100 replies to this topic

[mweb08]

I'm not really a big fan of this deal, but was going to make the point SG made about Lindstrom primarily being used in low leverage situations. So he's not that valuable to the O's due to the way he is used, even though I'm not sure why he's been used like that as he's clearly been good enough to be be used more often in high leverage situations.

With all that said, I'm not sure that Saunders is really upgrading anything, especially once Hammel comes back. He is dependable as Mackus has pointed out, so having him in the rotation is a safer play than having Johnson or Britton or Gonzalez, I'm just not sure it's the better play.

[mweb08]

casey willett ‏@cdwill77
Diamondbacks now have Lindtsrom,Albers,Hernandez,Bergesen all in bullpen. #Orioles

I haven't checked David's stats out this year, but damn, I'm wishing the O's never made the deal for Reynolds.

185 ERA+, 2.19 FIP, 13.33 K/9

[JeffLong]

I haven't checked David's stats out this year, but damn, I'm wishing the O's never made the deal for Reynolds.

185 ERA+, 2.19 FIP, 13.33 K/9

The only thing for me is Hernandez could've made Jim Johnson expendable. I think he'd make a damn fine closer.

That said, if you don't think he's a closer, we have plenty of bullpen arms in the minors so not really a big deal.

[ravens8589]

As I have said I really do not think this move is about numbers. Yes, Saunders will more than likely not pitch anything under a 4 ERA but let's look at what he does provide.

He is a Vet to a young rotation. He helps give some foundation to this team and can consistently give us 6 innings (hopefully). I would put him in the rotation over Britton or Johnson. That is to show no disrespect towards them. They have pitched well recently. I have liked what I have seen. BUT, in Brittons case, he has shown the ability to implode in games. I am not saying he can't pitch this well the rest of the way but is it worth the risk in the middle of a pennant race? I honestly do not think so. I believe Britton will get a start or two between now and the end and so will Johnson. Right now at this moment, I keep Johnson in the rotation over Britton. I liked how he bounced back last night after giving up the 2-run homerun. I see the rotation as this once Hammel returns.

1.Chen
2.Hammel
3.Tillman
4.Saunders
5.Johnson

Honestly, that is a decent rotation in my eyes. I could be wrong on that but that is a rotation that gives us a chance to win game in and game out. Feel free to disagree but I see this as a good enough rotation to propel us into the post-season.

[mweb08]

The only thing for me is Hernandez could've made Jim Johnson expendable. I think he'd make a damn fine closer.

That said, if you don't think he's a closer, we have plenty of bullpen arms in the minors so not really a big deal.

I don't care that much about the closer role to be honest. I care about having great arms to put on the mound in high leverage situations. Hernandez is certainly that, and it's hard to have too many of those guys.

[JeffLong]

I don't care that much about the closer role to be honest. I care about having great arms to put on the mound in high leverage situations. Hernandez is certainly that, and it's hard to have too many of those guys.

Here's the thing though. You may not care about the "closer role" but MLB teams do. Billy Beane used to throw guys in the closer role (e.g. Andrew Bailey) and then flip them for prospects, rinse and repeat.

There's certainly value in having a lot of good arms, but a lot of guys can succeed in short stints on the mound.

[bnickle]

I kinda like it. I think Saunders is likely one of our 5 best SP. It also allows a Gonzo or Steve Johnson to go to the pen where they are likely to be better than Lidstrom. Worst case scenario is Saunders gets rocked in a start or two and is moved to the pen as a LH specialist where apparently he has been very good on lefties. Ultimately, it comes down to Saunders being more valuable than Lidstrom for us. DUH!!

[mweb08]

Here's the thing though. You may not care about the "closer role" but MLB teams do. Billy Beane used to throw guys in the closer role (e.g. Andrew Bailey) and then flip them for prospects, rinse and repeat.

There's certainly value in having a lot of good arms, but a lot of guys can succeed in short stints on the mound.

I'm not sure what that has to do with wanting Hernandez on the team regardless of his role. Also, if he's good enough to do what he's doing, he's very very likely to be good enough to close.

And not many guys can succeed to the level he is in short stints on the mound.

[Russ]

I would've rather brought up Bundy.

[Mike B]

I don't like subtracting from the pen but Jake may take care of that. Saunders is a back of the rotation guy but not a bad pickup. Are the Orioles going to use a 6 man rotation in September. I think yes.

[RShack]

Of the non-Gregg BP guys, I'd rather keep the rest of them.

Buck was saying he can't leave Matusz in until he gets another LHP because he needs him available every night. Well, now he's got another LHP. LHB have an OPS of .472 against Saunders this year. Not saying they're targeting him for the BP, just saying he's another part for Buck to use in whatever way seems best in the moment... he's been very Earl-like this year about doing that...

[Chris B]

Some of Saunders' comments from Britt's latest blog:

“I am very excited,” said Saunders, a Virginia native who was raised an Oriole fan and reflected fondly on the short drive to Camden Yards he made frequently with his family. “I grew up watching Mike Musssina, Cal Ripken [Jr.], Chris Hoiles, Mickey Tettleton, Rafael Palmeiro, all those vintage Oriole guys that were there at the time.

I just remember sitting in the games at the upper deck just thinking to myself it would be really cool one day to play in one of these stadiums. And now I will.”

More here: http://brittghiroli....-from-saunders/

[BSLChrisStoner]

Camden Depot: The Case for Joe Saunders
http://camdendepot.b...e-saunders.html

[BSLChrisStoner]

Dempsey's Army: Baltimore acquires Saunders from Arizona
http://dempseysarmy....uders-from.html

[You Play to Win the Game]

Camden Depot: The Case for Joe Saunders
http://camdendepot.b...e-saunders.html

Great work by Jon Shepherd there.

[SportsGuy]

Nice to see him missing bats at the highest rate of his career since 2006.

[RShack]

Here's what OTE+ says about him...

2005 28.8 <<<5
2006 57.6 #5
2007 67.4 #4
2008 93.0 #1
2009 63.3 #4
2010 62.9 #4
2011 77.8 #3
2012 70.2 #3 (barely)
8 yrs 70.2 #3 (barely)
[EDIT]

Except for his first 2 years, he's always averaged between 18 and 19 outs per start.

[SportsGuy]

30+ innings of 4.50 ERA would be great. This is assuming 5 starts.

[JeremyStrain]

He's consistent, and is what people refer to as an innings eater if he stays healthy. Solid back end guy on a decent team. Probably swing guy on a really good team, but given our rotation, he could stabilize things a bit or help in the pen. Not a terrible move, not a game changer either.

[You Play to Win the Game]

Duq has embraced marginal upgrades all season long. That's likely all this is, but every little bit helps. Leave no stone un-turned...