We have had discussions with MIN re: Santana and Abad

[Can_of_corn]

What about Scherzer and Strasburg?

I wouldn't count Strasburg, he hasn't had the chance to hit FA.

[Redskins Rick]

1- He's a Super 2 and a Boras client. This makes him unlikely to extend long term and his salary will be going up sharply over the next two seasons.

2- Changes to the strike zone. They are seriously considering raising the strike zone, Zach throws a sinking fastball ~90% of the time and it is possible he will be adversely affected.

3- The O's currently have limited means of adding talent to either the major or minor league rosters. Zach could bring back an infusion of talent that would ultimately exceed his own impact.

4- The O's appear to have both in house candidates to replace Zach as well as a system that looks to be proficient in producing quality relief pitchers.

5- It is rare for a closer's string of dominance to exceed a few seasons.

In house candidates?

You mean like Tommy Hunter for JJ?

Closers is a very special mindset, and not every solid set-up guy, can make that transition.

[Can_of_corn]

In house candidates?

You mean like Tommy Hunter for JJ?

Closers is a very special mindset, and not every solid set-up guy, can make that transition.

History has show us that many can. Those that can't are the exception not the rule.

You don't think O'Day can close?

[Redskins Rick]

I wouldn't count Strasburg, he hasn't had the chance to hit FA.

Good point.

I think Greinke was a stud for the Dodgers that earned his money, when he was there.

And was earning his money in Arizona, before going on the DL.

[Es4M11]

Price is pitching like a below average starter in the first year of a 7 year contract. Paying 3 Brittons is not only more cost effective, it diversifies the risk. I can't remember any stud starter who got paid big bucks that has been worth the money

Kershaw and Hernandez are the only two that come to mind. They both still have a ways to go, but so far so good.

Edit: Hamels has been pretty good too.

[Redskins Rick]

History has show us that many can. Those that can't are the exception not the rule.

You don't think O'Day can close?

History has also showed several that couldn't.

Nobody gave Britton much thought about closer, since he hadnt been a good reliever.

O'Day could probably do it, yes, you are right. But, you also have to replace him in his role.

Givens, would be a logical choice for possible closer, but, he has to pitch better consistency.

[Can_of_corn]

Kershaw and Hernandez are the only two that come to mind. They both still have a ways to go, but so far so good.

The CC contract was great. The Yankees should have let him walk when he used his opt out.

[Redskins Rick]

Kershaw and Hernandez are the only two that come to mind. They both still have a ways to go, but so far so good.

Kershaw never hit free agency, and was like Strasburg, resigned before getting a chance.

[Can_of_corn]

History has also showed several that couldn't.

Nobody gave Britton much thought about closer, since he hadnt been a good reliever.

O'Day could probably do it, yes, you are right. But, you also have to replace him in his role.

Givens, would be a logical choice for possible closer, but, he has to pitch better consistency.

Sure, several can't.

Most seem to be able to.

There is significant turnover in the "closer" role and the average shelf life isn't very long.

[Can_of_corn]

Kershaw never hit free agency, and was like Strasburg, resigned before getting a chance.

But he had the chance. He has enough service time accrued that he could have hit the market. He's in his 9th season.

[Redskins Rick]

The CC contract was great. The Yankees should have let him walk when he used his opt out.

Maybe not too bad this year, if they had a decent team for him to play on.

his ERA is under 4.

[Can_of_corn]

Maybe not too bad this year, if they had a decent team for him to play on.

his ERA is under 4.

Right, but that first contract worked out really well.

[Es4M11]

Kershaw never hit free agency, and was like Strasburg, resigned before getting a chance.

He said big money deals not working out. There are 4 or 5 that I can see that have worked out, free agent or not.

[Redskins Rick]

But he had the chance. He has enough service time accrued that he could have hit the market. He's in his 9th season.

ok, so you have a few studs that prove to be worth the high $$$$, but a majority ends up a mistake.

[Can_of_corn]

He said big money deals not working out. There are 4 or 5 that I can see that have worked out, free agent or not.

ok, so you have a few studs that prove to be worth the high $$$$, but a majority ends up a mistake.

I think that most teams know that overall long term big money deals are not going to be winners. They agree to them for the short term benefits.

I'm certainly not advocating the O's agree to any of them.

Heck I didn't like the O'Day or Davis deals.