The Baltimore Orioles attended to some business last night as they will probably tender contracts to several of their players who are eligible for arbitration – including Brad Bergesen (a mild surprise); meanwhile, they have decided to cut slugger Luke Scott and pitcher Jo-Jo Reyes loose.
Neither Scott nor Reyes being cut was a huge surprise.
Scott was hurt for much of last year, his numbers dipped, so the Orioles made him expendable; however, it’s seems that both sides are up for a reunion. Then again, Scott is now a free agent, but the Orioles do want him back – at their price, and not at north of $5-6 million per year.
He’s got value as a slugger, despite his streaky nature; however, at 33, is Scott part of the future of the Baltimore Orioles?
I know he’s popular despite his politics and over-the-top statements at times. Then again, at this point, should the team move onto seeing what some of the younger guys could do since they are in a rebuilding phase?
Then again, Luke could come cheap (a key) and give the Orioles a left-handed power bat. Why not sign him to a year, or on a year-to-year deal without much risk.
That’s an interesting question to ponder.
As for Reyes, he’s just another arm and would give the team depth on the pitching staff.
Well, he’s not that good. The team can find better. Reyes could not be counted upon as a starter, but was a decent mop-up guy/reliever.
I thought Bergesen would be cut, but he’s got ability and his problem is consistency. Hopefully, he can find the magic he had in his rookie season; however, I think he might be a much better fit for the National League than the American league.
Also, the Orioles made some moves on the international market as they signed Japanese pitcher Tsuyoshi Wada to a 2-year deal, and are also looking at Taiwanese Chen Wei-Yin, a left-handed arm. One of the team’s targets in the Far East – pitcher Chong Tae-Hyon – will stay in Korea.
So far, I have not thought much of Dan Duquette’s moves. I do like that he’s going into the Far East and trying to find players of value who won’t break the bank.
I would like him to take more risks and bring a tenured veteran (pitcher or slugger) onto the squad; however, I do think he’s very much taking his time with his moves and may just be evaluating the organization than making a move to just make a move.
Right now, I do think that the organization must really focus on rebuilding the minor league before anything else.
