Team Needs:
Top Priorities:
1- Starting Pitching-After RHY Jeremy Guthrie(10-12,3.63), who has posted 2 sub 4 eras in the past two seasons, the team is filled with questions in the rotation. Daniel Cabrera(8-10,5.25) had a bad 2nd half and after 5 seasons, the Os look to be heading in another direction. Youngsters LH Brian Burress(7-10,6.65), RH Radhames Liz(6-6,6.72) and LH Garrett Olson(9-10,6.65) took lumps in the rotation last year. The club should sign 1 top 3 starter and a cheaper, 4-5 type option.
2- Shortstop-Baltimore trotted out 5 players at this spot in 2008 with all getting at least 30 games. Stat totals? 3 home runs, 49 rbi and .227 batting average. That must change, obviously!!! While they do not need Cal Ripken Jr. they do need at least .250 and solid D. The good news? The SS market has several good trade options and their are some low cost free agents that fit the bill as well.
3- First Base-Team has lost a valuable leader in 1b-DH Kevin Millar to free agency. His power stats were not great(20 homers,72 rbi) but he was a locker room pressence and took a walk. The team would love to add a power free agent bat here.
Other issues:
1-The Bullpen- LH George Sherrill(32 saves,3-5) saved the relief corps last season and rookie Jim Johnson was outstanding.(2-4,2.23,58 ks) The return of ex-closer Chris Ray and top set-up man Danys Baez from Tommy John surgery puts this unit in flux, A signing or two might be needed to offset the health concerns.
2- Contracts- Team is in talks regarding extensions with both RF Nick Markakis(club controlled) and 2b Brian Roberts . Roberts, DH Aubrey Huff, 3b Melvin Mora and C Ramon Hernandez contracts all expire after the 2009 season, so keep that in mind. Could the Os move these vets or will they let them walk in the offseason for draft pick compensation?
Free Agent Targets-
1- 1b Mark Teixeira- Will have some big market teams as competition(Angels,Red Sox, possibly Yankees) but he is from the Baltimore area and he is a tremendous all around talent. Store this away, the Orioles NL market rival -The Washington Nationals- are heavily involved in this sweepstakes.
2- SP AJ Burnett_ The 18 game winner will have half of baseball after him but he is the top 3 starter type the Os desperately crave. Dodgers FA Derek Lowe is also another option.
3- SS Orlando Cabrera-The White Sox FA is a perfect fit for Baltimore. He is a high character guy, a solid bat and as well as a great glove. He could also bat lead off and allow the Orioles to expand and extend their lineup, moving top of the order bats Roberts and CF Adam Jones down in the order.
Free agency starts today-Nov 14- Updates to follow….
