Tenders and non-tenders

Midnight this morning was the deadline to non-tender players around Major League Baseball. This is always a tough decision for teams given that sometimes it can involve players who have been with the organization for some time, as is the case with the Orioles this year. Most notably the O’s have decided to non-tender Luke Scott. which means that he’s officially a free agent this morning. Scott has been a fan favorite since his arrival in Baltimore, and of course he was 2010’s Most Valuable Oriole. While he made $6.4 million this past season, he only appeared in 64 games due to needing shoulder surgery.

This does not necessarily mean that Scott will be playing elsewhere in 2012. As I said, he’s a free agent and he can certainly re-sign with the O’s. Both sides appear to be willing to negotiate a new deal, so it’s one of those “wait and see” type of situations. For what my opinion’s worth, I’d like to see Scott return to the O’s, although not for that kind of money. I like the moxie he brings to the team, and he’s a great team guy. The Birds also non-tendered pitchers Willie Eyre and Jo-Jo Reyes, making them free agents as well. The same applies to both of these guys in that they could certainly re-sign with the O’s, but I wouldn’t bet on it.

Speaking of Eveland, it’s believed that he agreed to a one-year deal overnight with the O’s after being tendered by the team. The Birds also tendered (offered contracts) to pitchers Brad Bergesen, Jeremy Guthrie, Jim Johnson, and Darren O’Day, along with Robert Andino and Adam Jones. The hope is that deals are struck with all of these players before the process gets to arbitration, which is an ugly process.

Follow me on Twitter @DomenicVadala