It’s been almost a week since the Orioles were eliminated in the playoffs, and my frustration level of what transpired in those four games against the Kansas City Royals is starting to fade. We will have the entire offseason to try to figure out how the O’s can get back to the ALCS and advance, but they faced a team in the Royals that clicked on all cylinders and made the plays they needed to when it counted the most.
PENDING FREE AGENTS
We all know the names by now, and fellow ESR writer Matt Sroka did a great job making a case for Andrew Miller being the top priority this offseason for the front office. I am in agreement with the Orioles locking up Andrew Miller first before moving on to Nelson Cruz and Nick Markakis. However, as the poll at the bottom of Matt’s post shows, the Eutaw Street readers believe Markakis is the top priority.
[cardoza_wp_poll id=”48″]
If we learned anything down the stretch of the regular season and into the postseason, it’s that a lock down bullpen is essential for success. I don’t even think money or the years will be an issue with Miller. The O’s have proven they will pay for players they want to keep around. The problem is they can’t give him what he wants and that is the opportunity to be a closer. There will be multiple teams that will give him the money he wants and the role of closer and unless the Orioles decide to make Zach Britton a starter again, that opportunity won’t exist in Baltimore.
As for Markakis and Cruz, it would be a major upset if Markakis isn’t extended, but the Cruz situation is tricky. Dan Duquette will give Cruz a qualifying offer of $15 million and Cruz will more than likely turn it down because he wants a long-term deal. Cruz gambled on himself this past offseason and he had a career season. He is hoping that turns into a team willing to give him multiple years. That won’t be here in Baltimore, but the O’s will get a draft pick in return. Cruz’s injury history, age, and length of contract makes him a risky option locking up for multiple years. It must be nice to even contemplate turning $15 million down. If the O’s fail to sign either Cruz or Markakis…
FREE AGENTS THAT COULD BE AVAILABLE
The list isn’t that impressive other than some top starting pitching arms, but I don’t think the O’s will even look to improve their starting pitching from free agency. If they fail to lock up their own, the one guy I would target is Victor Martinez. Martinez can flat out hit and his ability to hit for high average, work a count, walk, and not strikeout is the perfect combination for a lineup that lacks all of the above. However, the same issues the O’s have with Cruz apply with Martinez so the question is; would you rather have Cruz long-term or Martinez?
O’S MINOR LEAGUERS WHO COULD MAKE AN IMPACT IN 2015
Before I get into that, I am thinking of coming up with my own top 10 of Orioles prospects so I am curious to see if people would like that or not. You can hit me up on Twitter @PhilBackert and let me know.
There are a few guys who could find themselves on the Orioles roster in 2015, and the top of that list is former number one prospect Dylan Bundy. Bundy’s 2014 season ended early with a lat strain, but he should have a normal offseason which is huge. Bundy had no issues coming back from Tommy John Surgery and now he can focus on getting his velocity back and becoming the pitcher all the experts predicted he would be when he was drafted out of high school.
First baseman Christian Walker made an impression on fans and Orioles officials in 2014 and has set himself up to get in the discussion of being the long-term answer at first if Chris Davis departs after next season. Walker tore up Double-A, but struggled enough at Triple-A Norfolk to suggest he needs to spend most of next year in the minors. We have learned though that you are just one call away and Walker could see time next season in Baltimore.
Dariel Alvarez is my most intriguing guy to watch for next season. If Alejandro De Aza is non-tendered or the O’s fail to lock up Nick Markakis, Alvarez may have a more realistic chance to make an impact in 2015. Like Walker, Alvarez tore up Double-A, but unlike Walker, Alvarez had success with the Tides, hitting over .300. How the O’s handle their own will determine what to expect from Alvarez, but he is a guy to keep an eye on throughout this offseason and into spring training.
Left-handed pitcher Tim Berry came up for a cup of coffee this year, and has firmly taken a step into the Orioles minor league rankings. Look for this talented 23-year-old to crack some prospect rankings for all of baseball this offseason and be one of the first pitchers to get a call if there are injuries.
I will give you one other name to follow – pitcher Parker Bridwell. Bridwell has been a starter his entire minor league career with the Orioles, but is pitching as a reliever in the Arizona Fall League. The Orioles have to add him to their 40-man roster or they risk losing him in the Rule 5 draft. Bridwell has an electric arm and nearly threw a no-hitter this season, but has been inconsistent for most of his career. Scouts believe his future is a late-inning reliever, which makes him very intriguing for other teams if left off the 40-man roster. Bridwell has currently pitched six innings for the Glendale Desert Dogs and has allowed one hit while striking out three.
