because they never have?? like i've asked a few times please show me one instance of them spending 20M+ per year on one player.

just because they haven't is a much better reason to not expect them to than to expect them to.

besides, even if they did offer the same or a little more than the yankees/red sox why would he chose the o's over either team?

which they aren't going to do because boras knows that wieters is going to get a HUGE contract and isn't going to let him extend considering he's already entering his 4th season.

if he was only entering his 2nd season he might have been interested in an extension that would keep him for a few years past his free agency season but not at this time. only a fool or a troll would think the o's have any shot at keeping wieters after his rookie contract (or w/e it's technically called) is up.

Which goes back to him being a Boras client.

As a baseball player, looking at this from a financial standpoint and the fact that players want to win, would it make sense to sign long-term for the Orioles or hit FA where you know you'll get demand from the Yankees/Sox/Phillies who could all match the Orioles or go higher, and gives him a much better opportunity to win.

It just wouldn't make sense for Wieters to sign with the Orioles....Typing this whole thing made me so sad though because I just realized that the same applies to Reyes.

Because they never have isn't a good reason at all. They haven't exactly had the type of player to invest in and build around since Cal Ripken Jr.

Speaking of which.. Cal Ripken Jr was an Oriole his entire career, and he was making $6.8m in mid-late 90s which was one of the higher contracts in baseball. I can't find exact numbers, but average salary in 1996 was $1.1m, in 2011 it was 3.3. 300% increase would bring Cal's to about $20.4m. Jajaja. That doesn't really mean much but I thought it was pretty funny.

If Wieters becomes valuable enough to warrant that kind of money (that's a HUGE if, $20m is a lot of money and usually only elite players make that much) I don't see why the Orioles wouldn't go out and spend the money. They won't have to compete with other teams unless they wait until Free Agency.

It depends entirely on what kind of player he is when he gets to that point in his career. Which is exactly why if the Orioles were to extend him, then they should do it sooner than later.

so frazzles what makes you think they will invest that much into one player?

look, he's the best defensive C in the game and he's expected to continue improvement offensively.

if he's the top catcher in the game, or one of the top 3 in the game, when he is close to FA why would he resign with the o's when he can test the free agent market? it makes no sense to extend with baltimore unless they are winning consistently (let's be honest does anyone think they will?)

Which I don't think they will do and I don't think it makes much sense from a financial standpoint for Wieters, and I simply can't see a player wanting to stay long-term in Baltimore.

I'm pretty sure he needs a new contract once they agree on a CBA, I doubt it will be anything more then 3-years.

Why does any team invest in their star player? Again, it depends on what kind of player he actually becomes. You're speculating he's going to be worth $20m. Do you realize how much money that actually is? If actually becomes 2009 Joe Mauer in value then yeah, it's going to be extremely hard to keep him in Baltimore. There's just too many factors to consider to really tell at this point. For example, who knows what the big market teams are going to look like when Wieters is a free agent? Who knows if the Orioles will be close to contention? etc etc.

Swear to god I had this same exact argument with you during the season about Reyes but you were on the opposite end.

if he becomes as good as tucker thinks he's going to be why wouldn't he be worth 20M per year?

as of right now he's a great defensive catcher who at best is a #6 hitter in a lineup. i don't think he ever becomes a #3 or #4 hitter, don't think he's ever worth that contract.

that doesn't mean the yankees, sox, phillies, etc. won't think he is worth it though.