'Rebuilding' For 12 Years - Baltimore Orioles (OOTP X)

[Terps]

April 4th, 2009

A new season is about to begin in a beautiful city and once great baseball town. The fans have had enough. The Baltimore Orioles have not had a winning season since 1998 and have only finished higher than fourth place once in that span (2004.) Claimed to have been rebuilding for years, but seeing a revolving door or managers, and GM's only met with meddling owner Peter Angelos. Angelos signed washed up and overpaid veterans for many seasons and interfered with numerous GM's and nixed trades and free agent signings.

Andy MacPhail stepped in as the new GM, and Angelos seems to have let him have free reign in turning the franchise around.

I will step in as the virtual Andy MacPhail to continue on in an actual rebuilding effort.

Coaches and scouting are on, ratings are 1-5, and overall/potential is not displayed. Trades are set on hard and favor prospects. Waivers are on, but I've implemented a house rule that any player that I want to claim has to be traded for.

I've already gone through the 2009 season, but I'll recap it month by month until I'm up to the offseason, which is where I stand now. Then for the 2010 season, I'll probably sim week by week, and then posts the results after each month.

Next up, the roster.

[Terps]

At catcher, rookie Matt Wieters will start the season over veteran Gregg Zaun. Wieters is one of the most highly regarded prospects ever in MLB, and should contend for the AL Rookie Of The Year if everything goes well.

First base is manned by Aubrey Huff, and he is backed up by offseason signing Ty Wigginton. DH Luke Scott can also fill in here if needed.

Brian Roberts is the starter at second, while utility infielder Robert Andino backs him up.

We signed SS Cesar Izturis in the offseason for his glove, so we're not expecting much in the way of hitting here. Andino will back up here as well.

Melvin Mora will begin the season as the everyday third baseman, but one has to wonder how much longer the 37 year old will be in Baltimore. He is backed up by Wigginton.

The outfield consists of rookie LF Nolan Reimold, CF Adam Jones, and RF Nick Markakis. Felix Pie will be the fourth outfielder, and Lou Montanez provides some depth here as well.

The opening day starting rotation will be Jeremy Guthrie, Rich Hill, Koji Uehara was signed as a free agent from Japan, rookie Brad Bergesen, and Alfredo Simon.

The bullpen is anchored by closer George Sherrill. Jim Johnson and Chris Ray are the set-up men. Rookie Kam Mickolio, Jamie Walker, and Danys Baez round out the 'pen.

[Terps]

The Orioles are managed by Dave Trembley. Bench coach is Dave Jauss, pitching coach is Rick Kranitz, hitting coach is Terry Crowley, and team trainer is Richie Bancells. Director of scouting is Joe Jordan.

Orioles Top Prospects by Baseball America

1) SP Chris Tillman
2) SP Brian Matusz
3) SP Jake Arrieta
4) SP Brandon Erbe
5) SP Chorye Spoone
6) 3B Brandon Snyder
7) SP Zach Britton
8) SP Pedro Beato
9) SP David Hernandez
10) 3B Billy Rowell

As usual, a lot of pitching in the Orioles farm system, but not much hitting. Past the 'Big Three' of Tillman, Matusz, and Arrieta, there are many question marks. All of the other pitchers are not as developed, and a few may end up in the bullpen, if they even make it to the majors. We're hoping at least one of the 'Big Three' can be a staff ace, and the other two develop into at least third and fourth starters.

Brandon Snyder looks to be the heir apparent to Melvin Mora, but he is on a slow development track. He is a good contact hitter and should develop into a .300 hitter, but he lacks power, which is fine if we can get power from elsewhere. Billy Rowell doesn't project to develop better than Brandon Snyder, but he does hit righties well, so he may end up part of a platoon in the future.

[Terps]

Schedule & Results



Team Batting



Team Pitching



Notes From Around The League

- Jermaine Dye and Paul Konerko both reached their 300th career home run, while Gary Sheffield notched his 500th.
- The Red Sox traded SP Jon Lester and minor league OF Peter Hissey to Arizona for C Miguel Montero and minor league SP Bryan Shaw.
- 42 year old reliever Doug Brocail announced his retirement.
- Jim Thome suffered a career ending injury.
- Alex Gordon hit .386 with 9 HR and 20 RBI on his way to becoming the AL Player of the Month. Edwin Encarnacion hit .322 with 10 HR and 17 RBI to win the NL honors.
- C.C. Sabathia went 4-0 with a 1.82 ERA to win AL Pitcher of the Month. Chris Carpenter went 3-0 with an ERA of 2.00 to win for the NL.
- Toronto's Travis Snider took home Rookie of the Month, hitting .364 with 4 HR and 13 RBI. The Reds Chris Dickerson hit .306 with 5 homers and knocked in 14 to win over in the NL.

[Terps]

Schedule & Results



Team Batting



Team Pitching



Team News

- Robert Andino went on the 15 day DL on May 20th, suffering a sprained ankle. 2B Justin Turner was recalled from Norfolk to take his roster spot.
- SS Cesar Izturis and Detroit Pitcher Zach Miner were suspended 12 games for being antagonists in a brawl on May 29th. 2B Jonathan Tucker was recalled from AAA Norfolk to take his place.

News From Around The League

- Joba Chamberlain tossed a no-hitter against Boston on May 4th. He struck out 10 and walked 2.
- Tim Wakefield, Trevor Hoffman, and Troy Percival all announced they will be retiring.
- The New York Mets sent 3B Fernando Tatis to the Texas Rangers in exchange for OF Marlon Byrd and 1.4 million in cash. Tatis is hitting .341 with 0 HR and 4 RBI, while Byrd is hitting .283 with 2 HR and 7 RBI.
- The San Diego Padres fired GM Kevin Towers, and replaced him with Michael O'Neal.
- The Nationals sent OF Josh Willingham to the Braves in exchange for reliever Jeff Bennett. Willingham was hitting .250 with no homers, while Bennett made 6 relief appearances with a 4.22 ERA in 10.2 IP.
- Washington sent 1B Nick Johnson and minor league SP Graham Hicks to the Los Angeles Angels for reliever Scot Shields and minor league C Hank Conger.

Awards

AL Player Of The Month: Mark Teixeira (NYY) - .383/11 HR/30 RBI
NL Player Of The Month: Jimmy Rollins (PHI) - .347/8 HR/25 RBI
AL Pitcher Of The Month: Felix Hernandez (SEA) - 6-0/1.94 ERA/36 K in 46 IP
NL Pitcher Of The Month: Rich Harden (CHC) - 5-1/2.43 ERA/46 K in 40 IP
AL Rookie Of The Month: Elvis Andrus (TEX) - .347/1 HR/11 RBI
NL Rookie Of The Month: David Freese (STL) - .367/5 HR/ 28 RBI

[Izulde]

@ Thome's career ending injury.

[Terps]

Schedule & Results



Team Batting



Team Pitching



Team News

- On June 15th, backup catcher Gregg Zaun informed me that he needs to be in the starting lineup and he is demanding a trade. Zaun was only here to mentor Matt Wieters and I will gladly grant his request when I find a taker.
- RP Kam Mickolio went on the 15 day DL with shoulder inflammation on June 17th. SP Chris Waters was recalled from Norfolk to take Kam's roster spot.
- Starter Rich Hill was suspended 9 games, along with the Marlins Jorge Cantu, for a fight during a June 24th game.

News From Around The League

- A couple career milestones for some players happened in June: Todd Helton reached his 2,000th career hit, Randy Johnson picked up his 300th career win, Jamie Moyer got his 250th win, Lance Berkman hit his 300th homer, and Mariano Rivera nothced his 500th save.
- Washington continues to wheel and deal, this time trading 2B Willie Harris to the New York Mets for reliever J.J. Putz and 3 million in cash.
- SP Erik Bedard continues to be haunted by the injury bug, this time going down for 10 months with a torn ulnar collateral ligament.

Awards

AL Player and Rookie Of The Month: Travis Snider (TOR) - .353/9 HR/21 RBI
AL Pitcher Of The Month: Kevin Slowey (MIN) - 4-1/2.49 ERA

NL Player Of The Month: Prince Fielder (MIL) - .390/11 HR/32 RBI Also had a 30 game hit streak come to an end this month.
NL Pitcher Of The Month: Brett Myers (PHI) - 5-0/2.03 ERA
NL Rookie OF The Month: Cameron Maybin (FLA) - .342/4 HR/13 RBI

MLB Draft

1) Washington Nationals - SP Stephen Strasburg. Projects to be a staff ace, with fastball velocity of 98-100 MPH, above average breaking pitches and consistent control.
2) Seattle Mariners - SP Jonathan Cain. Has nasty stuff and should be a TOR starter. He throws at 95-97, has average breaking pitches and good control.
3) San Diego Padres - RF Manuel Pacheco. Projected to be an everyday RF. Good power, with above average defense, and a real threat on the basepaths.
4) Pittsburgh Pirates - SP Jose DeLeon. Not as advanced as Strasburg or Cain, but could develop into a TOR starter. Throws 91-93 with pinpoint control, with a sinker, curve and splitter.
5) Baltimore Orioles - 1B Nelson Sanchez. A major void in the organization could be filled if Sanchez develops as scouting director Joe Jordan thinks he will. Could hit consistently over .300 with huge power potential and will draw a lot of walks.
6) San Francisco Giants - CF Dustin Ackley. A good contact hitter with average power who could hit at the top of the order. Is a threat on the basepaths, and plays good defense in CF. Can also play 1B, where his defense may actually be better.
7) Detroit Tigers - SP Yoriie Suzuki. Has average stuff, but is still young at 19. Has decent movement on his fastball but his other pitches are thought be be flat and predictable. Has great control and rarely walks a batter.
8) Colorado Rockies - 2B Dale McGuire. I don't know what the Rockies were thinking here, as this pick is a bit of a reach. McGuire is pretty average across the board, doesn't walk, and swings at a lot of bad pitches. Has lightning quick speed, and plays a decent 2B.
9) Cincinnati Reds - LF Greg Willard. Has shown glimpses of potential, but is too inconsistent right now. Has some power, but not expected to ever top 10-15 homers. Plays all three OF positions, with gold glove caliber defense, and is one of the fastest players in the league.
10) Kansas City Royals - 3B Roberto Benavides. Plays every position in the infield, and plays them all extremely well. Won't ever hit for much power, but would be perfect at the top of the order.

[Terps]

Rumors are swirling in Baltimore, and the buzz is all surrounding the July 31st non-waiver trade deadline. Back-up catcher Gregg Zaun has already publicly asked to be traded, as he is not comfortable with his role as rookie Matt Wieters' backup. Also, many are wondering if veterans such as 3B Melvin Mora and Aubrey Huff will be on this team come the end of the month.

Orioles GM Andy MacPhail would not confirm or deny any rumors but said that he will not trade away any of the teams young core, or hurt the growth or development of the team.

All-Star Teams Announced

The American League will feature starters C.C. Sabathia (NYA), Joba Chamberlain (NYA), Felix Hernandez (SEA), Scott Kazmir (TBA), Jered Weaver (LAA), and Cliff Lee (CLE). Relievers are Brian Fuentes (LAA), Jose Mijares (MIN), Grant Balfour (TBA), Joe Nathan (MIN), George Sherrill (BAL), and Mariano Rivera (NYA).

Catchers are Mike Napoli (LAA) and Matt Wieters (BAL). Infielders are Mark Teixeira (NYA), Ryan Freel (TOR), Dustin Pedroia (BOS), Brian Roberts (BAL), Alex Gordon (KCA), Scott Rolen (TOR), and Alexei Ramirez (CHA). Outfielers are Grady Sizemore (CLE), Matt Holliday (OAK), Shin-Soo Choo (CLE), Travis Snider (TOR), Pat Burrell (TBA), B.J. Upton (TBA), and Curtis Granderson (DET).

In the NL, starting pitchers: Brandon Webb (ARI), Johnny Cueto (CIN), Edinson Volquez (CIN), Jake Peavy (SDN), Aaron Harang (CIN), and Manny Parra (MIL). Relievers: Francisco Cordero (CIN), Jose Valverde (HOU), Jeremy Affeldt (SFN), Brad Lidge (PHI), Francisco Rodriguez (NYN), and Rafael Soriano (ATL).

Catchers: Russell Martin (LAN) and Brian McCann (ATL). Infielders: Prince Fielder (MIL), Ryan Howard (PHI), Carlos Delgado (NYN), Adrian Gonzalez (SDN), Kelly Johnson (ATL), Jimmy Rollins (PHI), Chipper Jones (ATL), and Pablo Sandoval (SFN). Outfielders: Carlos Lee (HOU), Matt Kemp (LAN), Cody Ross (FLO), Nate McClouth (PIT), Milton Bradley (CHN), and Elijah Dukes (WAS).

Schedule & Results



Team News

July 4th, 2009



Roch Kubatko of the Baltimore Sun is reporting that the Orioles have traded catcher Gregg Zaun and cash to the division rival Toronto Blue Jays for reliever John Parrish. Both men are quite familiar with their new clubs, as Zaun came to Baltimore from Toronto and Parrish was a former Oriole.

Roch's Take: Zaun was unhappy with his role in Baltimore, and now he'll go to another team where he won't have the chance to start. He was hitting .200 with no home runs and three RBI in his limited duty with the Orioles.

Parrish will be sent to AAA Norfolk, and won't see Baltimore unless it's an emergency. Chad Moeller will be recalled from Norfolk to take over the back up catcher spot.

July 31st, 2009

The Orioles made their only deadline deal today, acquiring 1B Carlos Delgado from the New York Mets in exchange for DH Aubrey Huff, minor league reliever Fredy Deza, and $1,000,000.

Huff, who is hitting .296 with 4 HR and 37 RBI, was rumored to be traded as the Orioles look to get younger. Trading for the 37 year old Delgado does not accomplish that. Delgado (.312 with 22 HR, 73 RBI), should provide an upgrade at first for the remainder of the season. Huff was owed near 17 million next season. Delgado is only owed around 11 million in 2010, but his contract also extends into 2011.

I would look for Delgado to be moved once again during the offseason for a younger solution at first base, provided he can maintain his current pace.

[Terps]

Team Batting



Team Pitching



News From Around The League

- Andy Pettitte suffered a torn labrum and is expected to miss 4-5 months.
- Cliff Lee tossed a no-hitter against the White Sox, walking 2 and striking out 5.
- Miguel Tejada got his 2,000th career hit, while Manny Ramirez picked up his 2,500th.
- The only major trade of note was Pittsburgh 3B Andy LaRoche heading to Houston for a minor league pitcher.

Awards

AL Top Player: Carlos Pena (TBA) - .305/9 HR/22 RBI
AL Top Pitcher: Felix Hernandez (SEA) - 4-1/1.20 ERA/56 K in 52 IP
AL Top Rookie: Matt Wieters (BAL) - .309/4 HR/17 RBI

NL Top Player: Adrian Gonzalez (SDN) - .365/11 HR/26 RBI
NL Top Pitcher: Jave Peavy (SDN) - 4-0/1.28 ERA/44 K in 42 IP
NL Top Rookie: Chris Dickerson (CIN) - .341/5 HR/20 RBI

[Young Drachma]

Nice acquisition on Delgado. I mean, he might not have much left in the tank, but giving him the chance to DH should help one would think.

[Terps]

Well, my league file went corrupt and I'm not going to bother trying to figure it out. The new patch should be out soon, so I'll hold off on a new dynasty until then.

FWIW, we finished the season 81-81, still in 4th place. Delgado turned out to be a HUGE disappointment, hitting only .265 with 2 HR and ~20 RBI after we traded for him. Wieters (hit around .285 with 23 HR) finished second to Travis Snider for Rookie of the Year. Melvin Mora was benched, and demanded to be traded, but no one would take him on, so he was released. Luke Scott was traded in the offseason with a few prospects for SS Brandon Wood. Nick Johnson was signed in the winter as a free agent, leaving him at 1B, Brad Nelson at 3B, and Delgado at DH.

Rich Hill and Koji Uehara had good years in the rotation, everyone else was awful. Hill was traded in the offseason for 25 year old 1B/3B Brad Nelson. Sherrill lead the AL in saves with 45, with an ERA of around 2.00. Signed Brad Penny to a cheap deal to be a veteran starter, because Chris Tillman, Brad Bergesen, and one of Brian Matusz/Jake Arrieta were coming up to the rotation.