Dan Duquette can't get the financial go-ahead from owner Peter Angelos to meet Morales' asking price

[lovetoaster]

Well, to be fair, we don't know what the asking price is. He turned down the $14.1M qualifying offer, so if it is close to that for a few years and losing a pick, I would not want to make that investment either.

[El Gordo]

Now we know that PA doesn't interfere with his GM's any more, and DD has full autonomy within his budget, so that part is false. But a return of the prodigals for Morales and Cruz makes a lot of sense. Then TEX and SEA could swap them, since each would rather have the other.

[bpilktree]

I really hope this isn't true. Cause if it is we wont be getting a SP.

Unless Pete is saying we need a starter more and we don't have the money to get Morales and Santana so concentrate on getting a pitcher.

[Can_of_corn]

Definitely feels like Angelos is doing some kind of budget tightening in the interest of something big coming up.

Then why is there even talk of a Hardy extension?

[blangtang]

Is this leaked in an attempt to drive down the asking price?

[lovetoaster]

That's overlooking a deeper issue though. Is DD not given the freedom to build the team as he sees fit, is there something going on that is tightening the budget, etc.

That's a good point, but every GM works under some kind of restraints. There are only a few that have a blank checkbook. For me, it would all depend on the cost. I would not care as much if the draft pick were not involved, but handing out a big contract and losing the pick is a big double whammy if it does not work out.

[El Gordo]

Jesus... what has changed this year to make Angelos so tight with the budget? I know he always has been, but it seems extra ridiculous this year.

He made the mistake of taking one of his own physicals and the O's docs told him he was already dead.

[SilentJames]

Cafardo's only going on "word is..." so take things with a hefty grain of salt in twitter world

[UMDTerrapins]

Then why is there even talk of a Hardy extension?

Because Dan and Buck would advocate such a thing, being smart baseball guys. Extension talk would never originate from Angelos. He's simply guy with the big veto stamp (that's showing a lot of wear lately).

[lovetoaster]

Unless Pete is saying we need a starter more and we don't have the money to get Morales and Santana so concentrate on getting a pitcher.

I don't think he is meddling to that level. That borders on roster management, and I am pretty confident that would not happen at this point.

[lovetoaster]

Cafardo's only going on "word is..." so take things with a hefty grain of salt in twitter world

Very true, but every time anything comes up with this team and "word on the street" about owner involvement and not shelling out cash, there will be a firestorm.

[Guest]

I find it funny Nick Report came out first then a hour later Buck said "he wants a full time DH".

[Can_of_corn]

Because Dan and Buck would advocate such a thing, being smart baseball guys. Extension talk would never originate from Angelos. He's simply guy with the big veto stamp (that's showing a lot of wear lately).

I am not sure "smart baseball guys" are unanimous in their support for a Hardy extension.

[Guest rochester]

After the whole Burnett fiasco and over reaction, I am not sure what to believe anymore. Who the heck would leak this? Morales's agent? Now, I could see DD going in there and telling him "Here's our best offer, and my total authority, I will not go back to ask for more." I do have a questions, is Cafardo a legit unbiased reporter from Boston?

[El Gordo]

Yeah it's always smart to tell you GM no. You hired him for a reason stop handcuffing him. I guess you would love AL Davis type of owner.

Why? If one is into bondage, then why not hire a working girl to wear them. Same thing with PA and DD right?