Orioles Offseason Needs: Starting Pitching Edition

The Orioles had a large amount of rookies pitching both in the rotation and out of the pen in 2009. The question is, which rookies showed that they were ready to stay in the big leagues? Let's start with the rotation. Heading into the 2010 season, there are some holes that need to be plugged for our starting five. Koji Uehara, who was previously a starter, will in all likelihood working out of the bullpen because of stamina and injury problems last year. The de facto number one starter heading into the season would be Jeremy Guthrie only because there is little competition for the position. Brian Matusz seems to have a hold on a spot next year as well as Brad Bergesen. Rich Hill was cast aside (but may return) and David Hernandez seems better suited for a bullpen spot. That leaves three spots assured, which Chris Tillman having the inside track on a fourth.

The free agent class this winter provides a plethora of options for a team looking to add a veteran in the rotation. Some of these veterans are coming off career years while others were derailed by injury in 09. Some of the often mentioned key starters on the market this offseason are John Lackey, Erik Bedard, Ben Sheets, Brad Penny, Rich Harden, Jason Marquis, Randy Wolf, Jon Garland, Carl Pavano, Jarrod Washburn, Justin Duchscherer, Randy Johnson, Brett Myers, and Vicente Padilla. Sheets, Harden, Bedard, and Duchscherer have had injury histories that may turn some teams away; while Washburn, Lackey, Marquis, and Wolf had years that may allow them to cash in this offseason.

With the Orioles current situation, the best fits out of this group seem to be Rich Harden, Ben Sheets, Carl Pavano, Jon Garland, or a return to Baltimore for Erik Bedard. These pitchers can mentor the younger guys and hopefully be innings eaters as well. Harden, Sheets, Pavano, and Bedard are all risky injury wise but can be a big help to a staff who depends on its bullpen way too heavily.

These pitchers are most likely going to sign contracts with low base salaries but incentives as well, and may be willing to settle on a one year deal. The Orioles just need pitchers to keep those rotation spots warm until the rest of the young arms develop their way in to pitchers at the major league level.

Next entry will profile available bullpen free agents as well as who would be the best fit for the Orioles at closer in 2010.

Orioles Offseason Needs: Hitting Edition

With the 2009 baseball season finally coming to a conclusion, we can now focus on the offseason for the Baltimore Orioles. With Melvin Mora's option being declined, the Orioles are in the market for a third baseman to hold down the hot corner until prospect Josh Bell arrives. Another position of uncertainty is directly across diamond at first base. As the roster stands now, Michael Aubrey is the incumbent starter. Other possibilities include Luke Scott and Ty Wiggington.

The Orioles have no true cleanup hitter so one of those positions should be filled with a power bat. Another direction that Baltimore could go in would be to acquire a full-time DH with power to slide into the number four slot in the lineup. Off the top of my head, Jim Thome and Carlos Delgado come to mind. Other players that could be given consideration would be Adrian Beltre, Pedro Feliz, Nick Johnson, or even Vladimir Guerrero (if not resigned).

Carlos Delgado would be a great fit, even if relegated to mostly DH duty. Delgado is a given for 30 HR's and 90-100 RBI's a year and the Orioles sorely need that production As for first base, Nick Johnson could be looked at but may be looking for a multi-year deal.

The outfield will be crowded in 2010 just as it was this past season. With Felix Pie proving valuable in a fourth outfielder role, the Orioles have great depth. Adam Jones put together a great year, Markakis is the mark of consistency, and Nolan Reimold looks to be showing the talent that was seen in the minor leagues. Let's not forget that Luke Scott is out there as well, currently holding the DH position with spot starts in the outfield.

The Orioles could look in to Chone Figgins but he will probably be commanding to high a salary to be landing in Baltimore. The catching duties will be handle by budding star Matt Wieters with Chad Moeller possibly returning after being non-tendered. Cesar Izturis will be the man again at SS with Robert Andino being the backup. 2B and our leadoff responsibilities still fall in the hands of fan favorite Brian Roberts fresh off his contract extension.

My next entry will profile the pitching needs for the Orioles in their starting rotation.