Markakis extension on hold

[Hank Scorpio]

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/baseball/bal-markakis1202,0,5518914.story

[Elon Os Fan]

Not a big deal here. I expect something to be done in Feb especially if we sign Tex.

[TonySoprano]

Smart move by Markakis; his price tag will only continue to increase.

[waroriole]

I don't see this as the big deal that I'm sure some will make it out to be. I was encouraged to see that they were millions off instead of years off. Hopefully, we make significant improvements in FA this year, and Nick decides this is where he wants to be.

[nadecir]

Neither Markakis' side nor the Orioles would confirm what offers were exchanged, but one industry source called the Orioles' proposal "fairly significant," but said the sides appeared to be millions apart.

Doesn't sound too good. Both sides have been talking numbers for a while now, and seem to be pretty far apart. Sounds like Markakis' agent is shutting down the negotiations for a while.

[BillySmith]

Sounds like everything it OK. I was worried when I first started reading this.

[Lucky Jim]

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/baseball/bal-markakis1202,0,5518914.story

Heh. That actually sounds good to me. A much more optimistic article than the title (of the article, not Hank's thread) insinuates.

[Hank Scorpio]

Sounds like this delay was suggested by Markakis.

A wise move, IMO. His stock is on the rise...

[wickedwitch]

I'm impatient, so I want this thing done now. But it may be in the Orioles best interest to wait, because the economy will lower salaries.

[El Gordo]

I wouldn't expect Nick to be worth more than HanRam at this point. So I would think the O's offer is less than 6/70.

[clapdiddy]

While I'd like to see this done now, its certainly not a front-burner issue. I wouldn't be surprised if Markakis is actually waiting to see what kind of moves we make (a la Roberts) before he decides whether or not he even wants to be here.

[Peace21]

I dont see Roberts and the Orioles making the same kind of arrangement.

[hoosiers]

If I were Markakis, I would sign today.

There is likely to be some general salary deflation in baseball, IMO. It may not affect the very best players so much, but that's not a risk to take.

[clapdiddy]

I dont see Roberts and the Orioles making the same kind of arrangement.

What does that mean? Do you think he's going to be traded, or you just don't think they are going to agree to a long-term deal?

[PaulBako]

We need to get Markakis signed. It's okay if it is done later, but for this off-season it should be MacPahil's #1 priority.