Markakis, MacPhail and The Art of the Deal...

Keith Van Valkenburg of the Sun via his blog, "The Life of Kings", gives us another viewpoint concerning the way Andy MacPhail does business and his attempt to sign Nick Markakis to a long-term deal.

We all know MacPhail can be deliberate, methodical, intrepid and yet -- that word, again ... slow -- however, I'd prefer this approach at times rather than the quick, let-get-it-done and without covering all the bases way of thinking.

However, if you're Nick Markakis, you're probably saying, "why can't I get what's mine..."

Well, I'll go into what Van Valkenburg says about Markakis and his anticipation of a deal:

While it's true that the Orioles have plenty of leverage right now, the longer the team waits, the more valuable Markakis becomes. Literally, each day that passes is a day his value goes up. Maybe it's by $100, maybe it's $100,000, but the point is, he isn't getting less expensive the longer you wait. This is a stock that's only going to climb in value over the next 10 years. The fact that the two sides say negotiations are moving very slowly suggests, to me, that they are light years apart and that the Orioles haven't yet decided to get realistic about Markakis' value. When Tampa Bay locked in Longoria for six years at $17 million plus a number of option years even though he'd only played six major league games, it suddenly became the smartest deal in baseball.

The player gets financial security and peace of mind, and the team gets a gigantic bargain later in the contract when the player is playing for half of what he's worth on the open market. Fausto Carmona, Robinson Cano and Jake Peavy signed similar deals before they became arbitration eligible. Conventional thinking in baseball has changed. The rules might allow teams to pay their young stars the league minimum, but that doesn't make it wise.

Markakis got married last year and plans to make his home in Baltimore year-round. Right now is exactly the time in his life when he wants to make certain his family will be taken care of forever. He's not going to starve on half a million a year, but also might not be able to buy that dream house he wants just yet for his family (putting down permanent roots in Baltimore). And while that might seem, to most of us, like an absurd thing to worry about in this economic climate, it might tick off a professional athlete who has already proven he's one of the best in the league. The first $25 million matters a lot more than the next $25 million. If nothing else, it gives him immediate peace of mind and lets him go into spring training without a single distraction.

I'll never understand where the principals are coming from -- I'm just a fan, with a decent job and limited athletic talent -- and it drives me wild to hear billionaires, millionaires, and soon to be millionaires squabble and whine over money along with contracts. At this point, MacPhail is doing his job and trying to build the team in his own image; meanwhile, Markakis wants to get paid and have some financial security.

I'm an advocate of giving Nick Markakis a deal sooner, rather than later -- not because I'm feeling sorry for or want him to be secure -- because he's shown himself to be one of the best right fielders in baseball, and he may not have reached the top of his athletic ceiling.

He's now established as a cornerstone of the franchise, he's young, plus wants to be with the organization, so let's just have him content and focused only on baseball now.

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Throwing One Under The Bus...

Over the past few days, a lot of people have reacted in let's say in a negative fashion -- especially on the internet and on sports talk radio -- as to what the Orioles are doing so far with the free agent market. Of course, the man at the top -- Andy MacPhail -- is getting the brunt of the criticism for being, um, "too slow".

With the exception of a few years, the notion of a "winning" Oriole team since 1990 has not existed and that's why a change was made in the middle of last season.

MacPhail was hired by Peter Angelos -- with a nudge from commissioner Bud Selig -- to try to restore the Baltimore franchise back to prominence. So far, I'd say he's done a decent job and of course his two most notable deals involved the trade of Erik Bedard and Miguel Tejada in exchange for prospects and everyday major leaguers (Adam Jones, serviceable Luke Scott, George Sherrill).

Despite the changes to the roster and early success in 2008, the Orioles only finished with 68 wins. Considering how bad most though the team would be in the media, I thought things were going in right direction in light of the final six weeks.

However, after 11 losing seasons -- fans are restless -- especially with hometown players Mark Teixeira and A.J. Burnett on the market. Some fans want deals made (now) and the Orioles to be super aggressive although much very little has taken place in terms of transactions beside talk. Add to that, the situation with extensions for Brian Roberts and Nick Markakis, or not moving a few players -- you've got the seeds of discontent.

Whether or not we sign a marquee name or extended anyone, this much I am sure of -- MacPhail has a pretty good track record, and he should be given a chance to do his job. He's only been in town for about a year-and-half, and it's unrealistic despite signing Wieters along with the big names on the market for the team to improve -- especially being that the Orioles play in one of the toughest divisions in all of sports.

What has happened with the Baltimore Orioles over the past decade did not happen overnight -- it was a combination of bad drafts, limited player development, players not working out & bad free agent moves that have led to this state.

Honestly, it's not going to be fixed overnight, either. I expect at least two or three seasons to pass by before the team returns to respectability -- if we assume it all works out. If we get either Teixeira or any big name -- that's wonderful -- however, to build a consistent winner, spending on the market can help immensely, but you have to build an organization from the ground up.

Rebuilding is going to take time & a lot of patience, but at this point, do fans have it with the team and Andy MacPhail?

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O's Down Rangers, 10-4: What Do The O's Do?

The Orioles started the fireworks early as they downed the Rangers in a laugher, 10-4. Both Freddie Bynum, who played due to illness (Roberts battling the flu), and Brandon Fahey supplied much of offense on the 4th of July. Fahey had two doubles, and Bynum has three RBI's for the easy win. The offense jumped all over Vicente Padilla - a 10 game winner for Texas.

Jeremy Guthrie finally got the run support he needed to earn his fifth win as he went a little over six innings, and looked balanced in the victory.

***
There's been a lot of talk about the trade deadline and what the Orioles should do. I have been on record as saying that Andy MacPhail should continue the rebuilding process no matter what -- however, it does not mean that he should just trade guys to trade 'em.

For example, Aubrey Huff? His contract is relatively affordable, and he's now having a hell of a year at the plate? Do we trade him and his 17 homers, 53 RBIs? Who would we get for him? It's not like he's old -- he's only 31!

Roberts? He's the spark plug of the team and fan favorite -- who makes up his .368 OBP or his 22 stolen bases? Do we trade Walker and Millar, two men who perhaps unquestionably are the leaders of this team and perhaps have improved chemistry?

I trust MacPhail, and he's on the mark with most very deal so far. However, with all the chatter on talk radio and the 'net, the Orioles may be closer to improving than any of us thought in March.

Still, moves need to be made, we have an issue with shortstop (but Fahey is doing well in his limited playing time), and the team looks to playing their best baseball in a decade. Right now, the road is looking bright, but you don't trade guys just to trade them.

Like Dave Johnson said, "you can't get ride over everyone over 28, and have a team of twenty-year olds."

I like the team assembled, and fans are happy to see a winning product. I have no illusions of seeing playoff tickets printed, and in the end, if we have a strong August-September, there's a buzz that will be created for Orioles baseball that has not been seen in a long time.

There's one thing we know, Bedard and Tejada are not missed.

The Roundup; Andy MacPhail, Oriole News and Thoughts

Recently on the Orioles.com website there was a Q&A posted in which Andy MacPhail answered a few questions from fans. I would not say that there was anything earth shattering that was divulged and it covering a myriad of topics from drafting players to Daniel Cabrera to both the performances of Matt Wieters and Jake Arrieta in the minors.

The Sun's Jeff Zrebiec also looks into what Andy MacPhail can possibly do at the trade deadline. Despite the start by Baltimore, I see many changes coming on the horizon and the team on the field may not be necessarily the one that finishes up the season.

It sounds like even he was surprised the team's solid start:

"Look, I was pretty forthright in painting a pretty bleak picture, so I am surprised," MacPhail said. "I would have thought that after the things that I did, that we would struggle more than we have. I think this group is doing it out of tenacity. They're laying it all out on the field and that's all you can ask for. And the things that really matter, the things that they can control, they've really excelled at. I don't really know what's going to happen the next two-thirds [of the season], but the players are the ones that are actually doing it."

Well, in light of his statement and the obvious team chemistry on the field and in the clubhouse, the great start, and whatever else -- he sees the big picture -- the Baltimore Orioles need to get better, and there's not anyone who he will not deal (perhaps Jones or Markakis) to contend.

"I went into the clubhouse and [Nick] Markakis has an Adam Jones T-shirt on, Guillermo Quiroz has a Markakis T-shirt on," MacPhail said. "I don't know what's going on exactly with that or the hats or the video. But those are all signs of cohesiveness. Regrettably, it takes more than cohesiveness to win the AL East. But I think the people that have watched us, they have to be satisfied with some of the subtle things we've shown."

By the end of July, I really expect a few deals to go down. It sounds like he doesn't even expect his guys to compete and his focus is on rebuilding -- not building a contender.

Meanwhile, you cannot underscore the importance that Daniel Cabrera has had with the Orioles starting off so well. Spencer Fordin has a great piece on the tall righty and his numbers along with his approach on the mound have shown that the things have changed for Daniel. I figured he'd have a huge role in how the Orioles would develop this season, and I think he may have finally come around.

As well, you cannot discount the job that rookie Jim Johnson has done coming out of the bullpen, as he's been nothing but clutch in the mount in key situations. He's obviously not only made an impact on the fans and media -- but as well within the franchise. Lest we not forget about too George Sherill, the Baltimore closer...

Heather Irvin of Oriole Magic has her thoughts of the upcoming draft; Emily Agueda of WNST notes that the Orioles have failed in marketing & the station is also holding a King of Baltimore sports contest; Ben of Oriole Magic Central marveled at Tuesday's comeback as did Roy Firestone of Orioles Hangout; Scott Hoffman has a piece on Garrett Olson; Scott Christ has his thoughts on MASN; HRB of Dempsey's Army takes issue with Nestor Aparicio; and Roar From 34 mentions a promotion that the York Revolution is having throughout the year...

Finally, a portion of I-395 in Baltimore now has signs on it officially designating it "Ripken Way"...

Andy MacPhail Q&A With the Boston Globe

Earlier today, I posted an entry about Andy MacPhail, and through reading up on things before bedtime, I found a quick Q&A he did with a Boston Globe writer, Nick Cafardo. He mainly answered questions about the state of the Orioles, how the team can improve and also life in American League East.

Is this a complete rebuilding time for you in your first year in Baltimore?

AM: "I think it's a franchise that has economic wherewithal. If you do get a nucleus of players, it's not like they're going to be rolling off and we can't afford them, like a lot of these clubs. It's a tall order and maybe I didn't fully appreciate how difficult the position is. But that doesn't mean we can't do things a lot better than we've been doing them in the past. We really need to make a concerted effort to rebuild the franchise's foundation - scouting, player development - and be as good at those things as we can possibly be."

You've run the Twins (championships in 1987 and 1991) and the Cubs; are you incorporating the Twins model or the Cubs model?

AM: "The Minnesota model is a good one to use to the extent that you're a scouting-and-development-based organization. I told our guys when I first sat down with them that this is an area where you have to excel. You can't be adequate or average."

Does it seem overwhelming to look up and see Boston and New York?

AM: "When the Egyptians were building the pyramids, they didn't think about what they had to build, they just carried the rocks up. I think that's what we have to do. We have to bring the rocks up one at a time and stick with it. I mean, we do have the financial wherewithal, maybe not to compete on a one-on-one basis, but to make the investments once we have a foundation where we feel the investment will really pay off for us."

Does it make you crazy when you watch a game at Camden Yards, and there are so many Yankee or Red Sox fans in the stands?

AM: "I'd rather have all Oriole fans in there. I grew up in a family where the things that mattered first was that baseball was popular and that we need fans in there. At least there are people sitting in there, but I'd much rather they were our fans."

The Q&A didn't tell us all much new in terms of potential deals; however, it is always good to get what Andy MacPhail is thinking about first-hand.

O's Quick Hits: MacPhail/GM Meetings and Ripken's Trip to the Far East...

This week, Andy MacPhail along with other executives from the Orioles and the other 29 teams will be in Florida for the GM meetings. Needless to say, this week will be critical as it may set the course for the Orioles and how they plan to break the losing cycle.

The Baltimore Sun's Jeff Zrebeic had a chance to sit down and conduct a Q&A with MacPhail. It's a piece worth reading if you want to gain some further perspective; however, I don't think learned anymore than I possibly knew otherwise.

Basically, it looks like MacPhail is full aware the problems with the team and he'll attempt to improve the team, not so much in the free agent market, but through trades.

On that note, Spencer Fordin in his mailbag on the Orioles.com ponders about Melvin Mora and if he'll be dealt. I'll say right now, if he's moved -- it will be hard, as it seems he's intent on keeping his family in one place; however, if he could go to a winner, he might move. Fordin also has thoughts on Aubrey Huff, prospect Billy Rowell and Daniel Cabrera.

Meanwhile, Roch Kubatko reports that much did not happen during the first day in his blog & also has thoughts on Jay Gibbons.

***

This weekend, the Baltimore Sun along with the WNST website have been chronicling Cal Ripken's trip to the Far East where he is acting as an official envoy for the U.S. State Department.

WNST has video of the trip throughout their website, and Nestor Aparicio has his reflections so far.

Rick Maese has video and an article about Cal Ripken's trip to the Great Wall of China.

In Jeremy, We Trust; The Orioles Beat the Padres 7-1 to Snap the Losing Skid, The Rundown...

Finally, we win a game for the first time in two weeks! The amazing rookie, Jeremy Guthrie shut down San Diego on four hits over eight innings and the Black and Orange beat the Friars by a score of 7-1.

At this point, Guthrie should be put on the All-Star team…

More importantly, Dave Trembley picked up his first win, and I’m sure as well the players got a brief respite from the all problems that have besieged the team for at least a moment.

Also, the offense rallied to score seven runs and just about everyone contributed to the win last night.

The rubber match of the series is today as Erik Bedard takes on the ageless David Wells.

There’s more on the game from the Baltimore Examiner, and the Washington Post.

***

There was a scare in last night’s game – Miguel “Miggy” Tejada got hit on the wrist by relief pitcher Doug Brocail while batting in the eighth inning. While nothing was found to be broken initially, there will be more tests to be done to see if he may have to sit out; thus, put his consecutive game streak in jeopardy. Roch Kubatko, in his blog has some more details.

According to Jeff Zrebeic of the Baltimore Sun, the Orioles are still in talks with Joe Girardi. At this point, I am not sure if he’ll take the job, but as long as they are still talking, there’s a shot. The team must still interview a minority candidate, but this seems to be Girardi’s job for the taking. The Baltimore Examiner has more news on the development.

Bill Ordine has a recap of last night’s game, and also more on Joe Girardi.

The Orioles MLB site has a profile on new COO, Andy MacPhail. As well, Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun has more on the new hire as does the Baltimore Examiner and Washington Post.

Also, ESPN 1300 has Andy MacPhail's press conference at the warehouse yesterday available for download. Baltimore's WNST.net also has some interviews available for download, and also various commentary on the Orioles available via their website.

Peter Schmuck has a commentary on Andy MacPhail. Will he be the knight on the white horse who’ll help bring the Orioles back to relevancy in baseball? We shall see; however, the Black and Orange could have done a lot worse. At this point, anyone who has a decent track record should be given a shot to right the ship.

Meanwhile, Jim Duquette, is unsure of this status. It’s very strange that he has not talked to MacPhail. It might be no big deal, but it does seem very, very unusual. The article also has input from several former Cubs and you hear glowing words about the new boss.

There’s more on the status of Jim Duquette and Mike Flanagan from the Baltimore Examiner. I’m expecting a wind of change with the Baltimore Orioles.

Veteran MLB pitcher Paul Shuey is back in the big leagues, and is just happy to have a job with someone…

With the changes going on in the Orioles’ organization, there are not too many people who should secure in their jobs, from the players to even the front office executives. Most likely, either Mike Flangan or Jim Duquette may be gone, or both. No doubt, things will change and David Steele has a piece in the Sun about it.

The Baltimore Sun has a question with Dave Trembley…

The Ironbirds opened up their season up in Aberdeen last night, and Cal Ripken threw out the first pitch…

More O's Stuff: MacPhail, Ripken and More Rundown

Now that I have a mini-break in my ever so busy day here at the office, I am going to add more articles on the Perlozzo firing and the various opinions around those who cover the Black and Orange.

First off, FINALLY, the Orioles have introduced Andy MacPhail as COO, in a press conference today. Although the world had known he was hired since Monday; however, he was probably in the plans (not hired), much, much earlier.

In the same article, MacPhail denies an offer has been made to Girardi, which would contradict what ESPN said.

We shall see.

Bill Ordine in his blog, 'O, By The Way', notes the history of MacPhail and Angelos...

***

Phil Wood of the Baltimore Examiner brings up an important issue facing the Orioles and illustrates a reason why they may always be a second division team -- the team cannot attract the marquee free agents needed to compete.

I think the Orioles either need to go all out, or perhaps even more realistically, rebuild.

I found this passageimportant within the article:

A veteran baseball scribe told me over the weekend that beyond second baseman Brian Roberts, he didn't see anyone else in the Orioles' everyday lineup that would start ahead of his counterpart on the Red Sox, Yankees or Blue Jays. Nick Markakis might get a second look, but overall, I don't disagree.

Multiple big-league scouts this season have described the Orioles as a team of “second-division regulars,” another way of saying they're playing exactly the way they should be based on personnel. It's part of the culture of losing; with few exceptions, the premium free agents don't want to come to Baltimore, leaving a lot of second-tier players.

I do agree -- to an extent. We have a bunch of second and third tier players; however, the recent losing in 2007 is not so much about talent, but desire, doing the little things right, and executing. The Orioles have not been doing that at all this year.

***

The Baltimore Examiner has some more words from Perlozzo, and Jim Litke of the AP believes an older manager is needed for the Orioles (??), I get the notion he's half-joking.

Stan "The Fan" Charles of Press Box (a fine sports publication in the Baltimore area) has another theory on the MacPhail hiring and changes in the organization -- a legal case which Angelos' law firm is involved in. Mr. Charles thinks the plans for change within the organization (not so much with Perlozzo) started much, much earlier, perhaps in April-May.

Allen McCallum gives his opinions about the changes with the Orioles.

Rob Long of WNST is lamenting that sports fans in Baltimore have nothing to cheer about this summer, especially the Orioles. However, football is around the corner...

Amber Theoharis thinks Kevin Millar would make a great clubhouse leader; however, I think it is too little, too late at this point.

In Jim Henneman's, 'Upon Further Review', he goes over all the potential managerial candidates for the Orioles, and also harks back to previous managers of the Orioles.

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(photo from the Baltimore Sun)

As posted yesterday on the blog, Cal Ripken participated in a parade held in his honor in Bel Air, Md yesterday afternoon (click on the link to see the video by Bill Hughes). The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Examiner.

More photos of the event can be found via Bel Air Scene (belairscene.com)