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ExtremeRavens: The Sanctuary

Cruz has left the building


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I am happy for Cruz, after losing out on $7 million last season by not signing the qualifying offer from Texas he finally gets his long-term deal. No way I would have matched that deal if I am Duquette. He is being paid based upon a career year at the age of 34. The odds of him matching those numbers for next year alone are low, putting up four years of comparable production are even lower. Now he will be in a roomy Safeco field where he will be even more of a liability in the field, and a lot of those pop flies that were homeruns in Camden will be outs in Safeco. This is a bad deal regardless, and Seattle is a poor fit for him. After giving Cano a massive deal last offseason, and having a putrid offense in 2014, Seattle was desperate. Happy Cruz got his money though.

 

As far as the Orioles from here. Regardless of how good our lineup is, our future depends on the development of Bundy and Gausman. If they develop into the top of the rotation starters we envision them to be, the sky is the limit. If they bust, we will have a tough time winning.

 

I would let Markakis go. I do not think it is hard to find a bargain player who can post a .340 OBP for us while playing a solid corner outfield (maybe even give us better range). At this point I would focus all our efforts on signing Machado and Wieters long-term. Yes, Wieters will be 29 this season, but I feel he is just starting to hit his stride as a hitter. I am terrified he will go to another team and finally put it together. I would have no problem giving him a seven year deal.

 

If we truly want to make a splash in free agency and replace Cruz/Markakis, sign Yasmany Tomas to be our everyday left fielder. Otherwise, sign Machado and Wieters long-term and continue to solidify the bullpen.

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I think Weit's knees will be shot pretty soon. I would let him walk. Actually if he can put together a really strong spring a deadline trade. Will Manny's knees be right?

I'm not a doctor, but the reports on Manny's knees stated he had a structural problem that he was born with and it has been fixed. It would have needed to be fixed eventually regardless of the injuries that occurred. Manny says he should be good going forward.

 

Has Wieters had knee issues in the past?

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I would just let Manny play a while and show he is good before you ink him long term.

 

Weit is 6-5 and a catcher. That is oil and water.

Mike Piazza was a tall catcher who was very productive into his 30s. I agree though, if Wieters cannot agree to a long-term deal, I would try and trade him at the deadline provided we are not in the middle of a division title race. Even so, getting a first round draft pick is good compensation given how even traded prospects are hit or miss.

 

As far as Manny, that would be a big risk letting him play out. The price tag has the potential to go exponentially higher. Kyle Seager and the M's just established the market rate for a third baseman, I would try that first.

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Weit is taller. Also why are you putting the exception makes the rule? Most tall catchers knees go down hill.

 

I am not saying Manny plays out. Manny can't be a FA until 2019. Let him play 2 yrs of pretty healthy ball then look to ink him.

The reason I say so is because I consider Wieters a core player who is the exception. I could be wrong.

 

As far as Manny, I see where you are coming from, but it is a huge risk. Signing players players early is a risk of its own, but aren't you usually for this philosophy?

 

Btw we received the 19th pick in the 2015 draft in exchange for Cruz. Really good compensation for only one year of Cruz.

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I was for inking Manny before last season. With his knees 2 yrs in a row I think they should wait a little. They would still have 2 yr of control over him.

 

I also look at how the pitching got better without Weit. Almost the moment he went down they went from bumbling average to damn near elite. I see him as having more value to the team as trade bait.

 

Good thing they have an extra pick. That is where the future of success for the O's lies. Fill the farm till it is busting open.

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  • 5 months later...

Further, his post may splits last year were good but quite average. I think 260 or so and decent but plain power numbers.

 

Wouldn't be surprised to see it again, if not injury given his history. Similar to Donaldson in Toronto. Not paying for two months of production.

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