O’s, Markakis Not Close On Extension…Yet
Posted July 21st, 2008 by Neal ShafferCategories: Baseball, Orioles, by Neal
May as well devote a whole post to this, since it’s sure to be a hot-button: the Orioles engaged in contract extension talks with Nick Markakis recently, but failed to reach an agreement.
Here’s the aspect of this story that’s sure to ignite a fire:
The extension talks started right around the All-Star break and ended Monday with the sides failing to reach an agreement, according to sources. Specifics of the Orioles’ multiyear offer, which would have included buying out Markakis’ three arbitration years, weren’t available. However, the money was deemed too low by Markakis’ side.
Before everyone flips out, I think some perspective is in order.
Yes, it’s bad news that the Orioles came in too low. That said, we’d all be well-served to understand that this was simply Step One in what is likely to be an ongoing, long-term negotiation process. The fact that they started it over the All-Star break is a good thing, because it means (ideally) that some of the preliminaries are now out of the way. Which in turn means that, when bread-breaking time comes in the offseason, they’ll be a few steps ahead of where they otherwise might have been.
We have every reason to be concerned about the fact that they’re still not close, but we’re nowhere near a critical stage in this. I say let the process play out, because I’m confident there’s no chance in hell that AndyMac lets this kid go. That would be unconscionable, and he knows that as well as we do. He has to.
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July 21st, 2008 at 11:37 pm
Semi-related, here’s an interesting assessment of our second half outlook:
The Orioles have played their best defense in years, especially in the outfield, where Adam Jones, Nick Markakis, and anyone would be an above-average defensive unit. They don’t score or pitch like a contender, so while they’ll have a better season than expected, they’re definitely the fifth-best team in the division, and managing expectations will be the big challenge for Andy MacPhail.
I question the “definitely the fifth-best team in the division” statement because I think we’re as good as the Jays and not too far from the Janquis. Other than that, it’s an interesting and pretty fair read on things.
July 22nd, 2008 at 7:15 am
It would seem to me that the Orioles got way too ahead of themselves naming Nick Markakis the “savior of Baltimore”. I’m confident that Nick will sign with us, but if you know that the world and the organization thinks that you are God’s gift to baseball and are here to rescue the Orioles, wouldn’t you hold out for some cash? Supply and demand, Andy. You showed your ass on the demand part of the equation and know we’re paying for it. It’s not like he wouldn’t be worth it though.
July 22nd, 2008 at 8:04 am
I don’t know a thing about baseball negotiations, of course, but I assume it works kind of like scalping tickets, where side A comes in lower than what they want to pay and side B comes in higher than what they want to get paid and they finally reach a middle ground. I highly doubt that Nick isn’t given an extension at some point…I mean, that would totally undermind MacPhail’s Plan, so I don’t see him leaving in three years. In fact, I wouldn’t be shocked if Nick, Roberts, and Trembley all have longer contracts in hand by Christmas.
Seems like Sherrill is probably getting dealt, if the Sun’s number of teams interested is accurate. That’s fine, if we’re getting 2 or 3 prospects - and I heard just today that the Dodger’s are showcasign Andy LaRoche? Yeah, I’d take him for Georgie, with another guy thrown in. That’d be our third baseman of the future (which is, contrary to reports, not Scott Moore or Mike Constanzo).
Good game last night, though I wouldn’t have brought in Sarfate, who looks helpless out there right now.
July 22nd, 2008 at 11:06 am
I don’t care how it gets done, but for me the answer is here:
Sherrill, Huff in a package to the Angels. Their AAA shortstop, Brandon Wood, is a power hitting guy who is only 23 years old. They have about four other equally great players in AAA, if we could get Wood, another great position player, and maybe 3 or 4 AA or A+ pitchers I would be happy to see Huff and Sherrill go.
July 22nd, 2008 at 11:17 am
I thought Wood became a third baseman? Not that I would have an issue with a great young third baseman, but it doesn’t solve our SS issues.
Wood would be great, though…I doubt we could grab an extra 5 guys for our two guys. But Wood + Adenhart (who I heard they were shopping) and a mid level prospect or two would be acceptable to me. But would it be acceptable to the Angels and MacPhail?
July 22nd, 2008 at 12:20 pm
According to baseball-reference, Wood has 459 career games at SS, compared with 83 at 3B. This year, he has 57 at SS and 9 at third. He is, by and large, a shortstop prospect.
According to a deadspin blogger, Nick Markakis recently bought a house in Monkton, an area that is no stranger to large houses. If Nick Markakis had no intention of staying in Baltimore, I doubt he would have bought a house here.
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:01 pm
there’s no question the Orioles managment want to get Markakis signed long-term. Yes, this is the beginnings of a protracted process, but this fiscal kabuki dance is just part of the process where all concerned protect their respective interests.
Markakis is a huge part of the Orioles new foundation for success, and he’ll eventually wind up with a deal befitting his potential superstar status.
July 22nd, 2008 at 1:49 pm
For some reason, I can’t comment on the BSMARs week after week…the orange question never comes up in my browser…weird.
Anyway, I voted nay, so I’ll explain myself here:
I’m really torn about this one. On the one hand, Roch’s insider information is great stuff and his blog is must-read because of the early lineups and player/manager quotes and stories. On the other hand, his style is extremely irritating to me. It feels like half of his posts are off-topic junk like “I locked my keys in the car again”, or horrendous jokes, or some combination of the two.
So I dunno. But I get the feeling that any other writer could do his job and not be so clunky, as Neal put it. So I guess I’m a reluctant “nay” (but a nay nonetheless).
July 22nd, 2008 at 2:22 pm
I agree that Andy isn’t going to let Nick go too long without an extension. But this kind of thing is extremely frustrating to fans when we all know it took 6 games for the Rays to sign Longoria. I mean.. the question is why even low-ball? When you know his agent is going to say no to it? Why do that? Just come at him with the money that he’s worth and stop dicking around with the fragile emotions of an already thin Orioles fanbase. Our nerves are shot. And fucking sign Matusz and DT already, damnit.
WTB
July 22nd, 2008 at 3:24 pm
Eh, calm down.
That’s all I got.
July 22nd, 2008 at 3:49 pm
Figured I’d go ahead and supply the obligatory impatient Markakis extension comment.
Maybe WOB is more appropriate - Winning Organizational Baseball. Doesn’t have the same ring to it, huh?
July 22nd, 2008 at 3:54 pm
Looks like Gibbons is going to get a minor league deal with the Brewers.