Orioles Team Report
INSIDE PITCH
The 2009 calendar year was one of highs and lows for the Orioles.
As 2010 begins, the Orioles have questions galore, but the to-do list for president Andy MacPhail is much less cumbersome on this New Year’s Day.
MacPhail must add a corner infielder, a left-handed reliever and probably another starting pitcher. But he’s found his starting outfield plus a talented fourth outfielder, three young, talented, major league-ready pitchers and a veteran to lead the rotation.
The Orioles have a wealth of young pitching with left-hander Brian Matusz(notes) and right-handers Chris Tillman(notes) and Jake Arrieta, the only one of the three who has yet to debut with Baltimore.
But the Orioles also found a surprise rotation standout, right-handed rookie Brad Bergesen(notes). The groundball machine missed the last two months of the season, but he opened eyes in his debut.
Center fielder Adam Jones(notes) made the All-Star team and won his first Gold Glove, while rookie left fielder Nolan Reimold(notes) broke into the majors with a powerful right-handed stroke tailor-made for Camden Yards.
Right fielder Nick Markakis(notes) remains entrenched in the No. 3 slot in the order, while the athletic Felix Pie(notes) overcame a rough start in Baltimore to become a highly sought-after commodity on the trade market.
The typically slow-moving MacPhail began the offseason with some swift moves, adding veteran right-hander Kevin Millwood(notes) to the front end of a talented young rotation.
MacPhail also acquired two free agents, closer Mike Gonzalez(notes) and power-hitting corner infielder Garrett Atkins(notes), who didn’t grab headlines but should help improve the bottom line: victories.
MacPhail has asked for improvement on the field in 2010, and manager Dave Trembley was retained with the knowledge that he must move the club upward in the American League East.
MacPhail has said he would allow the free agent and trade markets to establish themselves in the first month of the new year. But he’ll need to make another slick move or two in order to place Trembley in position to succeed.
As the club stands at the end of 2009, the new year is destined to be brighter and more competitive in Baltimore.
NOTES, QUOTES
—lhp M ark Hendrickson is expected to re-sign with the Orioles soon, MASNsports.com recently reported. Hendrickson, 35, is a free agent, but he is unlikely to find a major league deal elsewhere. Hendrickson has the ability to fill numerous roles in the bullpen, as well as serve as a spot starter.
• LHP Alberto Castillo has a place on the 40-man roster and could have a shot at the 25-man roster unless the club comes up with another left-hander for the bullpen. The Orioles are likely to bring back Mark Hendrickson(notes), but they would like to have a third lefty among the relief corps. With LHP Mike Gonzalez penciled in as closer, the team is seeking someone to fill a short, situational role, and Castillo might be their man.
• 3B/1B Ty Wigginton(notes) will get some at-bats in 2010, but not as many as he would like. Wigginton, 32, struggled to adjust to a reserve role early in 2009, and the Orioles are planning to add at least one more veteran hitter to the roster. Wigginton will get playing time, most likely as the right-handed half of a platoon with designated hitter Luke Scott(notes). With 3B Garrett Atkins in the fold, Wigginton will be in the field less.
• 3B Melvin Mora(notes) has flown under the radar this offseason, as expected. After one of the worst seasons of his career, the free agent has drawn little interest from big-league clubs. He was rumored to be on the Rockies’ radar, but he hasn’t come close to a deal with anyone. Mora is unlikely to return to Baltimore, even though the club has a corner infield opening.
• LF Nolan Reimold might be the club’s best candidate to hit cleanup should the front office fail to add another bat before spring training. But slotting him there might be a mistake, putting unnecessary pressure on the break-out 2009 rookie who is recovering from Achilles tendon surgery. Reimold, fellow second-year talent Matt Wieters(notes) and third-year center fielder Adam Jones are the team’s best holdover options for the cleanup role. Recently acquired 3B/1B Garrett Atkins might also be capable of filling the role.
By The Numbers: 19—Combined home runs by the 11 players who batted fourth for the Orioles in 2009. They also combined to hit .254 with 87 RBIs.
Quote To Note: “After 100 or so at-bats, it looked like he didn’t belong in the big leagues. Then he came back in, and I noticed a little more vigor in his work ethic with me.”—Orioles hitting coach Terry Crowley, on OF Felix Pie and the key to the outfielder’s midseason turnaround in 2009.
ROSTER REPORT
The Orioles entered the offseason with three significant needs: a veteran starter, a cleanup-hitting corner infielder and another bullpen overhaul. Club president Andy MacPhail has addressed those areas with the addition of RHP Kevin Millwood, 3B Garrett Atkins and LHP Mike Gonzalez.
Biggest Needs: Club president Andy MacPhail can shop for a bat or package some of his young pitching talent to improve his lineup. Considering the offensive prospects in the pipeline, the Orioles would be best-suited to find a right-handed slugging first baseman to hit behind RF Nick Markakis. The team will continue to search for a bargain buy for the rotation.
Arrivals: LHP Mike Gonzalez (free agent from Braves), RHP Kevin Millwood (trade with Rangers), RHP Armando Gabino(notes) (claimed off waivers from Twins), C Michel Hernandez(notes) (minor league free agent from Rays), C Craig Tatum(notes) (claimed off waivers from Reds).
Departures: RHP Chris Ray(notes) (traded to Rangers), LHP Sean Henn(notes) (claimed off waivers by Blue Jays), RHP Radhames Liz(notes) (claimed off waivers by Padres), RHP Danys Baez(notes) (free agent, signed with Phillies, pending physical).
Free Agents: 3B Melvin Mora, LHP Mark Hendrickson, LHP Rich Hill(notes), OF Jeff Fiorentino(notes), RHP Brian Bass(notes) (non-tendered).
The Orioles declined Mora’s option for 2010, likely ending a decade-long relationship with the third baseman. The club could re-sign him at a lower price if it finds no suitable corner infielders this winter. Hendrickson is the most likely to return, provided he’s willing to accept a full-time bullpen role. He thrived in various relief roles but also showed some upside as a starter in late September. Hill and Fiorentino refused minor league assignments and became free agents.
Arbitration-eligible: RHP Jeremy Guthrie(notes), OF Luke Scott.
Scott should return if an opposing club doesn’t pry him away with a strong trade offer. Guthrie, who earned a pay cut in arbitration last winter, could be hit with another after losing 17 games in 2009.
In Limbo: RHPs Dennis Sarfate(notes) and Matt Albers(notes) could be in jeopardy of being dealt. They struggled in the Orioles’ bullpen in extended opportunities this season, and the club will most certainly rid some of its underachieving relievers before spring training. The Orioles have a handful of upper-level prospects who could be dealt as well.
Medical Watch:
LF Nolan Reimold (left Achilles tendon surgery in September 2009) should be ready for spring training.
RHP Brad Bergesen (bruised left shin) should be fully healthy for spring training.
CF Adam Jones (sprained left ankle) will be healthy for spring training.
RHP Koji Uehara(notes) (sore right elbow) should be fully healthy for spring training.
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