Can the O's contend next year?

[Birdsonbat]

Re: Can the O\'s contend next year?

Supposedly Ponson is close to signing with the White Sox for a 3 year $18 mil contract. Even if that deal falls through and the O's sign him, I don't think they have the pitching to compete with Ny and Bos. If one of those teams fall through, I can see the O's making a run at the wild card. If they sign Pudge and Vlad they will arguably have the best 3-4-5 in the majors, but their rotation is will still be sub-par.

[Stoud]

Re: Can the O\'s contend next year?

I think everyone Over Estimates the pitching the Orioles would have even with Ponson. It's not goot enough to contend with Schilling and Javier, let alone Pedro and Mussina.Also, seeing Javy Lopez be DH'd would be a complete waste and disgrace. I would hope that wasn't who you were talking about. If you're going to DH any catcher, do it to Piazza. Javy actually has defensive talent, why the HELL would ANYONE in their RIGHT MIND want to WASTE it?!

They Could compete, but it wouldn't be as easy as everyone is having fun making it out to be. I'm glad O's fans are happy and finally coming out of the woodworks, and that the O's are making some big splashes for once in a long while, but just as I expect everyone to be fair to everyone else about their teams, not over-estimating and under-estimating based on which team they are on or who you like in particular, I would expect you not to go overboard here. This whole time that there's been talk of Vladi, Pudge, and Tejada in Baltimore every O's fan has completely ignored everything anyone has said about Pitching. Deny it all you want, you know you need better pitching to win. All the offense in the world aint gonna help you, it's just like one guy already said, they are becoming the Rangers of the AL East. If they don't get more than just Ponson, expect to be disappointed some time next season.

[Stoud]

Re: Can the O\'s contend next year?

I think everyone Over Estimates the pitching the Orioles would have even with Ponson. It's not goot enough to contend with Schilling and Javier, let alone Pedro and Mussina.Also, seeing Javy Lopez be DH'd would be a complete waste and disgrace. I would hope that wasn't who you were talking about. If you're going to DH any catcher, do it to Piazza. Javy actually has defensive talent, why the HELL would ANYONE in their RIGHT MIND want to WASTE it?!

They Could compete, but it wouldn't be as easy as everyone is having fun making it out to be. I'm glad O's fans are happy and finally coming out of the woodworks, and that the O's are making some big splashes for once in a long while, but just as I expect everyone to be fair to everyone else about their teams, not over-estimating and under-estimating based on which team they are on or who you like in particular, I would expect you not to go overboard here. This whole time that there's been talk of Vladi, Pudge, and Tejada in Baltimore every O's fan has completely ignored everything anyone has said about Pitching. Deny it all you want, you know you need better pitching to win. All the offense in the world aint gonna help you, it's just like one guy already said, they are becoming the Rangers of the AL East. If they don't get more than just Ponson, expect to be disappointed some time next season.

[Stoud]

Re: Can the O\'s contend next year?

I think everyone Over Estimates the pitching the Orioles would have even with Ponson. It's not goot enough to contend with Schilling and Javier, let alone Pedro and Mussina.Also, seeing Javy Lopez be DH'd would be a complete waste and disgrace. I would hope that wasn't who you were talking about. If you're going to DH any catcher, do it to Piazza. Javy actually has defensive talent, why the HELL would ANYONE in their RIGHT MIND want to WASTE it?!

They Could compete, but it wouldn't be as easy as everyone is having fun making it out to be. I'm glad O's fans are happy and finally coming out of the woodworks, and that the O's are making some big splashes for once in a long while, but just as I expect everyone to be fair to everyone else about their teams, not over-estimating and under-estimating based on which team they are on or who you like in particular, I would expect you not to go overboard here. This whole time that there's been talk of Vladi, Pudge, and Tejada in Baltimore every O's fan has completely ignored everything anyone has said about Pitching. Deny it all you want, you know you need better pitching to win. All the offense in the world aint gonna help you, it's just like one guy already said, they are becoming the Rangers of the AL East. If they don't get more than just Ponson, expect to be disappointed some time next season.

[Jeff_Conine]

Re: Can the O\'s contend next year?

</font><blockquote><font class="small">Quote:</font><hr />
Stoud said:
I think everyone Over Estimates the pitching the Orioles would have even with Ponson. It's not goot enough to contend with Schilling and Javier, let alone Pedro and Mussina.Also, seeing Javy Lopez be DH'd would be a complete waste and disgrace. I would hope that wasn't who you were talking about. If you're going to DH any catcher, do it to Piazza. Javy actually has defensive talent, why the HELL would ANYONE in their RIGHT MIND want to WASTE it?!


<hr /></blockquote><font class="post">

Both Javy and Pudge are getting older and won't be able to catch everyday, but can be had relativly cheap (heard figures of around 6 mill for Javy), that is why you would sign both Javy and Pudge. Both players would experience offensive benefits from this type of situation.

The pitching staff is a question, but it could prove to be talented. It's infused with a lot of young potential (Riley, DUbose, Ainsworth), as opposed to innings eaters (i.e. Toronto w/ Batista/Hentgen), so it could swing either way (most likely not for the good). Also, B-Rob/JHair will probably traded for some ML ready SP/RP.

[Jeff_Conine]

Re: Can the O\'s contend next year?

</font><blockquote><font class="small">Quote:</font><hr />
Stoud said:
I think everyone Over Estimates the pitching the Orioles would have even with Ponson. It's not goot enough to contend with Schilling and Javier, let alone Pedro and Mussina.Also, seeing Javy Lopez be DH'd would be a complete waste and disgrace. I would hope that wasn't who you were talking about. If you're going to DH any catcher, do it to Piazza. Javy actually has defensive talent, why the HELL would ANYONE in their RIGHT MIND want to WASTE it?!


<hr /></blockquote><font class="post">

Both Javy and Pudge are getting older and won't be able to catch everyday, but can be had relativly cheap (heard figures of around 6 mill for Javy), that is why you would sign both Javy and Pudge. Both players would experience offensive benefits from this type of situation.

The pitching staff is a question, but it could prove to be talented. It's infused with a lot of young potential (Riley, DUbose, Ainsworth), as opposed to innings eaters (i.e. Toronto w/ Batista/Hentgen), so it could swing either way (most likely not for the good). Also, B-Rob/JHair will probably traded for some ML ready SP/RP.

[Jeff_Conine]

Re: Can the O\'s contend next year?

</font><blockquote><font class="small">Quote:</font><hr />
Stoud said:
I think everyone Over Estimates the pitching the Orioles would have even with Ponson. It's not goot enough to contend with Schilling and Javier, let alone Pedro and Mussina.Also, seeing Javy Lopez be DH'd would be a complete waste and disgrace. I would hope that wasn't who you were talking about. If you're going to DH any catcher, do it to Piazza. Javy actually has defensive talent, why the HELL would ANYONE in their RIGHT MIND want to WASTE it?!


<hr /></blockquote><font class="post">

Both Javy and Pudge are getting older and won't be able to catch everyday, but can be had relativly cheap (heard figures of around 6 mill for Javy), that is why you would sign both Javy and Pudge. Both players would experience offensive benefits from this type of situation.

The pitching staff is a question, but it could prove to be talented. It's infused with a lot of young potential (Riley, DUbose, Ainsworth), as opposed to innings eaters (i.e. Toronto w/ Batista/Hentgen), so it could swing either way (most likely not for the good). Also, B-Rob/JHair will probably traded for some ML ready SP/RP.

[rubisco43]

Re: Can the O\'s contend next year?

I've said it before, I'll say it again. Even with the signing of the "big three", we're still a 3rd place team at best (assuming nothing else happens which won't be the case ). We need an ace pitcher and a solid, reliable arm in the bullpen. The O's *could* compete if a lot of things go right ie:

1. couple of our young starters have better-than-expected years (like R. Lopez of a couple years ago).
2. julio has learned from past mistakes and don't blow easy games in the 9th inning (I like julio and think he should be our closer, but he has been shaky at times)
3. whoever our leadoff hitter is (matos? hairston? roberts?) sets the table for our big boys.
4. our bullpen pitches the way they did 2 years ago and not like last year.

Also, I've heard a couple rumors of us getting Lopez AND Pudge... stupid idea IMO. Save the money for Lopez and get some arms.

[rubisco43]

Re: Can the O\'s contend next year?

I've said it before, I'll say it again. Even with the signing of the "big three", we're still a 3rd place team at best (assuming nothing else happens which won't be the case ). We need an ace pitcher and a solid, reliable arm in the bullpen. The O's *could* compete if a lot of things go right ie:

1. couple of our young starters have better-than-expected years (like R. Lopez of a couple years ago).
2. julio has learned from past mistakes and don't blow easy games in the 9th inning (I like julio and think he should be our closer, but he has been shaky at times)
3. whoever our leadoff hitter is (matos? hairston? roberts?) sets the table for our big boys.
4. our bullpen pitches the way they did 2 years ago and not like last year.

Also, I've heard a couple rumors of us getting Lopez AND Pudge... stupid idea IMO. Save the money for Lopez and get some arms.

[rubisco43]

Re: Can the O\'s contend next year?

I've said it before, I'll say it again. Even with the signing of the "big three", we're still a 3rd place team at best (assuming nothing else happens which won't be the case ). We need an ace pitcher and a solid, reliable arm in the bullpen. The O's *could* compete if a lot of things go right ie:

1. couple of our young starters have better-than-expected years (like R. Lopez of a couple years ago).
2. julio has learned from past mistakes and don't blow easy games in the 9th inning (I like julio and think he should be our closer, but he has been shaky at times)
3. whoever our leadoff hitter is (matos? hairston? roberts?) sets the table for our big boys.
4. our bullpen pitches the way they did 2 years ago and not like last year.

Also, I've heard a couple rumors of us getting Lopez AND Pudge... stupid idea IMO. Save the money for Lopez and get some arms.

[SportsorDeath]

Re: Can the O\'s contend next year?

The O's pitching looks to be in good shape for the future, but right now, even if they get a couple of the young guys to produce, it isn't enough to hang with the big boys.

I will say that Rodrigo Lopez looks pretty good. From what I have seen of him, he has #1 potential if he can put it all together.

I don't know about Matt Riley, man. The kid has a hell of an arm, and he is a lefty, but he seems like a real immature punk. He went to Liberty High School, about 20 minutes from where I live, and I hear a lot of stories about him, all bad. Some of it was just kid high school crap, but a lot I have heard was since he has been in the minors. Maybe he has grown up a lot, but I don't know. I also wonder how far back he really is after pretty much blowing his arm out. If he stays healthy and grows up, he has the same kind of stuff and potential as Josh Beckett, and we all saw what he can do once he matured and learned that he can't blow the gas by every big league hitter.

Ainsworth has potential too, but even at his best, he is probably going to be no more than a solid #3 guy on most teams. The Giants waited years for him to develop and become a fixture in their rotation but it was coming way too slowly. Each of the last few years, he was expected to win the #4 or #5 spot in their rotation out of spring training, and every year except for last season he couldn't cut the mustard. He has some tools, though, and has a chance to be decent. I wouldn't expect any more than about 12-13 wins from him at his best.

[SportsorDeath]

Re: Can the O\'s contend next year?

The O's pitching looks to be in good shape for the future, but right now, even if they get a couple of the young guys to produce, it isn't enough to hang with the big boys.

I will say that Rodrigo Lopez looks pretty good. From what I have seen of him, he has #1 potential if he can put it all together.

I don't know about Matt Riley, man. The kid has a hell of an arm, and he is a lefty, but he seems like a real immature punk. He went to Liberty High School, about 20 minutes from where I live, and I hear a lot of stories about him, all bad. Some of it was just kid high school crap, but a lot I have heard was since he has been in the minors. Maybe he has grown up a lot, but I don't know. I also wonder how far back he really is after pretty much blowing his arm out. If he stays healthy and grows up, he has the same kind of stuff and potential as Josh Beckett, and we all saw what he can do once he matured and learned that he can't blow the gas by every big league hitter.

Ainsworth has potential too, but even at his best, he is probably going to be no more than a solid #3 guy on most teams. The Giants waited years for him to develop and become a fixture in their rotation but it was coming way too slowly. Each of the last few years, he was expected to win the #4 or #5 spot in their rotation out of spring training, and every year except for last season he couldn't cut the mustard. He has some tools, though, and has a chance to be decent. I wouldn't expect any more than about 12-13 wins from him at his best.

[SportsorDeath]

Re: Can the O\'s contend next year?

The O's pitching looks to be in good shape for the future, but right now, even if they get a couple of the young guys to produce, it isn't enough to hang with the big boys.

I will say that Rodrigo Lopez looks pretty good. From what I have seen of him, he has #1 potential if he can put it all together.

I don't know about Matt Riley, man. The kid has a hell of an arm, and he is a lefty, but he seems like a real immature punk. He went to Liberty High School, about 20 minutes from where I live, and I hear a lot of stories about him, all bad. Some of it was just kid high school crap, but a lot I have heard was since he has been in the minors. Maybe he has grown up a lot, but I don't know. I also wonder how far back he really is after pretty much blowing his arm out. If he stays healthy and grows up, he has the same kind of stuff and potential as Josh Beckett, and we all saw what he can do once he matured and learned that he can't blow the gas by every big league hitter.

Ainsworth has potential too, but even at his best, he is probably going to be no more than a solid #3 guy on most teams. The Giants waited years for him to develop and become a fixture in their rotation but it was coming way too slowly. Each of the last few years, he was expected to win the #4 or #5 spot in their rotation out of spring training, and every year except for last season he couldn't cut the mustard. He has some tools, though, and has a chance to be decent. I wouldn't expect any more than about 12-13 wins from him at his best.

[rsox]

Re: Can the O\'s contend next year?

Can they contend?...maybe, but as was already mentioned, not if they can't pitch, remember the Orioles have done this before, sign a bunch of veteran hitters and try to win, and they were not able to do it,
i don't think they have to get a #1 starter but they need to get maybe a couple of guy's to anchor the bottom of the rotation, Sidney Ponson, John Burkett, Jeff Suppan, all would help with the young guy's at the top.

[rsox]

Re: Can the O\'s contend next year?

Can they contend?...maybe, but as was already mentioned, not if they can't pitch, remember the Orioles have done this before, sign a bunch of veteran hitters and try to win, and they were not able to do it,
i don't think they have to get a #1 starter but they need to get maybe a couple of guy's to anchor the bottom of the rotation, Sidney Ponson, John Burkett, Jeff Suppan, all would help with the young guy's at the top.