Jump to content

Orioles talking to Uehara about return

Roll Tide

By Roll Tide
in Orioles Talk

Recommended Posts

  • Replies 89
  • Created
  • Last Reply
Ampontan Major Leaguer Cup of Coffee

Ampontan

Posted
Posted

Not necessarily a good idea to get excited by that Japanese article. Japanese sports dailies thrive on rumor, and the Duquette comments read as if the original could have been more non-committal, with just the usual praise GMs dish out when they are asked for a comment on a player by a reporter.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
CaptainRedbeard Major Leaguer Rising Star

CaptainRedbeard

Posted
Posted

There are a number of reasons that Koji makes sense for this team, even without trading Strop.

Right now, if I remember correctly, we have 6 guys who have no options and are essentially mortal locks for the major league pen: Johnson, O'Day, Strop, Patton, Ayala, and Hunter. The most likely option for the last spot is a second lefty who can pitch multiple innings-we have no true long reliever, but everybody in the pen save for Johnson and maybe Strop can be used for more than one inning. Wada and Matusz are obvious candidates for the last spot. Pomeranz will probably be the righty riding the Norfolk-Baltimore shuttle.

BUT, consider that Strop is the only guy in our pen with a serious platoon split. Both Johnson and O'day are effective vs lefties, and Patton is a more than capable specialist. We used Patton as the only lefty out of the pen for a large portion of the year. And given that Uehara is also death on lefties with that filthy splitter, having Uehara instead of Matusz or Wada should not be an issue in that regard. I think Matusz and Wada should start the year as starters in AAA, and one will come up whenever the first injury hits the pen. Considering that alot of the relievers threw a ton of innings last year, and Koji isn't exactly Mr. Durability himself, we are likely to be down at least one key guy at any given time, and until that happens we don't risk losing anybody.

What Koji really brings is a dominant setup resume, experience at closer, and a great value on short deal. He allows us to move O'Day into his most effective "fireman" role and keep Strop out of the 8th inning until he shows he is straightened out. Sounds like he loves Baltimore and would love to come back. He brings us an elite player without depleting any depth or significant resources. There's no loss and considerable gain here; DD should be all over this.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
notyourbuddy All-Star

notyourbuddy

Posted
Posted

One thing to consider: Reliever market this year could be a little crazy (thanks to the 'tarded Dodgers setting the market high). Seems middle relievers could be cashing in this off season.

1) What do you think the best offer Koji will receive this Winter be?

2) How high would you be willing to go with Koji before your "yeah. definitely lets bring him back!" turns into "eh our bullpen is fine lets spend that money elsewhere?"

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Frobby Hangout Grand Counsel

Frobby

Posted
Posted
One thing to consider: Reliever market this year could be a little crazy (thanks to the 'tarded Dodgers setting the market high). Seems middle relievers could be cashing in this off season.

1) What do you think the best offer Koji will receive this Winter be?

2) How high would you be willing to go with Koji before your "yeah. definitely lets bring him back!" turns into "eh our bullpen is fine lets spend that money elsewhere?"

Koji may not be in "get the top dollar" mode. His family is here with him, and we have heard repeatedly that he and his family really liked it in Baltimore. Having Wada around may also be attractive to him. He may be a guy for whom comfortable surroundings and a happy family outweighs getting top dollar.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
SoBo Major Leaguer

SoBo

Posted
Posted
Koji may not be in "get the top dollar" mode. His family is here with him, and we have heard repeatedly that he and his family really liked it in Baltimore. Having Wada around may also be attractive to him. He may be a guy for whom comfortable surroundings and a happy family outweighs getting top dollar.

This... The Orioles offer would have to be competitive but if it is he'll be an Oriole. Good news if true. Strengthening a strength. Never a bad idea.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Frobby Hangout Grand Counsel

Frobby

Posted
Posted
I don't see Koji as being able to replace Strop. Koji had DL problems again last year. He is a good add to replace Ayala or Hunter but there as to be enough depth to cover when Koji is injured.

I don't follow you. Strop, Ayala and Hunter are each capable of pitching about 70 innings of relief. How is our depth affected any more by Koji replacing Strop vs. the others? Maybe all you are saying is that Strop is better than the other two. If that's your point, I'd say you may be right, but it isn't certain.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
clarence Major Leaguer Cup of Coffee

clarence

Posted
Posted

I must be minority, but I don't like the idea if it involves losing Strop. I'm not letting a bad September completely cancel out what I saw the rest of the season. I see him as an affordable closer after next season if JJohnson is wanting 50-save closer money. IMO, JJohnson as part of a trade package now or at the deadline has to be considered. Obviously could be wrong, just think Strop has chance to be very special.

Link to comment
Share on other sites
Ampontan Major Leaguer Cup of Coffee

Ampontan

Posted
Posted
Wada would know Koji intimately. Would have faced each other many times. Chen might have faced Koji, I don't know. He would certainly know of him and look up to him.

Japanese baseball has two leagues, like the US. Chen and Koji were in the same league, but Wada was in the other one.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

Go to topic listing
×
×
  • Create New...