TheDoyler23
March-16th-2004, 08:15 AM
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A61335-2004Mar15.html
For Orioles, a Deal May Be in Cards
Gibbons for a Pitcher Is a Possibility
By Dave Sheinin
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, March 16, 2004; Page D05
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., March 15 -- The Baltimore Orioles' spring training camp officially entered its critical phase Monday morning -- 20 days before Opening Night -- when the front office and Manager Lee Mazzilli met to discuss personnel and debate the wisdom of various roster permutations, pitching staff alignments and trade possibilities.
By the end of the week, the Orioles expect to make a sizeable round of cuts and begin zeroing in on decisions they must make on their starting rotation and bench.
"We just went over the roster man by man, trying to see how things are going to fit," Mazzilli said. Later, he added, "You've got three weeks left, and a lot of things can happen. Things can change day to day."
Mazzilli may have been hinting at the growing possibility of a significant trade in the coming weeks, as the Orioles continue to explore ways to add a proven starting pitcher. One such trade possibility might also provide a way to ease the Orioles' outfield logjam.
The Orioles have made it known since December that they would make right fielder Jay Gibbons available for the right trade, and they may have found a willing partner in the Los Angeles Dodgers -- who are seeking to trade a starting pitcher for a hitter.
Orioles Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations Jim Beattie acknowledged the Orioles' desire to add a proven starting pitcher but declined to address specifics.
The Dodgers have had a scout following the Orioles regularly this spring, and according to a league source, they have targeted left fielder Larry Bigbie, offering a starting pitcher such as left-handers Odalis Perez or Kaz Ishii in return. However, the Orioles are believed to be unwilling to part with Bigbie, preferring to send Gibbons, 27, to the Dodgers.
According to an Orioles source, the Dodgers have not shown a willingness to give up 20-year-old right-hander Edwin Jackson, ranked by Baseball America as the top pitching prospect in baseball.
Gibbons said he took note of the fact he was the only veteran player to make both ends of a back-to-back road stretch last week to Fort Myers, Fla., and Viera, Fla., which involved a total of nearly 10 hours on buses -- a sign the team might be showcasing him for a trade -- but otherwise declined to comment on the trade speculation.
Gibbons, the Orioles' most valuable player after driving in 100 runs last season, has struggled this spring but went 2 for 3 with a double and two RBI on Monday, raising his spring average to .217 with one homer and six RBI.
If Gibbons is in fact on the block, it is because the Orioles are facing difficult decisions in the outfield. The team would like to carry both B.J. Surhoff and Jack Cust -- both of whom, like Gibbons, are left-handed-hitting corner outfielders -- but may be forced to let one go unless an opening develops.
Cust, a 25-year-old with enormous power potential, is out of major league options, meaning he would have to be passed through waivers to send to the minors. Team officials believe firmly Cust would be claimed if exposed to the waiver wire.
In addition, the Orioles on Monday started infielder Jose Bautista, a Rule 5 draftee whom they must keep on their roster all season or lose him, in left field for the first time this spring -- another indication they may be looking for additional options in the outfield if Gibbons is traded.
"We want to see him out there," Mazzilli said of Bautista. "You have to keep your options open."
In terms of long-term strategy for their outfield, the Orioles, with some $18 million in salary room coming available after this season, may target free agent outfielders Carlos Beltran and, or, Magglio Ordoņez after this season.
I know the Orioles need starting pitching, but trade Gibbons? I was all for trading Hairston for a pitcher, becuase the orioles have Roberts and another excellent prospect at 2b.
Gibbons was the 'MVO' last year with a nagging wrist injury, and has yet to hit the top of his abilities. I know that Cust is out of options so he has to stay, but if it means keeping him and Gibbons and cutting a very well liked player in Surhoff, then so be it.
:soapbox:
For Orioles, a Deal May Be in Cards
Gibbons for a Pitcher Is a Possibility
By Dave Sheinin
Washington Post Staff Writer
Tuesday, March 16, 2004; Page D05
FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., March 15 -- The Baltimore Orioles' spring training camp officially entered its critical phase Monday morning -- 20 days before Opening Night -- when the front office and Manager Lee Mazzilli met to discuss personnel and debate the wisdom of various roster permutations, pitching staff alignments and trade possibilities.
By the end of the week, the Orioles expect to make a sizeable round of cuts and begin zeroing in on decisions they must make on their starting rotation and bench.
"We just went over the roster man by man, trying to see how things are going to fit," Mazzilli said. Later, he added, "You've got three weeks left, and a lot of things can happen. Things can change day to day."
Mazzilli may have been hinting at the growing possibility of a significant trade in the coming weeks, as the Orioles continue to explore ways to add a proven starting pitcher. One such trade possibility might also provide a way to ease the Orioles' outfield logjam.
The Orioles have made it known since December that they would make right fielder Jay Gibbons available for the right trade, and they may have found a willing partner in the Los Angeles Dodgers -- who are seeking to trade a starting pitcher for a hitter.
Orioles Executive Vice President of Baseball Operations Jim Beattie acknowledged the Orioles' desire to add a proven starting pitcher but declined to address specifics.
The Dodgers have had a scout following the Orioles regularly this spring, and according to a league source, they have targeted left fielder Larry Bigbie, offering a starting pitcher such as left-handers Odalis Perez or Kaz Ishii in return. However, the Orioles are believed to be unwilling to part with Bigbie, preferring to send Gibbons, 27, to the Dodgers.
According to an Orioles source, the Dodgers have not shown a willingness to give up 20-year-old right-hander Edwin Jackson, ranked by Baseball America as the top pitching prospect in baseball.
Gibbons said he took note of the fact he was the only veteran player to make both ends of a back-to-back road stretch last week to Fort Myers, Fla., and Viera, Fla., which involved a total of nearly 10 hours on buses -- a sign the team might be showcasing him for a trade -- but otherwise declined to comment on the trade speculation.
Gibbons, the Orioles' most valuable player after driving in 100 runs last season, has struggled this spring but went 2 for 3 with a double and two RBI on Monday, raising his spring average to .217 with one homer and six RBI.
If Gibbons is in fact on the block, it is because the Orioles are facing difficult decisions in the outfield. The team would like to carry both B.J. Surhoff and Jack Cust -- both of whom, like Gibbons, are left-handed-hitting corner outfielders -- but may be forced to let one go unless an opening develops.
Cust, a 25-year-old with enormous power potential, is out of major league options, meaning he would have to be passed through waivers to send to the minors. Team officials believe firmly Cust would be claimed if exposed to the waiver wire.
In addition, the Orioles on Monday started infielder Jose Bautista, a Rule 5 draftee whom they must keep on their roster all season or lose him, in left field for the first time this spring -- another indication they may be looking for additional options in the outfield if Gibbons is traded.
"We want to see him out there," Mazzilli said of Bautista. "You have to keep your options open."
In terms of long-term strategy for their outfield, the Orioles, with some $18 million in salary room coming available after this season, may target free agent outfielders Carlos Beltran and, or, Magglio Ordoņez after this season.
I know the Orioles need starting pitching, but trade Gibbons? I was all for trading Hairston for a pitcher, becuase the orioles have Roberts and another excellent prospect at 2b.
Gibbons was the 'MVO' last year with a nagging wrist injury, and has yet to hit the top of his abilities. I know that Cust is out of options so he has to stay, but if it means keeping him and Gibbons and cutting a very well liked player in Surhoff, then so be it.
:soapbox: