On their way to a ninth straight losing season, the Orioles say they will spend money this offseason. The only questions are on whom, and how much?
“I think its fair to say we?re going to have an increase in payroll,” Orioles vice president Jim Duquette said. “Where that?s going to be, nobody can predict, nor will we make a proclamation.”
That figure is likely to be ironed out soon, with the Orioles holding organizational meetings next week.
“It?s too early to tell,” Orioles executive vice president Mike Flanagan said. “We have to go through a lot of assessments.”
Reviewing the value and potential pay increases for players under contract falls within that determination. The team?s young talent that established playing time this season will have an impact on impending offseason moves.
“There?s nothing more valuable than a player that has zero to three years of playing time and is performing at a high level,” Duquette said. “And we have several of those mixed into the roster, and that affords us the opportunity to spend our money in other areas. I think that is going to be very important for us this free-agent period.”
Manager Sam Perlozzo mentioned Wednesday that he?d like to see the front office add a bat and some relief help. Duquette agreed with that statement and went a bit further Thursday.
“I think we?ve been talking about finding a middle-of-the-lineup bat at left or first, maybe both,” Duquette said. “I think we?d like to get another established starting pitcher somewhere.”
“We still have some holes. I don?t think we have as many as wedid last year,” Duquette said, adding that the bench could be upgraded, as well.
Also paramount to the team?s future is creating a bridge from a young, up-and-coming rotation to a bullpen led by 24-year-old closer Chris Ray.
“We have youth at the end of the game, and we have youth at the beginning of the game,” Flanagan said.
Adding to the bullpen will be a goal.
“I think a couple of experienced arms in the bullpen, at least,” Flanagan added.
The two most glaring needs on offense come at first base and left field. While there isn?t a glut of potent bats on the market, there are a handful of star hitters, including outfielders Alfonso Soriano and Carlos Lee.
Locking up another large contract while keeping shortstop Miguel Tejada would seem daunting, but Flanagan said it?s plausible.
“Absolutely,” he said. “I don?t anticipate any problem along those lines. The ultimate goal has to be to get better, and sometimes that?s what it takes.”
The club has at least improved its dedication to spend.
“The good news is we have payroll flexibility,” Flanagan said, “which is a good thing to have going into the offseason.”
