The #Orioles have declined Mark Reynolds' $11 mm option for 2013

[Ripken]

I like Mark but I'm one of the few that don't want him back so... The O's were never going to give him $11M and I'm not sure how much they want him for. Time will tell.

[NewMarketSean]

I like Mark the person more than Mark the player.

I will miss his antics and his bombs but I wont miss his K's if he leaves.

I still think he'll be back on a cheaper deal though.

[CA-ORIOLE]

I heard DD say that the 11M option was expensive. I have not heard DD comment on offering Mark 9M. If you have could you point me at the quote?

Below is the the quote I responded to initially from Bradysburns who described what DD said. I understand the 9 mil figure might not be an exact DD quote. 9 mil does seam like a realistic figure that he "could" get in arbitration and likely something DD might not be willing to risk.

I have a feeling they won't offer arb. Jim Duquette was saying this morning it wasn't likely. He'd probably get $9 million. I would imagine they will explore resigning him, on a two-year deal or something. Maybe $6 million per? Just a wild guess. I would be okay with that, because barring Swisher or someone like that, I don't see a better first-base option. And I think he brings some nice intangibles to this team - seems like a great teammate.

[oriole]

I'd like to see if Youkilis is interested in signing here. He is coming off a down year, he is an on base machine, and he has won a GG at first base in the past. He had a career low .336 OBP last year which would have trailed only Nick Markakis when compared to players that played 100 games or more. Maybe he'd be interested in a one year deal to try and add to his value for next season.

I don't know if that's really the best option but I'd like to see Reynolds sign on elsewhere...too many K's.

[Dark Helmet]

Beyond dumb? This is a guy who's been maybe one win over two years. You're so confident in his defense at first that you're willing to bet his overall production quadruples over the next two years?

I like Reynolds, he's an interesting player, apparently a good teammate. But I find it difficult to project him to two wins a year when (outside of 2009) he's struggled to get to one.

Actually, I am confident in his defense at 1B. Im also confident his power numbers will be back next year. His BA will never be high, and the K will. His OBP and power added to his defense at 1B, makes him worth bringing back. He wants to be here, and hes a good teammate.

So yes, to lose him would be beyond dumb. But hey, those that dont agree, can enjoy watching Betemit at 1b, or watching Loney at 1b. or better yet, watching Betemit at 1b, while Youkilis clogs up a roster spot on the DL.

[Dark Helmet]

Below is the the quote I responded to initially from Bradysburns who described what DD said. I understand the 9 mil figure might not be an exact DD quote. 9 mil does seam like a realistic figure that he "could" get in arbitration and likely something DD might not be willing to risk.

But that was Jim Duquettes opinion. Not what DD said.

[Annie]

I think if Youkilis has his option declined, the O's make a strong push to get him. If that doesnt happen by nov 30, they will offer Reynolds arb. Then, I think they agree on a 2/16 deal, with a possible option.

I'd rather Reynolds than Youkilis. Read here that Youkilis could go (back) to Boston. His option was declined by Whitesox. Had a pretty disappointing season with them .235, 19 homers 60 RBI. Not the worst idea if his number could improve next season...but, still feel like it's not much of an improvement. :scratchchinhmm:

[DrungoHazewood]

His move to 1B makes this tricky. If you believe (as most here do) that Reynolds is an above average defensive 1B, then his past WAR totals while playing a very bad 3B don't tell you much. At the same time, his offensive production compared to other 1B is not as valuable as his previous offensive production compared to other 3B, so that doesn't carry over, either. Plus, his offensive production last year and this year were fairly different. So, I guess I have to ask, how many WAR is an .800ish OPS with above average defense at 1B worth? And how confident are you that he will produce that?

I think in a good year, Reynolds could be worth 3-3.5 WAR. In a bad one, he's worth close to 0.

Last year Casey Kotchman was a +3 fielder with an .800 OPS and he was worth 3.4 wins. So Reynolds, if everything broke right, could be a 3-3.5 win player as you suggest. Maybe even a notch higher. But we'll see. I think he'll be lucky to clear 2.0 wins, especially since the defensive metrics aren't fond of his work at first (what there is of it).

[wildcard]

Last year Casey Kotchman was a +3 fielder with an .800 OPS and he was worth 3.4 wins. So Reynolds, if everything broke right, could be a 3-3.5 win player as you suggest. Maybe even a notch higher. But we'll see. I think he'll be lucky to clear 2.0 wins, especially since the defensive metrics aren't fond of his work at first (what there is of it).

I don't think Kotchman is a guy that should be considered at all. He has had 600ish OPS in two of the last three years. Not exactly as guy any contending team can count on.

[Frobby]

I don't think Kotchman is a guy that should be considered at all. He has had 600ish OPS in two of the last three years. Not exactly as guy any contending team can count on.

I don't think that was Drungo's point. His point was that saying a guy could be a 3.5 WAR player in a good year isn't saying that much.

[Dark Helmet]

I'd rather Reynolds than Youkilis. Read here that Youkilis could go (back) to Boston. His option was declined by Whitesox. Had a pretty disappointing season with them .235, 19 homers 60 RBI. Not the worst idea if his number could improve next season...but, still feel like it's not much of an improvement. :scratchchinhmm:

Youkilis would be fine as a DH, if we brought Reynolds back too. I just dont trust that Youkilis can stay healthy, to be our primary 1b. I just dont like the idea of Betemit playing 1b, while Youk is on the DL. Let Boston have him back.

[Dark Helmet]

I don't think Kotchman is a guy that should be considered at all. He has had 600ish OPS in two of the last three years. Not exactly as guy any contending team can count on.

But his WAR says hes good .

[wildcard]

DD said that he thought Chris Davis could play 1B. He said they need to get him some work there.

Not sure what the means yet.

[CA-ORIOLE]

But that was Jim Duquettes opinion. Not what DD said.

Ok, that's fair enough. We'll see I guess.

[ChaosLex]

If made available, I wouldn't be surprised to see the O's try to trade for Hosmer.