Why?

Because they're the Orioles.

This is just...so Orioles. I think third in the AL East is an overly optimistic goal at this point. I don't see how they finish with a better record than the Red Sox, Rays, White Sox, Tigers, Twins, Angels, A's, and perhaps Yankees and Rangers. It's like when the Mets thought they were buyers in 2004. Though I'm not sure if anyone could replicate the type of moves they made.

There might be some teams for whom Eckstein could be an asset. Not convinced that the Orioles are one of them.

Actually, Eckstein's defense has taken a dive in the past few years. Whereas he used to be an average shortstop, the last two seasons he's been among the worst by RZR (~.830 is typical of league average):

2004: .816
2005: .844
2006: .841
2007: .783
2008: .771

Why?

Because their shortstops have combined to hit 228/264/287. Getting a league average SS looks pretty good, so long as they get him cheap.

Yeah, I wouldn't say we're looking down the barrel of Eckstein for Liz or anything. Not a meaningful pickup for the O's, but they aren't going to give up anything.

t's like when the Mets thought they were buyers in 2004. Though I'm not sure if anyone could replicate the type of moves they made.

Replicating "Ty Wigginton for Kris Benson and Roberto Hernandez" shouldn't be that hard. But as for that other trade...maybe Nick Markakis for Khalil Greene?

Oh God yes, please take him. I can't take any more of the media fawning over him while he grounds out to second and botches critical defensive plays.

Not a meaningful pickup for the O's, but they aren't going to give up anything.

Yup, my sentiment as well. They're not going to give up anything of value and Eckstein will be gone in a few months if acquired.

couldn't the Dodgers use him?

The Jays might as well take the pick for Eckstein, assuming he remains a type B.

We'll know the O's aren't back to their same old stupidity if they only take Eckstein on the condition that Toronto pick up his full salary above the minimum and they get a prospect in return to compensate for the lost pick.

The Jays might as well take the pick for Eckstein, assuming he remains a type B.

There is a very real chance they get stuck with him in arbitration, a situation they don't seem to want to be in.

I don't know, the FA shortstop class looks awfully weak next year, and after Furcal and Cabrera, Eckstein might well be looked at by a desperate team.

And honestly, would taking the chance really be that bad? I mean, it's not like Eckstein is blocking the next Babe Ruth. Are the Jays prepared to go with Scutaro/McDonald/Inglett/mystery bag, especially with Hill's status as unknown.

Are the Jays prepared to go with Scutaro/McDonald/Inglett/mystery bag, especially with Hill's status as unknown.

Well, Inglett has his well so far, and Scutaro has been capable (at least at getting on-base). Assuming that McDonald's defense doesn't collapse, I don't think the Jays would have any problem at all with trading Eckstein - even with Hill's unknown status.

I don't think it's an issue this year with the season all but lost, but the optics of playing 3 bench players in 2 regular spots next year doesn't exactly raise a lot of confidence in most people, and I love all 3 of them. Relying on a 30 year old career backup/minor leaguer, and 2 bench players forced into doing more isn't exactly my idea of a championship-caliber team, which the Jays are looking less and less like each year. Especially with the absolute mess the position is in the minors (Justin Jackson notwithstanding).

The only way I can see it working is if Hill would shift to short and Inglett can take over at 2B. Someone like Scott Campbell might be a good player for the Jays, but again he plays 2B. All reliant of course, who knows how (or if) Hill will recover.

The only way I can see it working is if Hill would shift to short and Inglett can take over at 2B. Someone like Scott Campbell might be a good player for the Jays, but again he plays 2B. All reliant of course, who knows how (or if) Hill will recover.

Hill's not moving over to SS. He's a gold glove quality defender at 2B, and moving him would have the effect of creating two holes. Really, their best hope it to play McDonald at SS - as has been noted, he is one of the very few guys whose glove makes up for his bat. Besides, with the nature of the Jays "pound the strike zone" pitching staff, they get a bigger advantage out of their defence than most teams.