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Orioles Can Only Hope to Rebound
Erik Bedard blossomed into one of the American League's best young pitchers this season.
(Charles Krupa - AP)
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"I feel a lot better [about the pitching staff] than I did in June or July," Mazzone said.
To rectify problems with the staff, Mazzone said he will soon start discussions with the front office about implementing "Camp Leo," an offseason throwing program that Mazzone effectively used in Atlanta. Ideally, pitchers would spend a week or so in Baltimore throwing side bullpen sessions to help sharpen their mechanics and strengthen their arms.
"It worked for 15 years in Atlanta, so yeah, it helps," Mazzone said.
Flanagan said he is open to such a plan and would discuss it with Mazzone.
Mazzone also hopes the front office adds a couple of veteran pitchers to the staff. Starters Ted Lilly (Toronto) and Gil Meche (Seattle) have been mentioned as possibilities. The Orioles don't seem prepared to bid for Barry Zito (Oakland) or Jason Schmidt (San Francisco).
"I think we need to add more depth," Mazzone said. "You can never have enough and we need more."
Orioles officials are wary of creating expectations, but clearly the intent this offseason is to spend money. Promises have been made in the past without results.
"I think it's unfair to say we're not always spending money," Orioles Manager Sam Perlozzo said. "I think this year more than any, we're willing to give more money than anyone else or offer an extra year" in a contract.
Perlozzo is more optimistic than anyone. He believes the Orioles can compete next season if they add one impact hitter and retool a bullpen that is second-worst in the majors. Baltimore surely will be involved in the bidding for Washington National Alfonso Soriano and they could go after Carlos Lee of the Texas Rangers. They could make a strong bid for Rangers first baseman Mark Teixeira, a Baltimore native, in trade, but would likely have to surrender Bedard.
Even just adding Soriano would help placate the fan base and the clubhouse and vastly improve the lineup. Coaches and front office members are excited at the thought of putting Soriano in the middle of the batting order, protecting Markakis and in front Tejada. And though Tejada has had one of the most complete offensive seasons of his career, adding Soriano would surely help motivate the shortstop, who despite his success often seemed uninterested this year.
Perhaps adding such a recognizable name will even make the Orioles recognizable in their own city.
