The O's front office have done little this offseason so far. They went into the offseason with a couple of agendas: Get an Ace pitcher and another Big Bat. Both are lacking with less then a month to go before Spring Training. They have made small pickups for depth, and they have avoided trading away talent for very little. The O's have had plenty of chances to get their man to fill the Ace role in this offseason, and all the chances didn't pan out. First the O's were suppose to be the front runners for Carl Pavano going into the winter meetings and got outbidded by the Yankees. To be honest, Thank God. Pavano has only one good season and is a big roll of the dice if he can do it again. Pavano was well over payed by the Yankees. Next was Tim Hudson, I don't blame the front office for this one, but I do blame the A's front office for wanting so much for Hudson and not allowing the O's 72 hours to negotiate with Hudson. Last thus far is A.J. Burnett, the front office of the Marlins wanted Tim Hudson if they were going to trade Burnett. Since Hudson went to the Braves, the O's had no chance to get Burnett. A couple of players were on the O's radar for a power hitter. Richie Sexson and Carlos Delgado were the front runners for the O's. The O's wanted to make Raffie the full time DH and get another 1B man. Sexson said he wanted to go to Baltimore or Seattle. Scott Boras (Sexson's agent) used the O's to hike up the price for the Mariners. Delgado still has a chance to come to Baltimore, but he has three other teams Delgado is considering. Marlins, Rangers, and Mets are on Delgados list. He is also rumored to want 5 years/15 million a year. This is a total rip off for a bat and no defense in a 32 year old player. Another rumor going around is a trade with the Devil Rays for 3B Audry Huff. This would be a great up for the O's because it could either put Mora back in CF or play 1B instead of overpaying a free agent. Player News thus far: RP Steve Kline: He throws left and will join B.J. Ryan for one of the best lefty tadem in the majors. Picked up as a free agent for 2 year/5.5 million dollars SS Chris Gomez: He will compete this Spring Training for a utility spot in the infield. Picked up as a free agent and then a trade from Philly for money to minor league deal. IF Enrique Wilson: Will compete for a infield utility position during spring training. Picked up as a free agent and signed a minor league deal. IF Chris Stynes: Will compete for a infield utility position during spring training. Picked up as a free agent and signed a minor league deal. Arbitration Deals(all one year contracts): CF Louis Matos: 1.025 million 1B Rafeal Palmeiro: 3 million OF B.J. Surhoff: 1.1 million 2B Jerry Hairston JR: 1.8 million SP Rodrigo Lopez: 2.375 million RP B.J. Ryan: 2.6 million
Posted by helimech24 at January 19, 2005 02:17 AMI recently read on the espn.com that Miguel Tejada wants out of Baltimore because the team is moving in the wrong dirrection. I blame the orioles front office for this. Miguel is one of the best players in the game and even better off the field. You can ask more from him he plays everyday and gives it his all. The orioles need to find a way to make him happy. If Miguel isn't in an Oriole uniform next year I am selling my season tickets and and disowning the orioles. Miguel is the best player we have. The front office needs to get this situation handled, its definitly not a good thing when your best player wants out.
Posted by: dave at December 9, 2005 11:56 AM