Per Jeff Z: O's in serious talks for JJ Hardy!

[Kinvan]

He hurt his wrist early in the year and never really recovered.

Thanks. Then it seems like a fantastic move if we can make it happen.

[markdublya]

Hardy, LaR'O'che, Koji and some more relievers and I will be....dare I say it....happy about the offseason!

[Flosman]

Good point. There does seem to be an awful lot of information out there for a trade involving AM.

Thats because Buck is the one moving and shaking, with a constant schedule of first class wining and dining. This is the proof The Prophet of the one true way said would be revealed to us.:wedge:

[waroriole]

Everyone seems excited about the possibility of Hardy. Forgive me for not knowing this but what was the cause of the drop-off in his numbers last year? Was he injured or in Minn a pitcher's park? Or was it just an off year from the power perspective?

Wrist problems, and also the MN ballpark.

His home/road splits were drastic: HOME: .652 OPS AWAY: .768 OPS

http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?id=hardyjj01&year=2010&t=b

[Dipper9]

But isn't that why roller coasters are fun??

Hang on for the ride! :mwahaha:

[MurphDogg]

Everyone seems excited about the possibility of Hardy. Forgive me for not knowing this but what was the cause of the drop-off in his numbers last year? Was he injured or in Minn a pitcher's park? Or was it just an off year from the power perspective?

Both injury and the home park seemed to be a factor. He had a wrist injury that sapped his power and his OPS was .768 on the road, a full 100 points higher than at Target Field. He is only 28 though and if he plays 120+ games next year at anywhere near his normal output he should be a type B free agent. Defensively he is similar to Izturis, Hardy was better by most measures in 2010 and 2007, Izturis was much better in 2008 and 2009. Definitely an upgrade. If we can wrap this trade, add a solid first baseman and a couple bullpen arms I will be counting down the days until the season starts.

[Going Underground]

Hang on for the ride! :mwahaha:

Yup. and watch us end up with Bartlett.:laughlol:

[TGO]

Wrist problems, and also the MN ballpark.

His home/road splits were drastic: HOME: .768 OPS AWAY: .652 OPS

http://www.baseball-reference.com/players/split.cgi?id=hardyjj01&year=2010&t=b

You have those numbers switched.

[Carroll County]

Interesting to see what the next article is on that page:

http://www.startribune.com/sports/twins/blogs/111430464.html?elr=KArksi8cyaiUqCP:i_17cQiU47cQUzyaP37D_MDua_eyD5PcOiU

That article makes me interested in Okajima should we resign Koji.

[Dipper9]

Yup. and watch us end up with Bartlett.:laughlol:

Or Izzy! :vader:

[waroriole]

You have those numbers switched.

Oops, corrected.

[statman]

If we can land Hardy, we'd have a pretty stout offense going into next year. The O's don't have the HUGE names like the Sox/Yanks but they would have some serious depth. If the starting pitchers can keep performing the way they did under Buck in August/September, we (the fans) could be in for something special.

[scOtt]

Hopefully Hardy can be extended 2-3 years.

Hardy is headed for arbitration, right? Most likely (if we get him) we'll try to avoid arb and sign a contract. Maybe he could be locked up before New Years.

[Going Underground]

If we can land Hardy, we'd have a pretty stout offense going into next year. The O's don't have the HUGE names like the Sox/Yanks but they would have some serious depth. If the starting pitchers can keep performing the way they did under Buck in August/September, we (the fans) could be in for something special.

Only if Wieters and Jones keep progessing.

[Ruzious]

IIRC, he is either 23 or 24.

Just turned 24. He was a college boy drafted in the 4th round of the 2008 draft - just has 2 years plus 20some innings pro experience. Nobody says he's a top prospect, but he seems legit, and this would be the 2nd time someone traded an established MLer for him.