Cowser-Norby platoon in left in 2024?

[Malike]

4 minutes ago, Can_of_corn said:

How do they prove it?

They could call Markakis for tips.

[Can_of_corn]

33 minutes ago, Malike said:

They aren't trading the entire OF/IF of existing players to give prospects the spots. I think it's more likely they trade prospects for pitching and the ones that remain will get a chance to break camp with the team if they force the issue.

Trading the vets is a lot less expensive than trading prospects and then paying for the pitchers you traded for.

[Malike]

Just now, Can_of_corn said:

Trading the vets is a lot less expensive than trading prospects and then paying for the pitchers you traded for.

I'd hope they are trading for equal value, not trading prospects for 30 year old starters. Teams that are backlogged in the minors with pitching like we are with hitting would probably be the best fit.

[Can_of_corn]

6 minutes ago, Malike said:

I'd hope they are trading for equal value, not trading prospects for 30 year old starters. Teams that are backlogged in the minors with pitching like we are with hitting would probably be the best fit.

You don't see those types of deals very often.

I agree it would be nice to get someone making the min with six years of team control.

[AnythingO's]

43 minutes ago, MurphDogg said:

McKenna doesn't need to be optionable to be the backup CF. There are some scouts that think Cowser could play a credible CF, but I haven't seen it.

If O'Hearn is traded, I would prefer Kjerstad backing up first rather than Santander.

I think they stopped working him at 1B at AAA this year due to poor results. Mayo is the 1B of the future now. HK is a COF or a DH most likely.

[DirtyBird]

Could either of them cover LF in our home games?

[orioles22]

1 hour ago, spleen1015 said:

Anything is possible, but not until someone proves they're better.

It doesn't work that way. Players are moved all the time because the GM thinks/hopes someone is ready to take over.

[orioles22]

5 minutes ago, DirtyBird said:

Could either of them cover LF in our home games?

Cowser wasn't great in his earlier trip to Baltimore, but he is recognized as a very good outfielder as a top prospect. He is playing center in AAA. He should be able to handle left. Norby is something of a project out there, but he has a better chance in left than second. He played left last night.

[OriolesMagic83]

Stop trying to keep every possible O's prospect as a platoon/utility player.  Some of them need to and will be traded.

[Bemorewins]

WHY? - What's wrong with Austin Hays? Moreover, what's wrong with keeping good players on the team so we can win? Who didn't enjoy having this incredible season where we won 101 games? Why would we be trying to invite ways to continue with some sort of rebuild? 

We are not paying anyone as is (2nd lowest payroll for this year). Why would we need to go even cheaper??

[bpilktree]

27 minutes ago, Bemorewins said:

WHY? - What's wrong with Austin Hays? Moreover, what's wrong with keeping good players on the team so we can win? Who didn't enjoy having this incredible season where we won 101 games? Why would we be trying to invite ways to continue with some sort of rebuild? 

We are not paying anyone as is (2nd lowest payroll for this year). Why would we need to go even cheaper??

Because we are looking long term not short term.  The lower level minors are not strong as it was before so Elias will use veterans to restock it as we don’t have top picks or much pool money coming in drafts.  I expect Hays or Santander will be moved for minor league prospects.  Urias and Mateo maybe moved for additional bullpen help or prospect lottery ticket type.  The rotation actually might be a strong point so not sure they really push to upgrade it unless it makes sense.  Bradish, GRod, Means Kremer is as good of top 4 as there is imo.  

[24fps]

1 hour ago, Bemorewins said:

WHY? - What's wrong with Austin Hays? Moreover, what's wrong with keeping good players on the team so we can win? Who didn't enjoy having this incredible season where we won 101 games? Why would we be trying to invite ways to continue with some sort of rebuild? 

We are not paying anyone as is (2nd lowest payroll for this year). Why would we need to go even cheaper??

Mountcastle, Wells, Perez, Webb, Urias and Irvin all hit Arb 1 in 2024.  Hays will hit Arb 2 and get a raise from $3.1 million; Mullins will be Arb 2 and will need a raise from $4 million; Means is Arb 3 and will get a raise from $3 million.  Santander will be the most expensive hitting Arb 4 and is currently earning $7.4 million for 2023.  Santander is clearly the most eligible trade candidate looking solely at payroll.  I also see Urias as expendable.  I'm guessing that losing Gibson and Frazier makes the Arb raises somewhere close to a wash.

Remember that the O's will also be paying around $22 million in deferred and retained salaries (Davis, Cobb et. al.) in 2024 according to Spotrac.

The basic reason to stay cheap is to retain the ability to sign select players like Henderson to early extensions and I hope they do.  I can see a benefit to doing the same with Adley and Means.  Also there's always a need for a FA or two every season.  I predict Hays and Mullins returning in 2024 but only Mullins in 2025 and the O's at a $100 million payroll in 2025 anyway.  Hopefully they can find a sustainable sweet spot around $125 million but I think they build up to it.

 

[Bemorewins]

1 hour ago, bpilktree said:

Because we are looking long term not short term.  The lower level minors are not strong as it was before so Elias will use veterans to restock it as we don’t have top picks or much pool money coming in drafts.  I expect Hays or Santander will be moved for minor league prospects.  Urias and Mateo maybe moved for additional bullpen help or prospect lottery ticket type.  The rotation actually might be a strong point so not sure they really push to upgrade it unless it makes sense.  Bradish, GRod, Means Kremer is as good of top 4 as there is imo.  

Who’s the “we”? 
 

Anyway, hey fan however you want. As for me, I’m going to enjoy the opportunity that is right in front of us. Respect to you though.

[oriolediehard]

7 hours ago, orioles22 said:

Trade, of course. You don't think we're going to trade any of our starters?

I read somewhere that Elias said during this past trade deadline that the other organizations wanted ridiculous return!! We will get screwed in trades. If we want to make improvements for next year, signing FA's is the best way. The cost of FA's are also ridiculous, but we won't have to raid our farm system for 1 player.  Nobody is going to give us a deal.

[orioles22]

33 minutes ago, oriolediehard said:

I read somewhere that Elias said during this past trade deadline that the other organizations wanted ridiculous return!! We will get screwed in trades. If we want to make improvements for next year, signing FA's is the best way. The cost of FA's are also ridiculous, but we won't have to raid our farm system for 1 player.  Nobody is going to give us a deal.

I'm talking about trading one of our starting outfielders to make room for one or two of our top prospects and replenish our farm system at the lower levels. Elias has been great at finding great young talent. Not sure we need to sign any free agents, at least expensive ones. If we're going to spend big money it should go to Adley or Gunnar.