Nick Markakis officially set a timeline for Birdland to follow the second he autographed his six-year, $66.1 million contract extension on Thursday. The Orioles should be competitive by 2014.
Markakis’ second-largest contract in franchise history includes an option for the 2015 season, but the length of the guaranteed portion of the contract should give fans a reasonable set of expectations after 11 straight losing seasons.
In 2014, Markakis will be 30, in his prime and entrenched as one of the greatest Orioles of all time –at least that’s the plan.
Markakis should hit around .300 and consistently produce 25 home runs, 100 runs and 100 RBI.
The rest of the plan is in Andy MacPhail’s hands.
The Orioles greatest strength by that time — at least according to the direction of the club right now — will be its starting rotation.
At first glance, it’s difficult to believe a rotation, which currently includes only Jeremy Guthrie and Koji Uehara, could be a strength. But if the club is able to keep Guthrie — he’s under contract through 2012– he’ll be joined in the rotation by first-round pick and left-hander Brian Matusz, and right-handers Chris Tillman and Jake Arrieta. The fifth slot would fall into the hands of one of David Hernandez, Brad Bergesen, Chorye Spoone or Brandon Erbe. With a great spring training in the next two months, former prospects Hayden Penn and Radhames Liz could put themselves back into the long-term picture.
The next step is supplementing a young, talented base of pitchers.
The Orioles couldn’t bring Mark Teixeira home this offseason because he wasn’t willing to be the next Cal Ripken.
He wanted to be a Yankee.
Nick Markakis wanted to be an Oriole.
Now, the hope is others will follow.
Markakis will start his recruiting with second baseman Brian Roberts. The 31-year-old switch-hitter is nearing the end of his career and has the option of extending his contract with the Orioles. If Markakis and Roberts thrive as Orioles, they could make Camden Yards a destination for free agents.
Five years ago, the Orioles believed they would have contended this past season with the nucleus of
Melvin Mora, Miguel Tejada, Jay Gibbons and Brian Roberts.
How did that work out?
But withh Markakis in the fold and MacPhail, who wasn’t here five years ago, steering the ship, doesn’t the future at least look a little brighter?
