SB Nation User Blog: Dr Orpheus

Is Today the Day for Luuuuuuuuuuke?

Dr Orpheus — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 03:07:37 -0000

Is now the time to trade Luke Scott?

With Nolan Reimold a solid option for the DH position and Felix Pie a competent replacement in left, although I wonder who would serve as a forth outfielder, does it make sense to put feelers out there for Luke Scott?

We knew it would happen some time. Luke Scott was brought over from the Astros and done a solid job taking over in left, then DH, then first base. He's hit homers and doubles and even had a game or two where he exceeded everyone's expectations. But is his time in Baltimore up?

It seems like this might be the season. We've talked about it before. For the last two seasons rumors were flying left and right that Scott would, neigh, should be traded. That his value would never be higher. That he was an arbitration eligible player and under team control - for another 2 seasons, I believe.

The response, usually, was that he wouldn't net enough. Fans would clamor that he could yield "maybe 2 prospects", which was crazy, and that there were "tons of teams" that wanted him. Yeah, well, a reliever and a spare part makes sense. Maybe even a Manny Delcarmen- or Brian Wilson-type of guy seems like the logical centerpiece of such a deal.

Last season, it sounded like the Braves were a perfect option as they needed a power bat in the outfield. Does that finally happen? There were rumblings about the Rays as well. But what team makes sense?

Is it time?

Continued Forays in Japan

Dr Orpheus — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 01:41:55 -0000

Last season I was ecstatic to hear that the Orioles were interested in Japanese pitchers Koji Uehara, Kenshin Kawakami, Ryoji Aikawa, and Ryohei Tanaka. The Os had been lacking in global appeal for years and signing one or more Japanese players would go a long way. Marketing, increased international revenue, and some new faces are always promised when signing or drafting players from outside the US and this was no exception. With Uehara, the "Greg Maddux of Japan", pitching in the majors and Tanaka developing in the minors, the Orioles are looking to take the next step into the Asian market.

Which leads us to word that international scouting director John Stockstill is interested in former Yomirui Giants teammate of Uehara, Hisanori Takahashi, a lefty starter/reliever, and I'm thinking, good but not great.

Takahasi's a solid lefty, but at 34 years old and with an erratic ERA and a sharp decline in innings pitched (dropped from 186 2/3 innings in 2007 to 122 in 2008), it makes me wonder what they'd get. Sure, the Os could use a lefty both in the back-end of their rotation and in their bullpen but I'm not sure Takahashi is the answer.

With that said, I wanted to open the floor to other comments on the Asian markets to see if there's someone(s) out there that can help our Os.

I'm hoping Stockstill keeps his eyes on shortstop Hiroyuki Nakajima of the Seibu Lions. He'll be a free agent at the end of 2010 and may decide to play in the MLB instead of Japan. He's still young enough, 28, to be effective at short and with a bat that would look pretty batting behind Brian Roberts, .298 career average with a .362 OBP and .473 slugging.

A reminder, our Os still have Ryohei Tanaka in Double-A and, while he was roughed up in the AFL, he pitched pretty well in his first season and could be a contributor in 2011, if not the end of 2010, and Uehara coming back from a injury plagued first season in the majors. Uehara will return to the team as a member of the bullpen, possibly in the closer role, and should continue to look solid if his injuries have mended.

Trading for a True Ace?

Dr Orpheus — Sun, 15 Nov 2009 14:12:28 -0000

For over three years people on this blog have complained that the Orioles have lacked a true ace for years. At some point two seasons ago, many believed that Jeremy Guthrie might be the closest this team has had since the migration of Moose and were rebuffed by a subpar performance this passed season. The reality is this team has two, maybe three, aces in the making in Chris Tillman and Brian Matusz (also, Jake Arrieta), but whose to say they will ever be as good as #2 on a good team.

This leads us to the question that has waved around the FanPost comments since the offseason: Should the Orioles trade for or sign an ace this or next season to solidify their rotation? If so, whom and who would it cost?

The Detroit Tigers, Cincinnati Reds, and Houston Astros need financial relief; the Toronto Blue Jays have an ace in the final year of his current contract; the Seattle Mariners might not be able to sign their ace to a contract extension; and the Atlanta Braves need a big bat. Every indication points to a few of these teams trading their aces.

Here is what's been rumored (overall) in the trade market:

1) There's been talk that the Tigers have/will be listening to offers on Curtis Granderson, Edwin Jackson, Gerald Laird, Brandon Inge, and, maybe, (check out this link and this one for a comment from Dave Dombrowski) Justin Verlander,

2) The Reds need to trade one or more of Francsico Cordero, Bronson Arroyo, Brandon Phillips, and Aaron Harang,

3) The the Astros may have to, finally, agree to trade Roy Oswalt,

4) The Jays may, after all the rumors, part with perennial beast of the AL East Roy Halladay,

5) The Mariners may not be able to sign Felix Hernandez to a contract extension,

6) The Braves need a big bat (this has been added for consistency's sake - unless they think Luke Scott is a big bat) and will be trading either Javier Vazquez (being an ace) or Derek Lowe (being a solid #2) to get one this offseason.

There you have it. 6 (maybe 7) pitchers that may very well be on the trade market this off season. "Which one will you chose? Win or lose."

Again, I ask you: Should the Orioles trade for or sign an ace this or next season to solidify their rotation? If so, whom and who would it cost?

My suggestion is a package deal for Brandon Inge and Justin Verlander. Of course this might be a pipe dream, but both players fit a glaring hole. Inge has a power bat from the right side (and who would be under team control for the next two years) whose numbers will be much better after being removed from Comerica's Cavernous Outfield! and player solid 3rd base (also, catcher, center field, and first) and Verlander is an ace. Sure he's not as veteran as Halladay or Sabathia, but there's no one that can deny his ace potential. For them, I'm suggesting Arrieta, Britton, Caleb Joseph/Michael Ohlman, and Matt Angle. Hell, maybe even Eddie Gamboa.
It's just like when those Pinkos traded for Becket and Peppery-Hair...only, I hope the Os don't give up a shortstop named "Hanley".

Why am I suggesting this trade after I already said the Os should go after Dan Uggla? I've heard your pleas that his defense is "bad", and I like playing devil's advocate a lot...and there's a touch of the crazy's...or kimchi.

Dan Uggla at 3B/DH

Dr Orpheus — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 01:04:51 -0000

Rumors abound that our beloved Orioles are one of two teams, the Giants being the other, expressly interested in trading for slugging second baseman Dan Uggla. In the immortal words of Kent Brockman, "I for one think it's about f-ing time."

After multiple fanposts pondering the hole in our hearts and at third left by Sir Buntsalot, this kind of a trade might actually be too on-the-nose. I mean, the Orioles are looking for a right-handed power bat to slot in behind Nick Markakis AND a third baseman to take over until Josh Bell, power-hitting prospect, tears Triple-A apart. At which point Bell would take over at third and Uggla would be moved over to first or a DH role where his defense wouldn't be a downfall.

This would also quell complaints about Ty Wigginton's own defensive inabilities (although I wonder who would be worse Uggla or Wigginton) and bat and would free up Luke Scott as a trade deadline candidate given the hole at first is filled by one of three candidates.

A blog post from Roch reports that the Marlins would only want a second-tier pitcher, maybe not necessarily someone in the majors, for Uggla. I could shower the names of pitchers that might be included in such a trade but "second-tier pitcher' seems vague. We know that Jake Arrieta, Zack Britton, and Brandon Erbe would not be included in that their ceiling is that of a #3 or higher starter, but who else could be included?

Let's get the ball rolling on some armchair GMing. Who would you trade for Dan Uggla? Would you trade for Uggla at all or stay with in-house candidates for 3rd, 1st, and DH? Commence pipedreaming!

Closing Time

Dr Orpheus — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 17:19:01 -0000

Jim Johnson has struggled in the closers role, but then again, he hasn't been as solid this season as last and this could all be simply a down year.

Flat Breezy is with the Dodgers now and flourishing as their LOOGY/occasional closer.

Danys Baez is a free agent and will not be resigned by the Os.

Koji Uehara was a both a starter and closer in Japan so he's an option, but he's been hurt so often it makes one wonder if he might be better as a set-up or middle reliever than a closer.

Kam Mickolio looks like he has closer potential but might need a year or two of major league playing time before jumping into that role.

David Hernandez has been mentioned several times as a closer candidate, and after the year he's had, it might make sense.

So, I ask you, who closes?

The 2010 Orioles will be vastly improved from the 2007-09 Os. With the emergence of Wieters, Jones, Reimold, and Pie on the offensive side and Bergesen, Matusz, Tillman as mainstays in the rotation the future looks bright. However, as we've seen over this 11 game skid, the bullpen has been sorely vexed. They've given up runs at an alarming rate and, as Roch has pointed out several times, most won't make it passed Spring Training; some, not even that far.

Thus, the question becomes, who locks down the closer role next season and beyond?

As mentioned above, the Os have a few options, but none of them have looked like a solid bullpen, let alone anchor. With such a young rotation the important things become defense and bullpen to maintain a lead and not destroy the young kid's belief that they can win. After all, an argument is always made that a starter is only as good as the guys behind him, that is, unless that starter goes 9 strong (unless your Zack Grienke).

What options are looking best? Does McPhail give the ball back to Johnson? Is Uehara the man even after a injury-rittled season? Has Mickolio become a man so early?

My suggestion would be free agency, focusing on Rafael Soriano. As Atlanta's closer bi-sect, Soriano has put together another solid season with an ERA of 3.00, a low homerun rate (0.74), 11.89 K/9, and an 87% save rate. Those are the kinds of numbers a young starer can have confidence in.

If your interested, Tim Dierkes of mlbtraderumors just posted this offseason's closers. It's worth a read if you, as I do, think free agency is the right way to go.

Sherrill or Baez to Colorado?

Dr Orpheus — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 06:36:48 -0000

These rumors are getting out of control.

Jhoulys Chacin, #1 prospect in the Rockies system, has been pulled from his start at Double-A, and it is now speculated that he is part of a trade. Tim Dierkes of mlbtraderumors tells us the Rockies have announced he was pulled "as a precaution for possible, future organizational moves" and tries to connect the dots to a Jon Heyman article about how the Rockies were interested in a slew of relievers, including George Sherrill.

Could Andy MacPhail have pulled off another steal by getting Chacin for Sherrill straight up? Did we have to sweeten the deal in order to get the much covetted Ian Stewart?

Find out soon! A Sherrill trade is going to happen. Its just a matter of time now.

California wants Sherrill

Dr Orpheus — Sun, 19 Jul 2009 16:54:11 -0000

Bill Shaikin of the LA Times is reporting that the Angels are also interested in George Sherrill. mlbtraderumors's Ben Nicholson-Smith points out that Andy MacPhail is looking for two top prospects in return, although its more likely that he'll get one B+ prospect for Sherrill. However, with reports that the Dodgers, Marlins, and now the Angels are interested in Sherrill it becomes imperative that MacPhail begin using bids against each other and strongly consider not only trading Sherrill but packaging him with other veterans to maximize return. Meaning we could see a trade including Baez and/or Huff for at least one top level prospect and a spare part or two (in the case of Baez, much more for Huff).

The article also mentions that Os scouts were in attendance for the Angels/A's game last night and will probably swing by their Triple- and Double-A affiliates to see what they can get in a trade. But if logic is any indication, MacPhail will focus any trade with the Angels on Brandon Wood and/or Mark Trumbo. They are, after all, aside from Hank Conger (C) and Peter Bourjos (OF), the Angels only position prospects on most lists.

So, Os fans. What say ye of a trade to the Angels? Or do the Dodgers/Marlins make more sense based on the bounty?

Wigginton as tradebait?

Dr Orpheus — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 15:19:17 -0000

Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports is talking about ways in which the Cinncinati Reds could improve their club with a right-handed hitter and has mentioned Ty Wigginton as a target since they lost out on DeRosa to St. Louis. Morosi says Wigginton can slot in at third or second base or first when Votto needs a spell, and can break up their lefties at the middle of their line-up. This seems to make a lot of sense for them if they're interested in making a push, and they seem to be, for first in a wobbly NL Central, given Wigginton's experience in that division and normal second-half surge.

So, the question is, does it make sense to trade Wigginton to the Reds or Giants or other contention team if the price is right?

Keep in mind that Huff and Mora will be gone next season unless offered arbitration, resigned, or Mora's option picked up (unlikely).

And, for funsies, who mans first and third base next season without Wigginton? Outside of Brandon Snyder, the newly acquired Michael Aubrey (12 AB for the Tides, .250/.250/.333/.583) who will be used as organizational depth in the minors and doesn't seem to be in consideration for the majors at this moment, and Oscar Salazar.

Trade Candidates

Dr Orpheus — Thu, 28 May 2009 16:19:54 -0000

The youth of tomorrow are here! ...Today!

As it stands, the Orioles have some solid veteran pieces to be traded sooner-than-later. The rotation is eight guys deep and could use some thinning out (Guthrie and Hendrickson, first and foremost), the bullpen (Baez and Ray) is overcrowded, and Mora, Huff, and Scott are at their peak. Its time to suggest some trades.

As for fill-ins:

Dorta could be brought up to fill-in at third if Mora's traded, even though Dorta was promoted to Triple-A recently and might not be ready. So, with third there's a bit of a problem unless the Os can get a major league ready third baseman in a trade somewhere.
Oscar Salazar can be brought up to play first if Huff's traded. Defense would be sorely lacking, but, again, they could get a major league ready guy in trade to take over.

What options are there?

Reading Between the Lines: Freel Wants Out

Dr Orpheus — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 20:45:00 -0000

MASN's Steve Melewski is reporting that Ryan Freel isn't happy with his situation.

Freel went on the DL April 21st after getting beaned on a throw to second and was hospitalized with a mild concussion.

Since then, he was supposed to go on a rehab assignment at Delmarva but that was called off for precautionary reasons.

I'm sorry Freel feels this way. I really am. But he needs to get over it. He's had several concussions in his career and for the Orioles Front Office to be concerned with this most recent one makes perfect sense. Andy seems to be treating Freel as if he were an investment, protecting him to maximize his time with the team once he's back from the DL, instead of simply as a player.

Freel, unfortunately, doesn't get that. His comments are dripping with inuendo that he wants to be traded, that he doesn't feel appreciated, and that, perhaps, the Orioles are conspiring against his career.

For a guy who has been referred to as a team first player, with less personal motivation, these comments seem entirely selfish. He's more concerned with his career playing time and numbers than the possibilty that he could get hurt again later in the season and hurt the team.

Seriously, calm your britches. You'll be back when you're healthy. You were hit in the head by a baseball! It's not like the team is holding you back after a back spazm.

A reporter asked Freel if he was not happy here, did he think MacPhail would attempt to move him somewhere where he can be happy.

"Yes, I think so. I think Andy and I are on the same page. I wasn't very happy with the situation but what can you do."

Melewski says.

All right, bye. Hope we can get some pieces for you and you don't suffer any perminanent brain damage after your next concussion.

P.S. - What team is looking for a guy like Freel? The Yankees will undoubtably have some injuries in the near future with Matsui and Damon, and with Nady out it seems like a possibilty. Then again, what's Freel worth?