As we are now into the off-season, the question on everyone’s mind is – how will the Orioles rebuild their organization from the ground up?
Now, Dan Duquette is at the helm of the Orioles and he’s got quite the monumental task of restoring them back to prominence.
In a few interviews that Duquette has given in the past week or so with the local media, it looks like he will focus on building the team up via draft picks, trades; in addition to trying to find players who could be serviceable, while not breaking the bank.
That means that there will not be a C.J. Wilson, Mark Buehrle, Albert Pujols or Prince Fielder in the orange and black for 2012 – unless a big surprise or miracle happens.
It looks like the Orioles will not be big players in free agency and going to build from the ground up – again.
It’s not a bad plan to follow; however, the formula for one reason or another, has not worked at all for the organization.
As a fan, I would like to see a player or two signed that I can go the ballpark and say, “damn, with this guy, he can be an impact player and change a ballgame”.
Not that the current crop of Orioles can’t do the job; however, there’s not an impact bat or arm on the squad heading into 2012 that can be a game-changer.
Right now, the Orioles needed another starting pitcher or two, possibly a corner infielder, a bullpen arm or two, maybe a second baseman and a backup catcher (not so important right now).
I know that many of us fans are really tired of seeing the team lose more often than win.
In order for Baltimore to even factor in the American League East – and that is a big if – the young pitching that was supposed bolster the big league squad needs to figure it out; meanwhile, the core of the offense for now need to take their game to another level.
As well, the pitching – both the starters and bullpen – need to be consistent night in and night out; in addition, maybe there’s a player or two or three out there on the market who could be a diamond in the rough.
The plan still has to be this: the Orioles have to keep on stockpiling picks, take some risks, work on scouting – international and domestic – and have faith in their youngsters.
Now, four years later, most are simply wondering — can this organization turn the tide for a change? If the Rays can do far more with less, and a team like the Washington Nationals – who seemed to be a joke several years ago – are able to rise up in their division, the Orioles should be able to do it.
Ok, so that’s far easier said than done.
Then again, however, until Baltimore gets the foundation of their house in order (mainly, their farm teams and young impact talent in the fold), it won’t matter what in the world they do in the off-season.
Dan Duquette and the front office have a lot to fix in a short amount of time.
