Orioles Acquire 3B Mark Reynolds

In an offseason where the Orioles made offers and got turned down by some top free agent targets, they turned to the trade market. Over the previous few days, the Orioles had discussions with the Arizona Diamondbacks regarding 3B Mark Reynolds. The discussions gradually heated up. It was originally speculated that Arizona wanted Chris Tillman in exchange for the power hitting corner infielder. Reliever, David Hernandez's, name was also mentioned as a potential match for Arizona. The Diamondbacks had a disastrous bullpen in 2010 so improvement was a priority for Kevin Towers, the GM, this offseason.

Yesterday, a deal was finally consummated between the two franchises, sending Mark Reynolds and a player to be named later to Baltimore in exchange for pitchers David Hernandez and Kam Mickolio. Hernandez was a highly sought after pitcher on the trade market this year after he found a home in the Orioles bullpen last season. Both of these relievers were power arms at the back of the bullpen.

Mark Reynolds, while definitely prone to the strikeout, offers great power and the ability to drive in runs. He will easily out produce the Orioles third baseman's HR and RBI totals from a year ago. There just has to be a way to cut down the strikeout totals. He sets a strikeout record one year, then surpasses it the next. Over 200 K's in back to back years may have some loyal Orioles fans wondering, why? As Andy MacPhail mentioned in his interview, Reynolds is also an improving defensive 3B who plays both side of the game well.

The next target would logically be first base, or a bonafide ace to slot in front of Jeremy Guthrie at the head of our rotation. Stay tuned for more updates about the Orioles from the Winter Meetings.