Brian Matusz admitted after the year that he came into sprng training out of shape. He allowed his ego to get in the way figuring he had a spot sewed up and just did not put much effort into his off-season. Let's hope that's all it was and not that he's a total bust.I actually agree that this was most of his problems. The thing we have to remember about these top 5/10 picks is that most of them have never failed. They have succeeded at every level, probably all the way from little league. It is not far fetch to think they would come into camp, after a great rookie year, and let their guard down some. This is probably the first time he has failed, and now he has to learn how to overcome that failure. He's a bright kid with great stuff. I think he'll figure it out.
The Chone Figgins' signing has been nothing short of a disaster for the Mariners, which is why the team is willing to include cash in any trade involving the infielder according to Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports. There isn't much interest right now, but Morosi says the Mariners view the Reds, Giants, and Tigers as possible trade fits.
Figgins, 33 in January, has hit just .236/.309/.285 with 53 steals in 74 chances during his two years in Seattle. He can play second and third bases, and has also filled in at left field in recent years. There are still two years and $17MM left on his contract, and a $9MM option for 2014 will vest with 600 plate appearances in 2013. It's not unreasonable to think the Mariners will have to eat upwards of $15MM to move Figgins
That quote. Where have I heard *that* before? Wait for the sharks to feed, then we'll get the scraps. Got it. Doesn't seem like they are talking about trading Reynolds, though.Dan Duquette On Pitching, Reynolds, Extensions
By Ben Nicholson-Smith[November 15, 2011 at 8:52pm CST]The success of the Orioles' offseason hinges, in large part, on their ability to add to the pitching staff. But at the General Manager Meetings in Milwaukee today, newly-appointed GM Dan Duquette suggested he'll let the market develop before obtaining pitching reinforcements.
"Everybody else is chasing it, too," Duquette told MLBTR. "We have to wait for the sharks to feed and then we'll wait to see what's left over."
In other words, it doesn’t appear that the Orioles will sign highly-coveted free agents such as C.J. Wilson and Mark Buehrle. Baltimore begins the offseason with internal rotation candidates such as Jeremy Guthrie, Tommy Hunter, Zach Britton, Brian Matusz, Jake Arrieta, Brad Bergesen, Jo-Jo Reyes.
Duquette also noted that the defensive alignment for Mark Reynolds and Chris Davis remains undetermined, though manager Buck Showalter is leaning toward playing Reynolds at first with Davis at third. Duquette hasn't yet considered extensions for Adam Jones and Matt Wieters, but he wants to keep both players in place, so the topic may come up after December.
At least he didnt say that he was gonna let the market play out. Oops yeah he did. Sigh. Im tired of hearing the give him a chance speach. I heard it when Ray Miller replaced Davey Johnson. I heard it when they said let the kids play and wasted 4 years with Mike Hargrove. We heard about the 3 yr plan with AM which was more like a 3 yr exit strategy for him.
Im tired of hearing the give him a chance speach. I heard it when Ray Miller replaced Davey Johnson. I heard it when they said let the kids play and wasted 4 years with Mike Hargrove. We heard about the 3 yr plan with AM which was more like a 3 yr exit strategy for him.Yeah, you are right....................ok - new mindset then. Come on O's in 2016!! WHOOO-WHO!! Now that will work for me
Vlad isn't up for arbitration.If the O's offer Vlad arbitration, and he turns it down, they will be able to gain a compensatory draft pick.
Since.......we're getting......smart,Who's getting smart?...........I asked a questions, you came back with semi-incorrect answer, and I had to restate my question.
I've read the O's aren't even planning to offer Vlad anything.Yeah, I tend not to belive or worry about what journalist write..........most of it is hot air just so they can collect a paycheck.
Players that have fewer than six years experience have to accept arbitration while players with more do NOT. But anyone can be offered arbitration.
I believe that players with more than six years experience(as opposed to those with fewer than six years who can have their salaries cut by twenty-five percent at the most) can be offered anything in arbitration. However, don't forget that the way arbitration works is that the player offers one figure, the team offers another and the arbitrators pick one of the two. It would be highly unconventional for a player to get a pay cut in arbitration. If the team offered say two million and Vlad asked for ten, he'd probably end up getting ten million.
