Burnett to Atlanta; Markakis and Pedroia

It looks like the Braves may be in the hunt for Burnett, and may be ready to offer him what he wants -- a five year deal.

Via the New York News: Just as they were finalizing a trade for Javier Vazquez, the Braves were preparing a five-year offer for A.J. Burnett, according to sources. Burnett, considered the No.2 starter on the market, was expected to wait for Sabathia to make the first move. But with the Yankees, Red Sox and Blue Jays all apparently hesitant to give Burnett a fifth year, the 31-year-old might jump at Atlanta's offer before Sabathia makes his decision.

The Braves need pitching and want to get back into the NL East hunt. At this point, who knows what happen and if Burnett may use the Braves to increase his price, or he if he'll sign. With times being so uncertain and the oft-injured hurler being signed to his 37th birthday, he may sign with Atlanta.

However, I think the Braves may be taking a huge risk with Burnett and considering the conservative nature in which they hand out contracts, signing him may not be wise and it was a definite surprise to hear this.

***

While many are waiting for news to come out from the Warehouse about any important signings, moves, etc., the Red Sox went ahead and signed Dustin Pedroia to a six-year, $40.5 million contract extension, with an option for 2015, that takes them through three arbitration and two free-agent seasons. Smart move for the Sox; thus, what does this for Nick Markakis and the Orioles.

Nothing at all.

A Markakis deal will get done at some point; however, with the winter meetings on the horizon along with the team trying to find arms for the rotation, as well as a shortstop (Khalil Greene?) the Orioles had to put the discussions on the back burner.

Folks, the sky isn't falling yet; therefore, we should not worry. Then again, it seems important the team sign simply sign the right fielder for credibility purposes amongst the fanbase, and he wants to be here, so let's let the discussion -- no matter how slow it may be -- take its course.

Markakis and the Orioles Halt Extension Talks...

Take this for what is it worth right now...

From the Baltimore Sun: Both club president Andy MacPhail and Markakis' agent, Jamie Murphy, confirmed that the sides exchanged proposals last week for the first time this offseason and that after several discussions, an agreement could not be reached.

Stopping short of calling it an impasse, Murphy said Markakis has decided to observe what happens with baseball's current free-agent class before negotiating again. Murphy said he expects talks to pick up in late January when the sides exchange filings for salary arbitration.

"In many respects the talks have been productive, but we've reached a point where we felt it would be beneficial to see how the market develops," Murphy said. "From our point of view, we expect to revisit these discussions. We felt that taking some time and seeing how the market shapes up may help us along in finding some common ground. And Andy agreed."

As a fan, I'm a little concerned that he hasn't been signed by now; however, Nick Markakis is holding back on extending with the team at the moment to see what deals are consummated with the free agents out there before he works on his own.

It may serve to be a smart business move on his part, as he tries to come back with a counter offer for the team in the near future; meanwhile, the Orioles can also formulate a deal of their own.

I don't think this is a big deal, as he's heading into his fourth season with the team. He's got another full three seasons to play before he becomes a free agent, and neither side is obligated to come up with a long term deal at this time.

The only problem with Markakis holding back on the deal is with the economy and how long this recession lasts. If it goes well into next season and longer, his value may not be as high it could have been in the past -- however, that's the risk you take. As well, though not likely -- his numbers could decline or he could get hurt -- nevertheless, he's in for likely a huge pay day no matter how you slice it.

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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NLCS Thoughts and Playoff Reflections; Markakis & A New Contract...

The 2008 playoffs resume tonight as game one of the NLCS is played in the City of Brotherly Love.

Manny Ramirez and the Dodgers take on the Phillies; thus, for me, although I am a fan of the Orioles, the NL style of baseball appeals to me a lot more. That being said, I am very interested to see how this series turns out.

Both teams match up well with their lineups, as well as their pitching staffs although I think Philadelphia might have a slight edge with their bullpen (because of Brad Lidge). I think the starters for the first three games are suitable, there’s a significant drop-off from there with their starting rotations for both teams.

That’s why I see things so even matched up.

Right now, I am picking the Dodgers in seven games for the upset.

Why?

I think the Dodgers have been greatly underestimated, and obviously Manny in that lineup makes the difference; however, I think Joe Torre has also been a calming influence on this team as well by virtue of his experience dealing in New York.

Again, there’s the Manny factor. They look and play like a different team from the one we saw from April to the end of July. If the Dodgers go down 2-0 when they return to California, I think they are as good as done. I don’t think the Phillies can stop Manny based on how well he’s doing right now -- (but I think Ramirez only has a career batting average of .200 versus the Phillies) -- but shutting down the rest of the offense is ey.

However, if the Dodgers can touch up on Cole Hamels, Brett Myers and Jamie Moyer, the Phillies are in trouble. As well, if Howard and Burrell are shut down, it’s too curtains for them.

Although I think the Phillies have the superior hitting lineup, I think there’s an upset.

I would so love to see a Dodgers-Red Sox World Series. Just imagine all the story lines, drama, and I'm sure MLB would be happy with the ratings as it would be a blockbuster.

***

While a handful of teams are still in the playoffs, teams like the Baltimore Orioles are stuck in watching it from home and face the prospect of a long, hard winter.

That being said, now is the time to sign Nick Markakis to a long term deal. I have said over and over, I have full faith in Andy MacPhail and I more or less said last year that the right fielder not being signed to a long term contract isn’t an issue — however, if it’s not done this off-season it will be.

After seeing his peers like Ryan Braun, Evan Longoria, and Troy Tulowitzki signed to healthy contracts, after the progress Markakis has shown, he deserves the same.

At this point, if they go through arbitration process, Markakis will get a huge pay day indeed; however, the longer the team waits to sign him to a deal, the higher his price will go and the greater the likelihood that he’ll bolt.

Considering the Orioles are rebuilding, and it may be a while before they start to win, now is the time to sign Nick.

Let’s avoid Pandora’s Box from opening when it does not need to be the case.

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Thanks Armando! O's Win Two In A Row in Canada...

Thanks for the Present, Armando! Well, after a wretched series with the Boston Red Sox, the Orioles have won 3 out of their last 5; thus, continued the winning last night in Toronto, 6-5.

The offense continued its hot streak thanks to a big inning in the eighth. Adam Jones and Melvin Mora each hit a two-run home in the frame, and Kevin Millar belted a solo homer. As well, Nick Markakis went 4- for-4 with a double, run batted in and a run scored while Brian Roberts had two hits and scored a run.

Dennis Sarfate (3-1) only needed two pitches to earn the win in relief of Brian Burres, who allowed three runs on five hits in 4 1/3 innings. George Sherrill worked the ninth for his 21st save.

Shaun Marcum’s nice start went out the window as he held the Orioles to one run on seven hits in seven-plus frames; however, Brian Tallet and Armando Benitez – ah, that good old friend of ours who contributed many memorable moments in Oriole folklore – allowed the game to get out of hand!

Thanks again for the gift, Mr. Benitez. Too bad you were DFA’ed after the game.

And the Orioles won today 9-3, thanks to the offense busting out on A.J. Burnett, who usually dominates the Birds. Although the ninth inning got a little scary thanks to a few errors, and Trachsel on the mound, the troops rallied to finally win a quality start for Jeremy Guthrie.

Nick Markakis in Under Armour Commercial...

In light of the Baltimore Orioles sucking badly in 2007, we have a moment in the sun thanks the apparel company, Under Armour which is also based out of Charm City.

Anyhow, take a look at the commercial, and you'll see a very familiar face towards the end of the video -- that's right, our own Nick Markakis finally getting some national prominence.

The video also features Braves' fireballer Tim Hudson and the Cubs' Alfonso Soriano.

Go Nick, and much love to Under Armour that makes the best athletic gear money can buy.

The Teacher is In: Orioles 2007 Season Grades - The Staring Outfield...

Well, I'm going to play teacher this morning and assign grades the best I can to the Oriole players on the squad.

Some are going to like what I have said, and the grades I have issued, some are not.

That being said, let's begin.

We all know that the Orioles have more or less sucked this season, and this winter will be nothing short of critical in charting the course of the franchise in the future.

Today, I'll be doing the starting outfield...

Nick Markakis, Right Field
2007 Numbers: .300 AVG, 23 HR, 112 RBt’s, .485 SLG, .362 OBP. 191 hits
Grade: A

In a year where fans and observers like had to sit through a putrid season, Markakis was one of few bright spots. I thought he might have been a tad overrated, but he’s the real deal.

After a slow start in 2007, his numbers picked up and he was the only Oriole to bat .300, hit over 20 homers, and drive in 100 runs. Seeing him play makes me think of Dwight Evans in the field, and Wally Joyner at the plate. He’s got a nice swing, and I have been even more impressed with his fielding and his arm.

Just think of it.

If Nick Markakis played for anyone else but the Orioles; i.e., a contender like Philadelphia, the New York teams, Boston, or an Atlanta, he’d be a Gold Glover – easily.

Hell, if he was a Yankee, he’d have a statue ready for him in Monument Park, and if he were a member of the Red Sox, he’d be a god in Boston.

So far, it’s been good for Nick, and he should only get better at the plate if he can get his power numbers up. Fans should only expect nothing but the best, and although he’s a very quiet guy, you can count on him taking a leadership role sometime down the road.

He’ll no doubt be part of the future; however, fans should not expect him to be the next Cal, Frank, Brooks, Jim Palmer rolled into one – he’s just Nick. We are all longing for a winner, but he’s no doubt a huge piece in the puzzle.

Jay Payton, Left Field
2007 Numbers: .256 AVG, 7 HR, 58 RBI, .292 OBP, .376 SLG
Grade: D

Jay Payton was signed to be an extra part of a contending team, and was supposed to be a proven winner that as supposed to supplant an offense that needed speed and experience.

He was nothing but a disappointment, and based on his numbers along with attitude, Payton seemingly lost interest along with played sloppy at time. As well, I think he got very disturbed by the losing and his body language at times suggested it.

His poor numbers only show he was part of the Orioles problem, and he was.

Personally, I think he needs a change of scenery and should be dealt. Both sides need it.

Corey Patterson, Center Field
2007 Numbers: .269 AVG, 8 HR, 45 RBIS, 37 SB, .304 OBP
Grade: C

I like Corey Patterson, and he’s got a lot of god given athletic ability that most players dream of.

However, for one reason or another, he’s not been able to get it all together.

His problem has been consistency along with get command of the hitting zone at the plate. He’d be a great leadoff guy with his blazing speed; however, he strikes out way too much and his on-base percentage is nothing to be happy about. He’s got some power, but his numbers have gone down, and not improved at all.

Corey is a wizard in the outfield, and is a great defensive presence. In light of it all, some of his habits that led to his departure from the Cubs came with him to Baltimore. I do give him credit, he picked his numbers up big-time after the All-Star Break before he went down with an ankle injury.

He’s in his free agent year, and I would not re-sign him unless the price is right. The team could find better on the open market, or look in house for a solution (read: Tike Redman).

Tike Redman, Center Field

2007 Numbers: .318 AVG, 2 HR, 16 RBI, 7 SB, 132 AB, .462 SLG
Grade: B+

Well, Tike Redman was a fall call-up and got a chance to play everyday due to injuries to members of the team.

So, far in a small sample size with the Orioles, it’s been good. In his time with the team, he brought a mix of speed, a little pop and aggressiveness to the plate.

My only problem with him is that he has not impressed me in the outfield. He’s made some terrible plays in the field, and has at times missed balls that the average center fielder would have gotten.

Despite it all, he’s been a welcome surprise to the team, and should on the roster next year.

Jay Gibbons, Left Field/First Base/Designated Hitter

2007 Numbers: .230 AVG, 6 HR, 28 RBI, .272 OBP, .348 SLG
Grade: F

Jay Gibbons is a nice guy, and was great with the fans, but he’s worn out his welcome with most fans in Baltimore.

There I said it.

Being a nice person helps, but when you have completely forgotten how to play the game, you will not endear yourself to anyone.

Along with his awful season, the stench of the drug witch hunt came back to Baltimore and this time, he got caught in the drama as he was shown to have bought drugs from Signature Pharmacy out of Florida.

Considering he was the player’s rep, denied he ever used drugs, and as well denounced Jason Grimsley and Rafael Palmiero for their involvement, he comes off as a total fraud.

If you mix in the drug problems with a guy whose offensive numbers have regressed and someone who cannot play the field, you have a player who hurts rather than helps the Orioles. At times, he’s looked clueless at the plate; however, even worse groused to the media about his playing time and role on the team. He’s struggled with injuries, and has never lived up to his problem; alas, I’ll give him credit – he’s made a lot of money and had gone further than anyone probably imagined based on his natural talent.

All of that is a mixture for a team cancer.

He’s got to go, no matter how much money is owed.

Nick the Stick Has a Career High 5 RBIs, O's Beat Rangers 11-9; The Rundown

Nick Markakis had a ground-breaking night as he had 5 RBIS and the Orioles won last night by a score of 11-9 in the deep heart of Texas.

In light of the Birds horrific season, Nick Markakis homered last night, for his 21^st of the season and leads the team with 108 RBI’s. He’s been dubbed “the Natural” by some in Baltimore media, and he’s more than proved that this season.

Baltimore spent the first half of the game down, but came back thanks to key hits from Markakis, as well Aubrey Huff, Brian Roberts and Freddie Bynum who all had 2 RBI’s each.

Ian Kinsler had a huge game for Texas with his 20^th homer and three RBIs, as well Hank Blalock also drove in 2 runs.

Michael Young, Marlon Byrd, Nelson Cruz and David Murphy each drove in a run.

Meanwhile, Radhames Liz, despite his electric stuff has struggled mightily in the majors during his short stay. He only lasted 2 2/3 innings as he gave up six earned runs, and the bullpen thereafter didn’t help the cause as Rocky Cheery gave up 2 additional runs and Chad Bradford gave up a run as well.

However, Jamie Walker came in and got his 6^th save of the season.

Jim Hoey came in and pitching and inning of scoreless relief and earned the win.

***

The Baltimore Sun has a recap of the game as does the Baltimore Examiner, Orioles Hangout, & the Washington Post.

Roch Kubatko has thoughts about the team in his blog; however, the decision on team MVP is pretty much agreed – Nick Markakis deserves the nod. I would have given it to Bedard hands down, but he’s been injured since the month began.

Nick Markakis at the ESPN Zone; Pictures and Thoughts...

Nick Markakis at the ESPN Zone - June 14, 2007

On a unseasonably cool summer afternoon, fans got to meet Nick Markakis, as held a Q&A & autopgraph session at the ESPN Zone in Baltimore's Inner Harbor on Thursday.

The place was packed as there was a standing room only crowd in the facility as Nick took questions from fans about the Orioles and also off the field items.

WHFS and Oriole radio broadcaster Fred Manfra moderated the event.

The Q&A portion was fairly brief, but fans who were able to play hooky from work or visit the ESPN Zone during their lunch hour got to get their memorabilia signed and get some face time with Markakis.

Nick Markakis at the ESPN Zone; This Thursday, 12-1 PM

Nick Markakis is fast become one of the most popular sports icons in the city of Baltimore, and if you've got time during your lunch hour, or can hooky for a few hours, you can meet him!

He'll be at ESPN Zone Baltimore on Thursday, June 14 to talk with fans and share his insight on the Orioles’ season. This lunchtime question-and-answer session offers fans a great opportunity to get personal, candid answers to all their baseball questions, while getting better acquainted with Nick.

After the Q&A portion of the event, which will be hosted by an Orioles broadcaster, he will sign autographs for ESPN Zone guests.

The event will take place between 12-1pm on Thursday and it's at the ESPN Zone in the Inner Harbor on 601 East Pratt St.

Markakis, Loewen, & the Relationship of the Orioles and the Washington DC Area...

Wow. I caught this after surfing around the web and various forums just right now.

...Baltimore Orioles players Adam Loewen and Nick Markakis were booed when shown on the scoreboard telescreen, while D.C. United soccer star Ben Olsen drew cheers from the crowd of 16,924....

As a resident of Maryland, an Orioles as well as a Nationals fan, I certainly understand all too well the sentiments of those in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. I can attest that those in that area who dislike the Orioles don’t necessarily hate the players, but the owner, Peter Angelos. I sometimes walk through the city with a Orioles cap on and I’ll get smart remarks like “Angelos Sucks”, “Orioles Suck” or if you’re in DC or Virginia, "why do you still have Orioles stuff on ?”

For example, if you’re an O’s fan and shout “O” during the National Anthem while at RFK, you will get a lot of heat from Washingtonians.

A quick review: Peter Angelos fought tooth and nail to prevent the Montreal Expos (who became later the Washington Nationals) from moving to Washington D.C. as the team would be encroaching on his territory. MLB only moved the team to the nation’s capital for the fact there was no other viable market that could sustain a team and have a facility up and ready to play in.

As a concession for the Expos moving to into Washington D.C., MLB set up a regional sports network, MASN, for both the Orioles and Nationals, but Peter Angelos and the Oriole would own the majority of the network permanently. Also, the Orioles now could not be sold at open market for less than $365 million, almost double the amount the team was originally purchased for.

In addition, the vast majority of fans could not see the Nationals until late 2006, as MASN and Comcast, a cable provider fought over a contract over Orioles coverage in 2007 and beyond, so Comcast refused to put MASN on their cable systems.

The experience of the cable network along with the fight to get the Expos into Washington led D.C. area to resent bitterness and hatred towards Angelos along with the Baltimore Orioles. A lot of Orioles fans who lived in Maryland, D.C. and Northern Virginia became Nationals fans, as some were former Senators fans, some wanted to root for a team in their own vicinity, as well a few did because there were not satisfied with the team under ownership with Angelos.

Was it a bit crass and immature for some angry D.C. fans to rail against Nick Markakis and Adam Loewen, two young players who have nothing to do with the Orioles and their business practices? Yes, but it is America, and sports fans have the right to voice their displeasure. I can not criticize Washington area fans for their anger, because in my mind it is in a way rightly justified and sports is an emotional thing in people’s lives.

However, as I look at things from Angelos’ view and in a corporate sense, the moves he made were smart and in a way, he needed to protect his investment. Now, I am not agreeing in the way he conducted himself, but a lot of what did made sense and with his skills as a lawyer, he surely did benefit greatly from the Expos moving into the Mid-Atlantic region although the Orioles have not been competitive and attendance has dropped greatly.

In the end though, it comes back to Markakis and Loewen were sadly the target of the ire of Peter Angelos. Did they deserve it – no; but nevertheless, the incident is representative of what the Orioles face in Washington D.C.

Quick Hits...

• Baseball Show in Baltimore: Ironclad Authentics, in a partnership with MAB Celebrity Services, today announced they will be co-promoting & hosting “Baseball’s Best” at the Baltimore Convention Center January 26-28, 2007. The weekend long event will include a memorabilia show, the third annual Aspire: A Tribute to Life’s Coaches gala, the Ripken Coaching Experience and an auction run by Geppi's Memorabilia Road Show. Baseball's Best 2007 will feature many former baseball greats, such as Cal Ripken Jr., Tony Gwynn, Don Mattingly, Hall of Famer Stan Musial, Steve Carlton, Carlton Fisk, Tom Seaver, Baltimore Oriole greats Jim Palmer and Eddie Murray, current Baltimore Orioles Hayden Penn, Nick Markakis, and many more. More info can be found at: http://www.baseballsbest2007.com/
• Pete Rose wants McGwire in Cooperstown: Article can be found here: ( http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/baseball/bal-sp.bbnotes20dec20,0,4872887.story?coll=bal-sports-baseball ). For what it's worth, I think McGwire should get into the Hall Fame, only because of his numbers and accomplishments along with the assumption that many of his peers were involved in using performance enhancing drugs. Although the use of such drugs are against the law without a prescription, baseball and the powers that be did nothing to discourage the use of steroids until 2004. I can respect Pete Rose's opinion, but what he did to the game and how he handled his life afterwards was far worse than has transpired with Mark McGwire.