+

He's sooo good it's scary....honestly I have a man crush on Manny.