Orioles Team Report

INSIDE PITCH

The Orioles will be buyers. For the first time in a considerable span, the club’s management has the financial ability and the organizational direction to add some talent via free agency.

“It’s the fun part of the job. This is the time for us to go up and hit,” Orioles president Andy MacPhail told the Baltimore Sun. “Last year, we made a couple of trades, we signed five free agents. We were pretty active. Numerically, I think we’ll be more active dollar-wise than we were last year. We’re organized, we have our targets that we’re going to go after, and we’ll see how it goes and how the market unfolds.”

The Orioles will attempt to address both corner-infield positions while trying to address a lack of power in the middle of the order. MacPhail will also try to acquire a veteran starter and some help for the back end of the bullpen, while also leaving open the possibility for a backup catcher.

The Sun reported the club would enter 2010 with a payroll around $45 million with its current roster—including arbitration and contract renewals. The 2009 payroll was nearly $70 million.

The Orioles will not chase outfielders Matt Holliday(notes) and Jason Bay(notes) and are unlikely to seriously enter the bidding for Angels free agents Chone Figgins(notes) and John Lackey(notes).

Instead, the team is likely to pursue second- and third-tier free agents—particularly at the corner-infield spots. The club has two highly touted prospects (third baseman Josh Bell and first baseman Brandon Snyder) who could contribute to the big-league roster by midseason. It also has a wealth of young pitching talent on the verge of contributing.

The last time Baltimore made a significant financial splash in free agency was in the winter of 2006-07, when it spent roughly $20 million on the bullpen. Surrounding those unfruitful additions were dozens of questionable contract commitments. If nothing else, the club’s depth of minor league talent should enable it to avoid similar cash-strapping, long-term deals and set MacPhail and his staff in position to add value in the short term.

The Orioles might also look to acquire a starter or slugger via a trade, but MacPhail has insisted he’s not yet willing to trade any of his young talent.

NOTES, QUOTES

—C Craig Tatum(notes), who hit .162 in 26 games for Cincinnati this year, was claimed off waivers by the Orioles. Baltimore cleared a spot for him on the 40-man roster by designating LHP Chris Waters(notes) for assignment.

• LHP Mark Hendrickson(notes) and the club did not enter contract negotiations during an exclusive window, but the team seems dedicated to trying to bring back the versatile veteran. Hendrickson, who could be a long reliever and a spot starter, is unlikely to attract many offers early in free agency. The Orioles will allow the market for Hendrickson to set itself.

• OF Nolan Reimold(notes) was passed over in the Rookie of the Year voting, as were fellow rookies C Matt Wieters(notes) and RHP Brad Bergesen(notes). The club should push through a handful of award contenders in the next two to three seasons, but the lack of industry attention to the 2009 crop indicates the team is still chasing respectability.

• 3B Josh Bell was added to the 40-man roster as the club protected six players from the upcoming Rule 5 draft. The top offensive prospect in the system, Bell is likely due to be recalled from the minors by midseason in 2010. He will be invited to major league spring training, as will the other five 40-man roster additions: RHP Brandon Erbe, RHP Luis Lebron, INF Pedro Florimon, 1B Rhyne Hughes and 1B Brandon Snyder

• RHP Steve Johnson was left off the club’s 40-man roster entering December, meaning he’ll be unprotected for the Rule 5 draft. Johnson, acquired from the Dodgers for LHP George Sherrill(notes) in July, is the son of former Orioles RHP Dave Johnson. He’s projected to be a back-of-the-rotation starter or middle reliever in the big leagues, but he has yet to reach Class AAA.

• INF Ty Wigginton(notes) is a starter for the Orioles until the club signs two corner infielders. Wigginton, who is entering the second season of a two-year contract, offers the club flexibility in its offseason dealings. He can play first, second or third base, but the club would prefer him as a right-handed bat off the bench.

By The Numbers:   $29.5 million—Amount the Orioles have dedicated to six players for 2010, according to the Baltimore Sun.

Quote To Note:   “I’m not a big one for making any grandiose statements, but suffice to say, I think we’ll be active. There’s no reason to be skeptical of ownership. He’s done what management has asked him to do.”—Orioles president Andy MacPhail, to the Baltimore Sun, on the upcoming free agent signing period.

ROSTER REPORT

The Orioles have three significant needs: a veteran starter, a cleanup-hitting corner infielder—preferably one who bats right-handed—and another bullpen overhaul. Simple, right? Club president Andy MacPhail would like to cure the bullpen with two swift moves but notes a strong relief corps is the most “mercurial” aspect of roster construction. The team has talented prospects on the farm he could package together in trade talks.

Biggest Needs:   The club’s greatest need is in its lineup, because there is an abundance of young pitching talent ready to fill the rotation and the relief corps. MacPhail is likely to test the trade market rather than the free agent pool to find a bat, while an addition to the rotation or bullpen is more likely to come via free agency. Considering the prospects in the pipeline, the Orioles would be best suited to find a right-handed slugging third baseman to hit behind RF Nick Markakis(notes).

Arrivals:   RHP Armando Gabino(notes) (claimed off waivers from Twins), C Michel Hernandez(notes) (minor league free agent from Rays), C Craig Tatum (claimed off waivers from Reds).

Departure:   LHP Sean Henn(notes) (claimed off waivers by Blue Jays).

Free Agents:   3B Melvin Mora(notes), RHP Danys Baez(notes), LHP Mark Hendrickson, C Chad Moeller(notes), LHP Rich Hill(notes), OF Jeff Fiorentino(notes).

The Orioles declined Mora’s option for 2010, likely ending a decade-long relationship with the third baseman. The club could re-sign him at a lower price if it finds no suitable corner infielders this winter. The club also declined Moeller’s option for 2010. Hendrickson is the most likely to return, provided he’s willing to accept a full-time bullpen role. He thrived in various relief roles but also showed some upside as a starter in late September. Hill and Fiorentino refused minor league assignments and became free agents.

Arbitration-eligible:   RHP Matt Albers(notes), RHP Jeremy Guthrie(notes), RHP Cla Meredith(notes), RHP Chris Ray(notes), DH Luke Scott(notes).

All the Orioles’ eligible players should return, but Albers and Ray will have to impress in spring training to stick with the club. Guthrie, who got a pay cut in arbitration last winter, could be hit with another after losing 17 games in 2009.

In Limbo:   RHPs Brian Bass(notes), Dennis Sarfate(notes), Matt Albers and Chris Ray could be in jeopardy of being dropped from the 40-man roster. All four struggled in the Orioles’ bullpen in extended opportunities this season, and the club will most certainly rid some of its underachieving relievers before spring training. The Orioles have a handful of upper-level prospects who could be dealt as well.

Medical Watch:  

LF Nolan Reimold (left Achilles tendon surgery in September 2009) should be ready for spring training.

RHP Brad Bergesen (bruised left shin) was unable to run some six weeks after taking a line drive off his leg, but he should be fully healthy for spring training.

CF Adam Jones(notes) (sprained left ankle) will be healthy for spring training.

RHP Koji Uehara(notes) (sore right elbow) should be fully healthy for spring training.