The Orioles have been eliminated.
Boo, boo, boo.
Hate New York Yankees.
Yet it took the Yankees one hundred sixty seven games and twice the salary of the Birds to do it.
Also, the Yankees way of winning championships--buy buying them--will not work. Other teams with a lot of money are trying to do the same thing. The Dodgers, the Angels, the Rangers, teams that came up just short this year, will try to do the same thing. Not a great pool of free agents this year, and those that are will have such a high price that even the Yankees might pass. Hank Steinbrenner has other things he wants to pursue beyond the Yankees.
While there is something to be said for the Oakland A's moneyball strategy, and something to be said for bringing in a free agent here or there to solidify a position and bring maturity to a young team, there is a great deal to be said about doing things the right way. You draft and scout well, drop them in your minor league system (or let them go to an independent team, so long as you know where they are and when you want them in your farm teams), coach them up and let the develop. The Orioles still have a lot of talent there, lots of young arms. Not many teams can say the same. Especially teams that consider every team in the majors as a farm team.
The top free agent this year will be Josh Hamilton, who the Rangers have told to seek other opportunities. Sure, a great player, but the constant battle with alcoholism has not progressed as well as might be hoped, as he does fall off the wagon every year. Also, his terrible end of the season cost him. I am sure the Rangers would love to have him back, but Hamilton will be asking for five or six years, and I would think the Rangers would gag on three.
Incidentally, I want to go to Memphis. I am not into Elvis or have a burning desire to see Graceland, though I suppose one would have to take the tour. I am interested after twilight. Blues, beers, and barbecues. That would get me all shook up.
Boo, boo, boo.
Hate New York Yankees.
Yet it took the Yankees one hundred sixty seven games and twice the salary of the Birds to do it.
Also, the Yankees way of winning championships--buy buying them--will not work. Other teams with a lot of money are trying to do the same thing. The Dodgers, the Angels, the Rangers, teams that came up just short this year, will try to do the same thing. Not a great pool of free agents this year, and those that are will have such a high price that even the Yankees might pass. Hank Steinbrenner has other things he wants to pursue beyond the Yankees.
While there is something to be said for the Oakland A's moneyball strategy, and something to be said for bringing in a free agent here or there to solidify a position and bring maturity to a young team, there is a great deal to be said about doing things the right way. You draft and scout well, drop them in your minor league system (or let them go to an independent team, so long as you know where they are and when you want them in your farm teams), coach them up and let the develop. The Orioles still have a lot of talent there, lots of young arms. Not many teams can say the same. Especially teams that consider every team in the majors as a farm team.
The top free agent this year will be Josh Hamilton, who the Rangers have told to seek other opportunities. Sure, a great player, but the constant battle with alcoholism has not progressed as well as might be hoped, as he does fall off the wagon every year. Also, his terrible end of the season cost him. I am sure the Rangers would love to have him back, but Hamilton will be asking for five or six years, and I would think the Rangers would gag on three.
Incidentally, I want to go to Memphis. I am not into Elvis or have a burning desire to see Graceland, though I suppose one would have to take the tour. I am interested after twilight. Blues, beers, and barbecues. That would get me all shook up.
I hate the Yankees, I'm sad to see them move on. Detroit has had their number in the past, hopefully they knock them out.