Official 2008-2009 Minor League Offseason Thread

[coe76]

I am curious if anyone knows why Valichka was released. He seemed to hit well for us, although he was not a regular starter. Defensive shortcomings? Clubhouse issues? He just seemed as if he could help us and he is still young. Any help is appreciated.

[PapaRick]

This is really awesome - thanks for keeping this updated.

[Crazysilver03]

Orioles sign C Guillermo Rodríguez to a minor league with an invite to ST.

Source

[slappy12]

Orioles sign C Guillermo Rodríguez to a minor league with an invite to ST.

Source

Translator please!!

[furryburres]

Well, with signed FORMER Orioles, JR House just got signed by the Royals.

[Crazysilver03]

Well, with signed FORMER Orioles, JR House just got signed by the Royals.

Not really what I was going for there. This is the description for that section:

These are players that were a part of the Orioles organization in 2008 but have already signed elsewhere for the 2009 season.

[Crazysilver03]

http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/prospects/?p=1816

Baltimore Orioles

Signed: RHP Gerardo Casadiego, RHP Scott Chiasson, RHP Andy Mitchell, RHP Ross Wolf, C Adam Donachie, C Guillermo Rodriguez, OF Ambiorix Concepcion, OF Mike Rodriguez

I have updated the original post to reflect these signings.

[JTrea81]

http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/prospects/?p=1816

I will update the opening post when I get a chance.

Hey Donachie is back!

[TakebackOPACY]

http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/prospects/?p=1816

I will update the opening post when I get a chance.

Good stuff!

Casadiego: He's returning for his 2nd year within the O's organization. It seems like the logical guess would be a return to the Bowie bullpen where he did a good job last year. If there's a carousel between Norfolk, Baltimore, and the disabled list, he could bounce to Norfolk for his first taste of 'AAA'.

Chiasson: He was signed late in the year out of the Mexican League. He has a legitimate shot to see time in Baltimore, and (speculation here) he might have language in his contract that allows him an opportunity to leave if not. I wonder if he'll be in ML spring training.

Andy Mitchell: It's nice to have him back. Do we still have a rotation spot for him?

Ross Wolf: He looks like organizational filler to me. He comes from the Marlins organization where he made it to the majors in 2007 (with Kranitz). It doesn't look like he really earned that opportunity though. He gives up a ton of hits (166 in 135 AAA relief innings over 3 seasons) but they must be mostly singles because his ERA's have been decent.

Adam Donachie: "Hey Donachie is back!" JTrea is referring to the time that the O's picked up Alfredo Simon in the Rule 5 draft and then promptly traded him to the Phillies for their Rule 5 pick, Adam Donachie. Adam didn't make it though, and the O's gave him back to the Royals. Adam is a catcher who draws walks. He's decent filler.

Guillermo Rodriguez: More organizational filler, Rodriguez is a veteran with a halfway decent bat for a catcher.

Ambiorix Concepcion: More filler. He's coming over from the Mets where he got his first taste of AA last year. He had 22 doubles, 3 triples, and 12 HR's. But he had just 18 walks and 110 k's. .241/.277/.382

Mike Rodriguez: He's returning for his 2nd year in the O's organization. He wasn't real impressive for Bowie last year (.256/.304/.382) but he batted .275/.351 with 28 stolen bases a couple years ago for AAA Round Rock (Houston). He has 166 career stolen bases after stealing 11 of 12 for the Baysox last year.

I'm really excited to have Chiasson back, kind of excited to have Casadiego back, and pleasantly surprised to have Mitchell back.

[Crazysilver03]

Updated to reflect the outright of Deza/Quiroz and acquisition of Turner/Waring for Hernandez.

[Crazysilver03]

Schmuck

one of the catchers the Orioles will bring to camp this spring is 33-year-old journeyman Chad Moeller, who appeared in 41 games for the Yankees last season. According to a club source, he has agreed to terms on a minor league contract.

Yet another catcher being brought in.

[Crazysilver03]

Freddie Bynum is now a Washington National.

[Crazysilver03]

Baseball America

Baltimore Orioles

Signed: RHP Fredy Deza, C Billy Killian

Chicago White Sox

Signed: SS Eider Torres

Deza and Quiroz decide to stay with the organization.

Killian joins the organization.

Torres leaves the organization.

[big leagues 23]

Updated everything to reflect the recent signings.

Once again thanks for all the updates.

[stef]

per Sun:

The Orioles signed utility infielder Jolbert Cabrera and catcher Robby Hammock to minor league deals with invitations to major league spring training.

Justin Christian signed to a minor league contract 1/13