TheDoyler23
April-29th-2005, 03:13 PM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/04/28/AR2005042801829_pf.html
Orioles Have Future Considerations
Mazzilli's Contract, Possible Late-Season Trades Could Become Long-Term Issues
By Jorge Arangure Jr.
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, April 29, 2005; D09
BALTIMORE, April 28 -- Surprised by their early-season success, the Baltimore Orioles have yet to address Manager Lee Mazzilli's contract status and the budget they may need to address roster concerns crucial to a contending team.
One source close to the Orioles said team executives have not approached owner Peter Angelos to ask how much money the team could spend should it decide to attempt a big-name trade acquisition. Baltimore's payroll presently is near $74 million.
Said the source: "My sense is that the answer is yes," the Orioles could make a big trade. "That may be wishful thinking. I don't know how focused [Angelos] is on what the team has and what they're doing."
Angelos did not return a phone call seeking comment.
Mazzilli is in the final year of a two-year contract, though the club holds two one-year options. The team has not had internal discussions about an extension for the manager.
"We're certainly happy with the way the club is playing," Orioles Vice President of Baseball Operations Mike Flanagan said. "But it's April."
Mazzilli took considerable criticism for the team's failings last year, and some key members of the organization were not sold on him. But the Orioles (14-7) have started strong, leading the American League East by three games and earning a 7-3 record against the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox.
Flanagan said the team isn't opposed to discussing an extension during the season. Mazzilli's job status could become more of an issue should the Orioles continue to play well.
"For the most part, we're on the field and we do our job," second baseman Brian Roberts said. "It boils down to players playing the game. For the most part, our lineup is set. I think he's more relaxed knowing his guys. If we win, I'm sure he'll be back. That's how it works. This game, unfortunately, it's not always fair for the manager."
The Orioles' ability to contend may depend on what changes they can make to the roster. The team has already identified three needs: a top-of-the-rotation pitcher; defensive help in the outfield, possibly center field; and a middle-of-the-lineup first baseman.
Orioles decision-makers realize they likely won't be able to acquire all three, but at this point, they aren't even sure if they'll be able to address any of the concerns.
According to the source, team executives are expected to speak with Angelos this weekend, though that likely will only involve asking for a budget for the amateur draft. The front office considers this a deep draft and would like to receive assurances from Angelos that they will be able to spend money to sign any draftee. Last year's first-round pick, Wade Townsend, was unhappy with Baltimore's offer and did not sign.
Baltimore executives want to wait before asking Angelos for more money for trade talks.
"I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't make a big push until after the draft," the source said.
In order to land a premier starting pitcher, the Orioles are willing to relinquish reliever Jorge Julio and perhaps one of their young starters, either Erik Bedard or Daniel Cabrera. The Orioles are still high on Cabrera even though he has struggled in his first four starts. Cabrera's turn in the rotation was skipped after Wednesday's rainout against Boston, but Baltimore has not yet discussed sending him to the minors.
"It's not an option right now," Flanagan said. "We think he is a high-quality major league pitcher."
A team such as San Francisco may be a possible trade partner because Giants closer Armando Benitez was lost for four months with a torn hamstring.
Colorado Rockies first baseman Todd Helton has been the subject of trade speculation, but his salary -- he is still owed almost $120 million in a contract that runs through 2011 -- makes it unlikely that he'll land with the Orioles.
Baltimore has yet to engage in any serious trade talks with anyone.
"You need another partner to do something," Flanagan said. "Sometimes it's based on another club's need. I think that's normal for April. Most teams are still searching about what they are and who they are."
That includes the Orioles.
Orioles Have Future Considerations
Mazzilli's Contract, Possible Late-Season Trades Could Become Long-Term Issues
By Jorge Arangure Jr.
Washington Post Staff Writer
Friday, April 29, 2005; D09
BALTIMORE, April 28 -- Surprised by their early-season success, the Baltimore Orioles have yet to address Manager Lee Mazzilli's contract status and the budget they may need to address roster concerns crucial to a contending team.
One source close to the Orioles said team executives have not approached owner Peter Angelos to ask how much money the team could spend should it decide to attempt a big-name trade acquisition. Baltimore's payroll presently is near $74 million.
Said the source: "My sense is that the answer is yes," the Orioles could make a big trade. "That may be wishful thinking. I don't know how focused [Angelos] is on what the team has and what they're doing."
Angelos did not return a phone call seeking comment.
Mazzilli is in the final year of a two-year contract, though the club holds two one-year options. The team has not had internal discussions about an extension for the manager.
"We're certainly happy with the way the club is playing," Orioles Vice President of Baseball Operations Mike Flanagan said. "But it's April."
Mazzilli took considerable criticism for the team's failings last year, and some key members of the organization were not sold on him. But the Orioles (14-7) have started strong, leading the American League East by three games and earning a 7-3 record against the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox.
Flanagan said the team isn't opposed to discussing an extension during the season. Mazzilli's job status could become more of an issue should the Orioles continue to play well.
"For the most part, we're on the field and we do our job," second baseman Brian Roberts said. "It boils down to players playing the game. For the most part, our lineup is set. I think he's more relaxed knowing his guys. If we win, I'm sure he'll be back. That's how it works. This game, unfortunately, it's not always fair for the manager."
The Orioles' ability to contend may depend on what changes they can make to the roster. The team has already identified three needs: a top-of-the-rotation pitcher; defensive help in the outfield, possibly center field; and a middle-of-the-lineup first baseman.
Orioles decision-makers realize they likely won't be able to acquire all three, but at this point, they aren't even sure if they'll be able to address any of the concerns.
According to the source, team executives are expected to speak with Angelos this weekend, though that likely will only involve asking for a budget for the amateur draft. The front office considers this a deep draft and would like to receive assurances from Angelos that they will be able to spend money to sign any draftee. Last year's first-round pick, Wade Townsend, was unhappy with Baltimore's offer and did not sign.
Baltimore executives want to wait before asking Angelos for more money for trade talks.
"I wouldn't be surprised if they didn't make a big push until after the draft," the source said.
In order to land a premier starting pitcher, the Orioles are willing to relinquish reliever Jorge Julio and perhaps one of their young starters, either Erik Bedard or Daniel Cabrera. The Orioles are still high on Cabrera even though he has struggled in his first four starts. Cabrera's turn in the rotation was skipped after Wednesday's rainout against Boston, but Baltimore has not yet discussed sending him to the minors.
"It's not an option right now," Flanagan said. "We think he is a high-quality major league pitcher."
A team such as San Francisco may be a possible trade partner because Giants closer Armando Benitez was lost for four months with a torn hamstring.
Colorado Rockies first baseman Todd Helton has been the subject of trade speculation, but his salary -- he is still owed almost $120 million in a contract that runs through 2011 -- makes it unlikely that he'll land with the Orioles.
Baltimore has yet to engage in any serious trade talks with anyone.
"You need another partner to do something," Flanagan said. "Sometimes it's based on another club's need. I think that's normal for April. Most teams are still searching about what they are and who they are."
That includes the Orioles.