The case for Reynolds in 2013

[sfosfan]

Obviously Reynolds is an imperfect solution at first base, but I'm not sure there are better alternatives. Much to Roy Firestone's chagrin, I think he's our best option next year (and possibly the year after that).

The in house alternatives are Betemit and Davis. Both may be able to provide similar offensive numbers, and at a cheaper cost, but won't provide the same defense.

The free agent alternatives are equally underwhelming: Carlos Pena, Lyle Overbay, Casey Kotchman, James Loney. The only decent free agent possibility is Mike Napoli, who will probably cost way more than makes sense for the O's--three years minimum, probably more like four.

In the best of all possible worlds, DD makes a trade for a young first baseman, but surveying the minors, this seems like a pipe dream.

Which leads us back to the devil we know: Mark Reynolds. Reynolds provides solid defense and decent offensive numbers with the potential for more. Plus, he's awesome.

Reynold's 2013 team option for $11 million almost certainly won't be exercised. He has a $500k buyout. Is it legal to approach Reynolds and tell him: "Hey, we think highly of you as a player and like what you bring to the ball club but we can't afford to pay you 11 million. If you opt out of the contract, we'll give you $5 million next year. We hope to see you back," or something along those lines?

My crystal ball (more like a magic 8 ball) is telling me that 1-2 of the following need to go, because they are all basically the same, good bat and no glove types: Thome, Reynolds, Betemit, Davis, Reimold. The reality is that contract financial considerations will have a huge say in any decision. But if finances were all equal, I'd vote Reynolds and Betemit off the island. Reynolds defense has been great at 1b though, but I'd think we could do better by either acquiring somebody new, or really work with Chris Davis on his defense in the offseason. Not sure how much any of these would bring back in a trade, but that's always something which should be looked at too.

sfosfan

[$Greatness$]

The Sheriff belongs on the Orioles. He'll eat cheeseburgers next year and return the 30 pounds he lost. Then he'll hit 40 HR again and everybody will love him.

[hoosiers]

I think among our most obvious off-season options to better this team next year is to improve production at 1B. I do realize we have been trying to find a good 1B via draft, trade and FA for 15 years, but Reynolds has been pretty bad this year and I would have little issue taking my chances that a better option can be found.

Now, if someone thinks there is a good chance that the 2011 Mark Reynolds will be back next year, I guess I could listen for a bit, but that might be a difficult case to make.

[Can_of_corn]

I think among our most obvious off-season options to better this team next year is to improve production at 1B. I do realize we have been trying to find a good 1B via draft, trade and FA for 15 years, but Reynolds has been pretty bad this year and I would have little issue taking my chances that a better option can be found.

Now, if someone thinks there is a good chance that the 2011 Mark Reynolds will be back next year, I guess I could listen for a bit, but that might be a difficult case to make.

Why would that be a difficult case to make? 2011 Reynolds is much more in line with his career numbers then 2012 Reynolds.

[jamalshw]

I would rather say goodbye to him and bring in an upgrade at 1B/DH (with Davis in the other position). That said, if there is no better option, then I'm not going to be too upset if Reynolds returns. That, however, seems to be the most logical place for an upgrade as I'd like to give LF to Hoes/Avery/Reimold based on who wins it out and 3B to Machado. We could use an upgrade at 2B, but Schoop may provide that by midseason.

[wildcard]

I'll wait until after the season to judge Reynolds. He could have a big September. He is certainly good enough defensively to hold down first base.

[Frobby]

What are the free agent alternatives?

[Brendan25]

I think I would be happy if we resigned him. But I'm not sure yet.

[Scrat1]

What are the free agent alternatives?

Or: What are the alternatives, period? A number of people have expressed interest in moving on from Reynolds, which is certainly a legitimate opinion, but I'm curious who these people would prefer.

Here are a couple of potential options:

Adam LaRoche. Washington has a $10 million dollar option, which they may not exercise. Still, for a team starved for offense, I think they'll bite the bullet. Even if they don't exercise the option, there will be other teams interested in LaRoche and I wouldn't be surprised if he landed another two year deal. Maybe more.

Logan Morrison. Morrison could probably use a change of scenery and his power would play up at OPACY. He'd be a good buy-low candidate, which is exactly why the Marlins probably wouldn't trade him, especially since they just had a fire sale of their veterans. If Morrison were available at a reasonable cost, we would have probably seen a deal by now. Regardless, I hope he's on DD's radar.

Those are the only two guys that I can think of that may be an improvement over Reynolds that the Orioles have a semi-realistic chance of acquiring. Even then, I don't think they're very likely. Which leads us back to Reynolds.

[notyourbuddy]

Bout' to step into the dark side for a second here .. bear with me.

Kevin Youkilis' 2013 team option might be declined by the White Sox as well making him a Free Agent. :slytf:

Same walk rates as Reynolds, much lower strikeout rates, has the potential to hit 30-50 points higher batting average wise, and statistically the superior and more versatile defender. Reynold's has more power of course (if you think he can regain his 30-40 hr/year form).

Youk's #'s since joining the White Sox: .254/.380/.469 slash.

:vader:

[Scrat1]

Bout' to step into the dark side for a second here .. bear with me.

Kevin Youkilis' 2013 team option might be declined by the White Sox as well making him a Free Agent. :slytf:

Same walk rates as Reynolds, much lower strikeout rates, has the potential to hit 30-50 points higher batting average wise, and statistically the superior and more versatile defender. Reynold's has more power of course (if you think he can regain his 30-40 hr/year form).

Youk's #'s since joining the White Sox: .254/.380/.469 slash.

:vader:

I wouldn't mind Youkilis, but I'm not as sure as you are that they'll decline his option. Those numbers are hard to come by and the Sox aren't shy about spending money.

[sfosfan]

Was just thinking... wouldn't it be great if Nolan Reimold could play 1B? He needs to play when he's healthy again and outfield and DH look a bit crowded. No need to enligthen me, it's not going to happen.

sfosfan

[Spy Fox]

I'd be very content to keep Reynolds around for ~$7/8 million and have a Reynolds/Davis/Betemit rotation among 1b/Dh next year. Too early to be prognosticating on next year, I know, but would it really surprise anyone for him to have a bounceback year with 30+ Hrs and a .800+ OPS? Not me.

[PaulFolk]

He's not a bad option for 5 million or less but if we need to pay him more, I'd rather take my chances with Mahoney

Joe Mahoney is not an everyday player in the majors in any way, shape, or form. He's more likely to be removed from the 40-man roster than he is to be the Orioles' starting first baseman in 2013. I'm not sure that Mark Reynolds is the best option for starting 1B next year, but I'm sure that Joe Mahoney isn't.

[Il BuonO]

Joe Mahoney is not an everyday player in the majors in any way, shape, or form. He's more likely to be removed from the 40-man roster than he is to be the Orioles' starting first baseman in 2013. I'm not sure that Mark Reynolds is the best option for starting 1B next year, but I'm sure that Joe Mahoney isn't.

Right, like you I'm unsure that Reynolds is the answer going forward, but I'm certain that Mahoney isn't. More likely he ends his career retiring in AAA for some organization.