It sounds like Flaherty is Buck's "Project" for this year.

[CA-ORIOLE]

My guess is Buck wants Andino to spend as much time as possible at 2B this spring so he'll be ready to play good defense there. It's a huge plus for Flaherty if he can be a serviceable SS backup option, even though I think Andino would be moved there if Hardy was injured.

I think that's right. Andino was essentially learning second base last year and got markedly better as the year progressed.

[CA-ORIOLE]

I'd like to point out that Reynolds will not have enough service time to be a free agent next year. The O's can decline to pick up his option and still negotiate a contract of any length with him including a one year. He is tied to the O's for 2013 unless the O's trade or release him. He will be arbitration eligible.

I did not realize that either. Assumed he was a FA. With only a 500k buyout I guess there might be something there in a negotiated contract or even arbitration. Maybe 7 mil.

[mikegallo]

Doesn't having a buyout stipulate Free agency?

[Frobby]

Doesn't having a buyout stipulate Free agency?

No, it is simply a payment you make if you don't exercise the option to lock him in at $11.5 mm. I'd say there's a good chance the O's will pay the buyout and try to negotiate a new contract in lieu of going to arbitration.

[wildcard]

Doesn't having a buyout stipulate Free agency?

Not if the player has not been in the majors for 6 years of service time.

[mikegallo]

No, it is simply a payment you make if you don't exercise the option to lock him in at $11.5 mm. I'd say there's a good chance the O's will pay the buyout and try to negotiate a new contract in lieu of going to arbitration.

That is a big deal then with his odds of staying next year being much higher in my book.