I've been kind of lurking for a couple months but following along.  A lot of good information and discussion here, There are a lot of passionate, knowledgeable fans who may not always agree, but all deserve some kind of success from the team we all root for.  Just some observations on my part:
1.  Brian Roberts is done in terms of the BR we saw from 2003-2009, or anything close to that.  The back injury that shelved him before is an ongoing, strength-sucking type of injury, and apparently he's never recovered from the concussion(s) either.  So he hasn't been able to train and stay in shape like a professional athlete.  Or even work on his timing.  Two full seasons away from baseball and 34 years old?  The odds are stacked very much against him.  If I were the Orioles, I would plan assuming he's not playing at all this year.  If the headaches go away, if he plays his way into shape, and if his timing and strength recover it would be a miracle and should be looked at as a bonus.
2.  That said, Robert Andino and Ryan Adams et al are not viable everyday players.  Utility men, short term solutions while someone is on the DL?  Sure.  But they don't fill a hole.  They have to go out and get someone who does, like they did with JJ Hardy last year.
3.  Mark Reynolds should not be anywhere near 3rd base unless he's A) hitting and/or running the bases or B) on his way to first base from the 3B dugout in a few parks.  He was a butcher at 3B, merely subadequate at 1B.  Ideally he should be a DH whether he really wants to be or not.  But if he wants to last longer than his current contract and be paid a couple more years, he should learn to like DH more.  It doesn't sound any different with GM Dan Akroyd than it did before, so my dreams of having a real live power hitting 1B who belongs there like Prince Fielder are dying.  Even though Fielder would be the guy IMO who becomes the centerpiece of the team, the Orioles are determined to see if they can field a competitive team in the AL East without one.
4.  This is the year the Orioles need to s--t or get off the pot with Nolan Reimold.  If he comes into training camp strong, let him start as the everyday LF.  Let Luke Scott DH (I would rather let him go).  If he doesn't then they need to see what they can get for him in a trade, or avoid the argument alltogether by getting a proven LF.  For once I'd like to get a guy closer to the prime of his career, so out of the discussions here, Josh Willingham would be the lesser evil here although we're talking about yet another guy who strikes out a lot.
5.  People are down on Brian Matusz and up on Zach Britton.  But remember last year we felt the same way about Matusz as we do about Britton now.  With the young guys 2012 is a total question mark.  Again.  The odds they will flame out and bust are much higher than us having the next Halladay.  Hopefully one of the four or five (incl. Tillman, Arrieta, maybe Bergesen or Tommy Hunter) develop into at least a middle of the rotation quality guy.  But they need a solid innings eating acquisition much like the 1992 team did in getting Rick Sutcliffe.  Sutcliffe added stability and veteran leadership, which helped bring a young promising Mike Mussina to prominence as an ace and helped innings-eating (at the time) Ben McDonald pitch a little further down the rotation and be more successful.  The 1992 team returned largely the same offense and went from 67-95 to 89-73 with the vast majority of improvements coming in the roster.  But you need a quality starter who can pitch a couple years, not a reclamation project off the junk heap or throwing darts at a board (people mentioned Eaton, Millwood, etc).
6.  Every year I want to see them trade Jeremy Guthrie for something better, who is not an ace but a 2-4 starter capable of winning 12-15 on a good team, but each year they keep him.  This year you have to look at the rotation after him and cringe about what could happen if he's not there (and don't pick up anyone else).  Guthrie is solid, fairly dependable, just not anyone the Orioles have any business building a rotation around.
7.  I agree with those who say build the starting rotation.  At least 3-4 guys you can depend on for the season.  Then you have a couple who can be long relief or spot starters.  If your rotation is good then you don't need to rely on the bullpen.  The Orioles annually are last or near last in IP per start, which leads to bullpen injuries and relying on less reliable guys.  I said it last year that IP/start is the best indicator on how the rotation is doing, they've been miserable several years running.
8.  Kevin Gregg is garbage.

Just my thoughts - sorry so long but I haven't posted in awhile.  Let's see if anything happens at the winter meetings.

But I have to say Im gonna be pissed if the Nats end up signing Prince Fielder.

Why would you be pissed devil.  Are you still holding out for the Orioles to sign him?  Hope you're not holding your breath.

The Nationals are soooo much closer to the playoffs than the O's are.  Stephen Strassburg, Jordan Zimmerman, Ryan Zimmerman, Jayson Werth, Drew Storen, and Danny Espinoza are better than their comparitive counterparts on the Orioles.  Wilson Ramos will become a very good catcher and others like Tyler Clippard do a very good job with the roles they play.  Adding Prince Fielder and possibly Bryce Harper to this team would make them a strong competitor and possible wild-card team.  Would adding Prince to the O's make them anywhere close to the playoffs or a wild-card?  I think not. 

I feel the same way about Soriano as Figgins. It depends on how much of the contract we have to pick up. i like Soriano because he can play 2b every day if needed, or LF every day if needed. Unfortunatley his OBP is not high enough to hit leadoff anymore and neither is Figgins unless one of them had a flashback and woke up in 2008 or so. i actually would have no problem picking them both up and putting Figgins at 2b/Utility INF, and Soriano in LF/2b and see what happens. Worst case is we lose a few million bucks as i doubt either of thm would garner much in a trade.

The Nats are closer based on starting pitchng alone. Other than that I don't see them that much stronger than us overall offensively. I do like Espinoza though. If I was a nats fan I leave the Harper and Strasburg jerseys and get his. He just tries hard and plays the game right.

I do think Prince Feilder having an average year could make a lot of teams, including us a POSSIBLE wild card team. Our starting pitching does have ot improve, but if you score a half run per game more, which I think an addition like that could do, and your starting pitching only improves a quarter of a pint you are tlkaing a big turn around. At least 15 games or so.

I get your point, and I guess you are probably right, but I sure would like a chance to find out. LOL and I am with the other guy. I am tired of seeing the guys down the street spend their asses off and get guys we thought we had a chance at. Not him necessaruly, but some.

I hate the Nats. An expansion team that was formerly the Expos aka the cheapest team baseball ever produced. Last year I didnt care about Werth go ahead and waste your money. But the Os absolutely need an impact bat that isnt over the age of 35 that they routinely signed.


For me Prince signing with Washington is flat out insulting. Its like the freaking Arizona Cardinals out bidding your football team. Or the Bengals signing a noteable free agent. It just doesnt belong.

Angels Acquire Iannetta From Rockies For Chatwood

By Ben Nicholson-Smith[November 30 at 6:16pm CST]

The Angels announced that they obtained catcher Chris Iannetta from the Rockies for starting pitcher Tyler Chatwood. In a related move, the Rockies are close to signing Ramon Hernandez to a two-year, $6.5MM contract. 

The trade provides the Angels with additional offense behind the plate and rounds out the team's offense with the kind of high-OBP hitter Dipoto expressed interest in earlier in the offseason. Iannetta posted a .238/.370/.414 line in 2011 and given his career line of .235/.357/.430 the Angels are likely expecting similar production in 2012. 

Non-tender candidate Jeff Mathis is probably expendable now, whether that means the Angels trade him before the December deadline to tender arbitration eligible players contracts or cut him loose.

Chatwood, 21, posted a 4.75 ERA with 4.7 K/9, 4.5 BB/9 and a 47% ground ball rate in 142 innings as a rookie for the Angels this past season. The 2008 second round pick entered the season as the 76th ranked prospect in MLB, according to Baseball America. He has a 3.40 ERA with 7.6 K/9 and 4.9 BB/9 in parts of four minor league seasons.

The deal is Dipoto's first since being named the Angels' GM about a month ago. It's worth noting that he made the move with Dan O'Dowd, who was Dipoto's GM at the end of his playing career in Colorado. Dipoto made other significant trades as Arizona's interim GM in the summer of 2010.

I posted that because that could be the move that springboards the Jeremy Guthrie rumored trade to the Angels. They just cleared room for him.

LOL You mean in the rotation or i payroll? Either way that's funny that they needd to make nother deal to clear anything for Guthrie. I actually heard that Chatwood was one of the players the Orioles were looking at to get back in a trade if one happened, but I am sure they have a few more slugs to send us.

I have also heard rumors of Guthrie to the Dodgers and the Royals so I am thinking his name is just out there like every year, but it wouldn't surprise me to see DD dump him if he can get even one decent prospect or a couple high draft picks.

So, the Orioles sign Taylor Teagarden to back-up Matt Wieters at catcher. IMO, a total win for Baltimore in this trade. He's only 27 and isn't eligible for free agency until 2016. He was a top prospect in the Rangers organization. DD wanted a catcher who could play everyday if neceessary and got one.

That leaves an outfielder and pitching, pitching and more pitching as the last priorities on DD's list. Which I agree with 100%.

There is an absolute need for an everyday LF (Nolan Reimold is NOT the guy) who can also slide over and play CF. The O's have some interest in Cuban defector Yoenis Cespedes. Which IMO, is perfectly in line with DD's statement about finding as many ML ready players as possible (from anywhere) while the organization rebuilds its minor league structure.

I'm hoping that Chong Tae-Hyon eventually signs with the O's too. Again, he appears to be a ML ready candidate. I suspect the O's will be on the Yu Darvish posting, and wouldn't be surprised if other Cuban, DR and Asian players find themselves doning orange and black uniforms as well. These are cheaper alternatives to pricey free agents. And while its more of a hit or miss philosphy, it offers the Orioles the potential for more hits. Something that one free agent doesn't. Again, IMO, its worth the risk until the farm produces or until the O's are competitive enough to be serious post season players. At least its not retreads and declining HOFers littering the roster.







 

A completely defensive catcher, but at least he is complete. He will not help the Sunday and day game after night gam bunch score many runs, but he is provicient behind the plate by all accounts. For what we gave up the risk is well worth the possible reward. Cespeded would be a steal as well. I do know that the Orioles are keeping their eyes open in the Darvish situation. They want to post, but will not if they have good reason to believe their offer will not be competitive. The rumor is that 65M may not do it, but that may just to scare teams like the Orioles from making a bid. We will see.

I love getting involved in these things because it does not cost you prospects that you saw in your future anyway, if at all. Henry was a nice A pitcher and may eventually pitch in the big leagues, and good luck to him. I have heard the player to be named later could be a former 1st round pick, but we will see about that. But diving into the international market cost you nothing but cash. In the case of Darvish, a lot of cash, but most of it will be insured and if necessary deferred if it doesn't work out so that also is well worth the plunge. If you could end up with a top of the rotation pitcher, an effective BP arm, a sensational OF, and a cheap backup catcher you would have to call that a successful off season, even if some of the other area were not addressed. You simply cannot expect, though it could happen, to fill more than 3 positions per off season with quality players, from outside your organization, that you expect to contribute to a championship in 3 years or so when your current young core of players will be veterans. For Devil we throw in Soriano and Figgins to fight for 2b/3b/utility inf and you are in pretty good shape. Of course you need more starting pitching and a closer, but you have the basis of a team that a good pitcher would want to come to then.

I'd like the Orioles to inquire about the Cubs OF Tyler Colvin. I know its another ex-Cubbie, but his minor league and major league numbers suggest that he may be a very solid offensive ML player if given an opportunity. He'd probably come cheap now that Chicago signed David DeJesus to play regularly. Colvin, who is a left handed hitter, can also play a good CF if something happened (and it does annually) to Adam Jones.

The Angels have too many players at the DH, 1B, 3B and the OF positions (Trumbo, Morales Torii Hunter, Vernon Wells, Peter Bourjos, Mike Trout, Callapso, Bobby Abreu and Chone Figgins). Maybe the Angels would be interested in trading one of their power 1B. Either Mark Trumbo or Kendrys Morales. If Jeremy Guthrie is already being discussed, I wonder what would have to be added to acquire one of those players and Alberto Callaspo (especially if the Anaheim adds Aramis Ramirez as rumored)? Chris Davis and/or Luke Scott maybe. It would mean a move to DH for Mark Reynolds or 3B if Brian Roberts gets hurt again (and Callapso moves to 2B). Or trade Adam Jones and Guts and see if a return of Trumbo, Callapso and Bourjos could be had. I think I like the latter alot. Callapso and Bourjos can leadoff, have a ton of speed, and some pop too.

I also think the O's should take a chance on Francisco Rodriguez who I believe will be paid under market value (because he will be under valued this time around due to the saturation of closer types). K-Rod will be looking to reestablish himself as a dominant closer. A two year deal with him would add another lefty arm to the bullpen and would push Kevin Gregg into a set-up role or maybe a 7th inning role if Jim Johnson is not inserted into the rotation. Like Gregg, Tommy Hunter, Pedro Strop (and nearly every pitcher not brought up in the O's minor leagues), he's not afraid to pitch high and tight.

What would it take to trade with the Astros to obtain either Wandy Rodriguez or Brett Myers? Could we get Wandy cheap if we take on the contract of Carlos Lee (who could fill the LF vacancy for now)?

I'd also like to see the Orioles sign free agent Tigers oft injured pitcher Joel Zumaya. If he is healhy, he could team up with Strop and make a devastating one-two punch out of the bullpen. I think the reward would be worth the risk.

I'm still onboard the Asian Express too. Any/All of them should be seriously considered. The Cuban defectors too. I really like DD's approach to bringing in as many ML ready players as possible albeit without the huge free agency splash we'd all like to see happen. Guys like Taylor Teagarden and Matt Antonelli, and hopefully Chong Tae-Hyon are a good start. Not enough, but a good start.

I'd like the Orioles to inquire about the Cubs OF Tyler Colvin

Couldn't agree more.  I was thinking the same thing.  

Or trade Adam Jones and Guts and see if a return of Trumbo, Callapso and Bourjos could be had. I think I like the latter alot. Callapso and Bourjos can leadoff, have a ton of speed, and some pop too.

Was thinking of a different scenario.  I don't think Mark Trumbo is going anywhere but 1B for the Angels.  I like Bourjos and Callaspo, but with Kendrys Morales instead of Trumbo.  If they don't get Aramis Ramirez, then a Mark Reynolds, Jeremy Guthrie, and another pitcher, Chris Tillman(?) + a lower level minor leaguer could do it.  Morales at 1B, Callaspo at 2B or 3B, and Bourjos in CF moving Adam Jones to left. 

K-Rod will be looking to reestablish himself as a dominant closer. A two year deal with him would add another lefty arm to the bullpen and would push Kevin Gregg into a set-up role or maybe a 7th inning role if Jim Johnson is not inserted into the rotation.

K-Rod is a righty, but again I agree.  Ow risk, high reward. 

What would it take to trade with the Astros to obtain either Wandy Rodriguez or Brett Myers? Could we get Wandy cheap if we take on the contract of Carlos Lee (who could fill the LF vacancy for now)?

Couldn't disagree more.  Carlos Lee is nothing but a DH at this point, and he is too expensive.  He's exactly what Buck is not looking for, someone who will clog up the DH role.  The Astros want a bunch for Wandy Rodriguez,  The O's don't have enough unless they trade away either Bundy brother, Manny Machado, or Jonathan Schoop.  Not worth it for a 30 + y.o. pitcher who can be very inconsistent and ha never pitched in the Al, let alone the AL East.  Brett Myers - no thank you. 

I'd also like to see the Orioles sign free agent Tigers oft injured pitcher Joel Zumaya.

Was thinking that also.  Not sure how I feel about unless he signs for the league minimum with a lot of incentives. 

I'm still onboard the Asian Express too. Any/All of them should be seriously considered. The Cuban defectors too. I really like DD's approach to bringing in as many ML ready players as possible albeit without the huge free agency splash we'd all like to see happen. Guys like Taylor Teagarden and Matt Antonelli, and hopefully Chong Tae-Hyon are a good start. Not enough, but a good start.

Again, couldn't agree more.  I like the moves so far.  I also like that he already has contracts out to 6 minor league FA's and has signed a couple of them so far.  Unlike the previous regime, DD doesn't wait for things to happen.  He makes them happen.

Did anybody read that the Orioles are the team rumored for the Japanese middle infielder that has to post this year and since the bid had to be in today, they may have been the only team that bid on him?

Hiroyuki Nakajima - SS - Player

According to Patrick Newman of NPB Tracker, at least one MLB team has bid on Japanese infielder Hiroyuki Nakajima.

The posting period for Nakajima expired Friday. According to Newman, the Seibu Lions are expected to accept the highest bid regardless of the amount. The 29-year-old batted .297 with 16 home runs, 100 RBI and 21 stolen bases this past season. It's not clear who may have made an offer, but the Orioles have been linked to him in the past.


Im with everyones way of thinking to get K Rod. I think they could buy low on him and than have the goggle squad at the back end of the bullpen with him and Kevin Gregg, since moving Gregg will be hard to do.

The Astros have to get a GM before they do anything. Carlos Lee I think has a no trade clause though. He has played a little first base and would be a good idea for an alternative DH or Lf but again I think he has a no trade clause.

The Angels dont have Chone Figgins though. I know they have a lot of talent on that team and young talent. But IF Adam Jones name came up at all in a trade discussion and Dan Haren wasnt attached to that discussion its no dice for me. They have to get somebody proven for given up their best trade chip.

Joel Zumyaya reportedly has worked out for the Red Sox or there is mutual interest in him. Id like him to be here as well but they wont win out against the Sox or Yanks.

A lot is being made of Jeremy Guthrie being available and dangled in trade talks which everyone knows Im all for. But I think they could get Joe Blanton from the Phillies and could possibly pursuade them on Vance Worley. Also the White Sox are offering up John Danks. That would give the Os another lefty.

Orioles Links: Pitching, Jones, Player Development

By Mike Axisa[December 3 at 12:47pm CST]

Here's the latest from Baltimore, less than 48 hours before the winter meetings begin...

• "I don't know that we have the kind of pitching depth that we need," said GM Dan Duquette to Roch Kubatko of MASNSports.com. "It would be hard for us to trade pitching unless we got some pitching in return or we had a viable alternative in place." Yesterday we heard that Jeremy Guthrie is being shopped.
• "I can't really tell you, I haven't looked at the numbers or the contract," said Duquette to Steve Melewski of MASNSports.com when asked about a potential contract extension for Adam Jones. "That is something that if we are going to take a look at, it would be after the first of the year."
• Duquette also told Melewski that his first order of business over the next few weeks is to put a productive player development system in place and expand the team's international efforts.
• Dan Connolly of The Baltimore Sun believes the Orioles will make more than one move during the winter meetings next week, including a trade. He expects the moves to be generally underwhelming, though.
• Kubatko tweets that the team is expected to announce two front office hires tomorrow. He's heard that Fred Ferreira will be brought in as international scouting director and Gordon Blakeley as a special assistant, though those moves are not confirmed yet.

Also, it seems Hiroki Kuroda has relaxed his "west coast only" stance and is willing to consider deals from any team. He has had the most successful first four years of any japanese starter in the majors and seems to be getting better with age. He has a losing record, but also has a career 3.45 ERA in almost 700 innings and a 1.19 WHIP to go along with it. I doubt he would come to Baltimore, but it sure is worth making an offer to especially if we are serious about Darvish, who will be posted after the winter meetings, says Ken Rosenthal. He says there are some little things to be worked out, but his divorce will not be a factor. I really hope we're serious about Darvish. If we can land him and Kuroda is still unsigned, maybe it will increase our chances. Unfortunately, Boston is also interested in Darvish considering Valentine did manage in Japan for some time and had to face him numerous times. I want us to come out on the winning end of this one.

Its not uncommon for pitchers to put up great pitching stats in a great pitching park like the Dodgers have. HK doesnt blow my hair back.

New Orioles news on MLBTR basically saying we are looking for a left handed bat that can back up in center field and possibly platoon in left field. "Platoon" seems to indicate that our left field position will be filled internally. If so, it almost has to be Reimold at this point. Also, Red Sox first base coach Ron Johnson will be managing down in Norfolk next season. We are also in the market for a DH. Unfortunately, the rumors state that DD is "intruiged" by the possible comeback of Manny Ramirez. God, I hope that's not true. Either way, if true, seems to indicate that we are not interested in bringing Luke Scott back in a full time role which I am fine with.

With the winter meetings just a few hours away, I took a quick look at the pitching (starter and relief) free agent pool and wonder if certain players would be a fit for the Orioles. I know that Dan Duquette is leaning more to trades, but the team will have to at least try to sign some veteran help in free agency as well.

Relief Pitching:

David Aardsma - Former Mariners closer (will be 30 years old) had 69 saves in 83 chances over the 2009 and 2010 ML seasons in Seattle (was injured for the entire 2011 season). He had a terrific WHIP of 1.16 and BAA .236, and a better than average ERA. If the O's don't sign a closer he could be added to that mix and compete with Kevin Gregg and possibly Jim Johnson.

Joe Beimel - Former Pirates lefty specialist who was released after his worse ML season ever in 2011, but excelled in previous seasons. He'll be 35 in April but certainly could be brought in if he would accept a minor league contract or a ML veteran's minimum contract.

Taylor Buchholz - 30 year old former Mets, Rockies and Astros pitcher who can start and relieve. Has decent numbers across the board but most impressively is his control (85 walks in 311 innings) and his H/9 is under 1 (which equates to a very nice 1.20 WHIP).

Juan Cruz - 33 year old former Rays reliever. He knows the AL east and has been successful. He's a strikeout pitcher who has closer experience.

Aaron Heilman - 33 year old former Diamondbacks pitcher and Mets prospect has good career numbers (although 2011 was a disaster in Arizona). He's a veteran who can start or relieve and could help stabilize a young staff.

Starting Pitching:

Erik Bedard - Soon to be 33 year old could make his comeback in Baltimore where it all began. His numbers have always been pretty good and last year's were also despite the injuries and trade from Seattle to the Red Sox.

Zach Duke - The soon to be 28 year old was a top prospect of the Pirates. He's been rather pedestrian up until now, but is a young veteran who may still breakout. And being a lefty helps too.

Jeff Francis - The one time Rockies prospect turns 30 in January. Like Duke, he's been rather pedestrian. But he's a lefty and still young enough to breakout or at least be a viable component of a young rotation.

Aaron Harang - The 33 year old former Athletics prospect and Reds and Padres pitcher could be an innings eating veteran (although its been a couple of years since he's thrown 200 innings). He is probably more of a bottom of the rotation type, but could be valuable as a competitive veteran and placewarmer for the O's young arms.

Rich Harden - The 30 year old one time Oakland top prospect was lights out until three years ago. Injuries have derailed a once promising career. If he can stay healthy he'd be an ace. Is about risk and reward with him.

Edwin Jackson - A former MLB top 5 prospect with the Dodgers, Jackson now 28 has been with 5 teams in a 9 year career. He's a veteran workhorse with quality numbers. This is the kind of addition that Baltimore needs to make. He can easily duplicate Jeremy Guthrie's numbers atop the rotation and is nearly 5 years younger.

Scott Kazmir - The former Angels pitcher and Tampa ace and top prospect has free fallen to obscurity. He's not even 27 years old and left handed. Sign him to a minor league contract and send him to Scott McGregor and see what happens. The talent is there.

Paul Maholm - He's 29, left handed and another former Pittsburgh prospect who appears to nave had his development stymied. There were glimpses of top tier talent this past year, so the reward may be worth the risk.

I like all five of the aforementioned free agent relievers, but Buchholz is my clear favorite followed by Aardsma and Heilman.

My favorite free agent starters would have to be Edwin Jackson (first and foremost), and then Bedard and Harden. I also like Duke and Maholm. But, I'd really like the O's to sign Kazmir and see if they can get him straightened out.

Relief wise, I'd go with Aardsma, Buchholz and Cruz. I don't really care much for Heilman.

Starter wise, I had been tossing the idea of Kazmir around myself. Why not? So long as he will agree to a minor league contract, that would be great and I'd even throw in some incentives if he can make it back to the majors. If we can straighten him out, he'd be a huge addition to this club.

I'm not really that interested in Bedard, though. I think we need stability and Bedard wouldn't make it a full season, at least, I would be crazy to count on that. However, if Bedard would agree to be a bullpen guy, I think he'd make a great long reliever and may even work his way to the back of the bullpen. I just don't think he can start at this point in his career and stay healthy. In the bullpen, I think there's a chance he could stay healthy and be one of the best relievers in baseball.

I do like Zach Duke and would love to get him here in the back of the rotation, but I'm not sure about Harden for the same reasons as Bedard. Harden hasn't been very effective the last two seasons, so I don't think he'd be a good signing. I also like Jackson and Maholm. There are some pretty good choices in there. Good list, OTM.

I mentioned Eric Bedard as a reliever in the past and got laughed at. Its either give him the old Arthur Rhodes role OR let him start and give him 8 days rest in between starts and see if you cant squeeze out 20 starts out of him.

Im also of the mind that Scott Kazmir would be a fine addition and a cheap one. If he doesnt make the team or isnt effective like he hasnt been, you just cut him loose, no harm no foul. But the Os need all the arms they can possibly get and try to find 5 that will pan out to start let alone whos gonna take over in the bullpen.

When I read about Manny Ramirez I literaly threw up in my mouth. They better stay as far away from that clown as possible. It would totally contradict what they have stated as well in the past about wanting to have flexibility for the DH position.

It would make sense if what I read was true that someone posted for the Japanese SS and that team could be the Orioles. To move him to 2b and let Brian Roberts DH, or rotate him and J.J. Hardy between SS and DH. It gives them a lot of possibilities.

It also just seems everything you keep reading about the Os, whatever they do will come via trade. Having Alfonso Soriano surface as somebody the Cubs want to dump and they are willing to eat half and perhaps more of his remaining 3 yr contract, I think he would make a lot of sense for the Orioles.

I think the offense is only a couple of players away. One good trade and perhaps a free agent signing can fill the remaining offensive holes. Not so much for the pitching. I'm in favor of bringing in every ML ready pitcher the O's can via free agency and trade. Pick the best 12 for your pitching staff and go north with them in April. Offensively, however, the team can be more choosey.

That's why I've gotta say "NO" to Alfonso Soriano. His contract is far too long at three years. He's no longer fleet afoot and his defense has eroded. Luke Scott in LF would be a better defensive option at this point. In addition, his ability to play 2B is long passed. I loved the way he played, but like many others including Vladimir Guerrero, his time has come and gone. If the Orioles and Cubs deal, Baltimore should bring back Tyler Colvin, a left handed bat who can play everyday in LF and slide into CF when necessary.

After thinking about it some more, I would also say "NO" to Chone Figgins too. The O's need to build from its core and reclaimation projects such as Figgins could be a distraction. Chone was also a great player once upon a time. The fairy tale is over now. Move on and away from him. If the O's want to take a chance, it should be on younger players who may become part of the core. Chris Davis, Taylor Teagarden and Matt Antonelli fit that profile. Maybe Chris and Matt in particular, surprise us this season.

Quite frankly, I have no idea who DD has spoken too about potential trades. I do know that he has said he'll look for players that are blocked on their current teams. If so, there are some rather interesting possibilities.

If the Mariners sign Prince Fielder (a distinct possibility), Justin Smoak would become available.

In Cincinnati, the Reds are listening to offers for Yonder Alonso who is blocked by Joey Votto.

The Angels have been taking calls on Peter Bourjos since they have a surplus of 1B/OF/DH types. They may deal Kendrys Morales too.

The Twins would like Justin Morneau to DH full time and have Joe Mauer play half his games at 1B (that's why Ryan Doumit signed there). That probably means that Jason Kubel will not be re-signed. Kubel could play 1B/LF/DH for the O's and brings a very good left handed bat with him.

If the Blue Jays sign Fielder there's a good chance that either Travis Snider or Adam Lind becomes available.

The Tigers have 5 OF's without Magglio Ordonez. Brennan Boesch or Ryan Rayburn could become available.

The Rockies have made Seth Smith available.

This is a sample of 1B/OF/DH options. I'm sure there are tons more. Making a trade for any of these players does mean giving something up in return though. For the first time ever, per the new CBA rules, a team may trade its new fair competition pick. Perhaps that would help get a deal done. Depending on the lottery, the Orioles will receive a pick after the first or second rounds. One thing for sure, Duquette has gotten things moving alot faster than Andy McPhail. Andy did obtain both Mark Reynolds and J.J. Hardy at last year's winter meeting though. So, let's see what Dan can get done. Its really kind of exciting.