Orioles talking to Uehara about return

[Roll Tide]

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

I personally think the presence of more asian players is a good thing for them.

[Barnaby Graves]

He is the exact opposite of Strop in almost every way.

And really, Uehara is a special player. SO/BB like he has don't grow on trees.

[Roll Tide]

He is the exact opposite of Strop in almost every way.

And really, Uehara is a special player. SO/BB like he has don't grow on trees.

I'm not dumping Strop unless we are trading High on him. His arm is electric and he's young. He could possible become a closer in a few years.

[CaptainRedbeard]

I'm not dumping Strop unless we are trading High on him. His arm is electric and he's young. He could possible become a closer in a few years.

Seriously though, why don't we have room for both Strop and Uehara? There is no reason signing Koji would mean we have to trade Strop. It would give us the flexibility to trade Strop, which is a good thing, but wouldn't require us to sell low on him. Frankly, I'd like to sign Koji and hang onto Strop to see if Strop can re-establish his dominance of the first 5 months of the 2012 season.

[Dark Helmet]

I'm not dumping Strop unless we are trading High on him. His arm is electric and he's young. He could possible become a closer in a few years.

At this point, im only giving up Strop in a deal for Butler. If he goes in a Willingham deal, I wont be too thrilled.

[Dark Helmet]

Seriously though, why don't we have room for both Strop and Uehara? There is no reason signing Koji would mean we have to trade Strop. It would give us the flexibility to trade Strop, which is a good thing, but wouldn't require us to sell low on him. Frankly, I'd like to sign Koji and hang onto Strop to see if Strop can re-establish his dominance of the first 5 months of the 2012 season.

Koji has closed for us. With KC losing Soria, would the Royals want JJ in a Butler deal? Hammel and Jim Johnson for Butler. Then trade some young pitching for R.A. Dickey.

[CharmCityLights]

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?"

With the high closer turn-over this season, I think that teams will be looking more closely at high contracts for late-inning guys. I'm hoping that we can get Koji and that he won't cost us too much.

[Dark Helmet]

With the high closer turn-over this season, I think that teams will be looking more closely at high contracts for late-inning guys. I'm hoping that we can get Koji and that he won't cost us too much.

I think Koji's heart was in Baltimore even after they traded him. I think 2/8 gets him back.

[scOtt]

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

Thanks for the info.

[scOtt]

I think Koji's heart was in Baltimore even after they traded him. I think 2/8 gets him back.

That's what I was thinking, about 4. I was thinking 1 year but 2 works fine with me.

[Dark Helmet]

That's what I was thinking, about 4. I was thinking 1 year but 2 works fine with me.

Could be 1 with an option. I think Koji could get 5 mil per, but I think he'd come back to Baltimore if they offered 2/8. Get Koji back, could he help convince Kuroda to the O's on a 1 year deal?

[olehippi]

If I were Duquette, I would be all over bring Koji back. But since I'm not Dan the Man....................?

[Il BuonO]

Could be 1 with an option. I think Koji could get 5 mil per, but I think he'd come back to Baltimore if they offered 2/8. Get Koji back, could he help convince Kuroda to the O's on a 1 year deal?

That would be great, I really like Kuroda. He's said that he'll only sign with the Yankees or go back to Japan. Of course, he said the same thing the year before when the Dodgers didn't resign him.

[Dark Helmet]

That would be great, I really like Kuroda. He's said that he'll only sign with the Yankees or go back to Japan. Of course, he said the same thing the year before when the Dodgers didn't resign him.

Yeah, I had heard the Kuroda report. I'd like to have him. I want the O's to focus on pitchers, that could be had for 2 years or less (Saunders, Kuroda, Jackson).

[scOtt]

That would be great, I really like Kuroda. He's said that he'll only sign with the Yankees or go back to Japan. Of course, he said the same thing the year before when the Dodgers didn't resign him.

With Chen and Wada here, and maybe Uehara, it might be a real comfortable destination for him.