The Free Agent Market and Where We Stand...

Today starts off what comes consider to be the second season in Major League Baseball -- the free agency period -- where teams will try to improve via signings, or perhaps flounder because of a player who doesn't work out.

Well, the action here does not take place on the field, but in boardrooms, offices, also on the internet, going back and forth via email and using up your cell phone minutes, and also the time-honored tradition of wining and dining.

With all the players out there available via free agency, where do the Orioles and so many teams stand?

For those who root for the black and the orange, will the money that the organization be enough to bring Mark Teixiera back home to Baltimore, or lure Maryland native A.J. Burnett? Or will the two men spurn the comforts of the familiar for riches and fame in larger markets?

Could we make a splash and shock many by signing Ben Sheets, Adam Dunn, Manny Ramirez, Derek Lowe or a C.C. Sabathia (yeah, in our pipe dreams).

Do we have to drag through the bargain bin to find an arm or two, or three? Will we find a shortstop for the long haul -- among Orlando Cabrera, Rafael Furcal, Edgar Renteria and a cast of a dozen plus -- before pitchers and catchers report? Do we build through trades rather than open up the check book?

Do we finally extend Markakis? Does Brian Roberts finally get tired of the losing, turns down an extension and decides to move on? Will Daniel Cabrera get it on the mound and tap into his physical gifts to become what the Orioles need? What about not-so-much-youngsters Radhames Liz and Garrett Olsen possibly finding some consistency? Does Jamie Walker at his age bounce back? What will we see from Chris Ray and Danys Baez? What happens with George Sherrill?

Do we finally see Matt Wieters make the team or longtime minor league incumbent Nolan Reimold finally taste the major leagues?

Do we see the Orioles make an expected turnaround like the Rays? Or do they inch closer to .500, or stay stuck in neutral?

Will the economic state of America reach into the game? Do free agents -- aside from the cream of the crop -- see their contracts not turn out to be as expected? Do fans still come back to the Yard, or any other of the 29 ballparks in America, or stay away in droves?

The baseball world will be watching to see where everyone goes in the Second Season.

It can be frustrating, or fun; nevertheless, anyone who cares about baseball will be watching.

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Has The Bidding for Teixeira Already Begun?

(take my blog post article title with a grain of salt -- teams officially cannot talk with free agents until after the World Series...)

Well, it looks like Steinbrenner II -- Hank Steinbrenner -- has once again opened up his mouth and announced the Yankees grand plan to get back into the playoffs. Aside from the obvious targets for their desire -- A.J. Burnett, C.C. Sabathia, and Derek Lowe -- they want one other big name ticket item for their trophy case.

Mark Teixiera.

Needless to say, there's no doubt that they were going after the Maryland first baseman, considering they have millions upon millions coming off their books and Giambi will not most likely be re-signed.

From CNNSI.com: The Yankees' interest in Teixeira seems to make clear that longtime Yankee Jason Giambi will not be brought back. Even if the Yankees fail to sign Teixeira, they have determined they want to upgrade their defense at first base. The Angels, Orioles and perhaps the Giants and Mariners are among teams expected to show interest in Teixeira.

Baltimore needs the bat -- we need a Grade A first baseman -- however, will the organization spend the money when they are more than a couple of pieces short to be a contending team. Furthermore, he will demand a huge contract -- a nine figure one -- and if the Orioles don't improve (presuming he even signs with the team), will he want out much like he did in Texas?

I have no idea if the Orioles will attempt to sign him -- maybe they will, maybe they won't -- but the price will be high, and more so the case as Teixiera's agent is Scott Boras.

I've been on record as saying it would be a complete waste of resources to sign him, but we might as well gauge his interest and see what comes of it. If the likelihood of he signing with the organization isn't good -- let's spend the money somewhere else.

The Good Daniel Cabrera Shows Up; O's Beat Rays Thanks to Huff's Blast, 3-1

The Orioles got back into the win column last night, as they beat the lowly Devil Rays in Tampa, 3-1, thanks to a big three-run homer by Aubrey Huff.

On Friday, the good Daniel showed up as he allowed one run in seven innings, and Danys Baez notched his first save as a Bird.

Looks like the former Devil Rays took advantage and whooped up on their old team.

***

People, sports is a business and I’m up in arms as to why people are upset that the Orioles did not make a move for Mark Teixiera.

Baltimore had the pieces, and did not want to give them up; however, Atlanta did and the circumstances were right for them.

The price was too high to get him, and the Orioles do not need to give away young talent for a guy who may be more than a year and half rental.

If you are fan, you have got the read Dan Connolly’s piece in the Sun.

I was probably of one of ten people who didn’t think the Orioles should make a move for Teixiera at the price Texas was asking for. I feel that for the meantime, the Orioles should go after him n the free agent market, and not give away young talent – talent, we desperately need.

Let’s keep in mind that Atlanta was where Teixeira went to school, so that place held allure to him too.

Folks, let go after him ’09 and see if Boras will want the Brinks’ truck for him.

Teixiera – good glove, great bat, but the Orioles need more than him right now for sure.

***

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

We all know Danys Baez was atrocious for a good while, but now it looks like he’s back to form and Dave Trembley hopes that he can help out in the bullpen. Kids, Danys is now the closer…

The Baltimore Sun has a question for Corey Patterson, this time about playing in Tropicana Field.

Kurt Birkins has been recalled from the minors, and Cory Doyne has been sent back down.