Orioles Talk

An open letter to Peter Angelos and Andy McPhail,

Dear Orioles Management,

STOP!!

I realize that in the coming weeks you are going to be tempted to make some free agent moves to improve the team for this season.  After playing .500 ball over the first 81 games it probably seems like the Orioles might only be a couple moves away from contending for a playoff spot.  Additionally, the temptation to bring in a couple of big name players to help ratings and ticket sales must be overwhelming.  Its obvious that the Orioles could use an upgrade at third, first and obviously shortstop, and if the rumors are true you have discussed dealing for Mark Teixeira and David Eckstein (among others) in order to bolster the team for a playoff run.

For the love of God, don’t do it!

Do not decimate a finally rebounding farm system in order to compete for a playoff spot.  This years Orioles are not a playoff team.  This team, that was supposed to be historically bad, does not have the parts to compete with the Red Sox, Yankees and Rays this season.   The plan was to blow up the roster in order to build for the future and while the Oriole’s success this season may have sped up the timetable you may have had, this is not the time to roll the dice. Bringing in high price talent as a rental for three months will only cost the team in the long run, both in prospects and by taking playing time from younger players who need it.

Rather, I beg of you to blow up the team.  Trade off every piece that has any value to a contender, including Brian Roberts if the price is right.  There is no reason why Huff, Millar, Mora, Payton, Walker, Bradford or Sherrill should be on the roster on August 1st.  In fact, they should be heading out of town by the All Star Game.  There is no reason to try to cling to respectability if it doesn’t help this team win in the future. The fans don’t care what the record is over the last few months of the season, we are used to historic collapses out of this team, at least this time it will be for a purpose. This is probably the last time you will get the benefit of the doubt from us, so use it wisely.

Oh, and drop the stupid “Birdland” thing, it’s annoying and makes no sense.

Thank you,

Bromoblog