This is the grand conclusion of possible targets for the Orioles as the offseason fire sale begins. This is not only the best options for the Birds, but will be the most coveted players across the entire league. As noted before, Baltimore will only have a shot to nab maybe one, possibly two at best, of these players on the market.
5. Jake Peavy: RHP, Chicago White Sox (Age 31)*
11-12, 3.37 ERA, 194 Ks, 49 BBs, 1.10 WHIP
Another former Cy Young Award winner, Peavy seems to have reclaimed some of his former San Diego magic. His strike out rate has dropped a bit since then, and he’s no longer got an ERA in the mid 2’s but his 1.11 WHIP shows that he’s at the top of his game. Not as young as either Greinke or Jackson, Peavy still has a lot in the tank and could be a solid addition to the Orioles’ rotation. There is a slight hitch in that Peavy has a club option for $22 million, which the team just elected to pick up. That does not me he will not be available via trade at the right price, especially if the White Sox can unload that hefty price tag. If the Orioles did bring him in, they would immediately resign him to a long term deal.
Courtesy: MASN
4. Edwin Jackson: RHP, Washington Nationals (Age 29)
10-11, 4.03 ERA, 168 Ks, 58 BBs, 1.22 WHIP
Greinke has the higher upside, but Jackson the higher floor. He’s neither the bona fide ace or strikeout machine that Greinke is, but he’s a very solid arm who can give you 200 IP with a strong ERA. Adding a pitcher like Jackson, who’s still relatively young, could provide the Orioles with a solid anchor to their staff while they wait for Dylan Bundy to get ready for the big show.
3. Zack Greinke: RHP, LA Angels (Age 29)
15-5, 3.48 ERA, 200 Ks, 54 BBs, 1.20 WHIP
From former MVP to former CY Young Award winner. After Matt Cain and Cole Hamels signed big time extensions, Greinke is the only legitimate ace left out there. Unfortunately for his suitors, Greinke comes with far more baggage than either Cain or Hamels. If the O’s want him, it’s going to cost them in the neighborhood of 5 years, $100 Million to get him. Greinke, who suffers from social anxiety disorder, has previously voiced his distaste for the big stage so keeping him away from Boston or New York could be a real possibility.
2. Robinson Cano: 2B, New York Yankees (Age 30)*
105 Runs, 196 Hits, 33 HRs, 94 RBIs, .313/.379/.550, 3 SBs
I was much more than tempted to put Cano at number 1. He’s nearly as good a hitter as Hamilton but plays a position of major need for the O’s. The catch? He’s got a $15 million club option with a $2 million buy-out. So, if the Yankees want to keep him, they can, but with a hefty price tag. Here’s hoping that they decide to try to sign him to a cheaper contract and someone (the O’s) can swoop in and offer him the $15 million/year or more…he’s worth it.
Courtesy: Associated Press
1. Josh Hamilton: OF, Texas Rangers (Age 31)
103 Runs, 160 Hits, 43 HRs, 128 RBIs, .285/.354/.577, 7 SBs
The Birds need an ace in a bad way, but no one but Hamilton could top this list. He’s a former MVP with MVP-type numbers this year. There are plenty of risks attached to Josh, but adding one of the game’s best hitters is too good to pass up. He’ll probably end up staying in Texas, but could possibly be lured away for a hefty paycheck. And the possibility of him staying put has just increased as it was announced that Hamilton will give Texas the chance to match any offer.
