In case you’ve fallen victim to the latest bit in Birdland that’s been circulating social media, and have somehow found yourself actually hoping for a deal between the Orioles and top free agent Carlos Correa, let me help you out.
You Don’t Want Correa
You might want his production, but do you really want the guy that comes with it? After the roof was blown off the 2017 Houston Astros’ cheating scandal, Correa became somewhat of a mouthpiece for the disgraced group, and not a particularly good one. While technically he was reading from the right script, Correa’s tone was more defiant. He claimed a willingness to take his lumps but then seemed to push back every time someone offered him one. It may simply be a matter of immaturity, but Correa had a chance to show some character in adversity, and he whiffed.
Personality aside, think about this: the Orioles reportedly offered Correa exactly the kind of deal he wanted before the lockout, and yet here we are, half way through March and he still hasn’t signed. Talks now indicate he may even be willing to take a short term deal in Houston to further evaluate the market. He’s willing to take a lesser deal WITH the deal he actually wants allegedly on the table in Baltimore?
Sounds like he doesn’t want you. Why would you want him?
You Don’t Need Correa
I’m not sure if you’ve heard or not but the Orioles have one of the best farm systems in baseball. Within that system they have a number of really promising young ballplayers that could eventually excel at the major league level. Gunnar Henderson, Jordan Westburg and a bevy of international middle infield prospects make giving out a decade-long huge money contract to Correa seem really unnecessary. And if you’re conjuring up moving Correa over to third at some point, well then you’re squeezing out Coby Mayo and we can’t be friends.
Look I understand that the signal behind spending that kind of money is one that excites fans, but shortstop just isn’t the need that other positions are.
You’re Not Getting Correa
Before I get too carried away, let’s not forget that most of this has been in good fun. The Orioles aren’t signing Carlos Correa. Don’t forget that even IF the rumored offer from Baltimore wasn’t just Scott Boras leaking contract leverage nonsense to drive up the number for his client, Correa doesn’t want it anyway. So when you see all of the noise online just understand that it’s all a joke, a meme, a bit.
Join in and have some fun but please, whatever you do, don’t take it seriously.
We’ve all had more than enough disappointment lately.
