69 replies to this topic

[Mackus]

Eovaldi is the only player off the market that I wanted. He's a Texas guy and chose to stay in Texas for $25M per. What do the O's have to do to beat that? $27M, $28M? I'm not sure he's worth that for 3 years entering his age 35 season.

 

I really liked Crochet as well, but we probably have to offer Basallo or Mayo, Honeycutt or Bradfield, Fabian, and Bright to beat Boston's offer.  Boston gave up a ton for him, way more than we gave up for Burnes or SD gave up for Cease last year.

 

I see the argument for anyone who wanted to do that.  Its a ton, but you're getting a huge asset for two years, albeit with plenty of risk.

[NewMarketSean]

LOL

 

Same old offseason Orioles.

[BSLChrisStoner]

I really liked Crochet as well, but we probably have to offer Basallo or Mayo, Honeycutt or Bradfield, Fabian, and Bright to beat Boston's offer.  Boston gave up a ton for him, way more than we gave up for Burnes or SD gave up for Cease last year.

 

I see the argument for anyone who wanted to do that.  Its a ton, but you're getting a huge asset for two years, albeit with plenty of risk.

Did you see CBS gave the return to Chicago a B?  (Link the WS thread.)

 

I would have given them Basallo (not Mayo), Honeycutt or Bradfield (Bradfield my choice), and whoever. 

[Mackus]

Did you see CBS gave the return to Chicago a B? (Link the WS thread.)

I would have given them Basallo (not Mayo), Honeycutt or Bradfield (Bradfield my choice), and whoever.

I saw that and felt it was a ridiculous grade.

Top-25, top-50, and two other org guys between 10-15 is a massive haul. That's basically what we gave up for Burnes PLUS the top-25 guy. It's way more than SD gave for Cease.

Don't think it's necessarily a bad plan to beat that offer. But gotta admit that it's a massive, massive package.

[BaltBird 24]

A lot of risk giving up that much for a guy with a track record like Crochet.

Could he be great and anchor their rotation for the next 5 years? Absolutely. Could it be Erik Bedard part 2? Absolutely.

[Mike B]

Hey Guys, it has been awhile since I posted, but I do check in to see where or how high the temperature is on developments regarding our favorite teams.

I was hoping the Orioles would come out aggressive this off season, but I am not surprised or disappointed in their activity so far.  I think there is still time and options for them to improve their 2025 roster.  A couple of thoughts.

Pitching.

- Please no more one year rentals if they are going to cost top prospects.  A farm system can get barren pretty quickly using that approach.

- There are a few starters who IMO, could help.  If they can not keep Burnes, (and I think there is still a chance), then Sean Manaea would be my next hope.  I guess a reunion with Jack Flaherty would be okay but would not create much excitement.

- The old guy possibilities.  I have had a feeling the Orioles will bring in one of the grey beards.  Verlander, Scherzer, Quintana, Lance Lynn etc.  Just a gut feeling one of those may be wearing orange and black.

-  My crazy trade thought.  I told my sons, that I think Ryan Mountcastle for Jordan Montgomery could happen.  The DBacks owner has made it known he wants to move Montgomery, and they need a first baseman.  It makes sense to me.  I think Montgomery is much better than he showed last year.

 

-Bullpen-- I was a little surprised that we picked on the options on Perez and Dominguez, not to mention kept Soto while letting Coulombe and Webb go.  We went the much more expensive route, and I am not sure we are better off.  Elias wants the hard throwers.

I think we need to get a second closer to make sure they can slow play Felix.

 

The lineup.

I think we got a little worse this off season.  While I think Sanchez is better than McCann, I think O"Neill is a step down from Santander.  I think the Orioles are counting on the offensive improvements coming from Jackson Holliday. Kjerstad, Mayo and a better year from Adley.  That is reasonable IMO.  

If the Orioles trade Mounty, then There are a number of free agent options that would not break the bank.  I would love to see Paul Goldschmidt in an Orioles uniform.

I think the Orioles will bring in another veteran bat for the outfield.  Grichuk or Austin Hays might fit.

 

The off season is still young.  There is still time to solidify an already good roster.

 

I hope everyone is well.  Happy Holidays!

[Mackus]

I like the idea of Montgomery but can't be the only SP you add. Also think Mounty is too much for him and we don't need the salary relief that Arizona could throw in to make it equal. I would do Mounty for Castillo and then just take Montgomery for close to nothing.

Risk that those guys are just ok or even worse than that, but also upside that they are quite good.

I would like Burnes and Sasaki a lot more!

[BaltBird 24]

I'd take Montgomery as a salary dump, but not giving up a possible asset like Mountcastle for it. I'd absolutely take him and his upside over every one else slated to be our 5th starter. There's still plenty to like in his Savant profile to suggest he can rebound to a solid starter level.

[Roll Tide]

I'd take Montgomery as a salary dump, but not giving up a possible asset like Mountcastle for it. I'd absolutely take him and his upside over every one else slated to be our 5th starter. There's still plenty to like in his Savant profile to suggest he can rebound to a solid starter level.

I'd rather they didn't go after and waste spots on reclamation projects. Montgomery was beyond awful and I'd be concerned about him being done.

 

I still think we are in on Burnes and I believe Rubenstein wants him to return. I won't believe they passed at being more aggressive with Fried, Eovaldi, and the other guys that would be close to what Burnes will give them.

 

Plan B would mean trading more prospects as the remaining comparables are Gray, Cease, and a Mariners guy. Besides Gray who would need to waive his NTC and likely is a dump the others will cost handsomely in prospects. And we've depleted our supply quite a bit and including the hits we just took in the rule 5 and AAA portions of the draft.

[makoman]

Montgomery wouldn't be the first pitcher who's done at 32, and he did seem to lose some velocity last year, but if the scouts are on board I'd be fine giving him a shot. He might have just gotten screwed over by the dumb decision to not have a spring training. I'd treat him mostly as a salary dump though, wouldn't want to give up Mountcastle, and I agree that he shouldn't be relied on as the only SP you get.

[Slidemaster]

I don't think anyone of consequence is getting added to the rotation unless it's through trade. I worry Elias won't do that, as it would likely take one or several blue chippers, and he seems not to want to do that.

[BaltBird 24]

I mean, he literally added Burnes last year, so not sure why trading for a pitcher wouldn't be an option.

[BaltBird 24]

Montgomery wouldn't be the first pitcher who's done at 32, and he did seem to lose some velocity last year, but if the scouts are on board I'd be fine giving him a shot. He might have just gotten screwed over by the dumb decision to not have a spring training. I'd treat him mostly as a salary dump though, wouldn't want to give up Mountcastle, and I agree that he shouldn't be relied on as the only SP you get.

The advanced metrics were pretty in line with his career. Still plenty of chase and whiff and he's tough to barrel up, though his velocity was slightly down, but not terrible.

He'd be a straight salary dump, though. Not giving up anything of real value.

[jamesdean]

I think everyone better prepare themselves that come Spring Training, the Orioles' pitching staff will be what the roster says it is right now. 

[Hooded Viper]

I think everyone better prepare themselves that come Spring Training, the Orioles' pitching staff will be what the roster says it is right now. 

Def not going to be the case.

[jamesdean]

Def not going to be the case.

We'll see.

[Mackus]

I think everyone better prepare themselves that come Spring Training, the Orioles' pitching staff will be what the roster says it is right now.

Lol, you don't think they'll add a single pitcher? Ok.

I expect to be disappointed with what they do, but they're definitely gonna do something.

[TwentyThirtyFive]

Def not going to be the case.

100% wont be the case. Nor will it be some 5th SP like a Gibson. They will sign one mid rotation arm at minimum.

[jamesdean]

Lol, you don't think they'll add a single pitcher? Ok.
I expect to be disappointed with what they do, but they're definitely gonna do something.

I hope you're right. Genuinely.

[Pedro Cerrano]

They almost have to add a pitcher. If they try to cobble together a rotation with what they have now that will be a total disaster