Fireworks, Cowboy Monkeys AND Manny Machado in Wilmington tonight - the best $9 I ever spent.

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Just a simple, mind-boggling statistical comparison; the ERA+ of Ubaldo Jiminez vs. the added ERA+'s of ALL of the starting Oriole Pitchers.

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FanPost frontpaged by SC, your Cobra Commander, who thinks blog wars are funny, and that Roch is a pansy with stale material. BRING IT ON!!!! (I don't want to fight Roch. I'd whoop him, though. F'real. Knock him out.)

For the record, since it's only fair, I have to assume that Roch lives in his mother's basement and stares at posters of Anita Marks. Because he's a blogger now. Srsly. -- SC, Hadouken!

FURTHER UPDATE BY SC: I was pretty sure people could tell I wasn't very serious, and that KDFC is mostly just talking about this because it's kind of weird, but if you're one of the few that missed the ship, no, no one is serious. No one wants to go into pugilism with Roch. Roch could probably beat me up. Roch is a more credible journalist than me. And his opinion that Alex Rodriguez "came clean" and deserves props for it is still stupid.

Okay, here's the skinny. Google "Roch Kubatko." Go to the 5th result: it is my blog, a post I wrote after Roch slobbered all over Jay Gibbons while defending him after he admitted to using 'roids.For the sake of convenience, here's a link.

Yes it was mean, but I felt it was warranted. Gibbons was pretty evasive and morally standoffish about steroids, then tried to claim that he took them under doctor's orders. All this while committing the unforgivable sin of being a crappy baseball player.

Today, defending A-Rod, Roch says this:

"At the risk of being slammed again after praising Jay Gibbons 14 months ago for his admission of guilt - one loser called me a jock-sniffing turd while blogging from his parents' basement and trying to work up the nerve to kiss a girl - I'll give Rodriguez credit for finally coming clean."

Again, a link to the whole post.

He must google himself, or be particularly sensitive. I still feel his defense of Gibbons was inexcusable journalism. The thing I can't figure out is whether to respond as, you know, just another loser blogger.

MORE from the comments:

My mom? Doesn’t have a basement.
Me? Called Roch a jock sniffing turd from an apartment in Northern Virginia.
Me again? Often kissed by my wife.
Me yet again? Still blogging a bit.
Roch’s jokes? Still lame, still tired. This marks at least the four-hundred-thousandth use of the “blogger living in mom’s basement who can’t kiss a girl.”

Opening Day is April 6. Please stop by the front of the press box and introduce yourself. In the meantime, thanks for reading. As always. – Roch

Note, he DID cut out part of my comment; I also asked how it felt to Google yourself and get my blog post as the 5th result.

Been claimed by the Blue Jays according to Roch.

 

Somewhere, Jim Palmer is clutching an autographed glossy 8 by 10 and crying his eyes out, because he knows Brian didn't mean it when he promised to call every night. He'll have to move on, and that'll be hard; that new Rich Hill is a little too gangly and just doesn't put the same sparkle in Cakes's eyes.

 

I have no other Jim Palmer jokes for this and it tells me it needs to be longer still.

According to the Sun, Os and Nick are close on a 6 year extension. This would easily be the best move of the offseason.

Linkage:

 

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/baseball/bal-orioles0117,0,3105559.story

 

 

This would be the 2nd richest contract in Os history. Not sure how to feel about that. It is certainly not a sign of fiscal responsibility on the part of the Os; does it indicate their complete irrelevance of the past 11 years? Just odd that a 4th year homegrown player would get that kind of money from us, I suppose. Not used to that sort of thing and all.

 

 

 

 

...B-Rob sorta does, T-Bone Shelby doesn't even know what shape "it" is.

 

Link here , at everyone's favorite paper's website.

 

The relevant material:

 

"Trembley said that he has had no problems with the Orioles' aggressive base running.

"That's part of it," Trembley said. "You can't think negative. You have to think positive. You take the extra base. You go first to third when they allow you to do it. I don't think you play defensive. You play defensive now, you're looking to make mistakes. I don't like that."

 

Gee Dave. Know what I don't like? MAKING AN ENTIRE INNING'S WORTH OF OUTS ON THE BASEPATHS IN ONE GAME. Being aggressive is, for this team, apparently being stupid and running into outs in the name of "trying to create runs." Gotta have men on base to create runs, Dave.

 

Shelby weighs in: "I got guys taking bigger leads than they'd normally get," Shelby said. "It's not about getting picked off at first. They have more bang-bang plays at second and it's because they don't go take that extra step."

Actually John, what seems to happen is, they get picked off and we lose runners in crucial innings. Like the 9th.

 

B-Rob: "Being aggressive doesn't mean you give away easy outs. We need all 27 outs, and we need to use them all wisely."

 

Yes, true. So stop being aggressive. Geez.

...it is clearly a crock.

 

http://insidecharmcity.com/2008/04/01/orioles-to-be-up-for-sale-after-this-season/

 

Sure they are. Somebody will be prying this team out of Angelos' cold, dead hands, but only after someone stakes him through the heart, shoves a bulb of garlic in his mouth, and sprinkles his coffin with Holy Water, because as of right now his cold, dead hands are perfectly functional.

 

Besides, a community based ownership group? Sure, MLB would go for that. And again, even if this isn't an April Fool's joke, only Nestor Aparicio would be deluded enough to think he had any kind of pull or influence enough to be involved in something like this.

From The (Baltimore) Sun.

 

 

Here it is. Can't believe they made the smart decision in this case. I thought for certain Moore was headed to AAA and Gibbons was uselessly taking up bench space.

...it being Jay Payton bitching about playing time. I didn't think this would happen at least till, y'know, the season started.

 

"Last year, I felt like when I came in, I knew if I had a good spring, that I might be able to win a job," Payton said. "This spring, all indications were that it wouldn't have mattered if I hit .700. It's been a little disheartening. I felt like I was pushed to the fourth outfielder's spot without having a chance to compete against two guys that have relatively little experience, even though they are good players and have a decent ceiling."

 

 

No Jay, it wouldn't matter, because there is almost zero chance, barring injury, of you matching the production of either Scott or Jones. And, more importantly, they'll be here in 2010, and you won't.

 

"I'm making more money than I've ever made in my career," Payton said.

   The Os fiscal irresponsibility shouldn't guarantee you playing time.

 

Teams decide to take directions and you kind of have to deal with it. Hopefully if I'm not going to play a lot here, they'll do right by me and look for me to go somewhere else.

 

   Believe me, Jay, we'd LOVE to send you somewhere else.

 

Who am I kidding, though? I'd bet that at the first sign of Scott struggling, Payton starts to steal his AB. Sigh.

 

Personally I think this is a dumbass move, but on Roch's blog, he indicates that the Os have signed Trachsel to a minor league deal with a spring training invite.

Personally, I'd really rather see the rotation filled out with kids. What's Trachsel gonna do, teach 'em how to take 2 minutes between pitches?

I don't see a whole lot of point to the "veteran presence" nonsense, or the "he'll teach the kids." Isn't that what we have a pitching coach for?

...FINALLY.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/baseball/bal-bedard204,0,7271042.story

To sum up: Jones is indeed taking a physical. If he passes, deal might be announced today.

Please, Warehouse, don't eff this one up.

Now, on to the Roberts trade drama...

let me post, let me post, let me post, let me post

Editor's Note (zk):A "source" also said Jones was in Baltimore taking a physical Friday, which was later debunked. But let's hope the Sun actually verified this before deciding to run with it.

UPDATE: Just found this was reported yesterday by the Seattle Post Intelligencer, so this is looking pretty confirmed.

Well, Goose Gossage is in. He was definitely better than Sutter so congrats, I guess. He's the only one. Blyleven gets denied another year, and Raines should've been a slam-dunk, first ballot entree. I hate the BBWAA.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/baseball/bal-sp.osnotes22dec22,0,201461.story

Well, not sure how to feel about this. Feels kind of like the standard company line; I doubt MacPhail has actually stopped talking to the Mariners, or anybody else that wants to call. At the same time, Bedard is ours till 2009; we do not NEED to trade him now. I suspect his value is at its peak right now, but if we're forced to keep him for a bit, that ain't the worst thing.

Besides, there's no reason why a team like the Dodgers or Mariners might not get desperate at the deadline this year and give up more than they would now. What if the Dodgers are a few games out and Kuroda has flopped (possible) Schmidt is out again (likely) and either Lowe or Penny has caught a crippling STD (certainly possible). Then suddenly Kemp+Kershaw+2 more might not look so bad . Also, note in that same article, Mora being a whiny bitch. "I won't play no left field...If you get kicked out of your house, what are you going to do?" Get the f!@# out of my house, Mora.

...listening to/watching Mike and Mike on espn2. Greenberg reporting that Clemens personal trainer provided him with roids prior to and during his tenure with the Yankees and he will be in the Mitchell report. Obviously no official confirmation till 2 pm...

...but thank you. Thank you thank you thank you thank you thank you. Merry Roidsmas.

...without giving up their top young hitter, Jay Bruce. According to mlbtraderumors.com, and their link to "Reds Insider," the deal would be for Joey Votto, Homer Bailey, and a top prospect. I'm not sold on Bailey, and we need BATS. You can never have too much pitching, true, but the arms in our system far outweigh the hitters. I still like what LAD has to offer better than this.

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2007/12/reds-still-purs.html

I also want NOTHING to do with Edwin Encarnacion; barely above league average in the NL, and apparently an attitude problem. No thanks. I'll take all the attitude he wants if he can post something much more impressive than an OPS+ of 102.

As for Josh Hamilton...well, just on the numbers, I like him a whole lot more than Encarnacion. I don't like the hand-carts full of matched luggage he comes with, and I don't like his injury history. I hope for the best for him, and that his inspiring comeback continues well. Just not in Baltimore.

I don't think the Reds are a good fit without including Bruce. Thoughts?

Not that we didn't all see this coming, but Gibby has just been handed a 15 game suspension for HgH. Joy.

It's on the Sun. You all know the url.

[Guillen as well. Here's the link.-zk]

Gibbons and Kansas City Royals outfielder Jose Guillen, who was also given a 15-game ban, are the first players to be suspended without actually failing a drug test. Gibbons, who hadn't previously addressed allegations that he received shipments of steroids and hGH from a raided Florida pharmacy, admitted to The Sun today that he used hGH.

"I am deeply sorry for the mistakes that I have made," he said. "I have no excuses and bear sole responsibility for my decisions. Years ago, I relied on the advice of a doctor, filled a prescription, charged the hGH, which is a medication, to my credit card and had only intended to help speed my recovery from my injuries and surgeries. I hope that my family, teammates, fans and [Orioles owner] Peter Angelos and the entire Orioles organization will accept my apologies and that we can all move on."

...according to the sun.

Roberts to Cubs for two players. Then the Os would try to sign Iguchi to fill the 2b hole. I'd be ok with that, if we get good return on Roberts. Rich Hill+who? Hopefully a plus bat.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/baseball/bal-roberts1205,0,2777882.story

let me post you sonofabitch.

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2007/12/santanareyeshar.html

There's the link to mlbtraderumors. Guy says he wouldn't have posted it if it weren't from a good source. But "good sources" always have the Mets making crazy deals they can't swing.

At any rate, the Mets would get:
Johan Santana, Bobby Crosby, Dan Johnson

As get:

Jose Reyes, Kevin Mulvey

Twins get:

Dan Haren and Hector Pellot.

I call shenanigans on this. Never happens.

Now that I've said that, it's just a matter of time till Minaya is announcing this.

MLB Trade Rumors is reporting that the Mets might be close on Bedard. Apparently this is from MetsBlog, and the Mets always seem to be "close" on trades they have no chance of making.

But it does speculate that Jose Reyes could be the centerpiece, that Reyes is the only player that makes sense.

I'd take Reyes and a case of baseballs. Don't think it's happenin', though.

EDIT: You know, I doublechecked on Reyes at baseball-reference. Scratch that. Lots of hype on him for an OPS+ of 103. Linkage:

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2007/12/mets-close-on-e.html

Mets Fans in the comments seem to not like it very much.

...go check out the probabilistic model of range for centerfielders for 2007 at http://www.baseballmusings.com/

Note that Corey comes in 3rd from the bottom.

No, his defense doesn't make up for his criminally incompetent offense.

Please, please MacPhail, don't resign him. Anybody but Corey. Anybody but Corey. Anybody but Corey.

If I say it enough maybe it will acquire some kind of internet-aided echo-power that will reach MacPhail's ears. Also, it keeps telling me I haven't hit 300 characters yet.

Looks like A-Rod will not be a Yankee next year; Ken Rosenthal just announced a few minutes ago on the WS broadcast that A-Rod has decided to opt out of his contract with the Yankees and become a free agent. The Yankees have said all along that they wouldn't negotiate with A-Rod if he opts out, but only if he was willing to extend his current.

Best case scenario: A-Rod is no longer in our division. Don't kid yourselves that the Os will try to sign him. Won't happen.

Worst case scenario: A-Rod signs with Boston, Red Sox impose their will upon the AL for the next 3-4 years.

Will the losing never end?

From Roch's blog, http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/roch/blog/

says it's just a sore oblique muscle. It also means this losing streak may go on, and on, and on. At this point I believe the only way we're getting out of this is if Bedard pitches a complete game shutout.

Hopefully he's back soon. We wouldn't want injuries to derail his future $100 million contract with the Yankees.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/baseball/bal-wieters0814,0,6316833.story

Says the Os are FIVE million below what Wieters and Boras are asking. Suck it up and pay the kid. Take a chance that isn't a washed up pitcher.

This is bunk. Sign him.

We all know it isn't gonna happen.

"You like to get players signed," MacPhail said. "The only difference this year is rather than getting compensation that would be pick 42 or whatever, now in the event you don't sign [a first-rounder] this year, you get like compensation. So it is more deferring a pick than losing a pick. But that doesn't alter the fact that you'd like to get signed those that you draft."

Weak. Sauce.

...that the Os are going to totally drop the ball on the Wieters signing? I just can't see them NOT totally fu@!ing it up. Growing pit of despair in my stomach. No positive changes. Lateral moves only. No opening up the checkbook when you have to.

No prospect is truly "can't miss," but Wieters is close enough that the Os need to pay what is asked and get on with it.

...meaning no trading him. Till the offseason, anyway. Apparently the ChiSox claimed him and the Os couldn't/wouldn't/didn't work out a deal (dunno what the White Sox have in the way of young quality position players, which is what we need to get when we trade Tejada).

I guess I figured there wasn't much chance of him clearing waivers, but hopefully we'll work out something in the offseason for a couple of near ML-ready hitters.

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/baseball/bal-os0730,0,6450045.story

You've probably all seen this. And I understand that Huff and Gibbons are probably impossible to move, and I accept that. But for the love of Earl, if we get offered a case of balls and a clubhouse boy for Jay Payton we ought to take it to clear him off the roster and off the payroll. All this crap about a winning streak making it harder to trade players is bunk. Millar should get shipped out. So should Payton. So should Cabrera if someone's willing to cough up something valuable.

Not sure I buy the word that it'd take Bedard to get Tex. The Braves didn't give up anything as valuable as a #1 starter.

...article on The Sun's website:

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/bal-osnotes0722,0,2514317.story

It speaks about how the Orioles will consider bringing back Patterson after this year because they want to build with "pitching and defense" and be "strong up the middle" and that Patterson's glove makes him "hard to ignore."

You know what else is hard to ignore: Corey Patterson is a terrible, terrible hitter. He is in fact SO terrible that he'd have to be better than Mays or Jones or anybody else in CF to even come close to making up for it. He has a career OPS+ of 83, and a 75 this year, and a career OBP UNDER 300 (.297). Resigning Corey Patterson to be the CF would be disastrous. Continuing to give him AB is disastrous (honestly, could Tike Redman or Val Majewski be worse? Could they? What about Adam Stern? Anyone?)

And you know, when you look at Patterson's stats, you wonder why he's even still in the bigs. Sure, potential, blah blah blah, comparisons to Mays and Griffey when he was in the minors...but he's never had a full season of an OPS+ over 100. Not ever. Bringing him back doesn't help anyone. It doesn't make the Os better. It makes them tread water.

Hey ya'll. Long time lurker, occasional commentor. Anyways, I've been blogging for a while now, often about the Orioles, and lately came up with what might be an innovative strategy for changing the Orioles ownership situation:

I have requested information from a prominent Baltimore law firm about potentially suing the Orioles under product liability laws.

Details here:

http://lastbestangryman.blogspot.com/

P.S. I am not a moron. I know you can't sue a team for losing. I just thought it was funny. Plus it might get really irritating for Pete if his law firm keeps fielding emails similar to the one I sent.