The Orioles have a home playoff game for the first time in 15 years. They have taken huge steps forward this season, bigger steps than most would have believed possible. But, nonetheless, Sunday they faced the Yankees in the ALDS in a rematch of the 1996 ALCS of Jeffrey Maier fame (http://mlb.mlb.com/video/play.jsp?content_id=3345251) and revenge is a dish best served cold. After 16 years of Baltimore fans complaining, and rightly so, about this botched call, the revenge came up short in Game One, but it is still a long series (especially who this team decided to win games all season).
But enough about this weekend’s series, this list is to look forward to the 2013 season. The biggest need for the Orioles looking forward is pitching. Their bullpen has been great, but they have no true ace; someone like C.C. Sabathia, who took control into the 9th for the Yankees Sunday.
Following pitching, they are weakest at second base. The position, which has been a strength with Brian Roberts over the last decade or so, has been manned by a platoon of Robert Andino and Ryan Flaherty for most of 2012, neither of whom is at the top of anyone’s wish list. Following 2B, the LF/DH position is the final spot of need. When a healthy Nick Markakis returns to the birds, they can move Chris Davis into left, though his play in right this year has far exceeded the team’s defensive expectations. Before his strong defensive showing, he was expected to be the DH of the future with the ability to be plugged in at 1B and 3B when needed. That is still a possibility if the Orioles come up with a big time OF or he could stay in left if they bring in a guy who would be most effective at DH.
In addition to the positional needs, the O’s could use a player at one of these positions who could be used in a traditional leadoff role. A guy with a high on-base percentage with a decent bit of speed, (honestly, hopefully someone with a lot of speed), would be a big addition for Baltimore in 2013. Regardless of the outcome of the 2012 postseason, if the Orioles want to continue to contend in the AL East, they need to improve. Here are the top 20 free agents who could help them do so.
Courtesy: Jeff Gross/Getty Images
20. Angel Pagan, OF, San Francisco Giants (Age 31)
95 Runs, 174 Hits, 8 HRs, 56 RBIs, .288/.338/.440, 29 SB
Pagan is the last name on my list, and technically the least. And many would argue that he isn’t much better than McLouth, who has been a hero for the birds in 2012. However, Pagan has never really reached his full potential. He’s a guy who has shown he can hit in the .290-.300 range, he takes an average amount of walks, slugs surprisingly well for a guy without an overwhelming amount of power, but can hit between 8-15 HR in the right ballpark, and is a threat to steal 30-40 bases. A solid lead-off hitter.
19. Cody Ross, OF, Boston Red Sox (Age 32)
70 Runs, 127 Hits, 22 HRs, 81 RBIs, .267/.326/.481, 2 SBs
Ross put together a very solid campaign in Boston this season. He can hit for some power and another 20+ homer guy for the Orioles isn’t a bad thing.
18.Delmon Young, OF, Detroit Tigers (Age 27)
54 Runs, 153 Hits, 18 HRs, 74 RBIs, .267/.296/.411
I really thought about putting Young higher on this list. Like Chris Davis, Young falls into the category of a Post-Hype Sleeper. A former first pick overall in 2003 by the Rays, Young really only has one noteworthy season under his belt (but that’s one more than Davis had coming into 2012). Add that to the fact that he’s just 27 years old and I think he adds up to a guy that could be a really great addition here in Birdland.
17. Shaun Marcum, RHP, Milwaukee Brewers (Age 31)
7-4, 3.70 ERA, 109 Ks, 41 BBs, 1.27 WHIP
Like most of the guys at the bottom of this list, Marcum is really just a back-up plan. These are the players who, if the Orioles can’t land a big name, could still offer some help. One of the first issues that Duquette, the Orioles GM, did when he arrived in Baltimore was address the issue of pitching depth. Marcum would be a big help in furthering this cause (assuming the bigger names can’t be had).
Courtesy: Luis Sinco/LA Times
16. Shane Victorino, OF, LA Dodgers (Age 32)
72 Runs, 152 Hits, 11 HRs, 55 RBIs, .255/.321/.383, 39 SBs
Victorino gives the Orioles help in a lot of areas. He’s a veteran with a lot of playoff experience. The fact that his numbers have declined this year isn’t promising; but players have down years. He’s a more consistent version of a guy like Nate McLouth and is still a definite source of speed.
*To be continued…*
