wednesday, december 9, 2015mlb.mlb.com/documents/4/6/8/103262468/12_9_15_vghddyac.pdfwill make $16.3...
TRANSCRIPT
World Champions 1983, 1970, 1966
American League Champions 1983, 1979, 1971, 1970, 1969, 1966 American League East Division Champions 2014, 1997, 1983, 1979, 1974, 1973, 1971, 1970, 1969
American League Wild Card 2012, 1996
Wednesday, December 9, 2015
Columns:
Orioles, Chris Davis reunion happens only if club accepts big-money trend The Sun 12/9
Fifty years ago today, Frank Robinson arrived in best trade in Orioles history The Sun
12/9
Orioles keeping Chris Davis dialogue going; also looking to trade for left-handed power
hitter The Sun 12/8
Orioles comparing lefties in system to possible Rule 5 picks The Sun 12/8
An appeal to Chris Davis to stay in Baltimore and help this city The Sun 12/8
More on Manny Machado's availability for Orioles FanFest The Sun 12/8
O's have trade proposals out on starting pitchers MLB.com 12/8
Orioles auctioning off unique experiences MLB.com 12/8
More on Orioles' offer to Chris Davis and leftovers for breakfast MASNsports.com 12/9
Dan Duquette discusses attempts to make deals and much more MASNsports.com 12/8
Brady Anderson talks about his contribution to MLB auction MASNsports.com 12/8
Duquette on today's meeting with Boras (and other notes) MASNsports.com 12/8
Orioles return Dave Anderson to organization (and other notes) MASNsports.com 12/8
Orioles meeting today with agent Scott Boras MASNsports.com 12/8
ESPN's Keith Law on Chris Davis and the Orioles MASNsports.com 12/9
O's Dan Duquette on Chris Davis MASNsports.com 12/8
O's Brian Graham with updates on Dylan Bundy, Hunter Harvey (with video)
MASNsports.com 12/8
A look at the possible Chris Davis market; Vandy coach remembers Flaherty and
Yastrzemski MASNsports.com 12/8
Duquette, Orioles are unwilling to simply wait around on Chris Davis ESPN.com 12/9
Pricey pitching market could help Orioles keep Chris Davis ESPN.com 12/8
Is there any chance for a Chen-Orioles reunion? CSN Mid-Atlantic 12/8
Orioles meet with Boras about Chris Davis CSN Mid-Atlantic 12/8
Would Orioles take an outfielder in Rule 5? CSN Mid-Atlantic 12/8
What's the price for left-handed hitters? CSN Mid-Atlantic 12/8
How long will Orioles wait on Davis? CSN Mid-Atlantic 12/8
Buck Showalter On The Orioles Off Season And The Outlook For Next Season CBS
Baltimore 12/9
Meet Orioles Players, Coaches & WJZ Personalities At FanFest CBS Baltimore 12/8
Winter Meetings: Orioles will meet with Chris Davis' agent Scott Boras CBSsports.com
12/8
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bal-orioles-chris-davis-money-winter-
meetings-20151208-story.html
Orioles, Chris Davis reunion happens only if club accepts
big-money trend
By Eduardo A. Encina / The Baltimore Sun
December 9, 2015
Despite agreeing to a four-year deal with reliever Darren O’Day this week, the Orioles still aren’t
among the big spenders in the free-agent market.
Arguments can – and have been -- made about why the Orioles should or shouldn’t spend.
One side can claim the Orioles bank tons of revenue through their club-owned television
network, MASN, that can easily be funneled into the payroll to bring big-ticket free agents to
Baltimore. Another side can claim that given Baltimore’s market size, the Orioles ownership
must keep the team payroll under control to keep ticket prices affordable for fans.
The Orioles aren’t locked into any bad, dollar-sucking long-term deals, which is a good thing.
And over the past four years, the team’s payroll has grown, incrementally, to well over $100
million.
After never previously going over that mark, the Orioles will cross it for the third consecutive
year in 2016.
At the same time, the game is dominated by big-money contracts. There are 17 players playing
for 12 teams who will make an annual average value salary of $24 million or more.
Take that one step further. There are 25 players who make an annual average of at least $22
million or more. Those players play on 14 different teams. That’s nearly half of the 30 major
league clubs, creating a growing disparity between the haves and have nots.
Those teams play in big markets – Boston, New York, Los Angeles – and smaller markets like
Minnesota, where the Twins pay Joe Mauer an average of $23 million a year, and Cincinnati,
where the Reds pay Joey Votto an average of $22.5 million a year.
The Miami Marlins, which has had an Opening Day payroll of more than $100 million just once
in over the past 16 years, pays Giancarlo Stanton an average of $25 million a year.
Adam Jones, the Orioles’ highest paid player, makes an average of $14.25 million a year. Jones
will make $16.3 million this year in the fourth year of an $85.5 million contract he signed in
2012, the largest deal in club history.
Among the 24 highest-paid players, a quarter of them play in the American League East. As you
would expect, all six of those players are employed by either the New York Yankees (Alex
Rodriguez, C.C. Sabathia, Mark Teixeira) or Boston Red Sox (David Price, Hanley Ramirez).
Neither the Orioles, Toronto Blue Jays nor Tampa Bay Rays have a player who averages more
than Troy Tulowitzki’s $15.775 million a year.
The difference in spending is stark, but the Orioles don’t hide their hesitance to spend lucratively
in the free-agent market. If they re-sign free-agent slugger Chris Davis, it will trump Jones’
signing easily, even if Davis gives the Orioles a hometown discount.
Still, it will take some unprecedented spending to retain Davis, spending levels this club has
never come close to reaching.
And even though the market on Davis is unclear -- there’s been few teams connected to the
slugger -- that $22-24 million a year might not get it done.
How far the Orioles are willing to go to keep Davis remains to be seen. It’s still early in the
offseason, but will they join that growing list of teams investing major money into at least one
player?
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bs-sp-schmuck-column-frank-robinson-1209-
20151208-column.html
Fifty years ago today, Frank Robinson arrived in best trade
in Orioles history
By Peter Schmuck / The Baltimore Sun
December 9, 2015
It's so clear now. The deal that brought Hall of Famer Frank Robinson to Baltimore — exactly
50 years ago — is the best trade in Orioles history for so many reasons that there really is no
room for debate on the subject.
On Dec. 9, 1965, the Orioles sent starting pitcher Milt Pappas, reliever Jack Baldschun and
outfielder Dick Simpson to the Cincinnati Reds for a former National League Rookie of the
Year and MVP who would immediately lead the club to its first World Series title.
Robinson would help carry the Orioles to three more World Series appearances and go on to
make history as baseball's first African-American manager at the end of a playing career that
would place him high among the sport's truly elite players.
The trade is widely regarded as one of the most lopsided deals off all time, but it wasn't quite so
obvious a half-century ago.
"Actually, I kind of had mixed emotions about it because Milt was a good friend and a heck of a
pitcher," slugger Boog Powell said. "We had seen Frank from the other side. We knew he was an
MVP and had some really good years. We certainly respected him as a hitter. Also at the same
time, why mess with something that was working pretty good?"
Powell now laughs at his ambivalence. His emotions got unmixed in a hurry once he started
playing on the same field as Robinson in spring training.
The Orioles had won 94 games in 1965, but finished third in the American League behind
the Minnesota Twins and Chicago White Sox. They had won at least that many games in three of
the five seasons leading up to 1966, but needed someone to help take the team up one more level.
The only reason Robinson was available was because the Reds felt they needed a quality starting
pitcher to get over the hump and owner Bill DeWitt was convinced that Robinson was past his
prime at the ripe old age of 30.
Everyone knows what happened after that. Robinson hit 49 homers in 1966 and became the only
player to be named MVP in both the NL and AL. He also would be named MVP of the World
Series after the Orioles shocked the baseball world by sweeping the pitching-rich Los Angeles
Dodgers.
What is too easy to forget is that Pappas was the winningest pitcher in modern Orioles history
when he was dispatched to Cincinnati. During eight years in the Orioles rotation, he never had a
losing season. He would go on to win another 99 games and would deliver back-to-back 17-win
seasons for the Chicago Cubs in 1971 and 1972.
Nobody in the Orioles clubhouse was happy to see him go, and — in a baseball world with
limited television exposure and no interleague play other than the exhibition season and the
World Series — few had a full comprehension Robinson's enormous talent.
"Obviously, you look at Frank, you know he had won an MVP. … You know he had hit [as
many as] 39 home runs and probably would have hit more if not for the high scoreboard at
Crosley Field," Hall of Famer Jim Palmer said. "But it's not like now when you can just go on
Baseball-Reference.com and see where he stacks up or his wins above replacement."
Palmer was just arriving on the scene himself, but he is also quick to remind everyone that the
Reds got a very valuable player in return. Pappas had averaged 15 victories and had a combined
2.87 ERA over the previous three seasons. If you want to put that in a contemporary perspective,
Jeff Samardzija has never had a winning season as a starting pitcher, has a 4.09 career ERA and
just signed a five-year contract worth $90 million.
Baldschun also was a solid pitcher who had been acquired by the Orioles from the Philadelphia
Phillies just a few days before the big trade. But he didn't pitch well in Cincinnati and by the
time Pappas was traded to the Atlanta Braves in 1968, the deal had evolved into a best-ever for
the Orioles and a worst-ever for the Reds.
"It wasn't like we didn't give the Reds some guys who could play a little bit. But to get Frank
Robinson?" Palmer said. "But with all the dialogue, all the rhetoric about 'an old 30,' I don't think
any of us realized how good Frank was. That sounds like an insult, but you don't often get a guy
like that. How do you know, even in your wildest dreams?"
Robinson was surprised by the deal, but he told The Baltimore Sun at the time that he was
looking forward to coming to Baltimore. What he would reveal much later was that he was
happy to get away from the Reds organization at that time because he felt unappreciated by
ownership.
Of course, it didn't take long for him to be appreciated by his new team and its fans.
"I'll tell you the truth, when I first saw him in spring training, I knew I'd rather do it with him
than without him," Powell said. "Watching him pop the ball through the palm trees in spring
training and the other qualities that Frank had — the intangibles that he brought to the team and
the way he played the game. The ferocity with which he went about his trade was a pretty
awesome thing to see.
"He went at it with reckless abandon and what he did at the plate was incredible. And he was
surrounded with the perfect lineup. Me and Brooks [Robinson] behind him. Paul Blair in front.
What are you going to do?"
That fire would burn so brightly that Robinson would become an iconic Oriole though he played
in Baltimore for only six of his 21 major league seasons.
"Frank just made us tougher," Palmer said. "Everybody says that good players have edges.
Brooks' edge was he never let anything bother him. Boog was kind of in that category — two
really good-natured guys that were terrific players. Boog would win an MVP. Brooksie had won
an MVP and would make the Hall of Fame. But Frank just had a tough edge. When you see a
guy who could play at his level and could play with the vigor and intensity that he did, I can't see
how it could not have affected all of us."
Top trades in Orioles history
1. Dec. 9, 1965: The Orioles get outfielder Frank Robinson from the Cincinnati Reds for pitcher
Milt Pappas, pitcher Jack Baldschun and outfielder Dick Simpson.
2. June 15, 1976: The Orioles get catcher Rick Dempsey and pitchers Scott McGregor, Tippy
Martinez, Rudy May and Dave Pagan from the New York Yankees for catcher Elrod
Hendricks and pitchers Doyle Alexander, Ken Holtzman, Grant Jackson and Jimmy Freeman.
3. Dec. 4, 1968: The Orioles get pitcher Mike Cuellar and shortstop Enzo Hernandez from
the Houston Astros for outfielder Curt Blefary.
4. Feb. 8, 2008: The Orioles acquire outfielder Adam Jones and pitchers George Sherrill, Chris
Tillman, Kameron Mickolio and Tony Butler from the Seattle Mariners for pitcher Erik Bedard.
5. Dec. 4, 1974: The Orioles get outfielder Ken Singleton and pitcher Mike Torrez from the
Montreal Expos for pitcher Dave McNally and outfielder Rich Coggins.
6. July 30, 2011: The Orioles get first baseman Chris Davis and pitcher Tommy Hunter from
the Texas Rangers for pitcher Koji Uehara.
The Frank Robinson trade before and after
Frank Robinson
With Reds (1956-65): 1956 NL Rookie of the Year, 1961 NL MVP, six-time NL All-Star, 1961
NL pennant (lost to New York Yankees in World Series)
With Orioles (1966-71): 1966 AL MVP, 1966 Triple Crown winner, 1966 World Series MVP,
five-time AL All-Star, two World Series titles, four AL pennants
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bs-sp-orioles-winter-meetings-1209-20151208-
story.html
Orioles keeping Chris Davis dialogue going; also looking to
trade for left-handed power hitter
By Eduardo A. Encina / The Baltimore Sun
December 8, 2015
Despite many stories of free agents finding new homes flowing through the lobby and the top-
floor team and agent suites of the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center throughout the
first two days of winter meetings, Chris Davis' name hasn't been spoken often.
There's been little word of movement on the Davis front this week in the Music City, setting up
the makings of what's appearing to become an intriguing poker play between the Orioles and
Davis' agent, Scott Boras.
The Orioles met with Boras on Tuesday afternoon, and there was little progress made in the
club's effort to retain the top power bat on the free-agent market, according to an industry source.
Executive vice president Dan Duquette indicated as much on Tuesday night.
"We always keep the dialogue ongoing, but there's nothing new, really," Duquette said.
Meanwhile, Duquette conceded that the team's search for a left-handed bat is taking them
elsewhere. They've been exploring the trade market, and they've been linked to veteran left-
handed hitters like the Milwaukee Brewers' Adam Lind and the Texas Rangers' Mitch Moreland,
both players who would seem to be good fits at Camden Yards.
Duquette said the Orioles met with two teams regarding trades on Tuesday, but wouldn't say
who.
Boras is typically content with waiting out the market until he finds a deal he likes, and he
usually scores a jackpot for his clients. The seven-year, $210-million contract Max
Scherzer received from the Nationals last Jan. 21 just the latest example of Boras' late-offseason
success stories.
But Duquette said Tuesday that the Orioles will reach a point when they can no longer wait on
Davis.
"I think for the clubs and the players you have to decide at some point where you're going to play
ball and who's going to be on your team and the winter meetings is one of the threshold times for
players to decide where they're going to play and for the clubs to set up their teams," Duquette
said. "We're getting closer to decision time."
The Orioles are interested in other Boras clients — they like non-tendered slugger Pedro
Alvarez and outfielder Denard Span, both left-handed hitters — but Duquette said most of his
discussion with Boras centered around Davis.
In Duquette's eyes, the Orioles have made their interest in keeping Davis clear. Meanwhile, no
other teams have been linked to Davis here in Nashville, and Duquette has said each of the past
two nights that he doesn't know what kind of interest is out there on Davis.
"I really don't know what the market is," Duquette said. "I know that we're trying to add left-
handed hitters to our ballclub and we've been aggressive in pursuing a couple options. So we're
going to have to make a choice pretty soon.
"We have a clear idea of what the market is on Chris in Baltimore," Duquette added. "That's
clear."
The Orioles want to keep Davis in orange and black. And any deal to keep him in Baltimore
would unquestionably be the largest in club history, surpassing Adam Jones' six-year, $85.5-
million extension signed in 2012.
The Orioles realize Davis will cost a lot, and ownership wants to keep him. But the organization
isn't comfortable going into the $150-$175 million range for Davis, and this early in the
offseason, with the free-agent dollars flowing, Boras would undoubtedly be looking upwards of
that. Boras hasn't made any public comments this week, but usually addresses the media
sometime during the meetings.
Right now, the Orioles appear willing to look somewhere else and prepare for life after Davis.
They've already traded for right-handed slugger Mark Trumbo, who could play first, and
Duquette is always quick to point out that first base prospects Christian Walker and Trey
Mancini are waiting in the wings in the minors.
Perhaps the most telling words from Duquette came on one of his shortest of many thought-out
answers about the day's activities, when he was asked whether adding a left-handed bat would
still allow room for Davis.
"Maybe," Duquette said. "Maybe not."
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/bal-orioles-comparing-lefties-in-system-to-possible-
rule-5-picks-20151208-story.html
Orioles comparing lefties in system to possible Rule 5 picks
By Eduardo A. Encina / The Baltimore Sun
December 8, 2015
Asked at baseball's winter meetings whether the Orioles are interested in adding a left-handed
reliever, Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette said: “We have some other priorities
ahead of that.”
Left-hander Brian Matusz has served in relief for the past three-plus seasons and is in his final
season before free agency. T.J. McFarland is another left-handed reliever, but the Orioles have
used him mostly in a long-relief role.
Orioles manager Buck Showalter said the club was comparing some of the organization's current
arms Tuesday to what could be available in Thursday's Rule 5 draft.
“I was looking at [C.J.] Riefenhauser and [Ashur] Tolliver and Chris Lee and, of course, Matusz
and Donnie Hart and McFarland … [and] Tanner Scott,” Showalter said. “We had a lot of fun
watching him today. We're looking at Rule 5 guys and comparing them to some of the guys
we've got. That's exciting to watch, to see them pitching. We like our options from within if
something doesn't” happen.
Jones' charity continues
Orioles center fielder Adam Jones made a $75,000 donation, along with the Orioles Charitable
Foundation, to the Webster Kendrick Boys & Girls Club in West Baltimore. The donation will
help renovate and expand a technology center and lab at the facility.
This is the third Baltimore Boys & Girls Club that Jones has helped renovate. Over the past three
years, he also has made sizable gifts to the Brooklyn O'Malley Boys & Girls Club and the
Westport/Winans Homes Boys & Girls Club.
Last month, Jones received the players union's Marvin Miller Man of the Year Award for his on-
and off-field contributions. He also received the Brooks Robinson Community Service Award
from the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association this offseason.
Around the horn
Duquette said the Orioles have made their interest in retaining left-hander Wei-Yin Chen known
— he is represented by agent Scott Boras, whom the club met with Tuesday — but Duquette
said, “I'm not sure the market will allow that.” Chen figures to get a deal in the four-year range,
something the Orioles don't typically offer, but there hasn't been much buzz about him this week
at winter meetings. “Chen had some good years with the team,” Duquette said. “We made our
interest clear in having Chen come back.” … Despite the fact that the Orioles must keep top
pitching prospect Dylan Bundy on the major league roster — he enters the season out of options
— Duquette said the club still could select a pitcher in Thursday's Rule 5 draft. “We'll have to
see how that develops,” Duquette said. Because he has played in only 17 games since
undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2013, Bundy likely will slot as a reliever next season, at
least initially. … The Orioles extended their agreement with Low-A Delmarva for two additional
years, through the 2018 season, making their affiliation with the Shorebirds the second longest in
the South Atlantic League.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/dan-rodricks/bs-md-rodricks-1209-20151208-
column.html
An appeal to Chris Davis to stay in Baltimore and help this
city
By Dan Rodricks / The Baltimore Sun
December 8, 2015
Dear Chris Davis,
Three things right off the bat: I'm a big fan, I hope you make lots of money and it's really none of
my business what you do with your life. Your decision about whether to leave Baltimore and
the Orioles for another city and another team — that's all yours, brother.
All I can do is tell you how I feel about it. And how I feel is probably how a lot of long-time
Orioles fans feel: We want you to spend the rest of your career here.
You and Adam.
OK, you and Adam and Manny.
But I'm addressing only you right now because you're a free agent and we keep hearing that one
of our favorite players might leave Baltimore. You have a rich and famous agent, the best in the
business, and you're in the running for an eye-popping contract worth anywhere from $100
million to $200 million. Peter Schmuck, my colleague from The Baltimore Sun sports
department, said that if I was going to write a letter like this, I should do it today because any
minute the Los Angeles Dodgers or some other big-market team might offer you $210 million.
That's enough money to keep you in Smokehouse Almonds the rest of your life.
And let me just say: Most Orioles' fans believe you've earned a big payday. You've given this
town a lot of pleasure already.
(As much as I've enjoyed watching you hit home runs, my favorite Chris Davis moment remains
the time in Boston when you didn't hit anything. It was May 2012, a surreal Sunday game with
the Red Soxthat lasted 17 innings. You went 0-for-8 at the plate, but you pitched two scoreless
innings and came out the winning pitcher. Epic stuff.)
Some people think the multi-year, multimillion-dollar salaries paid to professional athletes are
outrageous. But whenever I hear that outrage — these days, it's usually a Bernie Sanders
supporter who expresses it — I always say: "If the players don't get it, the owners do," and that
usually ends the squawking.
So I'm not getting into a debate about how much Chris Davis is worth, and whether anyone
should make $20 million a year for playing baseball. We are way past that.
I'm writing today to say this:
It's been a rough year in Baltimore, brother, and the last thing this town needs is to lose its
biggest baseball slugger.
I'm asking you to think about your place in this community and what it would mean to your
fellow Baltimoreans, at the end of such a dreary year, to see you pack your bags and your "Hulk
juice" blender and drive away from the Queen City of the Patapsco Drainage Basin.
I realize this isn't entirely up to you.
The owner of the Orioles has to step up in an unprecedented way. No one would expect you to
take an unacceptable offer from an owner who has an aversion to big contracts with players. But
somewhere between — oh, I don't know — $150 million and $200 million, you ought to be able
to find financial security, right?
Still, $50 million is a lot of "somewhere between." If you were to take the biggest offer and leave
town, few in Baltimore would have a beef with you.
Before that happens, I just want you to think about how you fit into the larger picture here.
Baltimore has a lot of problems; we didn't really need a riot to make that clear. But the unrest in
the spring, following the death and burial of Freddie Gray, forced eyes wide open, and there are a
lot of people who've re-upped their commitment to fixing what's broken here.
A lot of those people are millennials, like you, who've moved here in the last few years; they
want to see Baltimore get to a better place. They're working in nonprofits or volunteering their
time with kids or adults in transition from homelessness, incarceration or drug addiction. And, if
they're not doing that, they're demanding more from City Hall. They're being engaged as
citizens.
You should think of yourself not only as a power-hitting first baseman, but as an important
citizen of Baltimore, someone whose example of modesty and hard work is needed here. You'd
be respected and beloved, and not just because you can hit home runs, but because you made a
commitment to a struggling city.
Think about what re-signing with the Orioles would say to all the doubters, the snarky and the
sneering who've declared the city hopeless. If you re-signed with the Orioles, you'd be renewing
your commitment — and not so much to the franchise, but to this city, this community. You'd
signal affinity with the rest of us who still believe in Baltimore. You'd build a legacy rare in
baseball. You might even get us back to a World Series after 33 very long years.
Please, think about it.
http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bal-more-on-manny-machados-availability-for-
fanfest-20151208-story.html
More on Manny Machado's availability for Orioles FanFest
By Eduardo A. Encina / The Baltimore Sun
December 8, 2015
Orioles third baseman Manny Machado could miss Saturday’s annual FanFest because he’s
committed to be with his best friend for the birth of his first child.
Machado and Oakland Athletics first baseman Yonder Alonso became fast friends since meeting
in 2009. Alonso’s fiancé, Amber Harmon, is due to deliver the couple’s first child, a baby boy,
later this week, according to a source.
There is still hope that Machado could attend FanFest, and the Orioles remain committed to
working to help him attend, even if it’s just for a few hours.
For Machado -- who was raised by his mother in a single-parent home in Miami -- Alonso and
his family have long been like a second family since the two met. Machado and Alonso is more
than extended family. He’s also his brother-in-law. Machado married Alonso’s sister, Yainee,
last offseason.
"I grew up without a father in my life," Machado told USA Today in 2013, "and I see how
Yonder and Yainee grew up with their family. I want that. I've always wanted that. … Family
means everything to me, and now I can say we are all family."
FanFest is the one offseason event that all players under team control are required to attend and
few exceptions are granted. Right-hander Ubaldo Jimenez and recently acquired slugger Mark
Trumbo were given permission to miss the event because of previous commitments.
When Machado’s name didn’t appear on their autograph schedule released Friday, a club source
said that while they couldn’t confirm his attendance, the team was doing everything possible to
accommodate his schedule and still ensure his participation in the event.
Because he wasn’t confirmed, Machado’s name couldn’t be placed on the FanFest autograph
schedule, but he could be added if he is able to attend.
The 23-year-old budding superstar is coming off his second All-Star and Gold Glove season, and
is arguably the team’s biggest draw among its fan base, especially now that first baseman Chris
Davis is a free agent.
http://m.orioles.mlb.com/news/article/159171590/orioles-may-be-close-to-trading-for-a-pitcher
O's have trade proposals out on starting pitchers
By Brittany Ghiroli / MLB.com
December 8, 2015
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Orioles appear closer to making some moves, as executive vice
president of baseball operations Dan Duquette said Tuesday that the club had put out a couple of
trade offers in regards to a starting pitcher.
"We'd be happy if we could add one [starter] and then some depth to the rotation," Duquette said,
citing the possibility of adding a pitcher looking for bounce-back year as a good example of that
depth.
The Orioles -- who would love to have Wei-Yin Chen back but aren't optimistic given what the
lefty figures to make on the market -- can still afford a second- or third-tier free-agent arm. They
are also relying on their current rotation to rebound from a collectively disappointing season.
"What if they pitch better, right? Some of those guys have pitched better in their careers,"
Duquette said of a group that includes Miguel Gonzalez, Chris Tillman, Kevin Gausman
and Ubaldo Jimenez. "There's a couple young guys there that could pitch better than they have,
getting their feet on the ground. We are going to try to keep our bullpen strong and strengthen
that."
The Orioles also met Tuesday with Chris Davis' agent Scott Boras, and remain interested in the
slugger. They don't know what the outside market is like for Davis, but Duquette said, "We have
a clear idea what the market is for Chris in Baltimore.
"I don't really know what the market is. I know that we are trying to add some left-handed hitters
to our ballclub, and we've been aggressive in pursuing a few options. We are going to have to
make a choice soon."
So do the O's feel as if they made progress when it comes to Davis?
"No, not really," Duquette said. "We always keep the dialogue ongoing, but there's nothing new,
really."
If the Orioles do add another left-handed hitter, Duquette said it could take Davis out of the mix,
depending on who that acquisition is. Asked if the Orioles have made it clear that they want
Davis, Duquette answered affirmatively.
There doesn't appear to be a set date for a Davis decision, but the O's have other options and
know they can't afford to wait.
"I think for the clubs and the players, you have to decide at some point where you're going to
play ball and who's going to be on your team," Duquette said. "And the Winter Meetings is one
of the threshold times for players to decide where they're going to play and for the clubs to set up
their teams. We're getting closer to decision time."
The same is true on the pitching front.
"The pitching market is moving quickly, and there's a lot of teams chasing a few pitchers,"
Duquette said.
Worth noting
• The Orioles continued to do homework on Thursday's Rule 5 Draft. Duquette wouldn't say
if Dylan Bundy being out of Minor League options would prevent them from taking a pitcher.
• The Orioles agreed to a two-year extension with their Class A affiliate, the Delmarva
Shorebirds. That contract runs through 2018.
• Asked if the club could feasibly add an outfielder and starting pitcher if it's able to bring back
Davis, Duquette said he hoped so.
http://m.orioles.mlb.com/news/article/159133138/orioles-auctioning-off-unique-experiences
Orioles auctioning off unique experiences
By Brittany Ghiroli / The Baltimore Sun
December 8, 2015
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Want to work out with Brady Anderson? Or be the Orioles' public-
address announcer for a day in Spring Training? Maybe watching is more your style, taking in
things like manager Buck Showalter's pregame news conference, batting practice from the field
and watching part of the game with executive vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette
in his suite.
The Orioles are auctioning off all of those experiences in this year's Stand Up to Cancer online
charity auction, which involves all 30 Major League clubs and continues until Thursday at 9 p.m.
ET.
This auction initiative has raised nearly $500,000 since its inception four years ago, and a
significant portion of the proceeds from this year's event will go to Stand Up To Cancer, a
longtime partner of Major League Baseball, its founding donor in 2008. In addition, this year's
auction will benefit Do It For Durrett, in honor of the late Texas Rangers ESPN.com reporter
Richard Durrett, who passed away suddenly last year, and the YouCaring page established for
Miami Marlins Sun Sentinel beat writer Juan C. Rodriguez, who is currently battling a brain
tumor.
Each team has donated unique experiences and memorabilia, and the Orioles' items did not
disappoint. The Spring Training lunch and workout with Anderson, a former player and current
vice president of baseball operations, includes a nutrition talk and tickets to a game. Being the
PA announcer includes the special opportunity of making all the announcements before and after
the game at Ed Smith Stadium, with up to four tickets include for that day's game.
Finally, the Orioles' behind-the-scenes package takes fans everywhere in and around Camden
Yards, including the press box, MASN studios and the scoreboard production room. Tickets to
the game are also included.
http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2015/12/more-on-orioles-offer-to-chris-davis-and-
leftovers-for-breakfast.html
More on Orioles' offer to Chris Davis and leftovers for
breakfast
By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com
December 9, 2015
NASHVILLE - Breakfast for me at the Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center has
consisted of egg sandwiches and lattes at Starbucks. I ordered egg whites and turkey bacon on
the second day to give the illusion of being healthy.
Manager Buck Showalter will speak to reporters this afternoon after the annual reception and
luncheon, when the beat crew dines with him at a circular table and audio, video, tweeting and
other forms of social media are strictly prohibited. It's an informal get-together. The quotes come
later in the workroom.
Showalter challenges us to submit our picks for the entrée every year. No one is allowed to
choose chicken. I'll say some form of pasta.
But enough about me ...
Agent Scott Boras is expected to hold court with the media, which has become a Winter
Meetings tradition. There's a stampede to whichever area he chooses to stop, and you better get
there quick or you have no shot at hearing him. It's a bizarre scene.
An industry source told me last night that the Orioles' meeting with Boras "produced nothing
positive" in relation to first baseman Chris Davis. In other words, the club's offer remains on the
table, but it's not going to stay there much longer.
As I tweeted last night, it's believed that the Orioles' offer for Davis is in the neighborhood of
$150 million and includes deferred money. At this point, they don't sense that another team has
stepped up with a better proposal.
It's understandable that Boras wants to wait for a club to do just that, perhaps reallocating funds
after failing to make another move. He's rarely in a rush and it's only Dec. 9. The man has a track
record for hitting late jackpots.
It's also understandable that the Orioles are prepared to give up by the time they board their flight
home and use that money in other areas. They understand that a second-tier starter won't come
cheaply. And what if they want to make a serious run at Alex Gordon or Justin Upton?
Upton is a right-handed hitter and the Orioles already have plenty of them. They're trying to
bring more balance to their lineup, but he's hit 82 home runs over the past three seasons and
would be an impact bat. They have definite interest in him.
Adam Jones' six-year, $85.5 million contract is the largest in franchise history. There never was
a doubt that keeping Davis would require them to leave it in the dust.
Now we're waiting to find out if it's left on the table. If it's removed. If this negotiation really
ends poorly.
Executive vice president Dan Duquette pretty much indicated yesterday that the Orioles won't re-
sign Wei-Yin Chen due to the market. He seems more inclined to trade for a starter.
One person reasoned that if the Orioles are considering a four-year deal for left-hander Scott
Kazmir, they may as well bring back Chen. However, Chen could get five years.
Keep checking the trade market.
The Orioles don't seem to have enough to offer for Jose Fernandez or Chris Sale, two names that
always come up on Twitter and the blog. They don't want to move Kevin Gausman and punch
another hole in the rotation, and they believe the former first-round pick is going to evolve into a
No. 1 starter.
Outfielder/first baseman Steve Pearce also isn't expected to be re-signed.
Duquette offered a "maybe" when I asked whether the Orioles, who appear to have moved on
from Pearce, could reconsider in January or later if he remains on the market.
"The guys that played for us are free agents now, so we're not supposed to technically address
that specifically under the rule," Duquette said. "We like the work that a lot of the players who
are free agents did when they were with the Orioles."
I'd like to see this rule because a lot of other teams are violating it.
Veteran left-hander Craig Breslow is here trying to hook on with a club. The Orioles were linked
to him last winter, but Duquette downplayed any interest yesterday.
Asked about the importance of finding another lefty reliever, Duquette replied, "We have some
other priorities ahead of that."
Matt Merullo, who managed the Gulf Coast team this year and short-season Single-A Aberdeen
in 2013-2014, is in Nashville in search of a job. The Orioles decided not to bring him back.
A scout from another organization who's watched Mark Trumbo in the majors and in the winter
leagues insists that the first baseman/outfielder is more athletic than advertised. The scout also
said that Trumbo, while not a threat to win a Gold Glove, is serviceable defensively and not as
bad as his reputation suggests.
The scout said Trumbo easily will hit 25-30 home runs for the Orioles.
Former Orioles alert: I've seen Jim Hoey, Jeff Reboulet, Brian Bass and Clay Rapada at the hotel
this week. None of them are making a comeback.
Jones and the Orioles charitable foundation are donating $75,000 to the Webster Kendrick Boys
& Girls Club in the Dolfield neighborhood of West Baltimore.
The donation will help to renovate and expand a technology center and the Callaway Community
School tech lab at the facility.
It will be the third Boys & Girls Club of Metropolitan Baltimore that the Orioles and Jones have
renovated, along with the Brooklyn O'Malley Boys & Girls Club and the Westport/Winans
Homes Boys & Girls Club.
"He made a donation to a Boys & Girls Club in San Diego and some people were wondering if
he was going to continue his efforts in the community, and he did in partnering with the
OriolesREACH foundation for the Boys & Girls Club," Duquette said. "So he continues to do his
good philanthropic work in the community and work with the team, which we appreciate."
http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2015/12/dan-duquette-discusses-attempts-to-make-
deals-and-much-more.html
Dan Duquette discusses attempts to make deals and much
more
By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com
December 8, 2015
NASHVILLE - Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette focused mostly on the free agent
market today while searching for a left-handed bat and the trade market while searching for
starting pitchers.
With the cost of arms these days, the Orioles are hoping to fill a hole in the rotation and improve
their depth by dealing with other clubs. Of course, the challenge is finding a match.
"We made a little progress today on the market," Duquette said from his suite at the Gaylord
Opryland Resort & Convention Center. "We have been shopping to get some balance to our
lineup, so we got a little clarity on the market in regard to left-handed hitters. We also met with
two teams on trade discussions, and we're getting a little closer to decision time for adding left-
handed hitters to our ballclub.
"Did a little bit more work on the Rule 5 draft and we sent out a couple trade proposals, and
we're still looking for left-handed hitters, we're looking for outfielders and we're looking to add
to our pitching."
Duquette then confirmed that the trade discussions centered on pitching.
Asked how many starters he wants, Duquette replied, "We'd be happy if we could add one and
then some depth to the rotation.
"A couple years ago we were able to pick up Miguel Gonzalez on a minor league deal. He was a
rehab pitcher and then emerged in the big leagues. Something like that. Or a pitcher who's
looking for a bounceback year. Those are always good players to sign this time of the year."
The Orioles also are counting on their returning starters to produce better results. Otherwise, the
rest won't matter.
"Some of those guys have pitched better in their careers," Duquette said. "There are a couple
young guys there who could pitch better than they have, getting their feet on the ground. And
then we're going to try to keep our bullpen strong and strengthen that."
The door isn't closed on left-hander Wei-Yin Chen, but don't try to poke your fingers inside or
you're liable to lose them.
"Chen had some good years with the team and we made our interest clear in having Chen come
back," Duquette said, "but I'm not sure the market will allow that."
Duquette met this afternoon with agent Scott Boras, but there wasn't much to update regarding
negotiations with first baseman Chris Davis.
"No, not really," Duquette said. "We always keep the dialogue ongoing, but there's nothing new,
really."
As I've written, the clock is ticking on Davis. The Orioles can't wait around much longer.
"I think for the clubs and the players, you have to decide at some point where you're going to
play ball and who's going to be on your team," Duquette said. "The Winter Meetings is one of
the threshold times for players to decide where they're going to play and for the clubs to staff
their teams. We're getting closer to decision time.
"I don't really know what the market is. I know that we're trying to add some left-handed hitters
to our ballclub and we've been aggressive in pursuing a couple options, so we're going to have to
make a choice pretty soon."
Can the Orioles re-sign Davis and still have the funds to sign an outfielder and a pitcher?
"I hope so," Duquette replied.
Asked whether there still would be room on the payroll for Davis if the Orioles acquired the left-
handed hitters that they're checking out - specifically the outfielders - Duquette replied, "Maybe,
maybe not."
The Orioles focused primarily on Davis while sitting down with Boras and stressed again their
desire to keep him.
"We've made it clear," Duquette said.
Does he now have a clear idea of the market for Davis?
"We have a clear idea what the market is for Chris in Baltimore," Duquette replied. "That's
clear."
The Orioles discussed Pedro Alvarez and Denard Span, who also are Boras clients, though
Duquette wouldn't confirm names.
"We made it clear we're looking for left-handed hitters, so we're looking at all areas in the market
that we think can help our team," Duquette said. "Trade, free agents, international market, Rule
5. We're looking at all the markets."
While Duquette is geared toward getting a pitcher via trade, he didn't say the odds were more
favorable.
"The pitching market is moving quickly and there are a lot of teams chasing a few pitchers," he
said.
Duquette again left open the possibility of the Orioles taking a pitcher in the Rule 5 draft despite
perhaps having Dylan Bundy in their bullpen next season.
"We'll have to see how that develops," he said. "We're looking at some pitchers in the Rule 5
draft, so that's a good opportunity to add a player to your organization."
You can bank on the Orioles selecting someone in the Rule 5 draft, but Duquette would like to
make a much bigger splash on the day leading into it.
"Maybe tomorrow," he said. "Hopefully, we'll have something tomorrow."
http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2015/12/brady-anderson-talks-about-his-
contribution-to-mlb-auction.html
Brady Anderson talks about his contribution to MLB
auction
By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com
December 8, 2015
NASHVILLE - Orioles vice president of baseball operations Brady Anderson wears many hats
in the organization, and one of his most important roles involves setting up workout programs
and training players in the organization.
Now it's your turn.
The Orioles have donated three items to Major League Baseball's online auction to raise money
in the continuing fight against cancer. The auction is live on MLB.com until Thursday at 9 p.m.
The Orioles are offering one fan a chance to be the public address announcer for the day in a
spring training game at Ed Smith Stadium, a behind-the-scenes experience, and a spring training
workout and lunch with Anderson.
I spoke to Anderson this afternoon about his participation in the auction, as well as his workouts
in California with pitcher Miguel Gonzalez and the importance of re-signing reliever Darren
O'Day. He played a huge role in it.
http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2015/12/duquette-on-todays-meeting-with-boras-
and-other-notes.html
Duquette on today's meeting with Boras (and other notes)
By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com
December 8, 2015
NASHVILLE - Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette met today with agent Scott Boras
and said the discussion centered mostly on first baseman Chris Davis. However, he reminded the
media that the Orioles are searching for left-handed bats, suggesting that they also talked about
Pedro Alvarez and perhaps Denard Span.
It doesn't appear that the Orioles made much progress regarding Davis. Duquette said the club
has maintained an ongoing dialogue, but nothing is new today.
Does Duquette have a clear idea about the market for Davis?
"We have a clear idea what the market is for Chris in Baltimore," he replied.
A few other notes from today's media session:
* Duquette met with two teams to discuss trades and said the Orioles are getting closer to making
a decision on adding left-handed hitters.
* Duquette said he'd be happy adding one starter and then improving the pitching depth with
another move - perhaps a minor league deal like the one signed by Miguel Gonzalez or a pitcher
in need of a bounceback year.
* The Orioles have made their interest known in left-hander Wei-Yin Chen, who's also
represented by Boras, but Duquette said he's not sure the market will allow it.
* Duquette offered a "maybe" when I asked whether the Orioles could come back to Steve
Pearce if he's still available later in the winter. So far, they haven't reached out to him.
* Duquette said the Orioles have other priorities ahead of adding another left-handed reliever.
I'll post quotes later tonight.
http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2015/12/orioles-return-dave-anderson-to-
organization-and-other-notes.html
Orioles return Dave Anderson to organization (and other
notes)
By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com
December 8, 2015
NASHVILLE - The Orioles officially brought back Dave Anderson to the organization, hiring
him for his old job as minor league infield coordinator.
Anderson, the former Dodgers infielder, managed the Angels' Triple-A affiliate in Salt Lake over
the summer. He expressed interest in returning to the Orioles after a one-year absence and they
were happy to oblige.
Kevin Bradshaw, hired by the Orioles as Anderson's replacement, will run extended spring
training and coach in Florida, his duties including bunting and baserunning instruction.
Before coming to the Orioles, Anderson coached third base with the Rangers from 2009-2012
and first base in 2013. He spent 10 seasons in the majors, including eight with the Dodgers.
Fun fact: Anderson was due to bat in Game 1 of the World Series when manager Tommy
Lasorda sent up injured Kirk Gibson, who hit one of the most famous home runs in baseball
history. Anderson took a few steps toward the plate before being called back to the dugout.
Gibson took a lot of painful steps around the bases.
Other notes:
* The Orioles and Royals were scheduled to talk yesterday to find whether they might match up
for a trade. That's all I know. Let your imaginations run wild.
I heard yesterday that the Royals were prepared to replace Alex Gordon in left field with
speedster Jarrod Dyson, which general manager Dayton Moore confirmed today to reporters.
The Orioles maintain interest in Gordon, a left-handed hitting corner outfielder who can get on
base.
* The Orioles have talked to the Brewers about acquiring Adam Lind and the Rangers about
acquiring Mitch Moreland, according to FOXSports.com.
Lind and Moreland make sense because they're left-handed hitters and provide more insurance in
case the Orioles can't re-sign Chris Davis. And both players have been on the Orioles' radar in
previous years.
Lind, 32, is a career .293/.354/.509 hitter against right-handers and a .213/.259/.327 hitter against
left-handers. He's produced a .295/.358/.461 slash line in 115 games against the Orioles and a
.288/.363/.395 line in 61 games at Camden Yards.
Moreland, 30, is a career .267/.328/.469 hitter against right-handers and a .233/.290/.359 hitter
against left-handers. He's batted .260/.322/.442 in 29 career games against the Orioles and
.286/.355/.571 with five home runs in 16 games at Camden Yards.
Lind and Moreland are eligible for free agency following the 2016 season. Lind will make $8
million and Moreland is arbitration-eligible.
* I reported this morning that the Orioles are meeting with agent Scott Boras. I received further
confirmation that Pedro Alvarez also is a hot topic of conversation. It's not only about Davis.
As manager Buck Showalter would say, the Orioles have lots of irons in the fire.
* The Orioles will have the 15th pick in Thursday's Rule 5 draft and they're going to take a
player.
Teams ahead of them can pass, of course, but they're in the 15th slot.
http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2015/12/orioles-meeting-today-with-agent-scott-
boras.html
Orioles meeting today with agent Scott Boras
By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com
December 8, 2015
NASHVILLE - Providing further proof that they haven't surrendered hope of re-signing first
baseman Chris Davis, the Orioles are meeting today with agent Scott Boras at the Gaylord
Opryland Resort & Convention Center.
Multiple people have confirmed the meeting, and Davis won't be the lone topic of conversation.
Boras also represents Pedro Alvarez, who was non-tendered by the Pirates and intrigues the
Orioles as a potential left-handed bat at designated hitter. Outfielder Denard Span, who interests
the Orioles as a possible right fielder and leadoff hitter, switched from CAA Sports to the Boras
Corporation a few months ago.
The meeting raises the question of whether the Orioles could carry Davis, Alvarez and Mark
Trumbo on their 25-man roster.
Davis prefers first base despite having experience in the outfield. The Orioles acknowledge that
Trumbo is better at first base than the outfield, where his defense doesn't meet their lofty
standards. Alvarez is below-average, to put it mildly, at third and first base.
Asked about Trumbo this morning on MLB Network Radio, Showalter said, "I like how engaged
he is on defense. You may not be the best, but as long as you're engaged, that's great."
The Orioles have committed a projected $32.65 million on Trumbo, Matt Wieters and Darren
O'Day for the 2016 season. Trumbo's salary hasn't been determined, but he's expected to be at or
near $9.1 million as an arbitration-eligible player. Wieters took the $15.8 million qualifying offer
and O'Day's four-year contract holds an annual average value of $7.75 million.
Executive vice president Dan Duquette intends to add a starting pitcher, an outfielder - with
emphasis on a left-handed bat - and perhaps another reliever. However, ownership has given the
green light to re-signing Davis, and the Orioles believe they have a "competitive offer" on the
table.
As I've written, they just don't know which teams are providing the competition.
A person tied to the Blue Jays said rumors of the club's serious negotiations with Davis are false.
However, other clubs could jump into the bidding if deciding to reallocate their funds, and there's
always the possibility of a mystery team.
As always, stay tuned.
http://www.masnsports.com/steve-melewski/2015/12/espns-keith-law-on-chris-davis-and-the-
orioles.html
ESPN's Keith Law on Chris Davis and the Orioles
By Steve Melewski / MASNsports.com
December 9, 2015
NASHVILLE - Last night here at the Winter Meetings, I recorded a video interview with ESPN's
Keith Law where we primarily discussed Chris Davis' free agency. After we recorded this
interview, my colleague Roch Kubatko broke the news via Twitter that the Orioles have made a
huge offer to Davis.
Here is my take: That is a huge and legit offer to Davis. The Orioles did indeed "open the
checkbook" here. Now Davis and agent Scott Boras need to let them know whether they are
going to be in the ballpark for his services or not and soon. They can't wait forever. They have a
team to put together. The Orioles put the ball in Davis' court with that offer.
Here are some of Law's thoughts on Davis and the Orioles:
Should the O's put pressure on Davis and Boras to decide something soon?
"Putting pressure on the Boras camp isn't going to work. I don't think that has ever worked for
anybody. My guess is it's more a play to say, 'We have to get something else in place. We can't
wait until January. We're going to move on and we're going to go after Justin Upton. We're going
to go after Yoenis Cespedes. We want a bat somewhere, a power bat.'
"If it's not going to be Davis, and my gut feel all along is it's probably not going to be Davis, then
they need to move in another direction. This provides (Dan Duquette) almost some closure from
his end. If the player really wanted to be back in Baltimore, which I've never heard was the case,
then maybe he could jump and say to Boras, 'I want to get this done.' I don't think that is going to
happen. This kind of closes the loop all around and now they can move in another direction."
You don't think Davis wants to return to Baltimore?
"I've never really heard that. As opposed to (Darren) O'Day, who I understood was really happy
with the situation. Buck (Showalter) gave him a chance. He made him into an elite set-up
reliever. He saw the potential for him to get left-handed hitters out and gave him the opportunity.
I really believe that was a big factor in him not just returning, but signing quickly. Now they've
got the bullpen in pretty good shape heading into the rest of the winter."
Could the O's have an either/or situation with Davis? If they don't get him, they have those
dollars to spread over other players. Some feel this Plan B might even work better for the
team.
"Yes, it might be. Because I think Chris Davis - while extremely productive when he is on - is
hugely risky. You've seen the volatility in the performance. You know he is going to strike out
an enormous rate. That means there is a good chance there is a year where he hits .220. You are
going to pay him to be the 40-homer-a-year guy with a decent on-base percentage, but he may
not be that guy every year in the deal.
"It may make more sense to spread your risk among multiple assets. Or spend that money on a
guy with a little more predictability in his performance. Like an Upton or a Cespedes. An Upton
gives you the advantage of youth, too. Upton and Jason Heyward, who I've never heard linked to
the Orioles. They are younger players and you are rolling the dice on getting some upside, which
is not typically what you get out of free agency."
It seems Davis' market is not defined. Is that true, not a lot of clubs in on him right now, or
are we just not hearing which clubs are truly in on Davis?
"That's a good question. One thing that comes to mind, even as I was doing the free agent
rankings on ESPN.com, it's not a great first base market in terms of supply. But it's also not a
great first base market in terms of demand.
"How many big dollar teams are actually out there looking for first baseman? The Red Sox are
covered, so are the Yankees, the Dodgers, the Cubs. The teams that ordinarily might spend a lot
of money at that spot, probably don't need to spend a lot of money at that spot.
"That said, Boras has managed in the past, to kind of create an opportunity out of thin air for
clients often just by waiting. By saying, 'I know this isn't the perfect positional fit, but I've got
the only 40-homer bat on the market.' It would not surprise me at all if he took that strategy with
Davis."
http://www.masnsports.com/steve-melewski/2015/12/os-dan-duquette-on-chris-davis.html
O's Dan Duquette on Chris Davis
By Steve Melewski / MASNsports.com
December 8, 2015
NASHVILLE - Is decision day for Chris Davis and the Orioles coming soon? The answer may
well be yes, at least from the club's side.
Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette met with Scott Boras, Davis' agent, this afternoon
here at the Winter Meetings. There doesn't seem to be any indication that the sides are close to an
agreement. At the same time, if the O's can't or don't get Davis, they may need to move on and
address other needs.
During his one-on-one interview today with MASNsports.com, Duquette indicated the Orioles
need to find out soon whether they can get Davis or not.
"I think it's about time for the players that are free agents and the clubs that staff the teams to
make their decisions," Duquette said. "We're getting there in terms of staffing our club for the
2016 season. We've made it very clear we are trying to add some left-handed hitting to our
ballclub and we're going to have to decide who we are going to go with this week."
So are the Orioles possibly down to days here? Do they need to know that soon on Davis?
"The way the offseason works, there are opportunities," Duquette said. "But the window closes
on some of these opportunities. We're going to staff our club to have it as strong as we can going
into the season. We need to add some left-handed hitting to balance our lineup and that is what
we aim to do."
I asked Duquette if waiting on Davis could hurt the club as it tries to make other moves and
decisions.
"I think that we are prepared to staff our ballclub," he said. "At some point the players have to
decide where they are going to make their home or hang their hat for the future. And, we're
getting close to decision time."
We know the Orioles still have needs in the corner outfield spots and are still looking for outfield
help. Is that market possibly about to heat up?
"Clubs have been chasing pitchers," Duquette said. "There are a lot of clubs chasing pitching and
there are not as many that are chasing position players. And there are a few more position players
on the market. So we'll have to see how the market plays out for the position players."
The Orioles today announced that they've extended their working agreement with the Single-A
Delmarva Shorebirds of the South Atlantic League through the 2018 season. The Shorebirds
have been an Orioles affiliate for 19 years.
Arthur W. Perdue Stadium, home of the Shorebirds in Salisbury, Md., underwent renovations
prior to the 2015 season that included remodeled clubhouses, training facilities and batting cages.
In 2016, the ballpark will feature a new playing surface as well as improved stadium lighting.
The Shorebirds are also finalizing plans for several fan-centered enhancements scheduled to be
completed in advance of the 2017 season.
"We extended the agreement for two years," Duquette said. "The Delmarva community and the
management of the team have made significant investments in the clubhouse. They've got a new
playing field and new lights.
"We're pleased as punch to continue our player development efforts there with a first-class
facility at Perdue Stadium. It's great, right in the backyard of the Orioles. Our fans get to see our
players when they are younger. Our young players get to see the major league team and identify
with the culture of being an Oriole. And we're so happy to extend that player development
agreement in Delmarva."
Pat Filippone, the president of Seventh Inning Stretch, the Shorebirds ownership group, talked
about today's news.
"We are excited for the future," he said. "We finished over .500 this year and we are delighted to
be the baby O's. We wear the black and orange proudly. We say we develop players, but we also
develop fans that come up to Camden Yards. It is a family and that is how they treat it and we
appreciate it."
The new infield at Perdue was made up to be very similar to Camden Yards. Triple-A Norfolk
did the same when it put in a new field. Orioles director of minor league operations Kent Qualls
said the club wanted to thank O's head groundskeeper Nicole McFadyen and Bowie
groundskeeper Matt Parrott for their work with it.
"With Nicole and Matt, it was really a collaborative effort to make sure we get a nice playing
field there for next year and for the future," he said. "The infield dirt at Camden Yards, they put
the same mix in at Perdue Stadium."
The Shorebirds have the second-longest running affiliate relationship with a major league
organization in the South Atlantic League. The Orioles' working agreements run through 2018
with Norfolk, Double-A Bowie, Single-A Frederick and Delmarva. They run through 2016 with
short-season Single-A Aberdeen.
Check back later this evening to see the full video of our interview with Duquette.
http://www.masnsports.com/steve-melewski/2015/12/os-brian-graham-with-updates-on-dylan-
bundy-hunter-harvey-and-more.html
O's Brian Graham with updates on Dylan Bundy, Hunter
Harvey (with video)
By Steve Melewski / MASNsports.com
December 8, 2015
NASHVILLE - Orioles director of player development Brian Graham is part of the club's front
office contingent at the Winter Meetings. He provided some injury updates during a one-on-one
video interview this morning.
Right-hander Dylan Bundy has been limited to 63 innings since the 2013 season. He underwent
Tommy John surgery during the 2013 season and then dealt with a shoulder issue last season. He
went to the Arizona Fall League last month. But after pitching one inning each in two games, he
was scratched from his third scheduled outing due to forearm stiffness.
But today Graham provided a positive update on Bundy.
"No concern," he said. "He met with the doctors in Baltimore. He's doing great. He's healthy and
is going to have a normal offseason. He'll come into spring training and be ready to go. He's
actually throwing the ball well."
Bundy is out of options and will have to make the Orioles' opening day roster or be exposed to
waivers if they try to get him to the minor leagues. That is very, very unlikely. Graham said
shutting down Bundy in the AFL was precautionary.
"It was absolutely a precaution. He's in great shape and in great spirits and his arm feels great. It
was definitely a precaution," he said.
Right-hander Hunter Harvey has been ranked just behind Bundy as the Orioles No. 2 pitching
prospect. He has not pitched in a game since July 2014 due to elbow issues. Harvey got a
platelet-rich plasma injection in May, but was shut down again during instructional league when
the discomfort came back.
In early October, Dr. James Andrews said Harvey should rest for four to six weeks. That period
has come and gone and he has resumed throwing and is doing well right now, Graham said.
"He's doing great. He's healthy and throwing bullpens. He has completed a long-toss program.
He feels great and it is just a matter of time until he gets back out there and hopefully we see
both guys at the January mini-camp."
It is good news that Harvey is doing well today, but now we have to see if that holds true for next
spring and into next season, and if this kid can finally get back on a mound. But no one has a
crystal ball.
"Nobody knows (for sure), you're absolutely correct," Graham said. "It will be April until we
find out exactly where he is health-wise. Unfortunately, it's an elbow issue. With an elbow issue,
it shows up, it flares up and potentially and possibly it doesn't show up. We'll see what happens."
Meanwhile another top O's prospect is expected to be 100 percent for spring training. That is 18-
year-old third baseman Jomar Reyes, who hit .278 at Single-A Delmarva last year. He got hurt in
the next-to-last game of instructional league workouts in Florida. He had surgery to repair a
broken hamate bone in his left hand.
Graham said Reyes is doing well and is working out in the Dominican Republic. He should be
100 percent for spring training.
Before the 2014 season, the Orioles' minor league system was rated No. 10 by ESPN and No. 12
by Baseball America and Baseball Prospectus. But after the O's farm has dealt with the Bundy
and Harvey injuries, had key players like Eduardo Rodriguez, Josh Hader and Zach Davies
traded, and seen players move to the majors and lose their prospect status, they are expected to
be ranked pretty low when the newest organizational rankings come out.
"It always bothers you if somebody says something (that) is not complimentary," Graham said.
"But at the same time, we know internally what a great minor league system we have and what a
great development system we have. If we put players in the system, they are going to be the very
best players they can be.
"We've scouted and drafted some very good players. Certainly, if we don't have as much depth
according to the national publications, you know, that is an evaluation that they make. From our
standpoint, if we can get players to help our big league club win, then we have a very productive
minor league system and that is where we are right now."
http://www.masnsports.com/steve-melewski/2015/12/a-look-at-the-possible-chris-davis-market-
vandy-coach-remembers-flaherty-and-yaz.html
A look at the possible Chris Davis market; Vandy coach
remembers Flaherty and Yastrzemski
By Steve Melewski / MASNsports.com
December 8, 2015
NASHVILLE - The Orioles continue to be in the hunt for free agent first baseman Chris Davis.
He led the majors with 47 homers last year and leads the majors with 159 since 2012. But what is
unclear is how many teams are in that hunt with them. There has been very little information
getting out on Davis and any negotiations that may have taken place thus far.
MASNsports.com's Roch Kubatko reported via Twitter that the Orioles are scheduled to meet
with Scott Boras, Davis' agent today. Boras also reps Pedro Alvarez, who could be an O's target.
Last night on MLB Network, Jon Heyman of CBSSports.com was asked about the market that
could be developing for Davis.
"This is one of the best sluggers in the game and we know that sluggers really play in free
agency. So he should do extremely well," Heyman said.
"Boston and Toronto, two teams in Baltimore's division, have been linked to Chris Davis. I think
Toronto does make some sense, even though they have great power already. We know that (Jose)
Bautista and (Edwin) Encarnacion have expiring contracts after the year. St. Louis is a team that
has been tied to Davis and they make sense, as well. They have an issue with their No. 3 and 4
hitters. Obviously, they have their own free agent in Jason Heyward, who they are talking to, as
well. Can't imagine they sign both of them. But one of them is possible. Those are the four teams
that have been linked most often with Davis - Baltimore, Boston, Toronto and St. Louis."
Earlier today, Vanderbilt baseball coach Tim Corbin was a guest on MLB Network's "Hot Stove"
show. The school is based in Nashville and it is one of college baseball's traditionally strong
programs.
It is also a program that has produced two players from the Orioles organization in Ryan
Flaherty and Mike Yastrezemski. I asked Corbin to talk about both and their time at Vandy.
Corbin on Flaherty: "I knew his dad Eddie, who coached at Southern Maine. I saw him play in a
legion tournament out in Oregon. We weren't sure about recruiting him. But I came back and
told our coaches, 'This kid is going to be a major leaguer someday.'
"He just had a great career with us and really developed both mentally and physically. He
became a guy that could play a lot of different positions and play them well. He's a very humble
kid and he's just thankful for the opportunity to play at that level.
Corbin on Yastrzemski: "Yaz is something. I don't think he is unlike his dad too much. His dad
was a heckuva player at Florida State. His grandad Carl was kind of a self-made player and that
is what Michael is. He is just a very serious, determined kid and I don't think it is going to
surprise anyone when he steps on a major league field. He is so consistent and does everything
well. He catches the ball, throws to the right base, throws accurately. He will give you surprising
power. He runs the baseball well. There is no facet of the game he doesn't do well. When he's
done playing, he is going to be a very good major league manager. He will be a heckuva asset to
a lot of people."
http://espn.go.com/blog/baltimore-orioles/post/_/id/315/duquette-and-orioles-unwilling-
participants-in-davis-waiting-game
Duquette, Orioles are unwilling to simply wait around on
Chris Davis
By Eddie Matz / ESPN.com
December 9, 2015
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- If Scott Boras wants to play the waiting game on Chris Davis, he might
have to find another partner besides the Baltimore Orioles.
GM Dan Duquette met with Boras in Nashville on Tuesday to discuss Davis, the free-agent
slugger who last season led the American League in home runs for the second time in three
years. Although Boras has a reputation for taking his time and letting the market for his clients
simmer, Duquette made it clear following the meeting that the Orioles aren’t interested in
waiting much longer on a decision regarding Davis.
“For the clubs and the players, you have to decide at some point where you’re going to play ball
and who’s going to be on your team. The winter meetings is one of thresholds,” Duquette said
Tuesday afternoon. “We’re getting closer to decision time. I know that we’re trying to add some
left-handed hitters to our ball club and we’ve been aggressive in pursuing a couple options. So
we’re going to have to make a choice pretty soon.”
The Orioles haven’t been shy about their interest in keeping Davis in Baltimore, with owner
Peter Angelos even getting personally involved in the negotiations with Boras. That said, the
team wants to avoid a situation in which they wait until well into winter, only to lose out on the
Davis sweepstakes and be left with no other options available to replace him.
When the Orioles traded for Mark Trumbo last week, the move was seen as insurance in case
Davis signs elsewhere. But since then, it has become increasingly apparent that, with or without
Davis, the Orioles might plan on featuring Trumbo somewhere other than first base. Though not
known for his glove work, the right-handed-hitting Trumbo -- who can also play left field and
right field -- could fill a power-hitting DH/corner outfield role, not unlike Nelson Cruz did in
2014. If that’s the case, then Duquette still needs to reel in a first baseman, preferably one who
hits from the left side of the plate. Whether that’s Davis or someone else remains to be seen.
In the meantime, Duquette is making contingency plans. Ever since last week, when the Pirates
declined to offer a deal to Pedro Alvarez, the Orioles have been mentioned as a potential landing
spot for him. Like Davis, Alvarez is a lefty slugger who plays first base. He’s also represented by
Boras, and although Duquette didn’t mention names, he did admit that during his Tuesday
meeting Davis wasn’t the only client he and Boras discussed. Also, earlier on Tuesday, reports
surfaced that the O’s were looking into the possibility of trading for Milwaukee’s Adam Lind or
Texas’ Mitch Moreland, both of whom are left-handed-hitting first basemen.
Although nothing has happened yet, judging by Duquette’s comments Tuesday, it may only be a
matter of time.
http://espn.go.com/blog/baltimore-orioles/post/_/id/307/pricey-pitching-market-could-help-
orioles-keep-chris-davis
Pricey pitching market could help Orioles keep Chris Davis
By Eddie Matz / ESPN.com
December 8, 2015
NASHVILLE -- The starting-pitching market has skyrocketed this offseason. While that hurts
the Baltimore Orioles' chances of landing a much-needed starter via free agency, it might
actually help their odds of re-signing Chris Davis.
“The price of pitching is pretty steep,” said general manager Dan Duquette yesterday. In the past
couple of weeks, Duquette has watched as several free-agent starters have cashed in on the open
market. The Red Sox gave David Pricea seven-year, $217 million deal, the largest contract ever
awarded to a major-league hurler. Zack Greinke's new six-year, $206 million deal with the
Diamondbacks has the highest annual value of any contract in MLB history. Jordan
Zimmermann's five-year, $110 million pact with the Tigers made him the third hurler this
offseason to nab nine digits. It hasn’t taken long for the trickle-down effect to start trickling
down.
Jeff Samardzija, who’s never won more than 11 games in a season and whose 4.96 ERA last
season was third-worst among American League starters, hauled in $90 million over five years
from the Giants. John Lackey, Brett Anderson, andHisashi Iwakuma have all received multi-year
deals that will pay at least $15 million annually. Just how bloated is the market? If you add up
the contracts of the 10 free-agent starters who have already signed -- a group that includes
castoff Rich Hill, who was pitching with the Long Island Ducks barely more than five months
ago -- the average value is more than $22 million per year. It's enough to send a GM into a state
of shock.
As Duquette discussed the starting-pitching market with the Baltimore media yesterday
afternoon in a sixth-floor suite at Nashville’s Gaylord Opryland Resort & Convention Center, he
was quiet and subdued. Of course, he’s always quiet and subdued. But the current price of
pitching wasn’t helping. After all, his Orioles -- who need to fill the void created by the loss of
free agent Wei-Yin Chen -- are a club whose richest pitching contract ever is the four-year, $50
million deal that Ubaldo Jimenez inked the winter before last. Suddenly, names that seemed
vaguely attainable not too long ago -- second-tier arms like Yovani Gallardo, Ian
Kennedy and Scott Kazmir -- now appear far less realistic. As a result, the Orioles are turning
their attention to the trade market.
“We’re involved in a couple [of] trade discussions, focusing on the pitching market,” said
Duquette.
Specifically, he mentioned targeting teams who have already reeled in a starter and, as a result,
might have a surplus of arms and be willing to make a deal. Duquette didn’t mention specific
teams, but of the clubs who have signed a free-agent hurler, the Dodgers and Red Sox appear to
stand out as having the rotations with the most depth.
It’s hard to imagine what the Orioles might be able to offer in return. Their farm system is
relatively barren and was ranked next-to-last by Baseball America prior to the 2015 season, and
last summer they appeared unwilling to part with the players that other teams were most
interested in (Kevin Gausman, Manny Machado, Jonathan Schoop). That said, if Duquette is able
to swing a deal, it could free up some money that the team could then use in its effort to re-sign
Davis.
Granted, if the Orioles were to trade for a pitcher, they’d have to pay that pitcher. But given the
inflated market, obtaining a starter who’s already under contract as opposed to signing one in
free agency could save the O’s a significant chunk of change next season and beyond. Who
knows how much? Maybe it’s $5 million. Maybe it’s $10 million. Maybe it’s more. Regardless
of the number, this much is for sure: If the budget-conscious Orioles are going to win the Davis
sweepstakes, they’ll need every penny they can get.
http://www.csnmidatlantic.com/blog/orioles-talk/there-any-chance-chen-orioles-reunion
Is there any chance for a Chen-Orioles reunion?
By Rich Dubroff / CSN Mid-Atlantic
December 8, 2015
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Orioles have signed two of their six free agents. They’re certainly
in on Chris Davis, but what about the other three?
Dan Duquette said the Orioles liked Wei-Yin Chen, but said there wasn’t much chance he’d
come back, too. There hasn’t been much discussion about him this week during the Winter
Meetings.
“Chen had some good years with the team. We made our interest clear in having Chen come
back. I’m not sure the market will allow that,” Duquette said.
Immediately after the season ended, it seemed as if Gerardo Parra was a good bet to return. He
isn’t now.
According to MLB Daily Dish, Parra, who’s looking for a four-year contract, perhaps two years
beyond the Orioles’ comfort zone, has three teams, the Cubs, Giants and Royals interested in
him. They may only go three years on him.
There’s been no talk at all about Steve Pearce, and last week the Orioles re-signed Nolan
Reimold instead. Both are right-handed hitters.
“The guys who played us, they’re free agents now, so we’re not supposed to technically address
that. It’s specifically under the rule. We liked the work a lot of the players did when they were
with the Orioles,” Duquette said.
NOTES: Duquette dismissed talk that the Orioles were eager to sign another left-handed reliever.
“We have some other priorities ahead of that,” Duquette said.
-The Orioles announced they have extended their affiliation with Delmarva for an additional two
years, through 2018.
-Adam Jones and the Orioles’ Charitable Foundation have made a $75,000 donation to the Boys
and Girls Club. It will be used to renovate and expand a technology center for the Callaway
Community School Tech Lab. It will be the third Boys and Girls Club that Jones and the Orioles
have renovated.
http://www.csnmidatlantic.com/blog/orioles-talk/orioles-meet-boras-about-chris-davis
Orioles meet with Boras about Chris Davis
By Rich Dubroff / CSN Mid-Atlantic
December 8, 2015
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The Orioles met with Scott Boras, the agent for free agent slugger Chris
Davis on Tuesday.
Orioles executive vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette refused to get into specifics
on the talks. When asked if there was anything new on negotiations, he said:
“No. Not really. We always keep the dialogue ongoing, but there’s nothing new, really,”
Duquette said.
The Orioles know they want Davis back.
“We have a clear idea of what the market is on Chris in Baltimore. That’s clear,” Duquette said.
There hasn’t been much chatter on Davis, but Boras, a shrewd negotiator, is known for often
waiting for some weeks before his clients make a decision.
“I think for the clubs and the players you have to decide at some point where you’re going to
play ball and who’s going to be on your team and the Winter Meetings is one of the threshold
times for players to decide where they’re going to play and for the clubs to set up their teams.
We’re getting closer to decision time,” Duquette said.
The Orioles are known to be looking for left-handed hitters, and even if Davis returns, they’ll
need additional ones.
Duquette said that he wasn’t sure if adding additional left-handed bats would leave sufficient
funds to sign Davis.
“Maybe. Maybe not,” he said. Duquette said that he hoped the team could still sign a pitcher and
outfielder if it was successful with its negotiations with Davis.
http://www.csnmidatlantic.com/blog/orioles-talk/would-orioles-take-outfielder-rule-5
Would Orioles take an outfielder in Rule 5?
By Rich Dubroff / CSN Mid-Atlantic
December 8, 2015
NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The Orioles will take a player in Thursday’s Rule 5 draft. They always
do.
Last year, they took two, pitchers Jason Garcia and Logan Verrett. Garcia made the team, Verrett
didn’t.
It seems possible that this year with outfield the most crying Orioles needs, that the team will
pick one.
MLB.com’s Jonathan Mayo has two outfielders on his list of the top 10 prospects available in the
Rule 5 draft.
Houston’s Teoscar Hernandez and Toronto’s Dwight Smith are his outfielders.
Will they be available when the Orioles have the 15th selection? Do they interest the Orioles?
Hernandez is 23, and in the prospect-rich Astros system, will have a hard time making the
majors. Last year, he hit just .217 for Double-A Corpus Christi, but had 17 home runs and stole
33 bases. He’s a right-handed hitter.
Smith could intrigue the Orioles more because he’s a left-handed hitter. The 23-year-old batted
.265 with seven home runs and 44 RBIs for Double-A New Hampshire. He walks often and had
a .335 on-base percentage.
NOTES: Dan Shaughnessy, longtime baseball writer for the Boston Globe, was named the
winner of the J.G. Taylor Spink Award by the Baseball Writers on Tuesday. He’ll enter the Hall
of Fame in July.
On Monday, the Hall of Fame’s Pre-Integration Era committee failed to elect a candidate.
Twelve votes were needed for election and only Doc Adams, a 19th century executive received
as many as 10.
http://www.csnmidatlantic.com/blog/orioles-talk/whats-price-left-handed-hitters
What's the price for left-handed hitters?
By Rich Dubroff / CSN Mid-Atlantic
December 8, 2015
NASHVILLE, Tenn.—The Orioles are looking for left-handed hitters. That’s no secret.
According to Ken Rosenthal of Foxsports.com, the Orioles have inquired about Milwaukee’s
Adam Lind and Texas’ Mitch Moreland.
The Orioles have had interest in Lind before, and they should. He’s a 32-year-old left-handed
hitting first baseman. Lind has $8 million left on the final year of his contract.
He hit 20 home runs, drove in 87 and batted .277 for the Brewers in 2015, and he draws walks.
His on-base percentage is .360, and he plays first base.
But, Milwaukee has talked with perhaps a dozen clubs about Lind, and it doesn’t look as if the
Orioles have much to trade for him. The last traded with the Brewers in July when they traded
Zach Davies for Gerardo Parra.
Parra is a free agent seeking a longer contract than the Orioles are willing to give him, and
Davies has a decent shot to start next season with Milwaukee.
The Orioles don’t seem to have much they’re willing to trade. Teams keep asking about Kevin
Gausman, but the Orioles aren’t willing to move him just when it seems his career may take off.
Moreland, who is also a year away from free agency, at 30, is two years younger than Lind. He’s
hit 23 home runs in two of the last three years, and last year drove in 85 runs. He’s a high
strikeout, low walk guy (112 to 32 last year), and a match with the Orioles would seem
problematical.
Both Lind and Moreland can play first base if Chris Davis leaves, and the Orioles are scheduled
to meet with Davis’ agent Scott Boras, who also represents Pedro Alvarez, who Pittsburgh non-
tendered last week.
Texas is reportedly trying to peddle Prince Fielder, who is owed $90 million on the final five
years of his contract. Fielder, who had a nice bounceback season in 2015, was signed to a nine-
year, $210 million deal by Detroit before the 2012 season.
Boras is Fielder’s agent, too, and the Tigers were so eager to rid themselves from the contract
that they’re paying $6 million of the $24 million the slugger is set to make this season.
http://www.csnmidatlantic.com/blog/orioles-talk/how-long-will-orioles-wait-davis
How long will Orioles wait on Davis?
By Rich Dubroff / CSN Mid-Atlantic
December 8, 2015
NASHVILLE, Tenn.—What will it take to bring Chris Davis back to the Orioles? How long will
it take?
Many of the most optimistic Orioles fans didn’t think that the club would retain two of their free
agents, and especially not Darren O’Day and Matt Wieters.
Why not try for a third?
It’s obvious that something has changed around the Orioles. They’re more aggressive, much
more aggressive than they were last year when even before the Winter Meetings in San Diego,
they lost Nelson Cruz, Nick Markakis and Andrew Miller.
Two days into this year’s meetings, they still haven’t lost Davis, Wei-Yin Chen, Gerardo Parra
or Steve Pearce.
The chatter around Davis has been quiet except for a farcical rumor on Monday that the Toronto
Blue Jays had made a huge offer.
Davis, Yoenis Cespedes, Jason Heyward and Justin Upton are the biggest name hitters available,
and it’s been quiet around the others, too.
Boston’s Dave Dombromski, who reeled in David Price last week, says the team has probably
made its major moves. The Houston Astros, according to an industry source, aren’t going to take
on a contract like Davis’.
Who exactly are the Orioles competing with?
At last month’s general managers meetings, Davis’ agent, Scott Boras, made the case that Davis
is as good an outfielder as he is a first baseman, and that increases his value. Among
contemporary players, Davis’ numbers compare only with Alex Rodriguez when A-Rod was in
his prime, Boras said.
Who wouldn’t want a player like that?
Boras is often in no hurry to make a deal. He’s often willing to wait weeks.
How long are the Orioles willing to wait?
Mark Trumbo can always play first base—or the outfield. He could be the designated hitter.
If the Orioles sign an outfielder or two with speed and on-base capability, might there still be
money for Davis?
The guess here is that the Orioles will wait on Davis. I just don’t know how long.
http://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2015/12/09/buck-showalter-on-the-orioles-off-season-and-the-
outlook-for-next-season/
Buck Showalter On The Orioles Off Season And The
Outlook For Next Season
CBS Baltimore
December 9, 2015
Buck Showalter is the Manager of the Baltimore Orioles.
Buck joined Ken and Steve to talk about this off-season and the outlook for next season.
Buck was asked about Darren O’Day returning to the team “we’ve had a heck of an off-season
so far bringing back Wieters and Darren…we have a few other irons in the fire.” Buck also
talked about the new addition of Mark Trumbo and how much he has always like Trumbo and
what his bat could be inside Camden Yards. As for where Trumbo fits on the team defensively
Buck said “I look at him more as a DH and first base, hopefully not much in the outfield.”
When asked about the Orioles payroll and not having a top payroll Buck said “we want our
ballpark to be an affordable thing, we want our ballpark to be a comfortable one to come to.”
Buck also talked about the pitching rotation and Dylan Bundy saying “he is going to get the ball
a lot this Spring.”
Buck also talked about Fan Fest this Saturday briefly at the end.
http://baltimore.cbslocal.com/2015/12/08/meet-orioles-players-coaches-wjz-personalities-at-
fanfest/
Meet Orioles Players, Coaches & WJZ Personalities
At FanFest
CBS Baltimore
December 8, 2015
BALTIMORE (WJZ) — Orioles fans can meet current and former Orioles players
and coaches this Saturday at FanFest!
The event at the Baltimore Convention Center is open to fans, families and children with
activities all day.
There will be clinics for children, clubhouse tours with holidays photos on the field with Santa
Bird, games, question & answer forums and memorabilia and merchandise for sale.
The event starts at 11 a.m. and goes until 6 p.m.
Admission is $12 for adults and $6 for children 14 and under or seniors aged 60 and over.
As part of WJZ’s Continuing Community Commitment, WJZ is proud to support FanFest.
Meet WJZ personalities throughout the day at FanFest!
Linh Bui, Alex DeMetrick, Amy Yensi, and Sharon Gibala will be there from 11 a.m. to
noon. Vic Carter, Bob Turk, Mike Hellgren, Derek Valcourt and Kristy Breslin will be there
from noon to 1 p.m.Chelsea Ingram, Pat Warren and Meghan McCorkell from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
Finally, Mark Viviano, Gigi Barnett and Tim Williams will be there from 2 p.m. to 3 p.m.
WHERE: Baltimore Convention Center, 1 West Pratt St, Baltimore, MD 21201
WHEN: Saturday, December 12, 2015
TIME: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET
http://www.cbssports.com/mlb/writer/jon-heyman/25405919/orioles-will-meet-with-chris-davis-
agent-scott-boras-tuesday
Winter Meetings: Orioles will meet with Chris Davis' agent
Scott Boras
By Jon Heyman / CBSsports.com
December 8, 2015
NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- The Orioles will meet here Tuesday with Chris Davis' agent Scott Boras
as the team continues to try to keep their star free-agent slugger.
This has seemed like a difficult match from the start, considering Davis' huge power numbers
and Baltimore's history of low salaries, but Baltimore owner Peter Angelos has been involved
and is said to be keenly interested in keeping Davis.
The Orioles have never signed a player to a $100-million contract, and Davis is said to be
seeking close to $200 million, citing the previous deals of Joey Votto ($225M), Prince Fielder
($214M) and Mark Teixeira ($180M).
The Orioles are expected to step up for Davis, but it's hard to see them getting into the category
of those comps. The Blue Jays, Red Sox and Cardinals are among other teams linked to Davis.
While Davis is mostly a first baseman, he can play right field, left field and third base, adding to
his attractiveness.
If the Orioles can't keep Davis, they will look more closely at a strong outfield market that
includes Alex Gordon and Justin Upton, two players that interest them. They also seek to
upgrade their rotation after keeping Darren O'Day, whose $31-million, four-year deal to return is
pending a physical.