Glad to see you hop over here for the O’s-Marlins conversation, it’s been a nice few days of coverage for me (otherwise, it’d be dead time in terms of Marlins news).

I agree with you that the O’s aren’t a likely candidate. I stick with them because I love what they have to offer, but reading that MacPhail isn’t interested in a short-term fix (and rightfully so, as that team isn’t ready to compete) makes it pretty clear that if they plug someone at the position, it’s going to be via free agency and likely on the cheap.

I will say that I don’t think the O’s are really going to acquire Uggla and the Giants – who could really use the offense and are in a better position to pick up an in-his-prime player (ie, closer to contention) – might be the more likely trade partner. Quality analysis though.

I was? I’m impressed with myself, damn. Thanks for the find Harrison.

And you damn well won’t get Ricky, even if I have storm down to South Florida and shake up Larry Beinfest myself.

I was just reading through old material in Fangraphs and noticed one of your comments speculating Harang’s value to the Mariners.

Your above 3 months in front of the curve on that one as I really agree with you. Not enough to drop the ol’ricky campaign but I think he could be a sutible replacement

Thanks for the kind words on the site, I try my best. For great content on the O’s, I would suggest Camden Crazies; I’m a big fan of Daniel, the guy who writes over there, as he really knows what he’s talking about.

I read that MacPhail isn’t interested in trading into his pitching depth for a short term solution, which is what Uggla probably would be. This makes a deal even harder to imagine. Still, I’m very interested to see how these discussions go.

Thanks for the acknowledgement in the last post. I think this is a really great site, wish the O’s had one like it.

The question really is what are the O’s willing to do. After watching MacPhail for the past 3 years, he is very cautious with pitching. Plus the O’s big weakness is and has been pitching. Their ERA of 5.13 last year is the major reason they can’t compete in the AL East. Offensively, I think they are going to be outstanding next year with 3 very good outfielders, a soon to be star at catcher, Roberts at 2nd plus Josh Bell or whoever they pick up. But I don’t think MacPhail is going to give up pitching depth until he is sure Matusz can be an ace, Tillman can be solid etc. Right now, they are throwing pitchers against the wall to see who sticks. Even Guthrie who I thought was solid was terrible last year. Therefore unless a deal blows him away I don’t see him letting young pitchers go.

Also, I read the Bill James projection for Pie the other day and I think it is underselling him. The guy has never been given a full time job and been left alone. His faults are he is a bit of a space cadet and doesn’t always know which base to throw to and makes mental mistakes but he is a potential legitimate 5 tool player. I would love having him be an everyday player on the O’s if there was a spot for him – maybe they can play 4 outfielders next year without a shortstop.