MLB Team Report - Baltimore Orioles - INSIDE PITCH
Grant Balfour and Jim Johnson are trading jobs, even if they weren't traded for each other.
Balfour agreed to a two-year, $15 million deal with the Baltimore Orioles, multiple media outlets reported Dec. 17. The deal was not finalized, as Balfour still must pass a physical exam.
On Dec. 2, Baltimore dealt closer Jim Johnson to the Oakland A's in exchange for infielder Jemile Weeks and a player to be named, which became catcher David Freitas. The Orioles made the move to avoid an arbitration hearing with Johnson, who was expected to land a salary in excess of $10 million after leading the American League in saves each of the past two years.
Balfour, a 35-year-old Australian, became a closer for the first time in 2012, when he saved 24 games for Oakland. During an All-Star season in 2013, he converted 38 of 41 save chances while going 1-3 with a 2.59 ERA in 65 relief appearances.
According to the Baltimore Sun, Balfour will receive $7 million in 2014, $7 million in 2015, plus $1 million in deferred salary.
Balfour broke into the majors with the Minnesota Twins in 2001. He had stints with the Milwaukee Brewers and Tampa Bay Rays before joining Oakland in 2011. Over 10 major league seasons, he has a 28-17 record with 72 saves and a 3.27 ERA in 463 appearances.
-----------------------------------------------
MLB Team Report - Baltimore Orioles - NOTES, QUOTES
--2B Brian Roberts and the New York Yankees agreed to a one-year, $2 million deal Dec. 17. In his prime, Roberts was a sparkplug as a leadoff man for the Orioles and a dynamite defender. However, injuries have haunted him in his career. Roberts appeared in 192 of a possible 648 games over the past four seasons with Baltimore. He was a two-time All-Star with the Orioles, but he hasn't played in more than 77 games in a season since 2009.
--1B Chris Davis could command a near-record arbitration figure this winter after belting a major league-best 53 homers in 2013. Davis is under club control for the next two seasons. The Orioles could explore a deal for Davis, but they're more likely to shop C Matt Wieters.
--SS J.J. Hardy could sign an extension before the 2014 season, he told The Sun. Hardy, who is a free agent after the upcoming season, has won back-to-back Gold Gloves in Baltimore. While 3B Manny Machado could eventually move back to shortstop, it won't happen in the near future. Hardy and Machado form a formidable left side to the infield -- and one the Orioles would be wise to keep intact.
--INF Michael Almanzar is an Oriole after the club selected him in the Rule 5 draft. He played at Double-A Portland in 2013, batting .268 with 13 home runs and 81 RBIs. Almanzar, 23, is primarily a third baseman, but can also play first base. Orioles vice president Dan Duquette said the Orioles were intrigued by Almanzar's power.
--OF Julio Borbon could compete for a reserve outfield spot or provide organizational depth after the Orioles selected him in the minor league portion of the Rule 5 draft. The former Rangers top prospect split last season between Texas and the Cubs. Baltimore reportedly showed some trade interest in the left-handed outfielder following his rookie season in 2009.
--RHP Ryan Webb signed with the Orioles after he was non-tendered by the Marlins. He could factor into the Orioles' late relief corps this season -- perhaps as a dark-horse candidate for the closer's role. The Orioles like Webb's power arm and high strikeout-to-walk ratios.
QUOTE TO NOTE: "J.J.'s had a couple really good years with the team, and I think the interest is mutual between he and the Orioles in extending that relationship." -- Vice president Dan Duquette, to The Sun, on SS J.J. Hardy.
-----------------------------------------------
MLB Team Report - Baltimore Orioles - ROSTER REPORT
Baltimore is in an enviable position of sorts -- with an exciting, young nucleus intact and relatively healthy. There are no big contracts the club must commit to this offseason, and the front office has some flexibility to seek out solutions for its needs.
The downfall for executive vice president Dan Duquette and company: the club's needs and the free-agent market don't necessarily match up. Baltimore needs a front-of-the-rotation starter, a closer with the departure of Jim Johnson and a big bat -- preferably one who can play left field and/or first base. The club has some depth in both position players and pitchers, but is in need of one big bat and one big arm.
BIGGEST NEEDS: While the Orioles core will return, there are some glaring needs. Offensive struggles in the second half illustrated a hole at designated hitter. The club could use impending free agencies in left field and second base as opportunities to upgrade the offensive production at both spots. The Orioles could look for a front-line starter -- though they may have to go the trade route -- and some bullpen help, including a closer after the club dealt Johnson.
ARRIVALS: RHP Brad Brach (trade with Padres), C Johnny Monell (trade with Giants), 2B Jemile Weeks (trade with A's), RHP Ryan Webb (free agent from Marlins), OF Francisco Peguero (free agent from Giants), INF Michael Almanzar (Rule 5 draft pick from Red Sox), RHP Grant Balfour (free agent from A's)
DEPARTURES: RHP Jim Johnson (traded to A's), RHP Scott Feldman (free agent, Astros), OF/1B Michael Morse (free agent, signed by Giants), OF Nate McLouth (free agent, signed by Nationals), OF Jason Pridie (free agent, signed by Rockies), 2B Brian Roberts (free agent, signed with Yankees)
FREE AGENTS: RHP Francisco Rodriguez, C Chris Snyder, RHP Jason Hammel, 2B Alexi Casilla, LHP Tsuyoshi Wada
Snyder could warrant a minor league deal, but the Orioles had four catchers on the 40-man roster as of early December. Casilla and Rodriguez would make sense to fill some holes, but neither player has been mentioned heavily as candidates to return.
ARBITRATION-ELIGIBLE: 1B Chris Davis, C Matt Wieters, RHP Bud Norris, RHP Tommy Hunter, LHP Brian Matusz, LHP Troy Patton, 3B/DH Danny Valencia, OF/1B Steve Pearce, OF Chris Dickerson
OF Nolan Reimold signed a one-year deal and if he remains healthy will compete for playing time in left field and at designated hitter. While both have come up as potential trade chips, Davis and Wieters are no-brainers, and likely both in for a raise. The club would like to explore long-term deals with both. Norris, Hunter, Matusz and Patton likely will be tendered contracts. Valencia had a break-out August and September, and likely played his way into the plans for 2014.
IN LIMBO: 2B Alexi Casilla, RHP Bud Norris
The Orioles could go with a platoon at second base in 2014, or they could re-sign Brian Roberts. Either way, Casilla's role is unknown after a solid campaign as a reserve. INFs Jonathan Schoop and Ryan Flaherty may have roles at second base. Meanwhile, Norris looked strong in the rotation August and September, but could also be leaned upon in relief if the Orioles' rotation gets a boost via free agency or a trade.
MEDICAL WATCH:
--3B Manny Machado (left knee surgery in October 2013) had a torn ligament repaired. He faces a six-month rehab, which would put his return at mid-April.
--LF Nolan Reimold (spinal surgery in July 2013) underwent an operation to help correct the unsuccessful spinal fusion he underwent in June 2012. He is likely not going to be at full strength for spring training 2014.
--2B Alexi Casilla (concussion symptoms) missed the season's final six days after a collision in which he also injured his right thumb.
0 comments:
Post a Comment