The Party Is Over For Millar in Baltimore...

Baseball is much of a business as it is a fun game, or a way to relax and escape the pressures of life at least for a few hours.

Kevin Millar yesterday spoke to The Sun's Peter Schmuck, and more or less found out the hard way that the Baltimore Orioles are moving on, and will probably not extend an invitation for him to be part of the squad in '09.

I loved Millar's attitude and spirit with the Orioles; however, even I feel the team should give Huff a chance to play the position everyday or get younger at that spot.

The fun-loving first baseman expressed himself, and he was nothing short of candid, if even heart broken.

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Chicago Hurler Rich Hill Possibly an Oriole?

Ah, could the Orioles and the Chicago Cubs be making yet another trade? This time it involves a hurler whose name has come up again -- Rich Hill...

Here's the latest from the Baltimore Sun's Jeff Zrebiec and Dan Connolly:

The Orioles and Chicago Cubs are again involved in trade talks, this time about the Cubs' left-handed starter Rich Hill. According to industry sources, the two teams have had ongoing talks about Hill, a one-time top pitching prospect who is struggling to regain his command.

One industry source said it's a "strong possibility" that Hill will wind up with the Orioles, perhaps as early as next week. The Orioles will likely give up a player to be named who could be contingent on Hill's success in Baltimore.

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Keith Law's List of the Top 100 Prospects, Number One: Matt Wieters

This afternoon, ESPN's Keith Law came out with his 100 top prospects list, and guess who was his top pick: Matt Wieters. As most fans of the black and orange know, Matt Wieters is one of the important pieces of the future with the Baltimore Orioles and the overwhelming majority of the media have been praising him since the day he was drafted.

If you don't have ESPN Insider, here's a bit of what Law has to say about Wieters:

Wieters is typically compared to one of two current big-leaguers: Mark Teixeira and Joe Mauer. Those are tough comps to hang on a player who has yet to sniff the big leagues, but in Wieters' case, they're merited.

Wieters' similarities to Teixeira don't end with their common alma mater of Georgia Tech or the fact that each was selected with the fifth overall pick (Teixeira in 2001, Wieters in 2007). Like Teixeira, Wieters is a switch-hitter with plus hit and power tools from both sides. He's a little more fluid from the left side with slightly better raw power, but he could stand on his head and still be short to the ball and get good extension on his follow-through. His plate discipline is strong and improving, and he's filled out since college, adding power to the point where he's at least major league average right now. He does glide a little bit on both sides, but it has no discernible effect on his ability to hit.

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Pie & The Pitching

Now that the football season is over in Baltimore, I guess it is now time to turn our collective attention to the Orioles. In my opinion, so far, the organization has done a fairly modest job in improving the team.

For the most part, there are rave reviews about the Pie-Olson trade. While you always hate to trade pitching for a hitter, Pie just has way too much potential to just not make this move for Olson.

The Cubs may have put too much of a burden on Pie -- that organization is not a place for on-the-job training -- and he may for once get all the opportunities in the world to play in Baltimore. More likely than not, I see him starting. I think the O's are just going to let him go out there (ala Adam Jones) and hope his minor league numbers can translate in the majors. I see Luke Scott as the designated hitter, and Aubrey Huff playing at first. I think the Orioles are taking the baby steps to rebuild -- as in becoming younger and tad more athletic, and these are things you have to do to create a system.

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Brian Wants To Stay?

I heard the "Scott and Anita" show this afternoon in my car while driving home this evening and I was quite surprised by what heard from Brian Roberts.

It sounds like he will be giving the Orioles an ample chance to keep him -- assuming the price is right -- in their uniform. I'm sure he does not want to be traded, but he understands the business of the game; however, he definitely has an affinity towards Charm City and the only organization he's played for.

In his weekly segment, he touched on these topics:

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Gregg Zaun Close To Being An Oriole; Spring Training & Around The Blogosphere...

Evening everyone, and I hope everyone's weekend is going well. It looks like Baltimore may finally have a new catcher, if the reports from the Baltimore Sun's Peter Schmuck are correct.

It looks like the Orioles may be close on a deal for Gregg Zaun. There were reports that Boston was really gunning for him, but Zaun may be choosing a place where he's familiar with and should get plenty of playing time before Wieters arrives.

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Do We Want Jim Edmonds?

It's a new day, and it seems like the Orioles are once again sticking to the low-cost veteran signings to bridge the gap between the youth on the farm and the major league team.

According to Ken Rosenthal, the organization has some interest in veteran Jim Edmonds.

Although, I more or less have some aversion to acquiring guys on the wrong side of thirty -- however, I will make an exception on this one, if we can get him.

It looked like Edmonds' start to 2008 indicated that he was on his last legs as an everyday player; however, once he joined the Cubs, he looked like another man.

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Teixeira To The O's & Everyone Else: It's Not Me, It's You

After seeing this, do YOU really think he wanted to go anywhere else but New York? He completely used every other team as bait to get a deal, and he'd rather be a piece of with a team - Boston or New York, rather than a focal point of a lineup - everyone else. He may have wanted to be a Yankee, and is saying the right things -- almost too perfectly -- but, he wants to win and the paycheck is definitely worthwhile

I also think it's nice he listened to his wife, and she helped him come to a decision. Again, this does not make it any easier to stomach that he bypassed everyone else for a chance to wear pinstripes.

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Extending Roberts

It's been a while since we've heard anything on the Brian Roberts extension front, but we finally might have gotten some news.

Well, the news perhaps is probably not what most fans what to hear.

The Baltimore Sun: As spring training approaches, the Orioles and Brian Roberts have moved no closer to a contract extension, but the second baseman's agent believes there is still a chance.

"We certainly haven't made any progress recently, but neither side has closed the door," said Roberts' agent, Mark Pieper.

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The Deal for Roberts to White Sox a No Go?

Well, perhaps the talk of Brian Roberts going to the Chicago White Sox may have been overblown. Here's the latest from Baltimore Sun columnist Peter Schmuck...

From the Baltimore Sun: Sounds like the Orioles won't be sending Brian Roberts to the White Sox for pitcher Gavin Floyd anytime soon, though that rumor seems to have more legs than the Rockettes. White Sox general manager Ken Williams made a statement yesterday through a spokesman that he hasn't talked to anyone from the Orioles about anything since November.

Though many O's fans think that Floyd would not represent fair value for BRob, the White Sox apparently feel that a 17-game winner with several years left under reserve is a pretty valuable commodity.

If they didn't, you'd think Williams would use the trade rumor as a pretext for contacting the Orioles to bat the idea around, since Roberts would be a nice fit in the White Sox lineup. Don't hear much about this coming from the warehouse either, but -- to be fair -- you'd be hearing even less if something was going on.

I guess when it come to Brian Roberts and the offseason, you have no idea what to expect. Right now, we have no idea about the talks of an extension with the second baseman; however, from my time in the business world, no news is bad news.

Who knows what's going on, but I do think Roberts is dealt -- whether it is before spring training or during the trade deadline in the summer -- unless a deal can be made with Baltimore.

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Teixeira Now A Yankee; Pavano & Orioles Sign Koji Uehara

The big news of today in baseball was the unveiling of Mark Teixeira as a Yankee. We all know the details, and we know he didn't want to come to Baltimore; alas, seeing him in pinstripes was a little surreal after all that took place this off-season.

Mark said all the right things in his press conference, and only spoke glowingly of his new employers, but I'll be interested to see the reaction when comes back to his hometown for Opening Day.

Well, the other news that really intrigued me was that Carl Pavano found work in Cleveland. His deal is worth $1.5 million plus heavy incentives which he could earn an additional $5.3 million based on starts and innings pitched. The Indians got a pitcher on the cheap -- mostly because of his adventures in New York -- however, if he can be a .500 pitcher or better, he'll help them out greatly.

Now onto Baltimore...

The Orioles finally added another pitcher as they inked Koji Uehara to a two-year, $10 million according to Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun. The report also notes that the deal could be worth as much as $16 million over two years if he meets performance milestones.

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What We Should Do & Flanagan's Future...

With spring training fast approaching, it looks like some more chips have come off the table as both Pat Burrell and Milton Bradley have found new homes.

The Tampa Bay Rays got the right-handed bat they needed as they signed Pat Burrell to a two year, 16 million dollar deal (a freaking bargain for a slugger); meanwhile, the Cubs have signed Milton Bradley to a three year, 30-million dollar to add yet another power bat to their stable of mashers.

With that being said, only about five-plus weeks remain until Spring Training, and one has to think what will the Orioles do? Right now, it looks like they have interest in Japanese pitchers Kenshin Kawakami and Koji Uehara per Roch Kubatko.

I hope Baltimore at least signs another pitcher or two, as right now the squad looks to be no match to even match-up with their rivals in the American League East.


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Brian Roberts to the White Sox? (From MASN Sports)

MASN's Roch Kubatko had this tidbit on Brian Roberts on his blog, and it could be of great importance assuming there's any truth to the posting.

From MASN Sports: Brian Roberts always seems to be linked to the Chicago Cubs in trade rumors, but White Sox general manager Kenny Williams loves the guy and is trying to acquire him.

The two sides have discussed former Mount St. Joe pitcher Gavin Floyd as a starting point in trade talks. The Orioles might need more, though the White Sox would want it to be straight-up, since they'd be surrendering a 17-game winner.

At least Orioles president Andy MacPhail could say he brought a local kid home. It's just not Mark Teixeira.

Anyway, that's the buzz.

As much as I hate advocating this, I say if we could get another prospect or two to sweeten the deal -- do it. Roberts may or may not sign an extension with Baltimore, and this point, he'll more than likely be well into his mid-30's before the team reaches contention.

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Yankee Nation to Descend On Oriole Park For Opening Day & ESPN Will Witness It All...

As most any season ticket holder to the Baltimore Orioles knows -- the Evil Empire will be coming to Charm City for Opening Day at Camden Yards on April 6th. There will be hardcore Oriole fans who will be there, but of course there will also be a throng of Yankee fans -- local and not -- coming to see their team embark on their manifest destiny to the World Series (or not).

The big question now on many minds will be how many Oriole fans will actually dare show up on that day?

I just checked out Jay Trucker's blog on the Examiner website and apparently ESPN will be here chronicling the Yankees on the Opening Day telecast -- more specifically C.C. Sabathia's first start; thus, more or less, the Orioles will just be part of the supporting cast (or just maybe the extras).

One could think that there will be incessant talk on how Tex was signed by the Yankees and how the Red Sox lost him, the Steinbrenners, will Burnett become Carl Pavano II and a litany of other topics all related to New York.

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Youre Kidding Me. The Orioles Want Richie Sexson?

Been out all night, but I nearly fell out of the chair when I read this from the Sun's Peter Schmuck.

Ok. This guy, I will admit has had a solid major league career; however, his best years might be behind him. He was horrible in 2008, and at this point -- he's simply a low salary, high reward guy who you hope has something left in the tank.

From the Sun: The Orioles still are trying to figure out what they'll do at first base this coming season, and they've given some consideration to attempting a salvage operation with former 45-homer guy Richie Sexson. Club officials apparently have had at least one conversation with Sexson's agent, Casey Close, though the depth of their interest is uncertain.

Sexson's offensive numbers have been in steep decline for the past couple of years, but he might be a worthwhile gamble if he's willing to take an incentive-laden contract. He turned 34 yesterday, so he would definitely be a temporary fix, but he has hit 30 or more homers six times in his career and hit 45 homers in 2001 and 2003. He split a very disappointing 2008 season between the Seattle Mariners and the Yankees.

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Pudge Rodriguez an Oriole?

With the Baltimore Orioles seemingly in need a catcher -- a starter, backup, or otherwise -- while phenom Matt Wieters may start the year in Triple-A to get some seasoning, there have been talks of former Oriole Gregg Zaun taking the role.

However, there has been another name of late who has joined the fray -- Ivan "Pugde" Rodroguez.

Baltimore Sun blogger and columnist Peter Schmuck brought up this topic in a recent blog post, as he says:

From the Baltimore Sun: Former Oriole Gregg Zaun remains the free-agent catcher most likely to end up in the Orioles lineup on Opening Day, but there have been conversations with agent Scott Boras about veteran Ivan Rodriguez (left). Whether he would be a good fit to mentor Matt Wieters and eventually step aside for the O's top minor league prospect has been a subject of some discussion in the O's front office.

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Old Our Friend Sammy Sosa Wants To Return To Baseball...

Reading the information super-highway the other day, I caught that Sammy Sosa -- a member of the 600 home run club -- was looking for a return to the Major Leagues.

The slugger who excited the world of baseball with his home run hitting ability, unabashed love for the game, and his infectious smile brought joy not only to Cubs fans in the 1990's, but to the world of baseball.

Furthermore, many credit him and Mark McGwire for rekindling the interest of the sport to fans and admirers alike; however, all the goodwill he had built up went pretty much down the toilet after his appearance on Capitol Hill years ago.

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Brian Roberts & Around The Blogosphere

At this point, with the reality of Mark Teixeira not being signed by Baltimore, the question that many have asked is what will happen to Brian Roberts?

As most of us know, the Baltimore Orioles are in the rebuilding stage and have has eleven straight losing seasons. Moreover, the team plays in the AL East, and with the Rays as defending division champs, and with the powerhouse Red Sox, along with the retooled Yankees, one must think the organization has the task of climbing Mount Everest.

Andy MacPhail -- despite the misgivings of a few fans -- I think has done a solid job in rebuilding the team. There's probably going to have a painful decision to be made with Roberts, and I think he will be traded before his contract is up.

I am going to fathom that Baltimore will offer him an extension, but he will turn it down for the fact he wants to play on a competitive team. His status will be one of many questions as Spring Training is only about seven-eight weeks away.

***

• The Sun's David Steele thinks O's fans should be grateful for the team not signing Mark Teixeira. After what I have seen the past two weeks, I think that's a fair assessment.
• Dean Jones Jr., of the Baltimore Sun thinks despite the team not signing Mark Teixeira, the future is bright for the organization and things may really not be as bad it seems.
• It looks more and more that Mark Teixeira and the Yankees were made for each other states Roch Kubatko. Despite a good-faith effort by the Nationals, the slugger wanted to go to a winner and that spelled New York.
• Camden Chat expresses the O's have interest in Mark Hendrickson; the Loss Column has a an interesting take on the drama with Mark Teixeira, fandom and the economic system in baseball; the Roar from 34 pens a poem on Teixeira; Around the Harbor knew we had no chance with Mark Teixeira and HRB of Dempsey's Army thinks that the slugger is not worth the money he got from New York; Oriole Central believes fans got coal in their stocking as the O's lost out on Teixeira as does Jay Trucker of the Examiner; The Wayward O believes that Teixeira is just flat out greedy; finally, Joe Posnanski has a great piece on the entire Mark Teixeira saga.
  

Double Talk: Boras Open His Mouth Again

While I am at home trying to recover from the flu, Mark Teixeira is still not signed with anyone.

With news of Manny Ramirez seeking a three year deal from the New York Yankees, most are waiting for the chips with Mark to fall.

Most thought that the Angels were out of the hunt for Teixeira, as they withdrew their names from contention this weekend; however, Boras may be trying to lure them back in. The Angels know they need Teixeira's offense, despite the slugger wanting to play on the East Coast -- thus, if you read the passage below, he kind of wants them back in the fray.

From Jon Heyman: "Mark Teixeira enjoyed his time with the Angels and was an integral part of their success last season," Boras wrote in his statement. "His interest in returning to the club has been sincere, real and continues to be one of his earnest priorities throughout this off-season."

...Boras also wrote in his statement, "Clubs are very aware -- in particular the Angels -- participation in the free-agent process does not signal lack of interest in signing with the club. Case in point, the Angels signed two great free agent players who engaged in the mechanism, receiving and exchanging offers with multiple clubs, while negotiating with the Angels. Therefore, we are assuming that reasons other than Teixeira's interest in returning to the Angels were the driving factor."

I assume the two free agents Boras is referring to are Vladimir Guerrero and Torii Hunter.

It sounds like Boras wants the Angels to go after Teixeira -- despite evidence he wants to stay on the East Coast -- just to keep the wheels spinning.

This whole drama has been good for taking up web space, chatter on sports talk radio, and the Worldwide Sports Leader -- ESPN -- gushing for the slugger to sign with New York or Boston; however, this has all become exhausting.

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The Angels Out of The Hunt For Teixeira

Ah, it looks like a team has withdrawn from the Mark Teixeira sweepstakes -- the Los Angeles Angels. Perhaps because they play on the wrong coast, the Angels might have found themselves in a race that seemingly they would not win.

From ESPN: The Angels' departure from the Teixeira sweepstakes leaves the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, Washington Nationals and Baltimore Orioles as the four teams still in the mix for the premier position player in this winter's free-agent market.

Angels general manager Tony Reagins revealed before the winter meetings that the team had offered Teixeira an eight-year deal. The size of the team's offer was undetermined.

The Angels really needed Teixeira's bat, and although they are pretty much assumed to be the favorite to win the AL West, his bat really strengthened their lineup during the 2008 regular season.

I guess at this point, one could assume they will go after Manny Ramirez, or some of the other big boppers on the market.