Major League Baseball

Washington Post staff writer Jorge Arangure Jr. was online Tuesday, Dec. 20, at 1 p.m. ET to talk about the latest baseball news.

The transcript follows.

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Jorge Arangure Jr.: What's up everyone? hope all of you who celebrate christmas have gotten your shopping done. i certainly have lots to do still. in case you were wondering, barry svrluga's new book wouldn't be a good gift, unless you give it to someone you dislike.

It is perhaps a certainty that i'll do more shopping than either the orioles or nats will do this winter. it doesn't seem either team seems poised to make any major move at this point. but we'll see. let's get started.

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Silver Spring, Md.: What's your take on the Soriano trade? Did it make sense to trade patience (Wilkerson) for slap-happiness? Not to mention losing Sledge and Gallaraga.

Jorge Arangure Jr.: My first response to the trade was that it was an overwhelming success for the Nats. In Soriano you get a guy who is a big name and can hit home runs.

But after speaking with many baseball people, now it seems the consensus is that it favored the rangers. People seem to think wilkerson will have a huge year in Arlington and that Soriano will suffer playing in RFK. Plus Soriano may sulk if he's forced to play in the outfield.

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Boston, Mass.: Thrilled to see you back up on the chat circuit. I've been itching to talk some O's. So Tejada has mandated that the O's get a good pitcher and I think everyone on the team agrees. Who can we get though? I was hoping we'd make a real attempt at Vasquez, but we didn't. What about Jeff Weaver? I know he's a Boras guy but he still has talent for Mazzone to untap. And what about Zito? I'd trade Erik Bedard for him in a snap. Tell us please: Who will be the opening day starter at Camden Yards?

Jorge Arangure Jr.: Well I'm happy to be back, not because i love all of you but because i get some cash for doing this. Can you blame me?

Anyway, it seems unlikely to me at this point that the Orioles will make a serious run at any Scott Boras clients, which includes Millwood and Weaver. I'd be surprised if they went after Weaver, considering he had considerable trouble pitching in the AL East as a member of the Yankees. Millwood might still be a possibility, but he would have to lower his contract demands to get the Orioles interested. Vazquez wasn't a possibilty because he had Baltimore on his no trade list.

I still say there is a 30 percent chance that Tejada gets traded and perhaps that nets a top starter in return. At this point, it's not certain that zito gets traded, and if he does any team might have him only for a year since he is a free agent after the 2006 season.

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Bethesda, Md.: Here's a suggestion for folks like myself who live in the MD and VA suburbs of the DC Metro Area. Stop spending money in the District. Shop, dine, and buy things exclusively outside of DC and maybe the DC City Council will understand how much revenue they depend upon from suburban consumers. Don't give these fools another dime of your money they know not what to spend it on.

Jorge Arangure Jr.: Obviously lots of questions regarding this topic and i really don't have any new information. It seems to me very unlikely though that DC won't have a baseball team. That defies logic. That being said, logic has never seemed to rule baseball's decision so i guess for now we have to seriously consider the possibility of again having no baseball in DC.

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Arlington, Va.: Jorge, is there a worse person in DC than Linda Cropp? (This is of course taking Barry Svrluga out of the equation) I am so sick of her wanting it both ways that I just wish she would drop dead. Does praying still work in DC?

Jorge Arangure Jr.: Obviously nobody is as bad as Svrloser, but Cropp may come close. I really shouldn't say that though since i don't know Cropp very well. Politicians seem to have all types of motivations for the decisions they make and right now i can't decide whether Cropp's motivation are for the best of the city. But let's also realize that the district also shouldn't want to indebt itself with costly stadium overuns. Sure we all want baseball in DC but we shouldn't be willing to pay so much for it. Let's be sensible here and realize it's not financially feasible to throw money away so that some wealthy team owner can get a sweet stadium deal.

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Arlington via Glen Burnie: How 'bout dem O's, hon?

You're close to the team. What do the players talk about as bright spots for next season?

When will Peter A. learn the lesson that good things can happen to the club (and his wallet) when baseball people run the show? Right now, his fingerprints are on every bad decision or inaction by the club.

I'll never go see a Nationals game, but it's sure getting harder to stomach what's going on with the birds.

Jorge Arangure Jr.: I can see why it's easy to blame Angelos for the inactivity this winter. But really i haven't talked to many people who have agreed with the spending that has gone on this winter. When Angelos says it's ridiculous to spend $50 million on a closer who has closed only one year and $55 milllion for a pitcher who hasn't won more than 12 games, i can't say i disagree. Those signings are big gambles. So i reallly don't fault Angelos for those decisions. That is perhaps why the biggest failure in the eighth losing seasons for the Orioles has been their inability to foster a successful farm system. When you turn out your own players, there's no need to spend on overpaid free agents.

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Washington, D.C.: When is Barry's Book available? When it comes out will you have to call him Mr. Svlurlugavah?

Jorge Arangure Jr.: I believe Svrloser's book comes out sometime in march. It will be in the discount bin about a month later.

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Chicago, Ill.: Why are the Orioles so afraid of Scott Boras? Did he beat some of them up behind the bleachers in high school or something?

Jorge Arangure Jr.: It's not that they are afraid of Boras it's just that they disagree with him on the value of the players he represents. In some cases, i can't say i blame the Orioles. Is Jarrod Washburn worth the money he received from the Mariners? Probably not.

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Silver Spring, Md.: I HATE to think of the O's trading Miggy, but maybe it makes sense if the deal was done right. Tejada is as good a player as there is in MLB, and the fact that he makes "only" $12M per year makes him even more valuable. Going out and getting Manny Ramirez is foolish, but maybe they can get a package of young pitching and another shortstop.

Who could fit the bill for a trade like that?

Jorge Arangure Jr.: Perhaps the best thing that happened to the Orioles this offseason was that Tejada requested a trade. It may allow them to significantly improve the team. Obviously they will need to be overwhelmed in order to make such a move, but now they can do so without alienating Tejada. If they can fill three spots on the team with a Tejada trade why not do it?

The Cubs could always offer a package of young players plus one of their big name pitchers (Prior or Zambrano). The Angels could offer Orlando Cabrera plus young players Ervin Santana and Casey Kotchman. Maybe the Astros get desperate and offer Roy Oswalt. Who knows? But if trading Tejada makes sense, then the Orioles should do it.

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Washington, D.C.: RE: Soriano Deal, first off the previous posters patience for pop point wasnt valid I seem to recall Wilky striking out all the time (maybe not quite as much as Alfy though). But I'm as worried as anyone else about him pouting in the outfield waiting to go back to the AL. I think hope lies in the fact that we have some strong latin leaders on the club and hopefull Guillen, Vidro, Livan etc. will be able to get him on the same page. Do you know if Guillen and Soriano are friends, both being Dominican, hopefully at the World Classic some bonds will be formed...

Jorge Arangure Jr.: You know, there is a reason why grammar is taught in schools. If grammar is ignored then you get paragraphs like these that don't make much sense. So let's learn here please.

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Greenbelt, Md.: with regards to the nats' stadium situation, two words - now what?

Jorge Arangure Jr.: two words: Who knows?

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Herndon, Va.: So . . . How big a smile is on Angelos's face today as the chances of the Nats leaving DC steadily increase?

Jorge Arangure Jr.: He probably wakes up with a big smile every day since he is a millionaire. And if he sometimes manages to wake up without a smile i'm sure he can pay someone to smile for him.

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Alexandria, Va.: Thanks for taking my question. Is there anyway that the Blue Jays make a move to get a bat, now that Batista seems to be the odd man out? If so, where and who? Also, with Hinske, Hillenbrand, and Overbay at first is there any chance we can get rid of Hinske? What's your take on the 'Jays? Will these moves finally put my team back on top?

Jorge Arangure Jr.: A trade seems logical. As you mention they have a glut of first and third baseman. I just can't imagine that Hinske has a lot of trade value at this point so perhaps that's why there has been trouble in moving him. I'm not quite sure why Batista isn't attracting more interest. He would seem to be a nice fit for several teams, perhaps even the Orioles, who could use him as a starter or a closer. I say the Blue Jays can make some noise in the division but will likely need big years from several players to make the playoffs.

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Washington, D.C.: Seriously, is Soriano going to become a problem or what? Why is he acting like such a little girl about what position he fields? Where's the professionalism?

Jorge Arangure Jr.: Well i can understand Soriano's frustration. He figures to lose a lot of money in this trade. His home run totals will likely take a hit and by playing the outfield, his ability to hit home runs isn't so unusual. As a second baseman his home run total is unique.

Let's be realistic, baseball players in this day and age always think of themselves before the team.

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Augusta, Maine: So given all the Orioles' frustrations, who will end up on the mound on opening day? Surely not Rodrigo Lopez again? After him, the next most likely guess would be Mark Prior via a trade of Tejada. Give us your prediction. Who will it be?

Jorge Arangure Jr.: I'm going to take a wild guess and say Barry Zito. Why not?

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Silver Spring, Md.: Poor Miggy I have never felt more for a guy who sortof demanded a trade. He was wooed to Baltimore under false pretenses he thought they would keep spending to stay in contention. Turns out the Orioles realize they're foundation (pitching, farm system) is so screwed up its not worth spending with the big boys because they still won't make the playoffs. I think Angelos owes his fans some overpaying moves after they've poured money into Camden yards to watch his crapfest and on top of that he's getting Nats dollars too, sometimes fiscal responsiblity is irrosponsible when you've got fans to maintain.

Jorge Arangure Jr.: Listen i can understand why Tejada would want a trade but i can't say i have much pity for him. Players can't have it both ways. They can't demand these huge 6-year deals and then want out after only two years. Let's face it, Tejada has been with the Orioles for just two season and in those two years the team has made vast improvement in its farm system and has made attempts to sign some big name free agents. Obviously more needs to be done but to demand a trade is not quite the most professional thing to do.

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Herndon, Va.: Mr A: you haven't been watching much Xmas season TV have you? Millionaires are ALWAYS unhappy until they learn true happiness from poor folks who know that real happiness comes from having no money.

Jorge Arangure Jr.: I think i'd rather be the millionaire guy.

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over budget: Jorge,

Good afternoon. Can you explain how the stadium deal is now MANY milllions and millions over original budget numbers? I can see not realizing some dollars but this is ridiculous.

Thanks.

Jorge Arangure Jr.: I can't say i'm an expert on construction but i can't remember any stadium deal ever coming in under budget. It never happens. There is always overuns that may result from miscalculations or simply the rising cost of equipment or supplies.

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Arlington, Va.: Jorge -- Ron Villone puts the Yankees over the top, doesn't he?

Jorge Arangure Jr.: Over the top of what? Did you just realize you asked if RON VILLONE puts them over the top. I can't say Villone does that no.

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Washington, D.C.: Let me see if I have this right: DC gets Nats; Nats pull in 2.7 million fans in 2005 season, reports have their season ticket renewals at about 80%, just 1 week after a deadline that is days before Christmas and we can't get a lease deal done?!?!?!?! What's going on behind the scenes that won't get this thing passed?

Jorge Arangure Jr.: Has it ever been easy to pass anything in DC?

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Baltimore, Md.: Do the orioles think Walter Young can contribute next season, and even be an every day first baseman?

Jorge Arangure Jr.: Most people are convinced Young is at most a part time player. There will always be questions about his size and it's not likely he will be able to play first base well at the major league level. His drop in home runs last season probably didn't help his cause to start the year with the Orioles. He's a nice guy and he's easy to root for, but i just can't see Young playing a major role with the Orioles in the near future.

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Washington, D.C.: Rumors are flying that the Nats and Cubs are talking deal. Kerry "Ouch, my arm!" Woods for Jose "Once I was an All-Star" Vidro and Ryan Church. Have you heard anything or do I need to wait for Svrluga?

Jorge Arangure Jr.: I love how people say "rumors." What does that mean? Where do these rumors come from? Did you hear it from some guy at the metro? Or perhaps a friend heard it from a friend?

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Adams Morgan, Washington, D.C.: To Bethesda poster--

PLEASE, please DO stay out of DC (especially on weekends)...we've been wishing that you would for ages. It's bad enough paying astronomical taxes to support the infrastructure you guys freeload off of without having to listen to the litany of insults.

Now, on to baseball. Jorge, what do you think the Nats are going to do about pitching with Laoiza gone? Drese starting?? Seems to me we have only two real starters at the moment, and pitching was the absolute key to the first half last season.

Jorge Arangure Jr.: I love the tension. Great stuff. And i thought my feud with svrloser was bad.

Not to bring up another sore subject, but the reason the nats haven't gotten more pitching is because players are wary to sign with a team with so much uncertainty. so at this point you'd imagine that drese will be one of their starters. brian lawrence will be another, and he's not awful. that leaves one opening.

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Logan Circle, Washington, D.C.: The only thing worse than the language written in this stadium deal is the language in a Svrluga article.

The city just cannot afford this. Everyone uses the MCI center as an example of urban renewal, but the financing was generous, it was located right next to downtown (where the money is) and THEN they dropped the fourth largest Convention Center in the US four blocks away. The same thing can't/won't happen in SE.

I love baseball, but the city just cannot afford it at this cost.

Jorge Arangure Jr.: I couldn't have said it better myself.

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Washington, D.C.: Are the catchers in B-more splitting time or is Javy a fulltime DH, what's the deal?

Jorge Arangure Jr.: Ramon Hernandez is the full time catcher. Javy Lopez, if he's still on the team, will either be the DH or play first. There is a possibility that Lopez will be traded, but i think it's foolish to simply give him away. He is a good hitter and his presence will help that lineup.

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Washington, DC: In response to Bethesda, who argued that stadium supporters outside of DC should boycot the District to protest stadium funding:

He's exposed the very reason why public financing of a stadium is a loser for the metropolitan region. If Bethesda chooses to eat dinner in, well, Bethesda instead of Adams Morgan, it's not like any new restaurants are going to open up.

It's the same thing with ticket revenue: some people will go to a movie in Arlington, other will go to a ballgame in DC. With a stadium, without a stadium -- no jobs are created, just moved around. The existence of a team doesn't mean that you or I will suddenly have more money to spend on our leisure activities.

The people who own the team can pay for this thing themselves.

Jorge Arangure Jr.: I'm just posting these to see if i can start more arguments. Love the tension.

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Washington, D.C.: Any word from Leo Mazzone lately? He can't be too happy that he just signed on for 3 years in a pool of quicksand.

Jorge Arangure Jr.: I will say it again. We have the most bitter baseball fans in America right now.

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Section 222, Row 3, Seat 7: If the DC Council ultimately votes down the stadium deal, I am going to personally recruit Mr. Barry to run for mayor. If the city to going to become a joke again we might as well have our primo court jester at the helm. Would you join me?

Jorge Arangure Jr.: I'll support any campaign that paints Barry as a court jester. Would that mean he'd have to wear the jester costume too?

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Norfolk, Va.: I see Manny and Damon staying in Boston and then a "shock of a trade" that sends David Wells out West to bring back Red Sox Nation favorite Orlando Cabrera. Sox win the World Series again. What's your take? I mean they have the pitching and if they can keep Manny (only player I would trade him for is Tejada) and Damon. I think Sox Nation is set!!

Jorge Arangure Jr.: An infield of Kevin Youkilis, Mark Loretta, Mike Lowell and anybody short of Miguel Tejada just isn't too impressive to me. Red Sox nation is in a bit of trouble I think.

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Baltimore, Md.: I think one reason the Orioles can't make any decent trades is that they only have about 5 players anybody wants. There's the obvious Tejada, Roberts and Mora but who else is there? Bedard, Cabrera and Penn. Jay Gibbons (our only good outfielder) and Chris Ray (our only promising reliever). And Adam Loewen too, but that's it. We just don't have the surplus of good minor leaguers that well-managed teams like Boston and Chicago have. Do the Orioles have anyone of value they feel they can trade?

Jorge Arangure Jr.: I think you mentioned some pretty good names there that have value. If you really scour the majors you'll see that not many teams have those young desirable players. There just aren't too many around. The Orioles are very happy with their draft this season and they have some prospects they could use in trade.

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Rumors: Well, I didn't want to advertise for a competitor on your chat. But I'll pin the rumors on Sports Illustrated's "Rumors" page.

Jorge Arangure Jr.: I'd say the chances of Wood coming to Washington would be pretty slim right now.

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Camden Yards, Md.: Scott Kazmir will be on the mound Opening Day as the Orioles play the Rays. The Orioles will no doubt start one of their pitchers with "potential."

Jorge Arangure Jr.: You are probably right. If they wanted to be fair, they'd let Bruce Chen start. He was their best pitcher last year.

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Washington, D.C.: When the Yankees traded for A-Rod, they called him first to check if he would approve a move to play third base. When the Nats went after Soriano, did they do this? It would seem to make sense, seeing as how he already made Young change positions so that he could stay at second base.

Jorge Arangure Jr.: There was no phone call to Soriano prior to the trade. Jim Bowden simply took a chance, like he is known to do.

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Arena Stage: Will you be seeing the play Damn Yankees at Arena Stage, if so, will Barry be your date? Happy holidays!!

Jorge Arangure Jr.: I wouldn't date Barry. I have much higher standards than that.

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Re: Ron Villone: I was kidding. Red Sox fan taking glee in the sad state that is the Yankees (of course, our state is not much better). ?

Jorge Arangure Jr.: Hey i wouldn't chuckle too much. You guys just signed Rudy Seanez.

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Re: Barry for Mayo: Of course, Jorge, you are agreeing to support Marion Barry for Mayor, not Svrluga.

Jorge Arangure Jr.: well it was fun to imagine svrluga in a jester's outfit.

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Silver Spring, Md.: Where do you think Damon is heading?

Jorge Arangure Jr.: I think he'll probably end up back with the Red Sox.

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Jorge Arangure Jr.: Alright everyone i have to do more shopping. Time to end this chat. So get back to work and stop costing your companies millions of dollars with the lack of productivity.

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