| Page 2 of 2 < |
Visions of a Winner
|
TOOLBOX
   Resize
COMMENT
 Discussion Policy
 CLOSE
Comments that include profanity or personal attacks or other inappropriate comments or material will be removed from the site. Additionally, entries that are unsigned or contain "signatures" by someone other than the actual author will be removed. Finally, we will take steps to block users who violate any of our posting standards, terms of use or privacy policies or any other policies governing this site. Please review the full rules governing commentaries and discussions. You are fully responsible for the content that you post.
Who's Blogging  |
Even those who stayed healthy -- such as Radhamés Liz, Garrett Olson and Brian Burres -- failed to keep their ERAs beneath the price of a gallon of super unleaded.
But this offseason -- even more than last -- the Orioles will enjoy some flexibility in the effort to retool the roster.
"I think you have to look at every different way, shape and form that you can, just like we did last year -- trades, free agency, minor league free agents, waiver claims," MacPhail said. "Whatever it is. I think you have to look at the whole gamut."
With only one year left on their contracts, Roberts and Aubrey Huff enter the offseason as more attractive trade commodities, which could help the Orioles land more prospects or fill other holes.
MacPhail said the Orioles will try to compete in the free agent market, even though Baltimore's status as division doormats will hinder the team's effort to land top-tier talent.
Nevertheless, in two instances, the Orioles almost are obligated to make a run.
Los Angeles Angels first baseman Mark Teixeira, a Scott Boras client, grew up just outside of Baltimore. Blue Jays starting pitcher A.J. Burnett makes his offseason home near the city.
"I think we would be remiss if we don't look into what might be unique opportunities in the case of geographic ties to the area," said MacPhail, who did not name names, mindful of league tampering rules. "I think we owe it to our fans to explore that. Again, I don't know how realistic it would be, but I think we'd be remiss in not exploring it."
The Orioles will likely hold talks in an effort to sign Markakis, 24, to a long-term contract. Markakis hit .306 with 20 homers and a career-best .406 on-base percentage. Defensively, the right fielder led the AL with 17 outfield assists.
"I think my teammates and my coaches know that when I'm out there between the lines I play hard no matter what the score," said Markakis, who stopped short of saying he was entitled to an extension. "I go out there and play hard every day."
For some in the clubhouse, Markakis's long-term status has become a de facto barometer of the franchise's commitment to a long-term winning plan.
"I think that has to be done," said Huff, who enjoyed a bounce-back year. "You look around the league, you've got so many young guys getting locked up that haven't done half the things he has done."
The priority is replacing Tejada at shortstop. Manager Dave Trembley said he hopes the Orioles pursue an offensive-minded shortstop after watching a parade of marginal replacements combine for a paltry .218 average with two homers and 44 RBI.
"I think it's relatively easy to identify what we have to do," MacPhail said. "Now, we just have to go out and do it."
