The Major League Baseball Winter Meetings are December 6th through the 9th. Before those meetings occur, I would like to see the Orioles control what they can control.

What I mean by that, is that I think it is reasonable for the Orioles to have either Lee or Pena under contract for 1st, and to have obtained either Hardy or Bartlett via trade for SS.

For most teams, their off-season moves probably come during the Meetings and before Christmas. However, most teams are not attempting to obtain new starters at three positions (1st, SS, and 3rd). With multiple options being available to the O’s at 1st, and SS, it seems to me that the O’s should be able to address those positions fairly quickly. I’m sure the O’s prefer Lee, and Hardy. Well, put the contract out to Lee you are comfortable with, and he will either accept it or he will not. I am thinking 2 years at $10M per. If Lee tells you it will take a 3rd season to bring him to Baltimore, move on to Pena.

If you can get Hardy for Berken or Johnson, go do it. If the cost the Twins tell you it would take is too much, move on to Bartlett.

My bottom-line is that if you come out of this Winter having upgraded at 1st, SS, and 3rd – you will have really accomplished something. I believe it will be easier to accomplish all of that if they get 1st and SS done quickly.

Chris Stoner
Chris Stoner

Owner

Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.

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