As of this past Tuesday, Brian Roberts is a member of the New York Yankees. By signing with them, he ended his 15 year tenure within the Baltimore Orioles organization. Today on ESPN Sweetspot Network Orioles blog, Camden Depot, I take a look back at both the good times and the bad during Roberts’ days in Charm City.
Direct Link to Article –> Looking Back on the Brian Roberts Era
Yesterday’s post was meant to be funny, as it was intentionally left blank because the Orioles didn’t really do anything at the Winter Meetings. And when I say “do anything”, I of course mean that they didn’t make any trades or sign any players to their major league roster. They were all over the rumor mill, and it was even reported that they had several offers out to players, including right-handed closer Grant Balfour and outfielder Nelson Cruz (although the reports as to whether they actually had an offer out to Cruz were conflicting).
Additionally, they did make two selections in Thursday’s Rule 5 Draft, one in the major league portion and one in the minor league (AAA) portion. If you don’t know anything about the Rule 5 Draft, click here to increase your knowledge and therefore your power (because knowledge IS power). Rule 5 draft picks are not something to normally get excited about as they rarely pan out. Still, there is a chance that a team could pick up a productive player in the Rule 5 Draft, even if the chances are slim. If you want proof, all of the following are Rule 5 draftees: Continue reading
Yesterday the Orioles made the signing of right-handed relief pitcher Ryan Webb official, after Webb passed his physical. Webb signed a 2-year, $4.5 million contract with the team. Other than the Jim Johnson trade and signing a bunch of AAAA players (guys who are too good for AAA, but not good enough to be a major league regular), the signing of Webb has been the most significant addition for Baltimore so far this offseason, which seems to be leaving most of the Baltimore fan base a little restless as numerous free agents are off the board and the winter meetings are beginning to wind down. Since Webb has played his entire major league career in San Diego and Miami, most of you have probably never seen him pitch. With that in mind, I am providing a first look of Ryan Webb over at ESPN Swetspot Network Orioles blog, Camden Depot. He may be their first “major” free agent signing, but hopefully he’s not their last as the team has multiple holes to fill.
Direct Link to Article –> A First Look at Ryan Webb
Orioles Proving Ground 