The Baltimore Orioles

2012 Orioles

The Orioles waited until the end of the off season to make their moves. Earlier in the off season they did sign closer Grant Balfour, but the deal was voided after the Orioles did not like something that came up on his physical. Big additions Ubaldo Jimenez and Nelson Cruz will make their presence
heard in 2014.

The lineup for the Orioles will be centered around two important players; Chris Davis and Adam Jones. Manny Machado and Nick Markakis are likely to anchor the top of the lineup for the Orioles. Here is how the entire lineup should look in 2014.

1. R. Manny Machado 3B 99 OPS+
2. L. Nick Markakis RF 86 OPS+
3. R. Adam Jones CF 115 OPS+
4. L. Chris Davis 1B 165 OPS+
5. R. Nelson Cruz DH 123 OPS+
6. S. Matt Weiters C 88 OPS+
7. R. JJ Hardy SS 97 OPS+
8. L. David Lough LF 96 OPS+
9. S. Jemile Weeks  73 OPS+ in 2012

Adam Jones

The rotation for the Orioles will take a mighty boost with the addition of pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez. Jimenez will find much success in 2014, although joining the AL East. He is a ground ball pitcher and had a very strong finish to the 2013 season. Here is how the rotation for the Orioles may look in 2014.

1. R. Ubaldo Jimenez 114 ERA+
2. R, Bud Norris  88 ERA+
3. R. Dylan Bundy no data available
4. L. Wei- Yin Chen 103 ERA+
5. R. Miguel Gonzalez 111 OPS+

The bullpen is currently weak for the Orioles, but the closer situation is up in the air. Tommy Hunter is currently the favorite for the closer position, with Darren O'day and possibly Bud Norris in second. The Orioles also signed South Korean pitcher Suk Min Yoon. The Orioles appear to be in a good position for the 2014 season.

Orioles Sign Nelson Cruz

Nelson Cruz finally has a new home after waiting all winter. The Baltimore Orioles signed the slugging outfielder to a 1 year $8 Million deal. I have mixed feelings about this deal after Cruz was suspended for 50 games for being involved with the Biogenesis scandal.

Nelson Cruz

No matter what the circumstances, this is a great signing for the Baltimore Orioles. After signing Ubaldo Jimenez and forfeiting their first round pick making the decision to forfeit their second round pick for Cruz was made easier. Whether Cruz plays the outfield or hits as a designated hitter the lineup for the Orioles looks more dangerous than the Texas Rangers or the Los Angeles Angels.

Over the past three seasons Cruz has been pretty consistent with his stats. He is averaging a 112 OPS+ over the past three seasons with 27 home runs per season and an on base percentage of .319. Now that he is playing the for the Orioles and most likely batting 5th behind Chris Davis, much of the pressure should be relieved from Cruz. Expect a good season from Cruz, or at least another consistant season from the outfielder.

Now the problem I have is the salary for Cruz. He was suspended 50 games last season for his actions with Biogenesis, willingly took the suspension, indirectly saying he took performance enhancing drugs. This guy still gets $8 Million after doing something completely frowned upon by Major League Baseball. Not surprisingly Melky Cabrera was suspended 50 games in 2012 when with the San Francisco Giants and become a free agent after the season. He signed a 2 year $16 Million deal with the Toronto Blue Jays, just like Nelson Cruz. So the message here is, it doesn't
matter if you take steroids, at the end of the day, you'll still get paid. Jhonny Peralta can also vouch for this concept.

Orioles Sign Ubaldo Jimenez

The Baltimore Orioles finally have the pitcher they have been searching for. In the past few years the Orioles have lacked an impact pitcher. Ubaldo Jimenez may not be an impact pitcher or one of the best pitchers in the league, but he is a sure improvement over the Orioles current situation. Jimenez will be pitching in Baltimore on a 4 year $50 Million contract. Lets take a deeper look into this acquisition.

Ubaldo in the World Baseball Classic for the
Dominican Republic. 

Jimenez has three seasons that featured much success in the Major Leagues. 2009 and 2010 in Colorado and 2013 in Cleveland. His ERA in each of those seasons was 3.47, 2.88, and 3.30 respectively. More importantly Jimenez has been healthy most of his career and pitched 170+ innings each year of career. The Orioles could get anything from Jimenez. He could be the All Star he was in 2010 or he can be the failure he was in 2012, but one thing is for sure, he will pitch plenty of innings for the Orioles, and now with a shorter bullpen, that is important.

Grant Balfour Not An Oriole

The deal between Grant Balfour and the Baltimore Orioles has fallen through. After receiving the results from Balfour's physical the Orioles backed out of the deal. After input from two other doctors, the diagnosis is that there is nothing physically wrong with Balfour. The problem the Orioles are concerned about is the X-Ray of his right shoulder. Balfour is going to bring up the problem with the players union and file grievance against the Orioles.

The market for Balfour is back in business as he will not be signing with the Baltimore Orioles. The Yankees, Rays, Rangers, and White Sox all have been reported to have interest in the 36 year old closer from down under. He will be pitching in 2014, the question is: Where?

Trades, Free Agent Signings, Non Tneders, and More!

Yesterday was a very busy day in baseball as many players found new homes. Two trades went through yesterday and several players signed with new teams and re-signed with their same teams.

Jim Johnson

The biggest news was the trade between the Athletics and Orioles. Closer Jim Johnson has a 2.70 ERA over the past 3 seasons and has 101 saves over the past 2 seasons. Jemile  Weeks is the younger brother to Ricky Weeks, and has not found much success at the Major League level besides his rookie year. Weeks is set to compete for a spot at second base. These two players were exchanged for one another strait up. Johnson is going to replace closer Grant Balfour, and Johnson is projected to earn $10 Million or more in arbitration. The Orioles are trying to land a starting pitcher and by freeing up salary they may be on the verge of making a splash.

Doug Fister

The other big trade was between the Washington Nationals and the Detroit Tigers. The Nationals acquired starting pitcher Doug Fister who featured a respected 3.30ERA over the past 3 seasons and a 3.67 ERA in 2013. In exchange for Fister the Tigers pitching prospect Robbie Ray, infielder Steve Lomardozzi, and left handed reliever Ian Krol. Fister will be a definite improvement over Dan Haren who signed with the Dodgers as a free agent who featured a 3.97 ERA in the past 3 seasons and a 4.67 ERA in 2013. Fister will join a rotation with Stephan Strasburg, Gio Gonzalez, Jordan Zimmerman, and a 5th starter.

Also last night the Red Sox signed free agent catcher AJ Pierzynski to a 1 year deal with $8.25 Million guaranteed. Pierzynski played for the Texas Rangers in 2013 posting a .272/.297/.425 slashline with 17 home runs in 134 games. The Red Sox were preparing for the departure of Jarrod Saltalamacchia who  posted a .273/.338/.446 slashline with 14 home runs in 121 games.
It appears the Red Sox have taken a down grade at the catcher's position especially with Pierzynski's age.

Phil Hughes

Phil Hughes has a 4.54 career ERA, but a 95 career ERA+. The reason for having an ERA+ around average with a high ERA is the ballpark factor. Hughes has pitched most of his games in Yankee Stadium, one of the smallest ballparks in the league. Hughes signed a 3 year $24 Million deal with Minnesota Twins. The deal also includes bonuses up to $1 Million a year based on the amount of innings pitched. As Hughes moves to the spacious Target Field his ERA will drop dramatically. If his ERA+ is any indication of the type of pitcher he is, his ERA may drop to around 3.70.

After several successful seasons early in his career Scott Kazmir has fell of quite a bit. Its weird to think Kazmir will only be 30 in January, but he has been around around for 9 seasons. Kazmir hasn't found much success in recent years, but he signed a 2 year $22 Million deal with the Oakland Athletics. This deal is probably the reason why Brett Anderson is now available for trade.

The Blue Jays signed catcher Dioner Navarro to a 2 year $8 Million that will pay $3 Million in the first season and $5 Million in the second season. This move made JP Arencibia become non-tendered and become a free agent. Navarro played 89 games with the Chicago Cubs and posted a 132 OPS+ , very good for a catcher, and he is a defensive upgrade over Arencibia in my opinion.

Joe Nathan

Being announced a little more than an hour ago was the signing of closer Joe Nathan. Nathan signed a 2 year deal with the Detroit Tigers. The salary in the deal hasn't been made official yet, but this is a good deal for the Tigers. With the failures of Jose Valverde and the shakiness of the closer position last season, the Tigers needed a stud for the ninth inning. Nathan posted 2 stellar seasons with the Texas Rangers by collecting 80 saves with a 2.09 ERA.

On smaller notes, the Rays have traded for catcher Ryan Hannigan, the Giants re-signed starter Ryan Vogelsong to a 1 year $5 Million deal, the Mariners signed Willie Bloomquist, and the Rays re-signed  reliever Juan Oviedo.

Several players were non tendered yesterday as it was the non tender deadline. When a player gets non tendered it means that the team will not be tendering a contract to that player, because they believe they will be too expensive through arbitation, so the team allows them to become a free agent. Some of the important players that were non tendered yesterday are J.P. Arencibia, John Axford, Andrew Bailey, Ronald Belisario, Chris Coghlan, Chris Getz,Tommy Hanson, Jeremy Hefner, Daniel Hudson, Jayson Nix, Xavier Paul, Omar Quintanilla  Sandy Rosario, Ryan Webb, Jerome Williams, and Wesley Wright. These players are now allowed to sign with any team that offers them a contract. 

Bringing K's to Baltimore and MM's to Boston

The Baltimore Orioles acquired relief pitcher Francisco Rodriguez, also known as K-Rod, from the Milwaukee Brewers in the wake of Braun's suspension. The Orioles loss part of their bullpen when trading for starting pitcher Scott Feldman of the Cubs at the time. For Feldman Pedro Strop had to go to Chicago, so now K-Rod will replace him. Rodriguez is having a great season. He has a 1.09 ERA in   24.2 innings pitched. He will set up for closer Jim Johnson in a great bullpen. Going to the Cubs in the trade is minor league infielder Nick Delmonico.

Dustin Pedroia is now a richer man. The 2008 MVP has finally cashed out. He is ranked as the second best second baseman in baseball, behind Robinson Cano and now he has the salary to prove it. Pedroia signed a 7 year $100 MM contract with the Boston Red Sox most likely making him a member of the Red Sox for life. I think the sub $15 MM annual salary is a steal for the Red Sox considering the stats he has provided.

Pedroia has a 119 OPS+ during the period of 2007-2013, that is well above average, 19% above average to be exact. Also because OPS+ considers ballparks he is tearing it up. Pedroia has also featured decent speed stealing 116 bases in the 7 year period, not to mention terrific defense considering his 2 gold gloves. Pedroia is a $18 MM+ a year player, especially with an average annual WAR of 5.27. The reason why the Red Sox are in first place is because of Pedroia, and he will be the basis for the team for the next 7 years. He will be 37 when the contract concludes, and that is well played indeed.
 

The Birds and the ... Nats?

The Orioles and the Nationals made it to the post season last season. Both clubs were underdogs entering 2012, but now in 2013 they are regarded as strong contenders for their respected divisions.

The Orioles showed that they can compete with the Rays, Yankees, Red Sox, and Blue Jays in the American League East. They will again have to prove that they are fit to compete in 2013.

The offense for the Orioles is stronger than most, but not the strongest. The big bat is the face of their franchise, Adam Jones. He along with Chris Davis, Matt Weiters, and J.J. Hardy provide the power that propels the team to victory We can't forget about 2013 Rookie of the Year favorite Manny Machado who came onto the scene in mid 2012, he will be key to the success of the Orioles. Here is how their lineup will look in 2013.

1. S. Roberts 2B *105 OPS+ *2010 stats
2. L. Markakis RF 126 OPS+
3. R. Jones CF 125 OPS+
4. L. Davis 1B 121 OPS+
5 S. Wieters C 107 OPS+
6. R. Hardy SS 88 OPS+
7. R. Machado 3B 98 OPS+
8. L. McLouth LF 90 OPS+
9. R. Riemold DH *111 OPS+ *2011 stats

The pitching rotation for the Orioles is unproven and for the most part young. The only guys who have a given spot in the rotation for 2013 are Wei Yu Chen and Jason Hammel. Tommy Hunter, Dylan Bundy, Zach Britton, and Jair Jurjjens all have to work to earn a spot onto the club.

The bullpen for the Orioles was probably their biggest strength in 2012. Jim Johnson held down the back end and closed the door all season for the O's. Ayala set up very well and maintained a low era as he did in seasons previous. It seems as if the Orioles will have the strategy as they did last year: Just get outs.

I project 89 wins for the Orioles in 2013.

The Nationals won the National League East and shocked everyone with their large spread of young talent. They added some big names and are on a quest to win it all 2013.

The Nationals have a beautiful assortment of young players and veterans in their lineup. For the younf player, phenom Bryce Harper will man left field while Espinosa and Desmond will play the middle infield. The Nationals traded Michael Morse, but they have decent production from every position. Lets look at the lineup.

1. L. Span CF            105 OPS+
2. R. Desmond SS     126 OPS+
3. L. Harper LF         119 OPS+
4. R. Zimmerman 3B  121 OPS+
5. L. LaRoche 1B      128 OPS+
6. R. Werth RF          125 OPS+
7. S. Espinosa 2B       94 OPS+
8. R. Ramos C           105 OPS+

Unlike the Orioles the pitching rotation for the Nationals is almost set in stone. There will be no innings limit on Stephen Strasburg and the newly acquired Dan Haren will be a great veteran presence. Here is how the rotation shapes up:

1. R. Stephen Strasburg  3.16 ERA
2. L. Gio Gonzalez          2.89 ERA
3. R. Jordan Zimmerman 2.94 ERA
4. R. Dan Haren              4.33 ERA
5. L. Ross Detwiler         3.40 ERA

The bullpen for the Nationals has a new look to it as well. Rafael Soriano will take over as closer after a fantastic season with the Yankees, Drew Storen will become a setup man, and Tyler Clippard will remain to dominate in the late innings. The Nationals have a great bullpen, but no great left handed reliever, they should consider trading for one if they want to fix their only hole.

I project 96 wins for the Nationals in 2013.

But Wait! There's More!

This season has been nothing less than amazing. So many great stories, historic events, fantastic games, and breakout seasons. The season is not over yet, the play offs need to be played.

Speaking of the playoffs, if you told me the Athletics would win the American League West, beating both the Rangers and the Angels I would call you crazy. Yesterday the Athletics beat the Rangers to complete a sweep and end the season on a high note. The reason why they won the AL West is because everyone said they couldn't. Congratulations to the Athletics on a successful season.

R.A. Dickey was a fantastic story this year. The 37 year old knuckleballer pitched his way to a Cy Young quality season. He admitted after his last start that he has been pitching the entire season injured. Yup, he dominated the National League with a strained abdominal muscle. He said he'll have surgery in October.

The Orioles made it back to the post season for the first time since 1997. The Orioles under Buck Showalter are a different ball club. They hustle, they play hard, and they win. The Orioles will play the Rangers in Texas in the wild card game to earn the right to play the Yankees in the ALDS.

Adam Greenberg was hit in the head during his first at bat with the Cubs in 2005. Ever since that day Greenberg would never get another at bat at the Major League level. He played in the independent league for a while, until a movement started to get him just one more at bat. The Marlins took on the task and signed him to a one day contract. In his one at bat, he faced the  toughest pitcher in the National League, R.A. Dickey. In his only at bat Greenberg struck out on three pitches. Dickey said after the game that part of the experience for Greenberg was for Dickey to treat Greenberg like any other Major League player. At least Greenberg finally got his at bat.

The Nationals are in the post season with the best record in the National League. With the best pitching staff in the Major Leagues they dominated the Major Leagues and dominated the opposition. With help from Bryce Harper and Adam Laroche the Nationals were a well rounded team that could be anyone. They will test their young roster in the NLDS playing the winner of the wild card game. Also on the last game of the season Teddy Roosevelt won his first ever race in DC.

This season there were some huge trades. Ichiro went to the Yankees, Youkilis went to the White Sox, Ramirez went to the Dodgers, Dempster went to the Rangers, Pence went to the Giants, Victorino went to the Dodgers and of course the biggest trade of the season Gonzalez, Beckett, Crawford, and Punto going to the Dodgers.

Chipper Jones announced that this would be his last season and will retire after the season. He is one of the most loved players in the Major Leagues and his opponents made it noticed. Where ever he went this season the opposing team gave him something to depart with. Chipper will be put to the test in the wild card game against the Cardinals.

There were 7 no hitters this season, tying the all time high for a single season. Phillip Humber, Jered Weaver, Homer Bailey, Matt Cain, Felix Hernandez, Johan Santana, and a combined no hitter by the Seattle Mariners. Pitching really did have the upper hand in 2012.

There were several rookies who came on the scene this season. Bryce Harper, Mike Trout, Manny Machado, Yoennis Cespedes, Yu Darvish, Todd Fraizer, Jesus Montero, Matt Moore, Brett Lawrie, Matt Harvey, Trevor Bauer, and Quintin Berry are rookies who had a major effect on their teams this season.

Finally Miguel Cabrera made a mockery out of the opposing pitching by winning the first triple crown since  Carl Yastrzemski did it in 1967. Cabrera had 44 home runs, a .330 batting average, and 139 RBI's. It was a historic season for Cabrera and he led the Tigers down the stretch to win the AL Central.

Jerry Meals

It's not often that an umpire would get so much attention, but Jerry Meals is the most hated man in New York today. Last night Jerry Meals was the umpire at first base for the Yankees-Orioles game. If the Orioles won the game, the two teams would be tied for first. If the Yankees won, they would have a two game lead over the Orioles and a three game lead over the Rays.

The game came down to the top of the 9th inning. The Yankees were finally rallying and they got to a point where it was 5-4 with runners on first and third with one out. Mark Teixeira was back in the game since straining his calf and wasn't running all that well. The Yankees' first baseman hits a ground ball to second and the Orioles record the out at second and then the throw to first. Teixeira slid into first base and was obviously safe. Click Here to view the play.

A still shot of the play

It is true that umpires can't get the plays right all the time, but that play he has to get right. Umpires are just like players. They can make 999 great calls and then 1 bad call in a big situation. In 1986 Bill Buckner had a .989 fielding percentage and missed one ball in the playoffs. That one botched play will now leave Buckner associated with terrible fielding forever, even though he is one of the best first baseman ever.

The same can be said for umpires. Jim Joyce is one of the game's best umpires. He blew one call in the famous "Imperfect Game." Now the veteran umpire is associated with umpires making terrible calls. People just have to realize that players aren't perfect and the same goes for umpires.

Then there is the ongoing debate about instant replay. If instant replay was added to the game, the game would be extended to probably 4 hours. The managers would want to abuse it, on every close call the instant replay would be used. I recommend that there be a 5th umpire (7th in playoff games). This umpire would sit in the video room and review every play to make sure that it was the right call. If a manager protests a call, 3 out of the 4 umpires on the field (4 out of 6 in play off games) would have to agree to review it. The 5th umpire would then be notified and then review the call. A phone similar to the phone to the bullpen would be installed in every home dugout and that is how the on field umpires would contact the review umpire. The review umpire would then reveal his call via telephone and the call will remain the same of be changed.

Trading Places

Some trades took place today, no really big names were involved, but still exciting. One trade involved the Rockies and Royals. The two teams swap Jeremy Guthrie and Jonathan Sanchez. Perhaps a change of scenery will do well for these two struggling pitchers.

Guthrie traded for the second time this season

The Blue Jays and Astros conducted a 10 player deal that didn't involve any really big names as well. The Blue Jays will receive a trio of pitchers J.A. Happ, Brandon Lyon, and David Carpenter. The Astros will receive  Francisco Cordero, Ben Francisco, and minor league players Joe Musgrove, Asher Wojciechowski, David Rollins and Carlos Perez, and a player to be named later. 


The Orioles acquire Omar Quintanilla from the Mets for later considerations. This was to clear space for the return of Jason Bay. 


We expect a trades of Ryan Dempster and possibly Cole Hamels and Zach Greinke. The latter two are less likely because the Phillies offered Hamels 130 million over 6 years and the Brewers offered Greinke 100+ million over 5 years. 

Thome Will Fly Like an Oriole

The future hall of fame first baseman Jim Thome was traded to the Orioles for two minor league players yesterday afternoon. In 2012 Thome has 71 at bats and has 5 home runs, a .242 average and a .338 on base percentage. Thome will be a good fit in at the DH spot for the Orioles. In Camden Yards the right field wall is pretty close, so this may be beneficial to Thome. The Orioles lineup may now look something like the following:

1. Roberts    2B
2. Avery       LF
3. Hardy      SS
4. Jones       CF
5. Thome     DH
6. Davis       RF
7. Weiters    C
8. Reynolds 1B
9. Betemit    3B

When Markakis returns in a few days Reynolds will move to third base, Davis will move to first base and Markakis will take his position in right field and third in the lineup. Even if Thome doesnt perform great, his veteran presence will have an effect on the rest of the team.

The Baltimore Orioles

The Orioles finished the 2011 season with a record of 69-93. If they were in a different division their record would have been better, but they are still in the AL East.

The Orioles have plenty of young pitching. Zach Britton, Chris Tillman, and Brad Bergeson are some notable young starters for The Orioles.  Bergeson quite ins't at the major league level but he has potential to be, he is only 26 years old. Britton is 24 years old and pitched to a 4.61 ERA over 154 innings in 2011. Tillman is only 23 and he pitched to a 5.52 ERA over 62 innings for The Orioles in 2011. All three of these pitchers have the potential to be great. Jeremy Guthrie would have been discussed, but he was traded to The Rockies.

The Orioles have plenty of offensive players, but none of MVP or All-Star caliber. Nick Markakis has consistently played the entire season while having an on base percentage of .350 or greater and 15-20 home runs. Markakis is The Orioles best player. Brian Roberts has been injured and only played 98 games over the past 2 seasons. He is great at getting on base and a sneaky base stealer. If Roberts can come back from injury and play most of the season, the Orioles might be able to compete. Mark Reynolds has a certain motto associated with himself. It is "Swing hard in case you hit it." He has led the league in strikeouts the past 4 seasons, but has hit 141 home runs over his past 4 seasons.

As for the Orioles young offensive players; they have Matt Wieters and Adam Jones. Matt Wieters is 25 years old and played 132 games as the catcher for The Orioles. Over 139 total games, he had a .328 on base percentage, 22 home runs, and .450 slugging percentage. Those numbers are pretty good for a catcher. As for Adam Jones; The Orioles have been waiting for him to emerge as a super star. In 2011 he hit 25 home runs, but his on base percentage has been hovering around .330 over the past 3 seasons. Adam Jones is 26 and if this could be his break out year The Orioles may finish over .500.

Everything has to go right for The Orioles to finish over .500 on the season and a miracle will have to happen for them to make it to the playoffs. They will be competing with The Blue Jays for 4th place in The AL East.