January 9, 200422 yr From Friday's Sun Orioles, Ponson closer to deal Contract could be similar to one he rejected in July; Decision may come Friday; 'We're still talking,' agent says; O's officials less optimistic about adding Guerrero; Surhoff returns to fold -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- By Joe Christensen Sun Staff Originally published January 8, 2004, 11:01 PM EST Having already moved close to re-signing Rafael Palmeiro, the Orioles turned their attention toward another familiar face Thursday and came away feeling confident they can get Sidney Ponson to return, too. After narrowing the gap with their latest offer, team officials said they were hopeful they could re-sign Ponson to a contract very similar to the three-year, $21 million deal he turned down before they traded him to the San Francisco Giants at midseason. So on a day club officials were expressing less optimism about their negotiations with free-agent right fielder Vladimir Guerrero, they were brightened by the prospects of an Orioles' comeback tour with Palmeiro and Ponson. Late Thursday night, the Orioles also re-signed B.J. Surhoff to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. Surhoff, 39, hit .295 last season in 93 games with the Orioles. At 27, Ponson is considered the top young starting pitcher remaining on the free-agent market, and he would be a welcome addition to a depleted Orioles staff. Most of the team's offseason focus has been on improving the offense. Team sources say the Orioles have yet to increase their five-year, $65 million offer to Guerrero, who is said to be clinging close to his seven-year, $105 million demands One club official said the Guerrero negotiations will likely stretch at least into next week, but he added, "We're moving closer on Ponson and Palmeiro." The Ponson decision could come Friday for simple logistical reasons. For one thing, Ponson is already in Baltimore. He still keeps an apartment here and has been in town this week taking care of other business. He stopped by the B&O warehouse Thursday, team insiders said, to pick up some of his things and say hello to a few friends. Saturday Ponson is scheduled to leave on a cruise out of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., along with Orioles outfielder Marty Cordova and longtime bench coach Elrod Hendricks. Ponson has made annual appearances on the "Orioles Cruise" for several years. That group won't return to the country until Jan. 17, so that could add some urgency to the team's latest round of talks with Ponson's agent, Barry Praver. Thursday night, Praver would not detail the negotiations. "All I can say at this time is we're still talking," Praver said. Last season, Ponson started showing the promise the Orioles had been waiting so long to see, going 14-6 with a 3.77 ERA. But they couldn't get him to agree to a contract extension, starting him with a three-year, $15 million offer and raising the offer to $21 million shortly before the trade. At the July 31 trade deadline, the Orioles traded Ponson to the San Francisco Giants for Kurt Ainsworth, Damian Moss and minor-league pitcher Ryan Hannaman. Ponson went 3-6 with a 3.71 ERA for the Giants and surrendered a three-run lead in Game 2 of the Division Series against the Florida Marlins, an eventual 9-5 loss for San Francisco. Still, Ponson would almost definitely return as the ace of an Orioles' starting staff that currently has Ainsworth, Rodrigo Lopez, Eric DuBose, Matt Riley and Omar Daal. The Orioles proudly announced plans Thursday to open the season April 4 against the Boston Red Sox at Camden Yards in a game televised nationally on ESPN's Sunday Night Baseball. For the Orioles, who last hosted an ESPN Sunday night game in 1999, it was a nod to their latest free-agent additions of shortstop Miguel Tejada and catcher Javy Lopez. But unless the Orioles plan to shore up their starting staff, the Opening Night pitching matchup could be billed as "Pedro vs. Rodrigo." The Red Sox would likely go with three-time Cy Young Award winner Pedro Martinez. And, the Orioles could counter with Lopez, last year's Opening Day starter. At last check, Lopez was 1-5 with a 4.69 ERA for the Culiacan Tomato Growers in the Mexican Winter League. I guess thats some good news on the Vlad Front
January 9, 200422 yr they're just playing the game through the press. in a week or two, vlad won't be able to hold out any longer.
January 9, 200422 yr New York's large Dominican population could help sway him. If he is serious about being in a large latin community, he might sign with the Mets.
January 9, 200422 yr I dont know what to think here. CLearly, Vlad is not opting to sign with the O's, but holding them as a final option. They have already thrown out an offer that may be better than he could get - the Mets are going to lowball him because they know he doesnt want to play in Baltimore. But why would he sign with the Mets? It seems that Vlad is getting desperate, and that is the only reason he would sign there. I think if we make an offer like the Mets, he will talk to us. I think he is waiting for us to make an offer and right now, he is being offered deals by teams he does not want to play for. Some are more appealing than others. I just dont see him going to the Mets - not for less money than Baltimore. But I do see this helping us out a lot - because we could offer a deal like the Mets and Vlad will listen to us. I just wonder whether or not Vlad is waiting for us - it seems that he is. But all that rests on a stadium deal.
January 9, 200422 yr I guess thats some good news on the Vlad Front Sorry to rain on your parade: http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/basebal...-sports-marlins --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mets vs. O's -- not Marlins -- for Guerrero By David Lennon Newsday Posted January 9 2004 The Mets, sensing Vladimir Guerrero has cooled on the Orioles, seized the opportunity to make their own offer yesterday. They pitched a three-year deal worth slightly more than $30 million that with incentives could raise the total package to roughly $40 million, according to a person familiar with the situation. A source indicated last night that the pursuit of Guerrero now is a two-team race between the Mets and the Orioles. On Tuesday, Mets general manager Jim Duquette said the team had a short-term interest in rightfielder Guerrero, the star of this offseason's free-agent class. Duquette also said he was staying in contact with Guerrero's agents despite reports that at least two other teams, believed to be the Orioles and Dodgers, had offers of five or more years on the table. The Dodgers seem to be out of the picture now and the Orioles have appeared to be bidding against themselves. The Mets, meanwhile, quietly prepared a three-year offer in the hope that the reports that Guerrero wants to stay in the National League are true. It appears that the Mets' patience could pay off. A person familiar with Guerrero's thinking said yesterday that he has grown reluctant to sign with Baltimore, and with the Mets suddenly stepping up as a reasonable alternative, Guerrero could opt for less long-term security to make the deal happen. The Orioles' standing offer of five years and $65 million is below what Guerrero expected to get this offseason, and when Baltimore failed to sweeten its deal yesterday, that opened the door for the Mets. Besides Guerrero's preference to remain in the NL, New York's large Dominican population could help sway him. As the weeks passed and Guerrero remained unsigned, there was some thought he might consider a one-year deal, as Ivan Rodriguez did last season with the Marlins, to prove his back is healthy and then cash in. Guerrero missed 37 games last season because of a herniated disc in his back, and a one-year trial period would ease concerns about any lingering injury. The Mets' early trepidation about pursuing Guerrero was understandable, given their recent history of high-priced busts, and yesterday's announcement that Mo Vaughn's career likely is over is a glaring example of the financial quicksand they are hoping to avoid in the future. Vaughn, pushed into virtual retirement because of his arthritic left knee, said yesterday the condition has not improved since the end of last season. "The fact of the matter is that it does not look good at all for playing," Vaughn said. "But you never know. There might be someone who comes along, by the grace of God, with some medicine, a shot or something." Vaughn still is guaranteed $32.45 million. Fortunately for the Mets, they are expected to recoup 75 percent of that whopping sum through insurance, but just the thought of repeating such a mistake has been enough to scare the club's decision-makers into adopting a more cautious approach. Vaughn, who stopped short of using the word "retirement" yesterday, played only 27 games last season before he was placed on the disabled list May 3. The club has been collecting insurance on his contract since the 90-day deductible expired July 31. Vaughn was scheduled to earn $10 million in 2004 (with another $5 million deferred), but the Mets still will have to stretch their budget to squeeze Guerrero into what was projected to be an $80-million payroll.
January 9, 200422 yr Mets made an offer today: 3 years $30 million We should be able to match that offer. Not sure that Vlad will accept it, but time is running out for him. I'm sure he would prefer to be a Marlin if given equal opportunities.
January 9, 200422 yr I guess thats some good news on the Vlad Front Sorry to rain on your parade: http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/basebal...-sports-marlins --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mets vs. O's -- not Marlins -- for Guerrero By David Lennon Newsday Posted January 9 2004 The Mets, sensing Vladimir Guerrero has cooled on the Orioles, seized the opportunity to make their own offer yesterday. They pitched a three-year deal worth slightly more than $30 million that with incentives could raise the total package to roughly $40 million, according to a person familiar with the situation. A source indicated last night that the pursuit of Guerrero now is a two-team race between the Mets and the Orioles. On Tuesday, Mets general manager Jim Duquette said the team had a short-term interest in rightfielder Guerrero, the star of this offseason's free-agent class. Duquette also said he was staying in contact with Guerrero's agents despite reports that at least two other teams, believed to be the Orioles and Dodgers, had offers of five or more years on the table. The Dodgers seem to be out of the picture now and the Orioles have appeared to be bidding against themselves. The Mets, meanwhile, quietly prepared a three-year offer in the hope that the reports that Guerrero wants to stay in the National League are true. It appears that the Mets' patience could pay off. A person familiar with Guerrero's thinking said yesterday that he has grown reluctant to sign with Baltimore, and with the Mets suddenly stepping up as a reasonable alternative, Guerrero could opt for less long-term security to make the deal happen. The Orioles' standing offer of five years and $65 million is below what Guerrero expected to get this offseason, and when Baltimore failed to sweeten its deal yesterday, that opened the door for the Mets. Besides Guerrero's preference to remain in the NL, New York's large Dominican population could help sway him. As the weeks passed and Guerrero remained unsigned, there was some thought he might consider a one-year deal, as Ivan Rodriguez did last season with the Marlins, to prove his back is healthy and then cash in. Guerrero missed 37 games last season because of a herniated disc in his back, and a one-year trial period would ease concerns about any lingering injury. The Mets' early trepidation about pursuing Guerrero was understandable, given their recent history of high-priced busts, and yesterday's announcement that Mo Vaughn's career likely is over is a glaring example of the financial quicksand they are hoping to avoid in the future. Vaughn, pushed into virtual retirement because of his arthritic left knee, said yesterday the condition has not improved since the end of last season. "The fact of the matter is that it does not look good at all for playing," Vaughn said. "But you never know. There might be someone who comes along, by the grace of God, with some medicine, a shot or something." Vaughn still is guaranteed $32.45 million. Fortunately for the Mets, they are expected to recoup 75 percent of that whopping sum through insurance, but just the thought of repeating such a mistake has been enough to scare the club's decision-makers into adopting a more cautious approach. Vaughn, who stopped short of using the word "retirement" yesterday, played only 27 games last season before he was placed on the disabled list May 3. The club has been collecting insurance on his contract since the 90-day deductible expired July 31. Vaughn was scheduled to earn $10 million in 2004 (with another $5 million deferred), but the Mets still will have to stretch their budget to squeeze Guerrero into what was projected to be an $80-million payroll. It came from Newsday, which has a Mets bias.
January 9, 200422 yr I guess thats some good news on the Vlad Front Sorry to rain on your parade: http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/basebal...-sports-marlins --------------------------------------------------------------------------- Mets vs. O's -- not Marlins -- for Guerrero By David Lennon Newsday Posted January 9 2004 The Mets, sensing Vladimir Guerrero has cooled on the Orioles, seized the opportunity to make their own offer yesterday. They pitched a three-year deal worth slightly more than $30 million that with incentives could raise the total package to roughly $40 million, according to a person familiar with the situation. A source indicated last night that the pursuit of Guerrero now is a two-team race between the Mets and the Orioles. On Tuesday, Mets general manager Jim Duquette said the team had a short-term interest in rightfielder Guerrero, the star of this offseason's free-agent class. Duquette also said he was staying in contact with Guerrero's agents despite reports that at least two other teams, believed to be the Orioles and Dodgers, had offers of five or more years on the table. The Dodgers seem to be out of the picture now and the Orioles have appeared to be bidding against themselves. The Mets, meanwhile, quietly prepared a three-year offer in the hope that the reports that Guerrero wants to stay in the National League are true. It appears that the Mets' patience could pay off. A person familiar with Guerrero's thinking said yesterday that he has grown reluctant to sign with Baltimore, and with the Mets suddenly stepping up as a reasonable alternative, Guerrero could opt for less long-term security to make the deal happen. The Orioles' standing offer of five years and $65 million is below what Guerrero expected to get this offseason, and when Baltimore failed to sweeten its deal yesterday, that opened the door for the Mets. Besides Guerrero's preference to remain in the NL, New York's large Dominican population could help sway him. As the weeks passed and Guerrero remained unsigned, there was some thought he might consider a one-year deal, as Ivan Rodriguez did last season with the Marlins, to prove his back is healthy and then cash in. Guerrero missed 37 games last season because of a herniated disc in his back, and a one-year trial period would ease concerns about any lingering injury. The Mets' early trepidation about pursuing Guerrero was understandable, given their recent history of high-priced busts, and yesterday's announcement that Mo Vaughn's career likely is over is a glaring example of the financial quicksand they are hoping to avoid in the future. Vaughn, pushed into virtual retirement because of his arthritic left knee, said yesterday the condition has not improved since the end of last season. "The fact of the matter is that it does not look good at all for playing," Vaughn said. "But you never know. There might be someone who comes along, by the grace of God, with some medicine, a shot or something." Vaughn still is guaranteed $32.45 million. Fortunately for the Mets, they are expected to recoup 75 percent of that whopping sum through insurance, but just the thought of repeating such a mistake has been enough to scare the club's decision-makers into adopting a more cautious approach. Vaughn, who stopped short of using the word "retirement" yesterday, played only 27 games last season before he was placed on the disabled list May 3. The club has been collecting insurance on his contract since the 90-day deductible expired July 31. Vaughn was scheduled to earn $10 million in 2004 (with another $5 million deferred), but the Mets still will have to stretch their budget to squeeze Guerrero into what was projected to be an $80-million payroll. Gee, why you steal my thunder? Damn... :banghead This is from Newsday, published in Sun-Sentinel. I dont believe that this is really news nor even a real option for Vlad. The Mets media is trying to steal some headlines, and a lowball deal like that wont even come close to getting Vlad. But I do think that Vlad is hesitating with the O's. He is looking for a better deal - a better place to play. The O's could offer him a lot of money, but he doesnt want to be there, clearly. I think if we could offer him a reasonably competitive deal, he will jump on it.
January 9, 200422 yr Here is another spin on the O's & Vlad O's Still Reaching for the Stars Surhoff Signs; Palmeiro, Guerrero Could Be Right Behind By Dave Sheinin Washington Post Staff Writer Friday, January 9, 2004; Page D03 BALTIMORE, Jan. 8 -- While the Baltimore Orioles continue to chart an exhilarating future course that could return them to prominence, on Thursday they moved to restore a pair of links to the franchise's last period of glory: B.J. Surhoff is back in the fold, and Rafael Palmeiro could be right behind. The Orioles reached agreement with Surhoff on Thursday night on a one-year minor league contract, and were close to finalizing a one-year deal with a one-year option for Palmeiro. At the same time, the Orioles maintained contact with Vladimir Guerrero's agents and continue to express optimism privately that the free agent slugger will be theirs in a matter of days. Surhoff and Palmeiro, both 39, were integral parts of the Orioles' last playoff squads in 1996 and 1997. Palmeiro left via free agency following the 1998 season, while Surhoff was traded in 2000 and returned the Baltimore in 2003. Surhoff's contract is similar to the one he signed last winter with the Orioles. He made the roster out of spring training and hit .295 in 93 games between stints on the disabled list. The Orioles envision him as a fourth outfielder and as part of their designated hitter rotation in 2004. Palmeiro, who hit 38 home runs, batted .260 and drove in 112 runs last season (he has hit at least 38 homers in nine straight seasons), would split time at first base and designated hitter in a newly fortified Orioles lineup that already includes shortstop Miguel Tejada and catcher Javy Lopez, and could also include Guerrero. The glacially paced negotiations with Guerrero's agents -- Fernando Cuza and Diego Benz, who also represent Palmeiro -- continued to plod forward Thursday. The agents spoke at length again with Orioles co-general managers Jim Beattie and Mike Flanagan. Some industry observers believe Guerrero's hesitancy to accept the Orioles' standing offer of five years and $65 million is an indication he does not want to play in Baltimore and is waiting for another team to give him a reason to go elsewhere. Most speculation has centered on the New York Mets, who fit Guerrero's presumed preferences of being a National League team in a city with a large Latin American population. However, the Mets are not believed to have made a formal offer and have expressed reluctance to discuss anything more than three years. Orioles sources say Guerrero's agents have given them the impression Guerrero wants to play in Baltimore. "Unless [the agents] are lying," said one team official, "I don't think there's a problem. I think [the agents] are just trying to get the best contract they can for their guy." Another team source said the Orioles were preparing to place a deadline on their offer to Guerrero and have begun focusing on alternatives, including trade possibilities such as Minnesota's Jacque Jones. Orioles Notes: The team's astonishing offseason overhaul has gotten the attention of ESPN, which has moved the team's season opener at Oriole Park at Camden Yards against the Boston Red Sox to April 4 at 8:05 p.m. for its "Sunday Night Baseball" season debut. The game, originally scheduled for the afternoon of April 5, will mark the Orioles' first appearance on ESPN's "Sunday Night Baseball" since July 18, 1999. The game is expected to be called by former Orioles radio play-by-play man Jon Miller.
January 9, 200422 yr Baltimore just signed Surhoff, they are bringing back Palmeiro, and will most likely land Ponson. I'm sorry, I know they had alot, but I doubt they'll have Vlad-like money left. That leaves the Mets and us. The Mets obviously are being their usual a**hole selves, bouncing from rebuilding to not and then losing 100. If Vlad wants to play for a loser, fine. But if it is between us two the money will be the same, it will all be a matter of everything else. And if it comes down to everything else, I don't honestly believe he would play for the Mets.
January 9, 200422 yr I can't find the link, but I'm think they had about $42M to spend on FAs this offseason. That being the case, even with Tejeda, Javy, and these others, they still have quite a bit left. Anyone have the 2004 salaries for their FAs?
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