Well, on Monday, the Orioles search for a frontline pitcher ended as they scooped right-handed pitcher Ubaldo Jimenez off the market.
Jimenez would not have been my first choice of a pitcher with this franchise; however, considering how the Orioles are as constructed and their needed for an arm, they could have done worse.
It was a gamble worth making. They needed to strike a deal with a hurler not only for the sake of the franchise, but to pacify fans who have been unimpressed with the offseason.
The Orioles finally took a step into the free agent market and got a pitcher who will be around for the long term.
These days, a four-year, $50 million dollar pact for talented pitcher isn’t that bad. The deal for Jimenez is the largest free agent singing by the Orioles since Miguel Tejada.
They needed a bit more depth in the starting rotation, but also a somewhat proven commodity rather than depending on Kevin Gausman and Dylan Bundy to figure things out on the major league level.
Plus, the Orioles may only have a two-year or so window considering the upcoming contract statuses of J.J. Hardy, Nick Markakis, Matt Wieters and Chris Davis.
Also, consider the possibilities for 2015 and beyond? Imagine a rotation of Jimenez, Tillman, Gausman and Bundy – that’s if everything works out.
Jimenez obviously was available for so long due to the draft pick compensation, his overall career and his efforts for a long term deal.
Then again, we all also know that he comes with a lot of risk and concerns of consistency throughout his major league career. If Jimenez is anything like that pitcher that he was with the Indians at the end of 2014, this deal could be a bargain.
If not, it could be disastrous for the Orioles.