A year after reaching for the postseason for the first time since 1995, the Baltimore Orioles plummeted to 85-77 and a third place finish in the American League East in 2013. Based on the current state of their roster, the Orioles look like a team in transition that will have trouble contending in a tough division this year.
Editor’s Note: This “New Year, New Season” post on the Baltimore Orioles is part of a series where Baseball News Source columnist Jeff Louderback chronicles each Major League team as spring training draws nearer.
Dave Cameron of Fangraphs recently wrote that Baltimore is incorporating a “stars and scrubs” strategy to constructing their roster. That might be harsh, but it is difficult to prove that theory wrong.
Here is a look at what Baltimore has done this offseason, and what might happen before spring training and opening day:
Who’s Elsewhere
Though he was getting more expensive, Jim Johnson is one of the game’s top closers, so it was surprising that the Orioles traded him to the Oakland A’s in a deal that yielded second baseman Jemile Weeks. Weeks will likely replace Brian Roberts, who inked a free agent contract with the New York Yankees.
Often-injured outfielder/first baseman Mike Morse signed with the San Francisco Giants, pitcher Scott Feldman agreed to a deal with the Chicago Cubs, outfielder Nate McLouth moved to the Washington Nationals and third baseman Danny Valencia was traded to Kansas City for outfielder David Lough.
Infielder Alexi Casilla and left-handed pitcher Tsuyoshi Wada are free agents.
The Orioles initially agreed on a two-year, $15 million contract with closer Grant Balfour but backed out when they reported they did not like the veteran right-hander’s medical report. That created controversy since Balfour, and team doctors from other ballclubs, insist that he is healthy.
Who’s New/Who’s Back
Weeks is the most significant acquisition the Orioles have made this offseason. They are attempting to fill holes by signing a cast of journeymen like second baseman Ivan De Jesus, first baseman Chris Marrero, right-handed reliever Ryan Webb and outfielder Francisco Peguero.
Quintin Berry was signed to a minor league deal and could help as an extra outfielder and a pinch-runner, a role he served with the Boston Red Sox during their run to a World Series title last October. Berry’s best friend is Jones.
What Could Happen Before Spring Training and Opening Day
The Orioles desperately need starting pitching. Unless they are confident in a rotation that currently features Miguel Gonzalez, Chris Tillman, Bud Norris, Wei-Yen Chen and Zach Britton.
Bronson Arroyo and Bruce Chen are reportedly potential free agent targets. The Orioles might also bring back Jason Hammel. Just like the arms they currently have, the three aforementioned free agents are best suited as a No. 3, No. 4 or No. 5 starter.
Orioles GM Dan Duquette has said that the team will not pursue Masahiro Tanaka, Ubaldo Jimenez or Matt Garza.
Baltimore is in need of a DH, and Kendrys Morales is a possibility. Nolan Remold or Steve Pearce would likely occupy that spot in the season opened today.
