2009 Baltimore Orioles Chat Thread!

[ocmd350z]

Just seen a few articles lately that have got me looking forward to this season so wanted to create a thread. Naturally, feel free to post anything you want.

So, this offseason hasn't been that bad. Losing Teixeira to the Yanks is a kick in the teeth (being a Maryland native) but things have been turning around. There have been a good bit of moves made by the Orioles, so here is a quick wrap-up:

Traded Ramon Hernandez (C) to Reds for Ryan Freel (Util.), Brandon Waring (INF), Justin Turner (INF).

Non-tendered Daniel Cabrera (RHP) and Lance Cormier (RHP)

Signed Cesar Izturis (SS) to a 2-year contract

Signed Mark Hendrickson (LHP) to 1-year contract

Signed Koji Uehara (RHP) (Japan) to a 2-year contract

Traded Garrett Olson (LHP) and Henry Williamson (RHP) to Cubs for Felix Pie (LF).

Traded Randor Bierd (RHP) to Red Sox for David Pauley (RHP).

Signed Nick Markakis (RF) to a 6 year/$66 Million contract

Signed Gregg Zaun (C) to a 1-year contract


Those have been the transactions that the Orioles have made this offseason that will have immediate effect on the MLB roster. There were other moves that I didn't mention as they were largely minor-league contracts (Justin Christian, Chris Gomez... again..., etc.). Already I am impressed with the offseason transactions, showing that they can cut ties with veteran Orioles (Daniel Cabrera) and made moves clearing the way for the top prospect Matt Wieters. Extended a vastly important part of the Orioles future, Nick Markakis. Signing Koji Uehara was huge considering the Orioles never have a history of signing foreign players. Expanding recruitment and signings to world-wide always brings in more talent. Here's a vid on Uehara:


As for what the Orioles have planned for the rest of this offseason is even more promising. This will be confirmed soon enough, much much much much MUCH to my pleasure:

Orioles will cut ties with Kevin Millar

I do have proof to back it. Here's the article:

http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/schmuck/

Millar said from his home in Beaumont, Texas. "Now, what that means, I don't know. Are they going to win games this year? No. Obviously we know that going in. You've got to be realistic.

Then the Orioles have this in talks, as stated in the article it says "strongly possible" that will happen.

Orioles trade Player To Be Named Later (ptbnl) to Cubs for Rich Hill (LHP)

The ptbnl in this trade would be based on Rich Hill's performance with the Orioles. Here is the article confirming that it is in talks:

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/b...,3367706.story

[doodaa24]

Like that they signed Markakis. also have some nice prospects in the near future. Wieters and Tilman come to mind right away. A change of scenary for Pie and Hill could benefit the Orioles. also thought the Hernandez deal landed some nice players. Waring could be a pleasent suprize and Freel is a very nice player to have on a team. Just my thoughts
Chad

[ocmd350z]

Like that they signed Markakis. also have some nice prospects in the near future. Wieters and Tilman come to mind right away. A change of scenary for Pie and Hill could benefit the Orioles. also thought the Hernandez deal landed some nice players. Waring could be a pleasent suprize and Freel is a very nice player to have on a team. Just my thoughts
Chad

Doodaa- I will get back to you on that orioles stuff, I got really busy lately but its the weekend so I can catch up. Oh, and I do need that arrieta elite auto, I am thinking of putting that in place of that rowell sterling auto. I will get back to you.

I agree with you. I think Hill will have a good year as he is coming into a coaching staff that he has some familiarity with:

Orioles pitching coach Rick Kranitz was Hill's pitching coach at Triple-A Iowa in 2005 and bullpen coach Alan Dunn coached Hill at Double-A Tennessee in 2005 and Triple-A Iowa in 2006.

And having Pie/Freel platoon in left, Aubrey Huff at first, and Luke Scott be dh doesn't sound bad at all. Pie (23 yrs old), Adam Jones (23), and Nick Markakis (25) is an absolutely stacked outfield, and with Freel platooning with Pie defensively I don't see a better outfield out there.

As for the transactions...

Looks like the Hill for a ptbnl deal is close, snag is the Orioles do not have enough roster space on the 40-man. So, Andy MacPhail is looking to clear 3-4 roster spots (ideally). Names been tossed around have included; Burres, Simon, Sarfate, Baez, Walker, and even Freel. Hopefully can be done early next week.

[ocmd350z]

Okay, so its been a while since I updated things. Most people know what have happened but will go over it.

Traded Player To Be Named Later to Cubs for Rich Hill

Designated Brian Burres For Assignment

Burres went on to sign with the Toronto Blue Jays.


So, in turn of losing Burres, the Orioles made this move:

Signed John Parrish (LHP) to a Minor-League Contract

Article for Source:
http://baltimore.orioles.mlb.com/new...=.jsp&c_id=bal



But, the one move I am really glad that happened is this:

Signed Ty Wiggington to a 2-year / $6 Million Contract


Article:
http://baltimore.orioles.mlb.com/new...=.jsp&c_id=bal





I really like the Wiggington signing. Millar was out so we needed a right handed bat and we got one to replace Millar in everyway. A career 270 hitter (hit 280s last year) and 23 homerun a year average over 7 seasons shows some power. Now the Orioles have a chance to part with Luke Scott, which I think is best.