POSSIBILITY OF DAVIS AND WIETERS EXTENSIONS
First baseman Chris Davis and catcher Matt Wieters are both regarded as part of the core of Orioles players that are going to help this team compete for the years ahead, along with centerfielder Adam Jones and third baseman Manny Machado. They are also both eligible to be free agents in 2015, and are both represented by agent Scott Bora, who has a history of encouraging his clients to enter free agency and try to get the biggest deal they can.
The Orioles have expressed a strong desire to keep both around, and according to executive vice president Dan Duquette last weekend at Orioles Fanfest, the team has already made a long-term offer to Davis. Duquette later added that talks have not really progressed, a statement echoed by Davis, who was unaware he had been offered a deal.
“Really?” Davis said. “Did he say anything else? Dang it. Keep me up to speed on that.” He later added that he would love to stay in Baltimore, and loves the town.
Wieters, however, had a less optimistic aura about himself when asked at FanFest about this year’s contract and a potential extension. When asked about his future for this upcoming season and beyond, Wieters simply said, “That’s what I have agents for.” Wieters and the Orioles are currently scheduled for arbitration, after Wieters filed at $8.75 million for 2014 while the Orioles offered only $6.5 million. Duquette added that the team is currently focusing only on the one-year deal with Wieters, after extension talks in the past have stalled.
Both players are among the best at their respective positions, as both have earned All-Star Honors. Wieters also has a Gold Glove, and Davis has a Silver Slugger from last season when he finished 3rd in MVP voting. The Orioles have received criticism for their offseason up to this point, but an extension for either cornerstone would explain why the team has been less willing to spend on free agents.
ORIOLES HAVE MADE OFFER TO SUK-MIN YOON
Despite executive vice president Dan Duquette not publicly saying that the team is interested in Korean right-handed pitcher Suk-Min Yoon, the Orioles reportedly have made the 27-year old an offer. The Orioles attended a private workout for Yoon last week, and join the Texas Rangers and San Francisco Giants among teams interested in signing him.
Yoon is not especially big, listed at an even 6 feet tall, and 190 pounds. Yoon’s past accomplishments include winning a gold medal in 2008 at the Summer Olympics with South Korea. He also won the 2011 MVP award in the Korean Baseball Organization when he registered an impressive 2.45 ERA and over a strikeout per inning.
Yoon was less impressive but still good in 2012, putting up a 3.12 ERA before dealing with a shoulder injury in 2013 that forced him to make only 11 starts. He has experience closing as well, so whether the Orioles may see him as more of a reliever than a starter remains to be seen.
Regardless, Yoon is an intriguing option in free agency. He does not require a posting fee like some Asian pitchers have, and would not require draft-pick compensation like free agent pitcher Ervin Santana. He also is only 27, so age is not a factor like it may be with pitchers in their late thirties like AJ Burnett or Bronson Arroyo.
MACHADO TWEAKING RUNNING TECHNIQUE
Third baseman Manny Machado has sustained two knee injuries in the last two years, and has decided it is time to alter his running technique to try to avoid further problems. Machado said last week that the change will not be difficult, and that getting used to the muscle memory would be the most challenging aspect.
Centerfielder Adam Jones expressed complete confidence in Machado to recover from his offseason surgery in time to be in the Opening Day lineup on March 31st against the Boston Red Sox. Machado had surgery last fall on a torn medial patellofemoral ligament in his knee, but is ahead of the average recovery timetable.
Machado on the other hand, was more reserved in his prediction, and made a point of saying that he would not come back before he was fully healthy with the intention of missing a game or two to stay fresh. Machado is set to revisit the possibility of being cleared for games in Mid-March, and if cleared, he would have a good shot to be ready for Opening Day.
Machado’s willingness to alter the way he has played the game in the past is admirable, and if he is able to play at the same level he did in 2013 it will be a great decision. But sometimes changing mechanics can lead to further re-injury, or a less effective season, both of which the Orioles cannot afford from their budding superstar.
AJ BURNETT AND FERNANDO RODNEY LIST THE ORIOLES AS FINALISTS
Last week right-handed pitcher AJ Burnett announced that he intended to return to baseball for one more season, and also added that he was going to do it on his terms, saying he was only going to consider teams located near his home in Maryland. Burnett received many offers, but has reportedly narrowed his choices down to Baltimore, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh.
Burnett pithed the last two seasons with the Pittsburgh Pirates, and has had great success due to shifts the Pirates have created to help Burnett. Burnett is widely considered to be the Orioles’ favorite target among the starting pitchers left on the market, and if signed would immediately be one of the top two pitchers in the rotation along with All-Star Chris Tillman.
Closer Fernando Rodney has been named the likely next closer to receive a deal according to SBNation.com, with the most likely destinations the Seattle Mariners and Orioles. The Orioles have been reportedly talking with Rodney for some time, while the Mariners are also supposedly “very much in the mix.”
Rodney has had trouble controlling his pitches in the past, but was dominant in 2012 with the Tampa Bay Rays, and solid in 2013 as well. If signed he would likely become the team’s closer, allowing pitchers Tommy Hunter and Darren O’Day to stay in their setup roles.
