Report: Orioles will decline Markakis' option

[Crazysilver03]

http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/writer/jon-heyman/24753113/orioles-plan-to-extend-qualifying-offer-to-cruz-decline-markakis-optionC

Nothing earth shattering in this. Don't like that it is coming out when the team is down 0-3 but it isn't anything that probably hasn't been thought.

[Dark Helmet]

My guess Nick and hjs agent are already reworking an extension.

[CA-ORIOLE]

I think it''s cheaper to Q.O. him (which they probably won't do either) than pick up the option.

[weams]

http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/writer/jon-heyman/24753113/orioles-plan-to-extend-qualifying-offer-to-cruz-decline-markakis-optionC

Nothing earth shattering in this. Don't like that it is coming out when the team is down 0-3 but it isn't anything that probably hasn't been thought.

This is inopportune, but expected.

[Dark Helmet]

This is inopportune, but expected.

Yeah, things like this and even the Hardy extension should have waited until after the playoffs. It may just be the Royals pitching, but it seemed Cruz started hacking more after ot was announced and rumors of a possible new deal for him could be next. I doubt it had anything to do with it, but the timing is odd. The Markakis issue was expected, but seems like the FO has thrown in the towel already too.

[weams]

Yeah, things like this and even the Hardy extension should have waited until after the playoffs. It may just be the Royals pitching, but it seemed Cruz started hacking more after ot was announced and rumors of a possible new deal for him could be next. I doubt it had anything to do with it, but the timing is odd. The Markakis issue was expected, but seems like the FO has thrown in the towel already too.

I do not believe the Front Office made these announcements.

[Dark Helmet]

I think it''s cheaper to Q.O. him (which they probably won't do either) than pick up the option.

That only saves 200,000$, since Markakis has a 2m buyout.

[Dark Helmet]

I do not believe the Front Office made these announcements.

Yeah. In fact after reading the article it seems like more Heyman speculation.

[weams]

Yeah. In fact after reading the article it seems like more Scott Boras speculation.

Yeah, it's about time he gets his name in the news again...

[Morgan423]

That only saves 200,000$, since Markakis has a 2m buyout.

But still, it's 200k saved in the bank and pretty much the same effect (team control of Markakis next year, if that is what the team wants... sure, control is not gaurenteed with a QO but it may as well be, no one's giving up a first round draft pick and more or similar money than a QO to sign him). Every little bit helps.

Of course, we really need to be targeting a significantly lower salary for him if we want to keep him. I know there's more of a risk in losing him to another team, but the O's can afford to do so now if necessary... Lough or De Aza can provide his current production, which we can't afford to overpay for.

[AlbionHero]

Great news, I was worried Angelos might force DD to accept the overpaid option. If we can bring him back at about half the price that'll be fine.

[TonySoprano]

Yeah, it's about time he gets his name in the news again...

Except neither Nick (Jamie Murphy) or Cruz (Diego Bentz) are Boras clients.

[Guest]

My guess Nick and hjs agent are already reworking an extension.

Hope not.

[Guest]

Markakis. Good guy. Time to move on. Very replaceable at a much cheaper price than even a reduced Markakis contract. JMO

[Abellpharmd]

I agree that it's time to let him move on. He's becoming more of a defensive liability. What I will miss is his ability to work a count. I hope the team tries to find or develop a hitter to replace him. Preferably some one with speed who can steal a base when needed.