MLBTR predicts Swisher, Saunders, Keppinger to Orioles

[Jordan Tuwiner]

http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2012/10/2 ... ons-1.html

6. Nick Swisher - Orioles. Swisher hasn't played left field regularly in many years, but if he's willing to do so for the Orioles they could be a match. The 31-year-old also plays some first base, another question mark for the O's. Swisher would be a fine addition to any lineup, though he doesn't pass the gut test as a potential $100MM player. Perhaps we just have to account for salary inflation -- $100MM doesn't buy what it used to. The Giants and Mariners are other reasonable fits here.

25. Joe Saunders - Orioles. Saunders pitched well for the Orioles in the regular season and postseason following an August trade. The 31-year-old grew up in northern Virginia, so Baltimore is a strong fit if they'll pony up the multiyear deal Saunders couldn't find last offseason.

41. Jeff Keppinger - Orioles. Keppinger was non-tendered by the Giants a year ago, but the high-contact infielder bounced back to hit .325/.367/.439 for the Rays in 418 plate appearances. Obviously that production is unsustainable, but it might net the 32-year-old a multiyear deal or a starting gig. The Orioles are one possibility, though they do have internal options at second base.

[Jordan Tuwiner]

I personally don't see Swisher signing here. Saunders is likely coming back.

Keppinger I would not mind. Really depends on the contract.

[Matt P]

I wouldn't be upset with signing any of them.

[ofahn]

I personally don't see Swisher signing here. Saunders is likely coming back.

Keppinger I would not mind. Really depends on the contract.

I'd pass on Swisher unless we walk away from Reynolds and then I would only offer him ONE year. Saunders and Keppinger would be one year with a vested option.

[LA Detective]

Certainly not Swisher over McClouth...If Swisher for 1b, it wouldnt be that much of an upgrade...For me, no on Swisher...

If Keppinger isnt above average D wise at 2b then i say no on him too.

[Matt P]

Certainly not Swisher over McClouth...If Swisher for 1b, it wouldnt be that much of an upgrade...For me, no on Swisher...

If Keppinger isnt above average D wise at 2b then i say no on him too.

Why would you want McLouth over Swisher? Strictly due to defense I'm guessing?

[ofahn]

Certainly not Swisher over McClouth...If Swisher for 1b, it wouldnt be that much of an upgrade...For me, no on Swisher...

IMO a platoon of McLouth and Steve Pearce would give you the same production as Swisher with much better defense for a LOT less money.

[Matt P]

IMO a platoon of McLouth and Steve Pearce would give you the same production as Swisher with much better defense for a LOT less money.

If you combine McLouth's splits vs RHP and Pearce's splits vs LHP it does not equal the same production as Swisher. McLouth would be better defensively but I'm not sure that Pearce would be.

[ofahn]

If you combine McLouth's splits vs RHP and Pearce's splits vs LHP it does not equal the same production as Swisher. McLouth would be better defensively but I'm not sure that Pearce would be.

McLouth would play three times as many innings as Pearce.

[Matt P]

McLouth would play three times as many innings as Pearce.

Which would help defensively but be a huge downgrade from Swisher offensively.

[Old Sneakers]

Swisher to Orioles
These articles need to be written earlier in the day before the bars open and liquor is served.

Joe Sanders
I can see it if its the right amount for the right length. I just think he's going to get a better offer elsewhere.

Jeff Keppinger
If he comes here then all talk of Brian Roberts is over. Also he seems likely to get more elsewhere.

[ofahn]

Which would help defensively but be a huge downgrade from Swisher offensively.

Perhaps this is a fundamental difference in our philosophies, but I ALWAYS bias towards defense first.

[ofahn]

Swisher to Orioles
These articles need to be written earlier in the day before the bars open and liquor is served.

The BEST line of the day. POINTS!

[ofahn]

Swisher to Orioles

Uh, NO. Nick Swisher is a GOOD hitter with a very good OBA but IMO he's a fringe fielder now and heading towards a DH on the fast track. Buck says he wants versatile players at DH and I want to allow Reimold one last opportunity to show his talent.

Even if Buck would be OK with Swisher at DH I wouldn't want to commit to more than two years to him and he CLEARLY wants more than that.

Joe Sanders
I can see it if its the right amount for the right length. I just think he's going to get a better offer elsewhere.

Maybe he will get a better offer, but there's an ARMY of veteran SPs on the market this winter. Saunders will DEFINITELY get a ML contract for 4M+, but I have my doubts there will be a guaranteed second year.

Jeff Keppinger
If he comes here then all talk of Brian Roberts is over. Also he seems likely to get more elsewhere.

I could see him taking Andino's role. He would cost more, but the bat is better. I just don't know about the glove..........

[birdwatcher55]

Just get McLouth and Saunders back!!