Baltimore Orioles: Thoughts on the Dexter Fowler Signing

Jun 8, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Houston Astros center fielder Dexter Fowler (21) smiles in the dugout prior to the game against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. The Astros won 14-5. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

The Baltimore Orioles have continued their offseason spending spree with the reported addition of outfielder Dexter Fowler for $33 million over three years.

At the same time, Orioles fans await the verdict on the Yovani Gallardo physical situation. Is there an issue of substantive concern, or is it merely a thorough process that is taking time to play out? Perhaps we learn more before this day is over.

Inevitably, the baseball world is going to sneer at the legendary Orioles physical exam process. Grant Balfour stories will be dredged up. Why that does not vindicate the Orioles instead of villainize them is beyond me.

If Gallardo is healthy and well, the Orioles could use his historic production in the rotation. If not, I believe the O’s rotation is going to be sufficiently fine, even if that is a minority opinion among writers and fans. Bring on Tyler Wilson.

The position I would take on these two signings is that the Fowler addition will prove over time to be the better acquisition with the most potential to change the Orioles for the better. His high on-base percentage, along with that of Hyeon-soo Kim as an offseason addition, coupled with the same capacity of Manny Machado and Chris Davis, will radically change the Birds.

The game of baseball is changing away from dependence upon dominant starting rotations (though everyone will always still seek pitchers who can consistently go deep into games), to a more cost effective method of lock-down bullpens and high on-base percentage players who work pitchers into deeper counts and more pitches per inning. Add to this a plus defense and some power, and you’ve put together a winning formula.

In the case of the Orioles, they have added the OBP, secured the bullpen, have plus-plus defense and exceptional power. The starting rotation does not need to be top-tier on a team like this, but if they want to throw consistent quality starts, that’s a bonus.

It would be great for the O’s to have some more speed, even while recognizing that the current team is going to be a bit better than previous years.

The Fowler addition moves Nolan Reimold to a reserve role. And the Reimold doubters will say, “Of course.” And yes, this is only comparing last year’s numbers, but Nolan’s BA/OBP was .247/.344, while Fowler’s was .250/.346 … hardly different. And Reimold hit a homer in every 33 plate appearances, while it took Fowler 41 per round-tripper. Having Fowler might make it easier for Showalter to give Adam Jones more days off and avoid the cumulative effects of wearing down that we’ve seen over the past two seasons. He can play center field.