Why don’t Orioles keep Albert Suárez? | MAILBAG

Question: Could you explain Mike Elias’s latest questionable player decision: cutting Albert Suárez for what, the sixth time this season? I don’t see why a 3-0 record and a 3.86 ERA weren’t good enough to retain him. What did he need to do to permanently make the 40-man roster that has several openings? I know it is hindsight, but I also find it a dubious gamble to claim Luis Robert, Jr., an iffy guy, on waivers when he comes with a $2 million buyout clause. From: Steve 

Answer: Steve, the reason the Orioles keep cutting ties with Albert Suárez and re-signing him is that they know no other team will claim him or sign him as a free agent. They also know he’ll re-sign with them. He is a useful piece, and he’s eager to stay in the big leagues, and this is the only way he can do it.

As for Luis Robert Jr., the Orioles hoped to get a good month from him. In August, he hit .267 with an .841 OPS, six home runs and 11 RBIs with the New York Mets, and Elias hoped he’d stay hot and healthy, enough to propel them into the postseason.

It didn’t happen, and now they’re on the hook for $5 million, $3 million for three games in the last month of the season and a $2 million buyout.

Question:  Recently you answered a question concerning how a lockout would affect a player such as Coby Mayo learning a new position.  I get the point. But what limits someone like Mayo from going out and securing an “outfield guru” on his own?  From: Dennis Kneedler

Answer: Dennis, there’s nothing that can stop Coby Mayo from working with a coach who’s not affiliated with the Orioles during a lockout. Many players will do that, even if they’re not learning a new position. Lots of players work with pitching and hitting coaches who don’t work for major league teams in normal offseasons with the encouragement of their teams.

If the Orioles are considering trying Mayo in the outfield, they’d let him know before the lockout, so he could work out on his own.

However, learning a new position from a private coach and then reporting to what’s likely to be a spring training that’s dramatically shortened isn’t ideal. Six weeks of spring training is much better than three for learning a new position.

Most weekdays, I’ll be answering at least one Orioles question. If you’d like to submit a question, send it to: Rich@BaltimoreBaseball.com. Questions may be edited for clarity, length and style.