Valaika DFA. Mateo replaces him

[eddie83]

 

[interloper]

No disrespect to Pat, but... finally. Now that Richie is back and Jones maybe on the horizon, it's time to make way for younger guys. It was nice to see Valaika start to finally hit a little better of late, but this was a move long overdue IMO. 

[Explosivo]

I think everyone knew this was coming at some point soon.

[Yardball85]

Please please please mean that Jahmai is coming up. 

[interloper]

Just now, Yardball85 said:

Please please please mean that Jahmai is coming up. 

Yeah I'm curious if they're giving a 26-man roster spot to Mateo. Seems more likely he'll be ticketed for AAA, but then they already have Gutierrez there. But I guess if Jones comes up there's another infield spot... we shall see. 

[Yardball85]

Interestingly, Mateo was a top 100 prospect for a little while.  Seems he was the big piece acquired by Oakland in the Gray trade four years ago.  He's 26 now, put up solid numbers in AAA in 2019.  Worth a shot, especially over Valaika.

 

[interloper]

4 minutes ago, Yardball85 said:

Interestingly, Mateo was a top 100 prospect for a little while.  Seems he was the big piece acquired by Oakland in the Gray trade four years ago.  He's 26 now, put up solid numbers in AAA in 2019.  Worth a shot, especially over Valaika.

 

We do love us some former top 100 guys. I think it's likely Mateo gets DFA'd quickly himself. Ton of guys to add to the 40 this offseason. But certainly a talent upgrade over a guy like Gutierrez, who I expect could be DFA'd for Wells tomorrow. 

[interloper]

For what it's worth, Mateo is listed under outfielders on the Orioles 40-man without the "MINORS" tag next to him. 

[Ohfan67]

8 minutes ago, interloper said:

Yeah I'm curious if they're giving a 26-man roster spot to Mateo. Seems more likely he'll be ticketed for AAA, but then they already have Gutierrez there. But I guess if Jones comes up there's another infield spot... we shall see. 

He's out of options and has to be kept on the ML roster. See story below. I guess the Orioles could try to pass him back through waivers, but seems like one of the other terrible teams would claim him. 

 

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/08/padres-designate-jorge-mateo-for-assignment.html

[Yardball85]

3 minutes ago, interloper said:

We do love us some former top 100 guys. I think it's likely Mateo gets DFA'd quickly himself. Ton of guys to add to the 40 this offseason. But certainly a talent upgrade over a guy like Gutierrez, who I expect could be DFA'd for Wells tomorrow. 

Mateo>> Gutierrez.  

[interloper]

Just now, Ohfan67 said:

He's out of options and has to be kept on the ML roster. See story below. I guess the Orioles could try to pass him back through waivers, but seems like one of the other terrible teams would claim him. 

 

https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/08/padres-designate-jorge-mateo-for-assignment.html

Ok, right, thanks. I'm not seeing how he fits the active roster quite yet - feels like there's more moves coming. 

[interloper]

If Mateo's a 3B/OF guy, we're down a middle infielder on the 26-man without Valaika. If Jones comes up to fill that void, a position player would have to be cut. DFA Franco? Option McKenna or Stewart?

[Yardball85]

 

1 minute ago, interloper said:

If Mateo's a 3B/OF guy, we're down a middle infielder on the 26-man without Valaika. If Jones comes up to fill that void, a position player would have to be cut. DFA Franco? Option McKenna or Stewart?

DFAing Franco is a very tempting option. 

[interloper]

Just now, Yardball85 said:

 

DFAing Franco is a very tempting option. 

It has to be a consideration at this point. Guy just hasn't hit. Has had some nice plays at 3B, but he certainly shouldn't be blocking younger guys at this point of the season.

[interloper]

From Roch's post:

Quote

Mateo was chosen twice for the All-Star Futures Game. He’s played all three outfield positions, third base, second base and shortstop, and is 6-for-6 in stolen base attempts.

So perhaps he's an option at 2B after all. If so, commence the Jahmai Jones hand-wringing.