Coulda, Woulda ... Shoulda?

It depends which pitcher you're talking about

by Matthew Taylor

Aside from providing the gritty details about the Birds' disappointing result on Monday night, a 2-1 loss to the Athletics in 10 innings, this morning's box scores offered some interesting "coulda beens" for Baltimore fans.

What Could Have Been:

Ervin Santana, 2008 numbers: 6-0, 2.02 ERA, 38Ks, 9BBs

Monday @ Kansas City: 9 IP, 4 hits, OER 9 Ks, 0 BB

From the archives:

O’s reject offer of Santana, Aybar for Tejada

The Orioles have rejected the Angels' seemingly compelling offer of top young pitcher Ervin Santana and shortstop prospect Erick Aybar for superstar shortstop Miguel Tejada, SI.com has learned.

And while Baltimore remains engaged in trade talks with the Astros and Rangers, the Angels appear out of the hunt and the chances for any trade involving Tejada are diminishing ....

What Could Have Been:

Kevin Millwood, 2008 numbers: 2-3, 4.94 ERA, 29Ks, 18BBs

Monday @ Seattle: 3 IP, 9 hits, 7ER, 2Ks, 1BB

From the archives:

Report: Orioles Make Offer to Byrd

...

The Orioles spent last winter looking for a more experienced starter to support their group of young starting pitchers, but never got one -- and they're looking once more this offseason.

Orioles executive vice president Mike Flanagan told The Sun that the Orioles have talked with Byrd's agent, Bo McKinnis, but did not confirm or deny that an offer was made. The Sun also said that the Orioles are going to go after Nomar Garciaparra, a shortstop who finished last season playing third base, and catcher Ramon Hernandez.

The paper also reported the Orioles will take a shot at starter Kevin Millwood, regardless of what happens with Byrd, and have talked with first baseman Paul Konerko's agent ....