What happened? J.J. Hardy and the Orioles appeared to be cruising toward a contract extension. Not anymore. Here’s what Hardy told CSNBaltimore.com’s Rich Dubroff about the progress of a possible deal with the O’s:
“I don’t know. I don’t know what to say because no matter what I say it’s going to cause some controversy, a story that I really don’t want to get involved with right now,” Hardy said. “There’s been no talk. There was going to be talk, and then there wasn’t. That’s kind of the way it’s been left.”
Hardy, who has made no secret of his hope to remain with the Orioles, is hopeful there will be talks.
“It just makes me curious. I don’t understand what happened within the month or two that there was going to be talk, and all of a sudden there’s not. It just makes me curious,” Hardy said.
Has Hardy’s health contributed to the front office’s lack of negotiations? J.J. has played just 11 games this season, dealing with back issues and left Sunday’s game with a hamstring injury.
He’ll be out of the O’s lineup today against the Red Sox.
Over his 3+ seasons in Baltimore, Hardy has hit .255/.297/.431. He’s won two Gold Gloves, a Silver Slugger and attended his second All-Star game.
The 31-year-old shortstop is a free agent at the end of this season.
Hey JJ , you are getting older , 32 by your next contract year , you are injury prone and your sudden lack of power is obvious plus the fact this club doesn’t like to throw long tern contracts around,,,,,,,,,,,when you look at these facts and see the abundance of young infielders on this club it’s no wonder the talks have ended ,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,unless you come down in asking price and duration of your contract this will be you last year as an O………………good bye…………..