Per Connolly: O's intensifying interest in Morales (Roch says he's hearing no)

[MrOrange82]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Kendrys Morales hit .364 with .972 OPS against AL East opponents and has 400 Career hits with 1100 OPS in Baltimore ... <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Orioles&src=hash">#Orioles</a></p>— JIM BOWDEN (@JimBowdenESPNxm) <a href="

">February 21, 2014</a></blockquote>

<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Morales has 400 career hits in Baltimore? In only 12 games?

Hot damn, sign me up, Mr. Bowden. You mathematical wizard, you.

[Frobby]

One other thing that makes an opt-out contract with the Orioles logical is that if Morales were to leave the Orioles after a strong 2014 campaign, the club would undoubtedly offer him a qualifying offer. If Morales rejected it - which he obviously would if he were choosing to opt out - the Orioles would get a compensation pick after the first round the following year.

It's only "obvious" that Morales would reject a QO after opting out, if the 2nd year of the contract is for as much money or more than the QO. He might opt out of a 2nd year that pays $12 mm but not reject the QO that could be in the $15 mm range.

[SoBo]

He means a .400 career average here. He definitely doesn't have 400 hits at OPACY.

Bowden being bowden.

[pdiddy]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Kendrys Morales hit .364 with .972 OPS against AL East opponents and has 400 Career hits with 1100 OPS in Baltimore ... <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Orioles&src=hash">#Orioles</a></p>— JIM BOWDEN (@JimBowdenESPNxm) <a href="

">February 21, 2014</a></blockquote>

<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

1/1 is solid assuming the money is reasonable. He has a chance to MASH for us.

[TGO]

He means a .400 career average here. He definitely doesn't have 400 hits at OPACY.

haha, I had the same exact thought. Even Jeter doesn't have 400 hits in Camden Yards (or even half of that - he has 180).

[isestrex]

I hate the "he has great stats at Camden Yards" quotes.

...yeah... cause we have bad pitchers. Aubrey Huff anyone?

[Guest]

If this happens just give up the 3rd pick for Ervin Santana. Go all in.

[fearthenoodle]

It's only "obvious" that Morales would reject a QO after opting out, if the 2nd year of the contract is for as much money or more than the QO. He might opt out of a 2nd year that pays $12 mm but not reject the QO that could be in the $15 mm range.

His ultimate goal is still a multi-year deal. And if his season is good enough for him to opt-out at all, it's good enough that we should be comfortable bringing him back at the QO rate if he were to decide to accept it.

[jamalshw]

Hopefully 2 years is all it takes but I would be ok with an option for a third.

I would honestly be okay with a three year deal if it's a reasonable AAV.

[VeveJones007]

If this happens just give up the 3rd pick for Ervin Santana. Go all in.

On a similar opt-out type deal, heck yeah.

[TGO]

I hate the "he has great stats at Camden Yards" quotes.

...yeah... cause we have bad pitchers. Aubrey Huff anyone?

It's also a very small sample size. Almost anything can happen in 50 plate appearances.

[weams]

This is something you could consider now that it is only a second round pick.

[weams]

It's only "obvious" that Morales would reject a QO after opting out, if the 2nd year of the contract is for as much money or more than the QO. He might opt out of a 2nd year that pays $12 mm but not reject the QO that could be in the $15 mm range.

Every Free Agent Rejects Every QA.

[atomic]

I wouldn't sign him to a multi-year deal with an opt out after the first. That would mean screwed either way. If he is terrible we get stuck with him for multiple years. If he is great we lose him after one year. All risk no reward.

[El Gordo]

This is awesome! The best part is the opt-out. We would actually get a better pick if Morales leaves. C'mon DD!

Good for both sides. Morales gets a pillow deal if he does well if mot he gets two years. Sounds like Scott Boras. Get it done. 2/20M.