Author Topic: O's winking at Loretta from across the room (Read 12425 times)

Reuben · « **on:** March 10, 2008, 12:09:45 am »

Quote

Seeking to add some infield depth and to find a potential replacement if they trade second baseman Brian Roberts, the Orioles have expressed interest in Astros utility infielder Mark Loretta.

also notes the Astros had a scout to watch the Orioles today.

Who would the Astros have as another IF to go along with Blum in the event they trade Loretta? Newhan? Tomas Perez? Brooks Conrad?

chuck · « **Reply #1 on:** March 10, 2008, 03:38:14 am »

I like Newhan a lot. He plays solid defense at second and third and seems to have an idea of what he's doing at the plate. He's not as valuable as Loretta, but he would be a workable piece in my view if Loretta or Blum were to disappear.

I do not like Perez at all.

mrpink · « **Reply #2 on:** March 10, 2008, 07:19:23 am »

Conrad? I thought he signed with the cards.

In related news...(assuming Cabrera isn't a brave)
Tigers interested in Humberto

Lefty · « **Reply #3 on:** March 10, 2008, 08:36:22 am »

Conrad's with the A's.

Andyzipp · « **Reply #4 on:** March 10, 2008, 09:46:32 am »

Could Niekro fill a utility posiiton?

VirtualBob · « **Reply #5 on:** March 10, 2008, 09:48:23 am »

Quote from: Andyzipp on March 10, 2008, 09:46:32 am

Could Niekro fill a utility posiiton?

No.

Andyzipp · « **Reply #6 on:** March 10, 2008, 09:49:34 am »

Quote from: VirtualBob on March 10, 2008, 09:48:23 am

No.

So he's more of a corner infielder? I fully admit, other than being vaguely aware that he was considered a 3rd baseman for the Giants, I've followed him not at all.

Jacksonian · « **Reply #7 on:** March 10, 2008, 09:53:50 am »

Quote from: Andyzipp on March 10, 2008, 09:49:34 am

So he's more of a corner infielder? I fully admit, other than being vaguely aware that he was considered a 3rd baseman for the Giants, I've followed him not at all.

He was a 3b when drafted but realistically he's a 1b that can occassionally play 3b. I dunno if he can play the of. Whatever, he's already been sent down.

VirtualBob · « **Reply #8 on:** March 10, 2008, 09:55:55 am »

Quote from: Jacksonian on March 10, 2008, 09:53:50 am

He was a 3b when drafted but realistically he's a 1b that can occassionally play 3b. I dunno if he can play the of. Whatever, he's already been sent down.

... along with his .091 batting average (albeit with a tiny sample).

pravata · « **Reply #9 on:** March 10, 2008, 10:09:36 am »

Before Loretta accepted the Astros arbitration offer, Wade signed Kevin Hooper because, as his agent believed

“He’s got a legitimate opportunity to break camp with the (Astros) as a utility infielder
Link

but now Hooper has been let go,

Hooper spent the last three seasons in the Tigers’ organization. He had a chance to return to the Tigers as a Triple A player, but instead signed with the Houston Astros with the idea of competing for a big-league utility job. A week-and-a-half later, Mark Loretta accepted salary arbitration, which spelled the end of any chance Hooper had at making the Astros’ roster. He asked for and was granted his release, gave a verbal promise that he would not play for another affiliated minor-league team and signed with the Wingnuts. (A new independent league team)
Link

Tracy Ringolsby, who is usually completely off base regarding the Astros, thought that there was some gamesmanship in the original arbitration offer

It would seem Houston got trapped trying to ensure it would get compensation for free-agent second baseman Mark Loretta, prompting the Astros to offer arbitration. But Loretta accepted the offer.
Link

If the Astros had been making alternate plans for middle infielders, and then abandoned those plans once Loretta had a contract, would they now reverse field again and trade Loretta?

Lefty · « **Reply #10 on:** March 10, 2008, 10:25:19 am »

Quote from: pravata on March 10, 2008, 10:09:36 am

If the Astros had been making alternate plans for middle infielders, and then abandoned those plans once Loretta had a contract, would they now reverse field again and trade Loretta?

Dunno, but the part about his not playing for an affiliated team is interesting.

Jacksonian · « **Reply #11 on:** March 10, 2008, 10:31:26 am »

Quote from: pravata on March 10, 2008, 10:09:36 am

If the Astros had been making alternate plans for middle infielders, and then abandoned those plans once Loretta had a contract, would they now reverse field again and trade Loretta?

If they thought they'd get a good return for Loretta, yes. I don't believe they'll deal him for the O's crap.

I don't believe it would be reversing field though. I think it would be getting back to the original plan, a plan interrupted by Loretta. I don't believe Wade wanted Loretta back but really wanted that supplemental 1st round pick. It's that level player I believe Wade would expect in a deal for Loretta, even if that prospect were in short-season or rookie ball.

toddthebod · « **Reply #12 on:** March 10, 2008, 10:35:48 am »

Wouldn't Loretta be more valuable at the trading deadline when teams are looking for that veteran leadership presence off the bench? Or maybe Loretta would be a good replacement for an injured player on a playoff team later on down the road. It just seems very premature to me for the Astros to trade Loretta especially for a very low minor league player. I would think he has more value than that. It's not like he is costing a lot of money.

Taras Bulba · « **Reply #13 on:** March 10, 2008, 10:37:45 am »

Quote from: toddthebod on March 10, 2008, 10:35:48 am

Wouldn't Loretta be more valuable at the trading deadline when teams are looking for that veteran leadership presence off the bench? Or maybe Loretta would be a good replacement for an injured player on a playoff team later on down the road. It just seems very premature to me for the Astros to trade Loretta especially for a very low minor league player. I would think he has more value than that. It's not like he is costing a lot of money.

Nobody wanted him at the trading deadline last season.

Lefty · « **Reply #14 on:** March 10, 2008, 10:37:53 am »

Quote from: toddthebod on March 10, 2008, 10:35:48 am

I would think he has more value than that. It's not like he is costing a lot of money.

And it's pretty much a given that Matsui will miss at least 20 games this year. I like Loretta as a backup plan there.

Jacksonian · « **Reply #15 on:** March 10, 2008, 10:47:54 am »

Quote from: toddthebod on March 10, 2008, 10:35:48 am

Wouldn't Loretta be more valuable at the trading deadline when teams are looking for that veteran leadership presence off the bench? Or maybe Loretta would be a good replacement for an injured player on a playoff team later on down the road. It just seems very premature to me for the Astros to trade Loretta especially for a very low minor league player. I would think he has more value than that. It's not like he is costing a lot of money.

If the Orioles really would need a starting caliber 2b should they trade Roberts, I can't imagine Loretta fetching more from them now than from anyone at any other time this year.

And, if Loretta had signed elsewhere, the Astros would have received a draft pick in ~the top 50 selections. Wade would surely be expecting that caliber prospect from somewhere in the O's org, even if it is low level. OTOH, it just occurred to me, Wade may be willing to deal for a player he believed would help the Astros win games right now.

ETA: Looking at the details Loretta would have garnered pick #36 in the draft if he'd have signed elsewhere. That's Clay Mortensen in 07, Chris Coghlan in 06 (Joba Chamberlain went #41), Travis Buck in 05 (the Astros picked Iorg at #38 and Clay Buchholz went at 42), and Dan Putnam in 04 (Huston Street went at 40). IOW there is serious talent to be had at that portion of the draft.

pravata · « **Reply #16 on:** March 10, 2008, 10:49:54 am »

Quote from: Jacksonian on March 10, 2008, 10:47:54 am

If the Orioles really would need a starting caliber 2b should they trade Roberts, I can't imagine Loretta fetching more from them now than from anyone at any other time this year.

And, if Loretta had signed elsewhere, the Astros would have received a draft pick in ~the top 50 selections. Wade would surely be expecting that caliber prospect from somewhere in the O's org, even if it is low level. OTOH, it just occurred to me, Wade may be willing to deal for a player he believed would help the Astros win games right now.

Matsui's health issues might make him hesitate to trade Loretta.

Jacksonian · « **Reply #17 on:** March 10, 2008, 10:55:32 am »

Quote from: pravata on March 10, 2008, 10:49:54 am

Matsui's health issues might make him hesitate to trade Loretta.

Depends on the season-long prognosis doesn't it?

pravata · « **Reply #18 on:** March 10, 2008, 11:01:14 am »

Quote from: Jacksonian on March 10, 2008, 10:55:32 am

Depends on the season-long prognosis doesn't it?

He went to a specialist yesterday. They might be getting that information today.

Lefty · « **Reply #19 on:** March 10, 2008, 11:02:12 am »

Quote from: Jacksonian on March 10, 2008, 10:55:32 am

Depends on the season-long prognosis doesn't it?

Chronic lower back.

pravata · « **Reply #20 on:** March 10, 2008, 11:05:36 am »

Quote from: Lefty on March 10, 2008, 11:02:12 am

Chronic lower back.

Hemorrhoids are the current concern.

Lefty · « **Reply #21 on:** March 10, 2008, 11:07:10 am »

Quote from: pravata on March 10, 2008, 11:05:36 am

Hemorrhoids are the current concern.

I know, but as far as a season-long concern, I'd have to think his back is the biggie.

Jacksonian · « **Reply #22 on:** March 10, 2008, 11:10:09 am »

Quote from: pravata on March 10, 2008, 11:01:14 am

He went to a specialist yesterday. They might be getting that information today.

In any event they need a quality back up for 2b.

A)Can Blum fill the role Loretta was expected to fill?

B)If A is yes do the Orioles have a quality SS backup or Bruntlett type player or is there someone in the Astros camp capable of filling Blum's current role?

C)Who do the Orioles have that would help the Astros right now that's better than what the Astros have currently at any position and would be acceptable to the O's in trade for Lo?

Lefty · « **Reply #23 on:** March 10, 2008, 11:34:34 am »

Quote from: Jacksonian on March 10, 2008, 11:10:09 am

Who do the Orioles have that would help the Astros right now that's better than what the Astros have currently at any position and would be acceptable to the O's in trade for Lo?

Bradford or Walker would look great in the Stros pen, you'd have to add a prospect to Loretta, I'm sure (not sure that the O's would be in a hurry to trade either at any rate). Doesn't look like the O's have anything on the catching front. Their backup C on the 40-man is in the same situation as Q options-wise, best I can tell. Brandon Fahey and Freddie Bynum are their utility middle IF types, don't know much about them.

I'm Richies Dad · « **Reply #24 on:** March 10, 2008, 11:44:05 am »

Fahey would be nice.

But I'd rather the Stros get a prospect. We could easily get another bench player. The farm system is barren especially in the lower levels.

Lefty · « **Reply #25 on:** March 10, 2008, 11:48:52 am »

Quote from: I'm Richies Dad on March 10, 2008, 11:44:05 am

The farm system is barren especially in the lower levels.

You're just trying to get Jacksonian riled up, arent' you?

Jacksonian · « **Reply #26 on:** March 10, 2008, 11:55:16 am »

Quote from: Lefty on March 10, 2008, 11:48:52 am

You're just trying to get Jacksonian riled up, arent' you?

Hey Duman I found the guy who's been reading our stuff.

JimR · « **Reply #27 on:** March 10, 2008, 11:59:25 am »

Niekro played 1B for the Giants. Too soon to trade Loetta, imo.

Duman · « **Reply #28 on:** March 10, 2008, 12:05:55 pm »

Quote from: Lefty on March 10, 2008, 11:48:52 am

You're just trying to get Jacksonian riled up, arent' you?

By George I think he's got it!

Lefty · « **Reply #29 on:** March 10, 2008, 12:39:26 pm »

Quote from: Duman on March 10, 2008, 12:05:55 pm

By George I think he's got it!

It's just another in a list of thousands of examples where the conventional wisdom is wrong.

And Jacksonians self-depreciation aside, you guys rock.

Uncle Charlie · « **Reply #30 on:** March 10, 2008, 01:28:39 pm »

I personally thought this part of the same article to be worth a chuckle (my bold):

Quote

Luke Scott was unavailable again today because of tightness in his groin area. Scott said he expected to play tomorrow, but head athletic trainer Richie Bancells hasn't given him clearance

Hobbs still can't get on the field.

Jacksonian · « **Reply #31 on:** March 10, 2008, 01:33:03 pm »

Quote from: Lefty on March 10, 2008, 12:39:26 pm

And Jacksonians self-depreciation aside, you guys rock.

It's how I bite my tongue and keep from going off, generally in an inappropriate manner.

Ty in Tampa · « **Reply #32 on:** March 10, 2008, 01:39:04 pm »

Quote from: Jacksonian on March 10, 2008, 01:33:03 pm

It's how I bite my tongue and keep from going off, generally in an inappropriate manner.

I'm having trouble envisioning what would be inappropriate for here. I'm guessing it's dangerous to yourself or others.

Jacksonian · « **Reply #33 on:** March 10, 2008, 01:43:33 pm »

Quote from: Ty in Tampa on March 10, 2008, 01:39:04 pm

I'm having trouble envisioning what would be inappropriate for here. I'm guessing it's dangerous to yourself or others.

Perhaps I should have said over the top or disproportionately obnoxious or disparaging relative to the comment eliciting the response.

There's plenty inappropriate here: trolling, stupidity, 3%, visual depictions of porn (this is an American site, cuss all you want but don't show titties)...

VirtualBob · « **Reply #34 on:** March 10, 2008, 01:44:57 pm »

Quote from: Ty in Tampa on March 10, 2008, 01:39:04 pm

I'm having trouble envisioning what would be inappropriate for here. I'm guessing it's dangerous to yourself or others.

I agree ... This original comment was way to close to the one about Luke's groin.

MusicMan · « **Reply #35 on:** March 10, 2008, 01:49:31 pm »

Quote from: Jacksonian on March 10, 2008, 01:33:03 pm

It's how I bite my tongue and keep from going off, generally in an inappropriate manner.

I just try to think of something less exciting, it usually buys me a few minutes.

Towlie · « **Reply #36 on:** March 10, 2008, 03:00:17 pm »

can we get sarfate back?

legs_of_eggs · « **Reply #37 on:** March 10, 2008, 03:06:37 pm »

I think its worthy to note Wigginton could play 2nd if Matsui missed significant time, with Blum filling in at 3rd right? I wish Erstad could play 2nd or 3rd..

das · « **Reply #38 on:** March 10, 2008, 03:17:05 pm »

Quote from: Towlie on March 10, 2008, 03:00:17 pm

can we get sarfate back?

I'd do that in an instant. Sarfate reminded me of a young Nolan.

mihoba · « **Reply #39 on:** March 10, 2008, 03:17:44 pm »

Quote from: legs_of_eggs on March 10, 2008, 03:06:37 pm

I wish Erstad could play 2nd or 3rd..

You do know he's a southpaw, right?

Towlie · « **Reply #40 on:** March 10, 2008, 03:19:26 pm »

Quote from: das on March 10, 2008, 03:17:05 pm

I'd do that in an instant. Sarfate reminded me of a young Nolan.

T.T why did we trade him away...

Lefty · « **Reply #41 on:** March 10, 2008, 03:44:31 pm »

Quote from: legs_of_eggs on March 10, 2008, 03:06:37 pm

I think its worthy to note Wigginton could play 2nd if Matsui missed significant time, with Blum filling in at 3rd right? I wish Erstad could play 2nd or 3rd..

Why wouldn't Blum just fill in at 2nd?

And, for the other poster, what does T.T mean?

pravata · « **Reply #42 on:** March 10, 2008, 03:47:23 pm »

Matsui is going to be out a week and then reevaluated, "anal fissures" is the diagnosis
Link

Goof on this all you like, bottom line is it's keeping Matsui off the field.

tophfar · « **Reply #43 on:** March 10, 2008, 03:51:09 pm »

Quote from: Lefty on March 10, 2008, 03:44:31 pm

Why wouldn't Blum just fill in at 2nd?

And, for the other poster, what does T.T mean?

T~T or TT_TT or Y_Y or TToTT or T.T or T-T or T^T weeping

mihoba · « **Reply #44 on:** March 10, 2008, 04:55:48 pm »

Quote from: pravata on March 10, 2008, 03:47:23 pm

Matsui is going to be out a week and then reevaluated, "anal fissures" is the diagnosis
Link

Goof on this all you like, bottom line is it's keeping Matsui off the field.

Brilliant goof right there.

Anit · « **Reply #45 on:** March 10, 2008, 05:46:07 pm »

Quote from: pravata on March 10, 2008, 03:47:23 pm

Matsui is going to be out a week and then reevaluated, "anal fissures" is the diagnosis
Link

Goof on this all you like, bottom line is it's keeping Matsui off the field.

someone has it...

(im running the risk of nobody getting this reference)

Craig · « **Reply #46 on:** March 10, 2008, 06:03:23 pm »

Quote from: pravata on March 10, 2008, 03:47:23 pm

Matsui is going to be out a week and then reevaluated, "anal fissures" is the diagnosis
Link

Goof on this all you like, bottom line is it's keeping Matsui off the field.

I'm trying not to make any wise-ass cracks.

Col. Sphinx Drummond · « **Reply #47 on:** March 10, 2008, 07:16:54 pm »

Wouldn't want to make the new guy the butt of any jokes. Besides it's the tissue not the fissure. Anal fissure tissue, or AFT, if you will.

LonghornCDR · « **Reply #48 on:** March 10, 2008, 09:58:23 pm »

Quote from: Anit on March 10, 2008, 05:46:07 pm

someone has it...

(im running the risk of nobody getting this reference)

Whew... At least it's not a government-created nanobot infection.

MikeyBoy · « **Reply #49 on:** March 10, 2008, 10:08:54 pm »

Quote from: pravata on March 10, 2008, 03:47:23 pm

Matsui is going to be out a week and then reevaluated, "anal fissures" is the diagnosis
Link

Goof on this all you like, bottom line is it's keeping Matsui off the field.

Piazza was able to play despite his chronic "anal fistures."

Taras Bulba · « **Reply #50 on:** March 10, 2008, 10:23:35 pm »

Divine wind from east
Samuri with bat and glove
Struck down by ass fiend

Limey · « **Reply #51 on:** March 11, 2008, 09:21:14 am »

Quote from: MikeyBoy on March 10, 2008, 10:08:54 pm

Piazza was able to play despite his chronic "anal fist~~ures~~ing."

FIFY.

pravata · « **Reply #52 on:** March 11, 2008, 10:56:54 am »

Another reason not to trade Loretta is that it will make it easier for the Orioles to trade Brian Roberts to the Cubs.

when Baltimore began expressing interest in Houston Astros second baseman Mark Loretta recently, as reported by the Baltimore Sun on Monday, it suggested the O's might be ready finally to talk in earnest about moving Roberts.
Link

Jacksonian · « **Reply #53 on:** March 11, 2008, 11:02:33 am »

Quote from: pravata on March 11, 2008, 10:56:54 am

Another reason not to trade Loretta is that it will make it easier for the Orioles to trade Brian Roberts to the Cubs.

when Baltimore began expressing interest in Houston Astros second baseman Mark Loretta recently, as reported by the Baltimore Sun on Monday, it suggested the O's might be ready finally to talk in earnest about moving Roberts.
Link

They've been talking to the Cubs off and on about Roberts for quite some time. Would they go after Loretta before they had a deal in place for Roberts or had already dealt him?

pravata · « **Reply #54 on:** March 11, 2008, 11:04:51 am »

Quote from: Jacksonian on March 11, 2008, 11:02:33 am

They've been talking to the Cubs off and on about Roberts for quite some time. Would they go after Loretta before they had a deal in place for Roberts or had already dealt him?

If it were me, before. But the Orioles are idiots.

OregonStrosFan · « **Reply #55 on:** March 14, 2008, 07:57:55 pm »

Quote from: pravata on March 10, 2008, 03:47:23 pm

Matsui is going to be out a week and then reevaluated, "anal fissures" is the diagnosis
Link

Goof on this all you like, bottom line is it's keeping Matsui off the field.

Looks like he'll be of the field for another couple of weeks... Link

Quote

03/14/2008 6:30 PM ET
Matsui to have surgery, miss two weeks
Astros second baseman will undergo procedure Monday
By Alyson Footer / MLB.com

KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- Second baseman Kazuo Matsui will undergo surgery Monday morning at the Methodist Hospital in Houston to repair an anal fissure, the Astros announced Friday evening. Dr. Eric Haas will perform the procedure. The estimated recovery time is two weeks.

pravata · « **Reply #56 on:** March 14, 2008, 08:02:26 pm »

Quote from: OregonStrosFan on March 14, 2008, 07:57:55 pm

Looks like he'll be of the field for another couple of weeks... Link

I think this is good news. It's more of a procedure than surgery and should fix the problem.

Anit · « **Reply #57 on:** March 14, 2008, 08:38:11 pm »

Quote

The Astros' original official diagnosis of Matsui's issue was hemmorhoids, but that was changed when a vocabulary mixup caused some anxiety with Matsui's family in Japan. That prompted the club to change the official diagnosis to a more specific term.

"The word [hemmorhoids] carries a negative connotation in Japan," Wade said. "That's why we had to go back and readjust it to anal fissure. It translates into a word in Japan that has a different meaning. That's why we flipped it over to the more graphic actual problem."

.
I'd be interested to know exactly what the word means there.

pravata · « **Reply #58 on:** March 14, 2008, 08:57:45 pm »

Quote from: Anit on March 14, 2008, 08:38:11 pm

.
I'd be interested to know exactly what the word means there.

If it's bad enough to cause anxiety in the Matsui (Kazuo?) family, it probably means "hemmorhoids". I searched around a little, apparently the Japanese have trouble even writing the word, the best they do is

Hemorrhoids 痔 are the sickness suffered by people who sit in meditative poses for long periods at Buddhist temples 寺.
Link

Then there's this instruction on a Japanese hemmorhoid ointment,

WHILE INSERTING LIE DOWN ON BED AND INSERT POSCOOL SLOWLY UP TO THE PROJECTED PORTION LIKE A SWORD-GUARD INTO ANAL DUCT.

Phil_in_CS · « **Reply #59 on:** March 14, 2008, 09:25:52 pm »

Quote from: Anit on March 14, 2008, 08:38:11 pm

.
I'd be interested to know exactly what the word means there.

I'm curious as to where hemorrhoids has a positive meaning....

Craig · « **Reply #60 on:** March 14, 2008, 10:46:50 pm »

Quote from: pravata on March 14, 2008, 08:57:45 pm

WHILE INSERTING LIE DOWN ON BED AND INSERT POSCOOL SLOWLY UP TO THE PROJECTED PORTION LIKE A SWORD-GUARD INTO ANAL DUCT.

I have an idea for a crazy Japanese game show called "Poscool Challenge."

Rebel Jew · « **Reply #61 on:** March 15, 2008, 03:04:08 am »

Quote from: Craig on March 14, 2008, 10:46:50 pm

I have an idea for a crazy Japanese game show called "Poscool Challenge."

this is perhaps an unrelated question, and also perhaps a question so complex as to be virtually unanswerable, but why is it that our modern game shows (price is right excluded) are so lame but Japanese ones are always so awesome?

chuck · « **Reply #62 on:** March 15, 2008, 10:50:52 am »

This seems like as good a time as any to introduce my friends at OWA to one of my fave ever sites on the internets - www.engrish.com.

Banana is the best!!
No other food is nicer than this.
This sweet smell is over everything.