59 replies to this topic

[BSLChrisStoner]

Camden Crazies: http://www.camdencra...-infielder.html

I went into the Spring believing it would be Antonelli. I thought the O's would trade something back to the Cubs, and option Flaherty back to the Minors. Since that did not occur, Antonelli starts in the Minors, as he had the option available. This way you get the increased depth of having them both in the organization.

Flaherty had a good Spring with the bat, but often struggled in the field; particularly when he was at SS. I'll be interested to see how Showalter uses him. I think Showalter needs to do a better job of using his bench this year, particularly earlier in the season.

[BSLChrisStoner]

MASN / Theoharis: Getting to know Flaherty
http://www.masnsport...flaherty-1.html

[Tucker Blair]

http://entoriole.blo... ... herty.html

Comparing Flaherty to the 2011 crop of UTIL guys

[BSLChrisStoner]

Flaherty with a blast to straight away CF, for his 4th homer tonight.

Season: 110 ab's, 22 hits, 4 hr's, 11 rbi, 2 bb's, 34 k's, 1 steal, .200 baa, .535 OPS

On the 15th I said:

"I have no problem with him being part of the organization. It has to be extremely difficult hitting in the Majors, when you are playing only occasionally, and adjusting to the Majors for the first time. There have been several occasions this year, where I've thought he has shown a good approach and some skills.

Still, I'm puzzled as to why a trade with the Cubs has not occurred which would allow the O's to send him back to the Minors. I have to think the Cubs would only be asking for so much. If it was a larger price than I wanted to pay, I would have offered him back by now.

You are spot on about the O's seeing long term potential with him. Showalter has mentioned several times this year, that he sees the tools of a future starter. The only position on the diamond I can see him possibly starting is 2nd. If he stays with the O's all of this year, I'd have to think he will spend a significant amount of time in the Minors next year. I heard today that Showalter told MASN, he wants Flaherty to go play Winter Ball this off-season."

Later that day, Andino would be hurt and go the DL. At that point, I thought it made sense to give Flaherty regular playing-time. I understand Quantanilla is a plus-fielder, but I'm a bit surprised that the O's added him.

[bnickle]

Seems like we'll get a pretty long look at Flaherty now. Hopefully, we'll see what Buck has seen to keep him around for so long.


This is what I said on the 16th. The kid can actually get comfortable a little bit now as he should be the 2b vs RHP for the forseeable future. That has to relax him along with getting reg ABs. Again, he's survived numerous roster crunches so there is something here that Buck really likes about the guy. Maybe we start to see it.

[You Play to Win the Game]

Quantanilla will get plenty of PT at 2B because of his glove, but Flaherty should still get 1-2 starts a week there, as well as 1-2 starts a week at 3B to spell Betemit against left handed pitchers on occasion. I'd try to find a way to get Flaherty at least 3-4 starts per week. His approach has been a lot better at lately, and he seems to be more comfortable at the plate. His P/PA is 3.62 (below league average), but it seems lately that he's been having good, quality AB's and seeing several pitches.

[Mike B]

Quantanilla will get plenty of PT at 2B because of his glove, but Flaherty should still get 1-2 starts a week there, as well as 1-2 starts a week at 3B to spell Betemit against left handed pitchers on occasion. I'd try to find a way to get Flaherty at least 3-4 starts per week. His approach has been a lot better at lately, and he seems to be more comfortable at the plate. His P/PA is 3.62 (below league average), but it seems lately that he's been having good, quality AB's and seeing several pitches.

He seems to be gaining confidence with more PT. The blast late night was impressive. Not to many middle infield types are able to hit it that far. As I type this another base hit for Flaherty.

[GhostOf_GeronimoGil]

What's everyone's take on this guy?

Obviously the O's covet him enough to protect him all season as their Rule 5 selection. I've read a few scouting reports who projected him when he was still a prospect as a guy with plus patience, and plus power, with average defense. Is that still the case? You think he has a chance to be our 2B man next year?

[BSLChrisStoner]

What's everyone's take on this guy?

Obviously the O's covet him enough to protect him all season as their Rule 5 selection. I've read a few scouting reports who projected him when he was still a prospect as a guy with plus patience, and plus power, with average defense. Is that still the case? You think he has a chance to be our 2B man next year?

Clearly a nice day today. Has some pop. Could be in the UTI mix next Spring. Would be surprised if he was the everyday 2nd baseman. Probably needs to spend all Winter working on his defense.

Could get a chance to be on the post-season roster. However, if Markakis is back, I would think not. Reasoning being that Chavez and Thome figure to be part of the bench if Markakis is back, and I would guess the O's would not carry another LH hitter.

[BSLChrisStoner]

Flaherty with a 1st inning Grand Slam tonight vs. Boston. Ball is jumping off his bat when he pulls it.

[BSLBobPhelan]

Keeping the rule 5 pick all season pays off.

[Chris B]

Keeping the rule 5 pick all season pays off.

He has really looked good at the plate in September. I'm not sure where he can play defensively, or if they'll start him at Norfolk next season.

If he can develop his glove at 2nd, I wouldn't mind having him there.

[mweb08]

I've been saying I like what I've seen from him of late and that he should start at 2B, at least against righties. Well he's making me look good.

[Mike B]

I've been saying I like what I've seen from him of late and that he should start at 2B, at least against righties. Well he's making me look good.

He is still learning his way but he has a nice looking stroke. He also hits some shots that make you think there is more there. Good Rule 5 pickup and a find by the Orioles.

[Kevin Ebert]

This is Flaherty's 4th start in 5 games at the keystone. It seems to be a platoon at the moment where he's getting the larger half of the platoon vs. righties, and Andino is getting the smaller half vs. lefties. It sure is an interesting time to make a lineup change. I know Andino hasn't hit a whole lot but do you want to change what's been working all year at this point in the season?

Do you think this is a good move and should they continue it into the postseason?

[Mackus]

It's a straight platoon, so Flaherty will get the majority of the starts. Andino will come in after his 2nd or 3rd AB and fill in defensively.

Flaherty is definitely better offensively, or at least has been better in the second half than Andino has been all year.

I like it, at least as long as Flaherty keeps hitting.

[LanceRinker]

I could see Flaherty as our (mostly) every day second baseman going into 2013, especially due to the lack of options on the free agent market when that rolls around.

He's been hitting well enough to do it and isn't a huge liability in the field - book it.

[RShack]

Makes perfect sense to platoon them.

Flaherty makes me nervous in the field, but I don't know why. When I look at his career numbers, he seems fine.

I never worry about Andino in the field, and I bet he has a big hit before it's over.

[RichardZ]

Makes perfect sense to platoon them.

Flaherty makes me nervous in the field, but I don't know why. When I look at his career numbers, he seems fine.

I never worry about Andino in the field, and I bet he has a big hit before it's over.

Not sure why not. He's blown a DP and got saved by Reynolds on a couple others with poor throws and they he almost blew a simple play with another bad throw and another save in the 9th against the Sox on Sunday. For a guy who doesn't hit, his defense is not outstanding. It's average and he makes too many mistakes. As far as the other poster not sure about making changes if it works, hitting Flaherty against RHP is working. I'm pretty close to wanting him in there gainst LHP as well. Can't be worse than Andino has been. Any hit for Andino is a big hit because it's so unexpected.

[SportsGuy]

I could see Flaherty as our (mostly) every day second baseman going into 2013, especially due to the lack of options on the free agent market when that rolls around.

He's been hitting well enough to do it and isn't a huge liability in the field - book it.

Wait..I thought Quint was going to be our second baseman in 2013?