As most of you know, the Orioles and Vladmir Guerrero have come to terms on a one year, $8 million dollar deal. Of course, everything will be official once a physical is done and Guerrero passes it.
Poking around Twitter last night, it seems many love the move for the slugger – meanwhile, some fans, especially fellow bloggers were indifferent and didn’t care for the Guerrero deal. A few flat out hated it all together.
As a fan, I’d really like Guerrero on the Orioles. I do think he could still hit a ton and he’d be a fearsome force in Baltimore’s lineup. Assuming Vladmir has not fallen off a cliff or has not lost his bat, it’s a plus for the Orioles (for now).
While I think the Orioles paid well above sticker price for him, they finally got a key bat they wanted.
Although Guerrero faded in the second half of last season, if he had the same numbers with the Orioles than he did in Texas, the slugger is easily the best bat in the lineup.
Until I see otherwise, we should assume that Guerrero is still a feared presence and it’s a good thing – for now – that he’s part of the black and orange.
One could also say that Baltimore perhaps has one of the better lineups in baseball – that is, if everyone stays healthy and Lee, Reynolds, Hardy and Guerrero can somehow come close to their peaks at the plate again.
The addition of Guerrero may be certainly good from a fan’s standpoint and in theory; however, in reality – maybe not.
Even with the newest additions, the Orioles aren’t close to contending, but perhaps a very good fourth or last place team. They may have an outside chance at third place, but a lot of things would really have to go right.
Now would it be worth putting Luke Scott in left field on a regular basis, or taking bats away from two younger players – Nolan Reimold and Felix Pie?
Right now, you can’t lose Luke’s bat, so he’s the left fielder; meanwhile, Pie would have to be the fourth outfielder and Remiold may stay on the team, or get time in the minors. Furthermore, the money that was used on the Guerrero contract could have perhaps been put to better use.
Well, both Pie and Reimold would more than likely lose crucial at-bats and retard their development. I thought the Orioles were fine without Guerrero and it would be a benefit to see Pie and Reimold get some playing time.
Either Pie or Reimold will be platoon guys, or one of the two may be traded.
Still, after 13 years of losing, this off-season has to be one of the best in a long time. The team still does have some question marks and issues, but I’m looking forward to Spring Training and the start of the 2011 season.
The players are happy – so are most of the fan base, bloggers and press here tonight in Birdland. Only time will tell what happens.
At least things will be very interesting as a fan for change.
