On the Beat: Let's Pla... (10/31)
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November 2, 2008 Every Given SundayOff-season Moves
Baseball is officially into the offseason now that the Phillies sit atop the sport after beating the Rays in a five-game World Series this past week, but everyone knows that there is really no such thing as an offseason. The champagne had barely begun to dry on the carpet in the Phillies' clubhouse at Citizens Bank Park following their 4-3 win in Game Five when the first trade of the winter was consummated with the Marlins shipping first baseman Mike Jacobs to the Royals for reliever Leo Nunez. More trades are likely on the way this week with the annual general managers' meetings beginning on Monday and lasting through Thursday. So with the "off" season under way, let's take a look at each of the 30 major league clubs and what they want to accomplish between now and the time pitchers and catchers report to spring training camps in February: Arizona Diamondbacks: They seem convinced that Orlando Hudson cannot be re-signed as a free agent, so finding a second baseman is their most pressing winter task. They could trade from their surplus at first base/left field, using Conor Jackson, Eric Byrnes, and/or Chad Tracy. Left-hander Randy Johnson is likely to leave unless he accepts a below-market contract as a free agent. Atlanta Braves: With left-hander Tom Glavine and right-hander John Smoltz both coming off of arm surgery and right-hander Tim Hudson out until at least August after Tommy John surgery on his elbow, the Braves want to added two starting pitchers either by trade or free agency. They also would like to acquire an outfielder with power, though Dodgers center fielder Andruw Jones' dream of returning to the Braves is not going to happen. Baltimore Orioles: They need pitching by the bushel; right-hander Jeremy Guthrie is their only dependable starter, and the bullpen is mediocre. While they are in the midst of rebuilding, look for them to add a couple of veteran starters simply because most of the pitching prospects aren't ready for the majors yet. They'll also try for a good defensive shortstop, with free agents Edgar Renteria, Orlando Cabrera, and Rafael Furcal as potential targets.
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Fantasy Focus: First Base Rankings Review
I think the Orioles are at a crucial point when the decision they make will determine whether they will contend within the next 3-5 years or will continue to be a bottom feeder with occasional forays into respectability.
On the one hand, they can do what you suggest-pick up a few veteran arms and a shortstop. It might get them into the 75-81 win echelon but will do little more and will waste an opportunity.
On the other, they can commit to real rebuilding by seeking to cash in on Huff's terrific season and trading him as well as other veterans for young players and prospects to deepen their system which has some probable emerging stars but is not very strong otherwise. Sell now on Huff, Mora, Hernandez and Sherrill and even explore what returns they can get on Scott, Roberts & Cabrera (?). Restock the system with young talent and let it come together as Markakis and Jones mature and Tillman, Matusz and Wieters hit the majors.
This is no time for the Orioles to be wasting resources on expensive free agents or on older players. There is some serious talent in the organization that will be ready to contribute soon, but not in 2009. It should be supplemented by judicious trades and signings and with an eye to 2010 at the earliest.
Gotta agree with buddaley here. No current Oriole starter will be a factor on the next good Orioles team. Adding cheap veterans to fill out the roster is one thing, but wasting money on expensive low-future free agents like Furcal or Cabrera would be insane.
Huff must go; his year screams "fluke!". Roberts, much as I love him, is too old and too valuable on the trade market to be kept. (They really really needed to trade him last year when he was even more valuable.) If they can acquire some upside for Melvin Mora or George Sherrill, they need to do it.
They might also try stockpiling failed uberprospects who are still young enough to pan out. Andy Marte could certainly be had for cheap. I wonder if KC has given up on Alex Gordon or Mark Teahen yet...