Nobody enjoyed watching Erik Bedard pitch for the Orioles more than me, but here's the bottom line that needs to be understood by true fans: Bedard didn't want to play for the Orioles and he wasn't going to stay here when he became a free agent.
He was offered a long-term contract by the Orioles and stuck his nose up in the air. He had two more years here before free agency, but in his mind, he was already gone. On top of that, he was moody and soft, often pulling himself out of games with a low pitch count or just sitting out for extended periods with minor injuries.
Factoring all that, I would have traded him for a candy bar, but Andy MacPhail got five players for him just like he got five for Miguel Tejada, who also wanted out. I want to root for players who want to be here and be part of something. I would like to see Brian Roberts stay if he wants to be here, but if he wants out, too, then I'd trade him for a box of popcorn.
Michael Block
Hampstead