Quick Hits - Late Edition

Randy Looks to be All But Gone:

As mentioned prior, the Yankees and Arizona have agreed Thursday on a trade that would send Randy Johnson back to Arizona. As it is right now, the Yankees would get relief pitcher Luis Vizcaino, minor league pitchers Ross Ohlendorf and Steven Jackson & shortstop Alberto Gonzalez. Johnson is interested in a contract extension for at least another year.

Does this make the Yankees better? Well, in my opinion it sure does not hurt. Randy Johnson won 17 games in 2005 and 2006, but it was much in part of to hefty run support. He looked like the Randy of old in spots, but like a middle aged man in a few. Although he had some good numbers, his ERA was about 5 in 2006 and he failed where it counts the most for those in Yankee-land – October.

Well, the Yankees only lose if Randy suddenly comes to be Randy of old. His numbers should be better considering that he’s back in the NL and without a lot of the power laden lineups the AL has. As well Randy can compliment Brandon Webb, Livan Hernandez and balance out their rotation. While the trade may not get to the Diamondbacks to the cream of the crop, they can become contenders in the NL West.

The Yankees get prospects and dump salary, which never hurt. The Diamondbacks don’t give anyone whose worthy away, so it’s no harm to them either.

The Yankees still have Mussina, Wang, Pettitte, Pavano (assuming he is recovered and not shell-shocked), Igawa and maybe wunderkind Phillip Hughes up the pipeline.

Everyone will be fine. It’s a win-win.

Also, what happens with Bernie Williams? Anyhow, I hope he gets to play next year, and he’s always been a class act. Even though he’s never signed for me, I have always been able to get a picture with him and chatted with him once at BWI (Baltimore-Washington International Aiport)

If there are any Yankee fans who read this blog, what do you think?

Orioles Stuff:

Trusty reporter for the Sun, Roch Kubtako updates his blog, Roch Around the Clock. It’s updated with minor league news along with a FanFest update (same as what was repeated here earlier.)

MLB Stuffage:

• Former Braves closer Chris Reitsma agreed Friday to a $2.05 million, one-year contract with Seattle to become the Mariners' setup man. He gets $1.35 million this year and can earn additional bonuses based on appearances and games finished. Seattle has a $2.7 million option for 2008 with a $700,000 buyout.
  
  
• According to CNNSi.com, White Sox shortstop Juan Uribe may sit out the 2007 season after a judge ordered him to make twice-monthly court appearances in a Dominican Republic shooting case. He is implicated along with a few family members in a murder of a farmer in his home country.
  
  
• John Heyman gives Bud Selig Some Love: In his article for CNNsi.com, he thinks Bud Selig should be awarded praise for what he’s done for MLB. I got to met and hear Bud Selig talk during the ’06 All-Star Game, had a few words with and I found him to be a nice, approachable fellow. Even though he’s got the stench of the mucked All-Star Game in Milwaukee still on him, and angered purists with inter-league baseball, he’s done a lot to help the sport grow and for that I agree with Heyman.
  
  
• According to CNNsi.com, the Red Sox are still searching for a closer and the Nats’ Chad Cordero is on the top of the list. However, the Sox do not want to give away their prospects, and as moribund as the Nats’ are now, they want young players at any cost.
  
  
• David Wells is unlikely to be signed to the Giants, according to GM Brian Sabean. He may go back to San Diego.

Happy Trails: Bill Cowher resigned as the Pittsburgh Steelers' coach Friday, stepping aside to spend more time with his family. He won the Super Bowl in 2006 and had .619 winning percentage, 149-90-1 record, and fourth overall with a 161-99-1 record counting postseason games in Pittsburgh over 15 years. Know for his chin, the tough guy persona and intensity, he’s an icon in the Steel City, and being up there for a bit this summer, the people of Pittsburgh love Cowher and he’s indeed one of their own.

Orioles' Official Fan Fest Press Release and Single Game Ticket Sale Information

Individual game tickets for the Orioles' 2007 season will go on sale online, via phone, at Camden Yards and at Orioles official team stores at 10 a.m. on Sunday, Jan. 14.

This on-sale date was originally scheduled to coincide with 2007 Orioles FanFest. However, recognizing that many fans who planned to attend FanFest will want to join the Orioles in supporting the Ravens' playoff drive, FanFest will not be held on Jan. 14 as planned.

After cooperative dialogue and in consultation with the Ravens, the Orioles will reschedule the event. An announcement about a new date for Orioles FanFest is forthcoming. Fans who already received FanFest tickets are urged to keep them as they may be used to enjoy the rescheduled event.

"The Orioles congratulate the Ravens on a great regular season and eagerly anticipate what we hope is a long and successful playoff run," said Orioles Director of Communications Greg Bader. "Given the importance of the Ravens postseason to Baltimore sports fans, the Orioles will naturally reschedule FanFest to alleviate any logistical difficulties for Baltimore sports fans traveling downtown to enjoy the game. Like everyone else in the city, we'll spend the day rooting for the Ravens."

Starting at 10 a.m. on Jan. 14, fans may purchase individual game tickets at the Orioles' Box Office or any TicketMaster outlet. Tickets will also be available at the official team store in Washington, DC; by calling 1-888-848-BIRD; or by visiting the team website, www.orioles.com. The official team store in York, PA will begin selling tickets at noon.

Fan Fest Cancelled

Well, it looks like the Orioles Fanfest has been cancelled. I just spoke with someone from the Baltimore Orioles and there are many factors that led the event to be cancelled, primarily with the Ravens playoff game. According to the representative I spoke to, she said the event would probably be rescheduled, but was not sure of a date and time.

I’m sure there were tons of logistical problems with having such a large event coincide with an NFL event, but there should have been a contingency plan considering there are quite a few fans from outside the immediate Baltimore/Washington area who look forward to it.

Quick Hits...

Peter Schmuck opines about the transactions and improvements the Orioles conducted during the winter in his article, ‘O's Don't Rock House, but Make Progress’. While he agrees the Orioles have improved, the moves are more or less baby steps back to respectability and becoming a contender, rather than having hopes of winning the AL East or wild card in ’07.

* According to ESPN, second baseman Mark Loretta will sign with the Houston Astros. The deal is for one year at $2.5 million, but could be worth as much as $3.5 million with incentives, said Loretta's agent, Bob Garber.

• Link: http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/baseball/bal-sp.2schmuck05jan05,0,5512157.story?coll=bal-sports-baseball

* Padres pitcher Jake Peavy was arrested and charged with disorderly conduct Thursday at Mobile Regional Airport in Alabama. There were no details released on the arrest, but may be over a parking issue at the airport

• Link: http://sports.espn.go.com/mlb/news/story?id=2720716

Quick Hits...

* According to the AP, the Yankees and Arizona have agreed Thursday on a trade that would send Randy Johnson back to Arizona. As it is right now, the Yankees would get relief pitcher Luis Vizcaino, minor league pitchers Ross Ohlendorf and Steven Jackson & shortstop Alberto Gonzalez. Johnson is interested in a contract extension for at least another year.

Also the Yankees have reached a deal with Doug Mientkiewicz for 1 year, 1.5 million. He’ll mostly likely platoon at first base.

* Check out The Scoop by John Heyman on CNNsi.com. He picks in his mind the 12 teams that will improve in ’07. The Orioles are tied for ninth with the Astros and Cardinals, and Heyman succinctly says:

9 (tie). Orioles. They bulked up the bullpen, a generally undervalued area (although Danys Baez didn't exactly come for cheap).Improvement: 4 wins.


I agree with him for the most part, though I think the Orioles will do better than nine wins & I say probably at least 7-10 wins

More Keith Law...

Wow, has Keith Law of ESPN given me a world of content to critique on in this slow period of the baseball universe. I was going to give myself a break for the afternoon, but I felt the need to once again write.

Once again, he criticizes the O’s, this time with Cal Ripken, Jr. and his Hall of Fame credentials. While he’s not voting at all, as he’s not a part of the BBWA, he gives his take on who should be in the Hall of Fame class of 2007.

Here’s what he says:

“I do agree with the criticism of Ripken's streak -- he probably hurt his team at a few points by his refusal to take a day off -- but he's also one of the five best shortstops in history and changed the way people in baseball think about who can stay at shortstop. (Let's hope that Ripken prominently thanks Earl Weaver in his acceptance speech, as it was Weaver who put Ripken at short, contradicting the conventional thinking that shortstops needed to be small and slight.)”

Again, I agree with Law’s logic, but disagree with his implication that Ripken hurt the team. We all know Ripken is renowned for the Streak, but for me what made it amazing is that whether he was struggling or on a tear, he played and tried to contribute, whether he got the big hit or struck out. Yes, he had some MVP worthy seasons, and some he struggled to hit .250, but what made him great in my eyes was that he went to work everyday and never seemed to dog it out. He was the consummate professional and played the game with pride.

The parable of working at any job and lessons from Ripken’s career should be spread to kids, whether they are a superstar or riding the pine.

Whatever you think, going to work everyday for 16 years plus without taking a day off is hard, and that’s what makes Ripken great.

Let’s forget Ripken, this is where Keith Law is dead wrong.

He’s dead wrong when it comes to Tony Gwynn.

This is what he says:

“Also a player who's a bit overrated by conventional thinking, but clearly worthy of enshrinement. Younger fans may not realize what a quick, athletic player Gwynn was when he came up, before he started to pack on the pounds."

Mr. Law, I don’t care if Tony Gwynn has a body of a greek god or had a gut. Yes, he looked more like an everyman than a perfect human specimen, but you don’t have a lifetime batting average of .338 without having skill or being an expert at the game. Sorry, if you have a lifetime average of .338, and are in the top of 10 of that category, you are surely not overrated.

It sort of sounds like Gwynn got slighted by law because of his appearance, and that’s stupid on his part. An athlete is one who has a discernable skill and from what I remember Gwynn was a hell of a player, and not because of his physique.

He also mentions that he’d include McGwire, Bert Byleven, Alan Trammell and Ron Santo on his list for those to be inducted.

Before I go, I’ll list what he has about McGwire.

"One great reason to vote for him: If he gets in, then all of the insufferable sanctimony on the part of voters who want to tell you they didn't vote for him on moral grounds (sorry, doesn't make you a good person, and probably just makes you pompous) will stop, since the next likely target (probably Sammy Sosa) won't be eligible for a few years. Until someone shows me that McGwire broke a rule that existed at the time and had any kind of defined punishment, I see no reason to apply the ex post facto logic more commonly seen from third-world dictators."

Plain and simple, he’s right. Baseball became rich and rebounded off him, so unless the St. Louis Cardinals & baseball want to refund the fans for a tainted product, whether proven or not, I’d say vote him in; however, the court of public opinion has spoken about McGwire and the issue and no one can beat that sentiment, whether he’s in the Hall of Fame or not.

More Cal Ripken Love...

Fellow blogger, Aaron Brazell of Suicide Fan has a clip on his site as to why Cal Ripken should be in the Major League Baseball Hall of Fame. Take a visit to his great site and you'll fing the link to the audio file there, plus other awesome sports related posts.

It's a foregone conclusion that he should be in the Hall of Fame. He's an icon, but the numbers didn't impress me as much as his willingness to go to work, play through pain and whatever else because he loved what he did for a living. More importantly to me, he was the epitome of professionalism, sportsmanship and integrity.

Myself, I cannot say I even like my job and I'm sure millions of others can say the same.

I have no idea if I'll be going to Cooperstown for Ripken's induction, because I didn't think about going to it before I started my blog. Anyhow, it will be a decision made later this spring, not because of funds, but more on the logisitics side as I would need to find lodging, much less a place to view the induction (ok, I would literally have to camp out), traffic issues and parking. If I do go, I'll probably drive up and stay with friends in NYC or find some other arrangement outside the immediate area of Cooperstown.

I'm sure a ton of fans will be there, and I'd love to interact and mingle. However, I don't know at this point if it would be worth it for me to go, or to watch it on TV.

If anyone is planning to go, or has been to a Hall of Fame induction, what's to be expected?

Either leave a comment on the blog, or email me at mdguy2415@aol.com.

My Ramblings...

I'm in a slow period at work, so just thought I'd mention a few things on my mind and places I have been...

* First off, I got a post from some Phillies fans and I checked out their blog and nearly choked on my food while laughing at the same. Their blog is named We Should Be GM's, mostly centered around Phillies baseball and has a lot of good stuff on it.

* Second, I am no fan of the Red Sox, but I love Fenway Park and rooted for them to win it all 2004. I guess what mystifies me about the Red Sox and their fanbase is their utter devotion to their team, to the point I wonder if there's much else that goes on there. However, I can imagine before 2004, it was tragic and losing big series in a seemingly always dramatic fashion makes one even that more passionate of a fan.

I have a friend who lives in Marblehead, Mass. and he's a Red Sox fan. I thought most of them bordered on psychotic until I met him right after the 2004 World Series. He was a recently hired employee who telecommuted & came down to Maryland for orientation, since our headquarters was stationed there. I am a computer consultant, so handed him his laptop and spoke to him a little bit.

Upon talking about the 'o4 Series, he was happy they won and he mentioned his father who had died several years ago in our conversation. I noticed he started crying and I wondered did I do something wrong.

He just was very emotional that the Red Sox had won and his father didn't get to see that happen. I almost felt bad, but at the same time, realized the emotional connection that sports, no matter hot trivial it can be has on people and families.

At that moment, I understood the plight and passion of Red Sox fans. No matter how nutty I think some are, I understand and appreciate the love they have for their team.

He and I have a 20+ year age difference, are of different races, different lifestyles and everything, but thething might has made us good friends was the sport of baseball. In that time, I have met his family and gotten to share stories about life and whatever else, so in a way, yes, the plight of the Red Sox have helped me to make friends whom I would have not met otherwise.

That's why when I went on cnnsi.com, I caught this and it reminded me again how the Red Sox, baseball can intersect one's life:

"Kathryn Gemme, a lifelong Red Sox fan who followed the team since the days of Babe Ruth, has died. She was 112.Gemme died at the Nemasket Healthcare Center in Middleborough on Friday, according to the O'Neill Funeral Home. As an 18-year-old, she attended her first game at Fenway Park in 1912 shortly after the ballpark opened. At 109, Gemme was greeted by catcher Jason Varitek and former player and coach Johnny Pesky during her last game in May 2004.Team officials brought the 2004 World Series trophy to her 111th birthday party in November 2005."

Amazing.

* Getting PAID after you SCREW up! Only in corporate America as a CEO, can you start a job, leave the company worse off than when you arrived and get paid handsomely for it. To the tune of $214 million, you have to read the story of Bob Nardelli, who resigned Jan. 3 as CEO of Home Depot. Ths makes me sick...

* An Everyday Hero: If faced with the choice that Wesley Autrey had to face, I am not sure if I would have done it. You have the read this and feel better that in our crazy world of ours, there are people who act selflessly rather in the interest of themselves. If there were more people like Mr. Autrey, the world would be a better place. He's the toast of NYC, a crazy, dog-eat-dog, fast-paced city and deservedly so. Even though the story will be a part of history next week and the media will move onto the next big thing, let's not forget the sacrifice Mr. Autrey made in order to save his fellow man, one who was a stranger to he.

Quick Hits - O's Related

Washington Post's Orioles beat writer, Jorge Arangure Jr. has an article up on the website which covered the Aubrey Huff press conference & a few other bits O's business. The main themes are bulleted and pointed out.

• As well know, the O's signed Aubrey Huff and he says he's glad to play for the Orioles & quoted, ""It's a nice chapter for me in my life joining such a storied franchise,". It was conveyed that Huff will be an everyday player, most likely in left field which would make Jay Payton a 4th outfielder. He's may also play other positions in the field as needed, as he can play right field and third/first base.
  
  
• In the same article, the Orioles front office have started negotiations with second baseman Brian Roberts on a contract contract extension. He is eligible for arbitration and can become a free agent after the 2008 season.
  
  
• Meantime, the Orioles still are listening to offers for pitcher Rodrigo Lopez, but as of now, no deal is eminent.

Yet more on Aubrey Huff from the Baltimore Sun. And one more piece from Roch Kutabko. Ok, a little overkill now on my part with Mr. Huff.

The Orioles.com website have an article up now about the catching situation, titled Around the Horn: Catchers. Much of the article talks about Ramon Hernandez along with the contributions and numbers he had last year for the O's, but it also goes into the catching acquisitions made this winter for '07.

Catching up with an Old Friend: Sidney Ponson has signed with the Twins. A once-promising pitcher for the O's, his career got derailed by alcohol abuse. He pitched in 2006 with mediocre results for the Cardinals and Yankees, thus getting released by both teams.

According to the Baltimore Sun, Ponson's deal that could be worth as much as $3 million. Ponson would get a one-year, $1 million contract if he's added to the 40-man roster and could earn $2 million more in performance bonuses.

Quick Hits - Late Edition

• Aubrey Huff has had his physical completed and he's now officially an Oriole. He was in Baltimore today and had a press conference at Camden Yards. You can go to the orioles.com website and look at the video.
  
  
• As well, according to the Baltimore Sun, the O's have reached an agreement on a $1,825,000, one-year contract with right-hander Daniel Cabrera. Now that he's signed, the Orioles have avoided an arbitration hearing.
  
  
• I have had a continuing debate with friends and in my own mind about steroids and drug use in sports, not only baseball. I just got finished reading an article by Bill Simmons on ESPN's Page 2 called a Hall of Justice and absolutely was just fascinated by it.
  
  
• ESPN reports that Pitcher Joel Piniero will sign a one year contract with the Red Sox for $4 million. He's expected to work out of the bullpen and perhaps earn the closer's job.
  
  
• Former Nationals infielder, Jamey Carroll has signed a 2 year, $4 million contract with the Rockies.
  
  
• Buster Olney has a great article on Justin Morneau.
  
  
• Were the baseballs used in the '98 season juiced? Perhaps the hitters were, but the Baltimore Examiner has an article about a company that uses computer imaging claiming that baseballs had a larger rubberized core and a synthetic rubber ring in 1998, which would make the ball tighter and help propel it longer distance when hit with force. Well, Major League Baseball contends the ball had no change that season. One of the balls used during the season may be the one Mark McGwire hit for his 70th homer.

Quick Hits: O's Fanfest and other stuff...

I called the Orioles again today for an update about Fanfest, and the rep who I spoke with told me it is still on for Sunday, Jan 14th. The team said unless a Ravens playoff game is scheduled the same Sunday as Fanfest, it should go on.

As well, Orioles single game tickets for 2007 go on sale Sun Jan, 14th at 11am. However, it's interesting now that text that was previously on the page is gone...

*Check out the Orioles 2006 Year in Review from Allen McCallum of Press Box Online.

*The Washington Post reports that Washington Nationals first baseman Nick Johnson may miss a month due to a leg injury he suffered last year.

*According to CNNsi.com, a political blogger from the http://www.milwaukeeworld.com/ website reported that Hall of Fame pitcher Rollie Fingers owes Wisconsin more than $1.4 million in income taxes. Link: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/baseball/mlb/01/03/bc.bbo.fingers.taxdelin.ap/index.html?cnn=yes

*Former White Sox reliever Neil Cotts signed with the Cubs for 1 year, $825,000 contract.

*Keith Foulke arrived in Cleveland Tuesday to take his physical for the Indians & is expected to sign a 1 year contract.

*Dayn Perry of foxsports.com previews the 2007 Free Agent Class.

The Life of Zito...

On top of Zito’s monstrosity of a contract, he gets a suite for all road trips. In addition, reported by cnnsi.com here are the details of the contract and incentives:

“The 28-year-old Zito, represented by superagent Scott Boras, will make $14.5 million in 2008, $18.5 million each in '09, 2010 and 2011. In 2012, the sixth year of his contract, Zito will receive $19 million and then $20 million the following season. He has a full no-trade clause.
Zito's option will become guaranteed if he pitches 600 innings between 2011 and 2013, 400 innings from 2012-2013 or 200 innings in 2013, with 180 innings pitched in 2011 or 2012. If his option becomes guaranteed, Zito can void the contract and receive a $3.5 million buyout.

He also will earn a $500,000 bonus for winning the Cy Young Award, $200,000 if he finishes second in the voting, $150,000 for third place, $100,000 for fourth and $50,000 if he's fifth. If he wins a second time, he would get a $750,000 bonus and $1 million if he wins it a third time or more.

Other bonuses include $250,000 for MVP -- with $150,000 for second place, $100,000 for third, $75,000 for fourth and $50,000 for fifth. If he were to be named World Series MVP, that would be worth $200,000, while an NLCS MVP would get him $100,000. He earns $100,000 for a Gold Glove and $100,000 for being an All-Star."

Get what you want if you can get it, I guess. Enough is never enough, honestly. Sheesh

I still don’t think he’s worth of all of this.

Quick Hits...

• According to the Baltimore Sun, the state of Florida has agreed to grant Fort Lauderdale $15 million over 30 years to help the Orioles redo their spring training facility in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. The measure to fund the project was approved quickly and the money from the state will come from proceeds from the state’s sales tax. The site will be upgraded with additional fields, for soccer and baseball with the adjoining field, Lockhart Stadium being torn down in the next few years to make room for the improvements. Fort Lauderdale Stadium, meanwhile, will be rebuilt with 7,000 fixed seats and grass space with room for 2,000 fans.
  
  
• Roch Kutabko describes how Sam Perlozzo and members of the front office were able to persuade Free agent Aubrey Huff to join the Orioles.
  
  
• Jeff Zrebeic writes how the group of Hayden Penn, Erik Bedard, Daniel Cabrera and Adam Loewen are the keys for a turn-around for the Baltimore Orioles.
  
  
• Rock Kubatko in his blog opines about opening day and the Orioles farm system for ’07.
  
  
• Non Baseball-Related - You Always Follow the Money, Silly: Nick Saban has left the Dolphins to join Alabama back in the SEC. He was 15-17 with the Dolphins, and like many college coaches who have tried the NFL, he didn’t seem to make the transition as smoothly. Even though he said he was not going to leave the Dolphins & issued denial after denial; in the end, he did like I thought he would. He's returning to the familiar, being the big dog again and the life of college football is far easier then the NFL, so let’s wish Nick Saban good luck.

More Keith Law on the Orioles...

Well, I have a little more Keith Law from ESPN for everyone today. He noted that the Baltimore Orioles are 3 teams that took a step back during the winter. Here’s what he said about the Orioles off-season signings so far:

“I suppose they'd like to pretend the last 10 years never happened -- or at least their fans would. Needing a major bat or two, the Orioles decided to pour money into their bullpen. They gave closer money to Danys Baez for him to work as a set-up man and gave three years to right-handed specialist Chad Bradford, who was available for peanuts a year earlier. The Orioles have some great, young pitching and a rising star in Markakis, but they'll be lucky to get out of fourth in the difficult AL East.”

As sad it is for me to admit this, I sort of agree with Keith Law’s assessment. I think the team will be better off in ’07, but in the long term, the contracts to the bullpen, especially Baez’s deal may come back to bite them. Baez is still young and should have a lot of miles left, but he’s been in regression and should be a candidate to improve. However, relief pitching can be volatile, and since he will only be a setup man (closer in some situations, or if Ray gets injured), it was not worth the contract given to him.

I think both Walker and Chad Bradford were signed for too long as well, they have had decent numbers.

The Orioles needed to improve their bullpen, and given last year, perhaps spending a bit might have been the way to go. I believe the Orioles could have gotten their bullpen in shape for half, or even a third of what they spent on the market. In addition, they might have been better served going after some younger, established pitchers than who they signed.

About the projections of where the team will finish, I will admit I agree with him there too. We may finish at or above .500 and perhaps overtake Toronto for third place if all goes well, but the Orioles have a mountain to climb if they want to contend with the Yankees and Red Sox, much less a wild card spot. He’s absolutely right about the young stars, but that is still nowhere near enough.

In my opinion, the Orioles still need a big bat and another front line starter, and our young pitching to click, in order for us to be contenders in the American League at all.

However, to say we have taken a step back is silly. We’ve gotten better, just not enough to compete.

The Greatest Ending to a Game I Have Ever Seen: Boise St. vs Oklahoma - Fiesta Bowl 2007

Last night, Boise St and Oklahoma University played in the Fiesta Bowl, and if you missed the ending it's a must see!

Too bad the game ended at 1am EST, but I stayed up and watched it anyway!

Until someone shows me something else, this has to be the greatest and unexpected ending of any sporting event I have seen in my life.

ESPN's Keith Law's take on Aubrey Huff

Here’s a take on Aubrey Huff from ESPN’s Keith Law:

“Aubrey Huff was the best bat left on the free-agent market, but perhaps not the best fit for Baltimore. The Orioles will now be spending over $10 million per year over the next three years on two so-so left-handed bats who don't hit lefties and who are probably best-suited for DH duty.

Huff hasn't been a frontline hitter since 2003, when he looked like a star on the make. After a small step back in 2004, he fell off severely in 2005 and it was more of the same in 2006. He no longer has the big power teams want in a defensively challenged corner bat, and has a questionable work ethic and a rep as a sour guy in the clubhouse -- certainly not what Baltimore, with clubhouse problems of its own and a few guys who visibly dogged it down the stretch last year, needs at this point.

If Huff can recapture a little more of his 2002-03 performance and the Orioles just use him in a platoon with Kevin Millar at first base, they'll get some value out of this signing, although they could have done the same thing with Jay Gibbons in Huff's spot and spent their money on a better offensive player. It's the sort of small step that isn't pushing the Orioles up into a class with the Blue Jays, never mind the Yankees and Red Sox; they need to target and then actually sign an impact player, something they're not likely to do as long as Peter Angelos is reaching into baseball operations.”

Mr. Law is right in the respect that Huff was the best bat left on the market, and I do agree with him to an extent that Huff is similar to Gibbons in terms of his abilities, offensively and defensively. However, Huff does have a proven track record before he struggled badly in Tampa Bay last year, so he should be an improvement to what the Orioles had in '06. As well, he’s been pretty durable in his career.

If everything goes to plan, the Orioles can be at .500 and make a run at third place in '07, but yes, they will probably not overtake the Yankees or Red Sox, even with their own flaws. In light of it all, the Orioles of ’07 look significantly better than the ’06 version.

I also agree with Keith in terms of the Orioles needing to make a big deal, and I agree with it. In order to make a splash, a risk needs to be taken; however, I feel that signing a Soriano or Lee would have essentially crippled the organization, especially the length of the contracts for players whose productivity would falter down the road in comparison to their pay. The O’s do need to take a risk, but they have to be smart with it as they don’t have the revenue of the Yankees or Red Sox.

Thoughts on Darrent Williams, Society and Crime...

As you may or may not know by now, Denver Broncos’ cornerback, Darrent Williams was murdered on New Years’ Eve in Denver, Colorado.

As an African-American male myself, Darrent Williams’ death is another static and a sad reality for those of us out there. A young man who was simply enjoying the last day of the year, and even more tragically leaving work will never get to see the light of the day again, just over a dispute – and one he may not have even been involved in.

More than likely, this was a black on black crime, meaning the murder who took Mr. Williams' life was probably black himself.

Sadly, numerous African-American males are killed daily in any major American city, and I live between Washington and Baltimore, two cities in history known for their murder rates, especially amongst young black men. A lot of times, a murder of a black male hardly gets mentioned unless the crime so vicious and sensationalistic that the media can’t stay away, or if the person is famous.

From what we know, Mr. Williams did have a hard life growing up, but however, he rose above it and achieved the American dream and got an education, through his athletic gifts. He didn’t seem like a gang-banger, or a thug, just a young man who was doing what millions of people, young and old to celebrate a new year, just that he lost his life and perhaps was in the wrong place at the wrong time.

He was a father to two kids, a son to a mother and father, and grandson to someone. Through the news reports aired, you can see his family in anguish and in utter shock over something so senseless.

This happens too often with African-American males, just not in the public realm or with the bright lights and cameras in your face, but in living rooms everywhere. In the next few days, you’ll see Mr. Williams in a memorial service with family, friends and those who worked with him in pain reminiscing on a young life taken away.

I ask myself whenever I open up the Washington Post or Baltimore Sun, why does this happen amongst African Americans on a daily basis?

Do people not have respect for one another any more? Is that life is devalued? Is that the popular culture has instilled in us via movies, TV, music and the media that violence is the way to solve problems?

There is no motive right now for why Darent Williams lost his life. He’ll never come back, see his children grow up, or grow old. I do know and feel that society has changed – for the worse.

Until we start to see the value of human life and not try to solve everything with brutal violence, there will be another story, reported or not on someone via the media, especially a young African American being murdered, and another and another…

Quick Hits...

* Murray Chass of the New York Times has an article on their site about the contracts that pitchers have received. “In the Long Run, Great Arms Come With Big Risks”, Chass criticizes owners for offering long term contracts to pitchers and uses case studies such as Kevin Brown, Mike Hampton and Chan Ho Park for proof why pitchers should never be signed long term. The risk of injury (especially) & inconsistency to big name pitchers make you wonder if it’s worth the investment. A great read.

Link: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/01/02/sports/baseball/02chass.html?_r=1&ref=sports&oref=slogin

• Former Brooklyn Dodger outfielder Ernie Koy, who hit a home run in his first Major League at bat, died Monday. He was 97.
  
  
• Dayn Perry of foxsports.com believes that Omar Minaya is a great GM who is building up his reputation with the Mets, while he believes that the Zito deal will not make the Giants any better and nor help him out.

* Also, take a look at a lengthy article from USA Today about the deals contracts, business and signings this off-season. According to the author, Jorge L. Ortiz, much of the spending this winter has come about due to revenue sharing, record profits and also the growth of baseball on the money side. Some deals and contracts are looked at, as well you also got some opinions, outlook and input from GM’s.

Link: http://www.usatoday.com/sports/bbw/2006-12-20-offseason-spending_x.htm

Quick Hits - Late Edition

* D-Mat (Daisuke Matsuzaka) has lined up to do some commercials in his native Japan in Red Sox gear. Ok, the Red Sox are getting their tentacles into Japan officially now.

Link: http://www.boston.com/sports/baseball/redsox/articles/2006/12/30/dice_k_is_already_pitching_for_sox____in_japanese_ads/


* The Baseball Hall of Fame will let us know who is in the Class of 2007 on January 9th. It’s a forgone conclusion that Cal Ripken and Tony Gywnn will be inducted on the first ballot, but other candidates include Mark McGwire, Jose Canseco, Bobby Witt, Jim Rice, Bert Byleven, Tommy John, Dave Concepion, Goose Gossage, Andre Dawson, Jack Morris, Dante Bichette, Lee Smith, Paul O’Neill, Harold Baines, Albert Belle, Wally Joyner and cast of others.

I’d personally like to see Goose Gossage, Jack Morris (who was as big as a money pitcher you could get) along with Bert Byleven get into the Hall.


* Bobby Knight got win number 880. I think he’s a jerk, and boorish, but he’s one hell of a coach, for the most part got the most out of his teams and ran clean programs. Love him, or hate him, let’s congratulate Bobby for his longevity, contributions to basketball and achieving the record. Link: http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/recap?gameId=270012641


* Good to see New York Giants running back Tiki Barber will get to play at least one more game before retiring. Although we like to see our athletes play forever and sometimes past their prime, Tiki is leaving the game while still healthy and for a sport that is so brutal, he’s doing the smart thing.

However, don’t feel bad for Tiki, he’s got a good and profitable life waiting for him as he has been offered a contract with ESPN/ABC worth 10 million for 4 years. He’ll be doing work for Good Morning America, 20/20 and possibly football coverage for ESPN. Barber already has plenty of broadcasting experience, as he helps to co-host Fox & Friends on the Fox News Channel every Tuesday morning.

Link: http://www.nypost.com/seven/01012007/sports/giants/tikis_10m_tv_deal_giants_andrew_marchand.htm


* My heart goes to the Denver Broncos and the family of Denver cornerback Darrent Williams. Only 24, he was murdered in a drive-by shooting on New Years Eve while in a SUV. His vehicle was sprayed with bullets after a dispute at a party, and it is not known whether he was even involved. They were leaving a nightclub where several players were celebrating Kenyon Martin's birthday, a basketball player for the Nuggets.

Sometimes incidents like these make me wonder if going to clubs is a very bad idea, not only for a high profile athlete, but much less anyone. I’m not too much older than he is, and I do not go them at all, just because I do not like staying out late.

No matter if Mr. Williams was in the wrong place at the wrong time, or if he was in a dispute, it is sad that he had lost his life and it didn’t need to happen. From just hearing the remarks from the Broncos coach, Mike Shanahan, to other players & people who knew him, the man was just starting his life and had a wonderful chance to live out his dream and be good at his job.

Hopefully, justice can be served for him and his family & the perpetrator will be caught.

More on Aubrey Huff

Well, our big signing of the offseason so far has been Aubrey Huff.

According to the Examiner:

“Aubrey Huff has reached a preliminary agreement on a three-year, $20 million contract with the Baltimore Orioles, who hope the versatile free agent can add punch to a lineup that ranked 11th in the AL in home runs last season.

The agreement was secured over the weekend, according to a source who spoke on condition of anonymity because the Orioles have not yet announced the deal. The contract will be finalized if Huff passes a physical, which will likely be administered this week in Baltimore.

Huff, 30, can play first base, third base and both corner spots in the outfield. But his value to the Orioles is his bat: Huff hit 21 homers last season with Tampa Bay and Houston, and averaged 27 from 2002-05 with the Devil Rays.

Baltimore hit only 164 homers last season, led by Miguel Tejada (24) and Ramon Hernandez (23). No other player hit more than 16.

Huff is a .285 career hitter with 141 homers and 487 RBIs. In 48 career games at Camden Yards, he's hit eight homers and driven in 29 runs.

His best season was in 2003, when he hit 34 home runs and had 107 RBIs in 162 games with the Devil Rays. He is one of five active major leaguers who have at least 20 homers and 25 doubles in each of the past five seasons.

Huff is expected to join an outfield that this winter was supplemented by the addition of free agent Jay Payton, who batted .296 with 10 homers and 59 RBIs in 142 games with Oakland last season.”

What do I think of the Aubrey Huff deal? Upon speaking with a few friends at the Ravens tailgate yesterday, the deal is viewed as a positive. Personally, I think it’s a good deal, not necessarily a boon, but could work out in the O’s favor if he can produce the numbers he did in Tampa Bay.

He’s not the power bat we needed like Alfonso Soriano, but his numbers are solid and Camden Yards may benefit him as he is a left handed batter. The O’s could not get an impact bat due to expensive market out there, so the Huff signing is important especially as the Orioles lacked power in 2006, run scoring ability, and definitely needed a bat to protect Miguel Tejada. He’s not known for his glove, although he can play the corner outfield positions, first and third base.

In addition, he’s durable and until last season where he missed a month due to a knee injury, played in an average of 158 games throughout his career.

Considering the circumstances and what was left on the market before the holidays, this was a good move for the Orioles.