Valencia - what's the point?

[Far from home]

He's not a bad player - but where does he fit?
Is DD signaling that they want to send Machado back down?
He has no other experience than as a 3b - so the only thing I could see is that they are bringing in some insurance and planning on a lefty/righty platoon at DH, while they bring back Reynolds.

[Jimmy Jazz]

Maybe they're planning to move Betemit and see Valencia as the primary backup? Maybe he's just minor league depth. Perhaps he's seen as another reclamation project like McLouth. Beats me.

[weird-O]

I heard an interview with Buck about 2 weeks ago. when asked about their philosophy with the team, Buck said, 'we plan for every possibility, you can't assume any player from last year will repeat his performance, or what if our shortstop breaks his arm in ST'.

this may be a part of that philosophy. after all, the O's weathered big injuries by having multiple back ups available to them.

[Aclobat]

Next man up!

[FlaFrank]

Really nice signing. Valencia is a good ball player and gives the Orioles depth. Injuries do happen. We lost Longoria for most of 2011 and suffered with a revolving door of sub par players to fill in. Brooks Conrad, Elliot Johnson, and a host of others. Nice move.

[BiggSeth]

Really nice signing. Valencia is a good ball player and gives the Orioles depth. Injuries do happen. We lost Longoria for most of 2011 and suffered with a revolving door of sub par players to fill in. Brooks Conrad, Elliot Johnson, and a host of others. Nice move.

wait! how dod those sub-par players not find their way to Baltimore over the past decade+ pre Bucquette? I though every over the hill, washed up, has been or never were landed in Balitmore....These guys must have nudie pics of someone in Tampa...

Bucquette is my new term for the dynamic duo. you read it here first....

[maumau]

It's good to stockpile sound, inexpensive players. It gives trade
flexibility if another team is looking for a little something to sweeten
the pot. There's also the character and chemistry issue. You have to have
so many bodies around, and it's good if they don't have the minds of
frustrated prima donnas. Stockpiling attitude until the talent arrives isn't
a bad thing. Naturally, I'm assuming that Valencia fits in this category, but
the present administration seems pretty sound on this score.

[durango46]

typical of the Orioles

see
Nick Johnson

[weenie]

typical of the Orioles

see
Nick Johnson

Depth! This is all about what ifs. What if Machado proves in need of a little more seasoning (due most likely to his bat IMO). We all understand the guy is most likely to be an anchor at the corner in Norfolk to aid in the matriculation of Bundy and whatever other arms end up back in AAA (Arrieta, Britton).

This is a Lew Ford/Nate McLouth type guy and you should contain your fever while putting things in proper context. I think you are smarter than your momentary outburst. And, it's way too early to spike the ball on the hot stove yet. Hang in there and wait for it........

[weenie]

It's good to stockpile sound, inexpensive players. It gives trade
flexibility if another team is looking for a little something to sweeten
the pot. There's also the character and chemistry issue. You have to have
so many bodies around, and it's good if they don't have the minds of
frustrated prima donnas. Stockpiling attitude until the talent arrives isn't
a bad thing. Naturally, I'm assuming that Valencia fits in this category, but
the present administration seems pretty sound on this score.

Salient points!

[weird-O]

typical of the Orioles

see
Nick Johnson

you're absolutely right, in as much as these are the only moves this team makes. but it's still a good addition. he's an offensive upgrade over Ford.

for most teams, it would be fair to say that it's still very early in the off season. but why pretend. the O's haven't signed an impact FA in 9 years.

[durango46]

Depth! This is all about what ifs. What if Machado proves in need of a little more seasoning (due most likely to his bat IMO). We all understand the guy is most likely to be an anchor at the corner in Norfolk to aid in the matriculation of Bundy and whatever other arms end up back in AAA (Arrieta, Britton).

This is a Lew Ford/Nate McLouth type guy and you should contain your fever while putting things in proper context. I think you are smarter than your momentary outburst. And, it's way too early to spike the ball on the hot stove yet. Hang in there and wait for it........

organizational depth....hmmm....I know I heard this somewhere before....
see Nick Johnson...sorry couldn't help myself

as for the waiting part.....that's all we do. Year in and year out

How bout we do it a little different this year

Land an impact player NOW

smarter.........is it you and your patience (10 years worth) or me and my............ we been down this road before ????

[durango46]

you're absolutely right, in as much as these are the only moves this team makes. but it's still a good addition. he's an offensive upgrade over Ford.

for most teams, it would be fair to say that it's still very early in the off season. but why pretend. the O's haven't signed an impact FA in 9 years.

I really don't care one way or the other with Valencia.... You know I understand the depth thing, just seems like the same story every year....

For once, I want an impact player. I think we can ALL agree on that.

[ivanbalt]

I really don't care one way or the other with Valencia.... You know I understand the depth thing, just seems like the same story every year....

For once, I want an impact player. I think we can ALL agree on that.

What was the line, "Grow the arms and buy the mediocre bats"?

[dandrews]

typical of the Orioles

see
Nick Johnson

And Nate McLouth

[Far from home]

I really don't care one way or the other with Valencia.... You know I understand the depth thing, just seems like the same story every year....

For once, I want an impact player. I think we can ALL agree on that.

DD has a very good eye for talent.
I'm not gushing over any of the moves he's made so far, but I think by the end of the offseason he will have put together a team that's ready to compete.
The thing is, was Valencia insurance for the exit of Reynolds?
I guess they are similar players - but Valencia doesn't have Mark's power, and he doesn't have his 1b glove, either.
I hope DD can find some opportunities and doesn't outsmart himself.

[durango46]

And Nate McLouth

by Dan's own words

negotiations are moving slow


more typical Oriole front office work

[AntiMoon]

Winning last year without making impact moves proved to DD that's the way to go so I don't know why people are surprised that we won't spend big under Angelos. Ever

[durango46]

Winning last year without making impact moves proved to DD that's the way to go so I don't know why people are surprised that we won't spend big under Angelos. Ever

not surprised at all
it's exactly the reason why I've started MY whining already

[weird-O]

by Dan's own words

negotiations are moving slow


more typical Oriole front office work

seriously, how much could Nate & Saunders be asking for? especially Nate, he should have been signed already.

the only reason that I can see, for DD not getting that done, is that they plan to upgrade. Saunders is a back of the rotation guy, but there's nothing wrong with strengthening the rotation. sign him. again, unless they have their eye on an upgrade. but I won't believe that until it's done.