Baltimore Orioles: More Tanaka Thoughts & Batting Order Possibilities
Aug. 12, 2013; Phoenix, AZ, USA: Baltimore Orioles outfielder Nick Markakis (right) is congratulated by first baseman Chris Davis after scoring in the first inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Today I want to briefly add some additional thoughts to my previous two most recent Orioles articles.
1. Additional thoughts on the Tanaka free agent road block (original article) …
Baltimore Orioles fans are not alone in feeling frustrations over a lack of movement in the offseason. Similar thoughts are “out there” around a number of teams as fans make note of a list of free agents who could presumably strengthen their club.
Without doubt, the Tanaka situation creates a blockage for movement; but that scenario must of necessity play out by 5:00 on Friday. And when it does, look for a rush of signings and activity … and hopefully the Orioles can be a part of it with a starting pitcher. Even so, it is going to be expensive and difficult.
Jeff Todd of MLB Trade Rumors wrote on this same theme on Tuesday evening, saying, “Once Tanaka officially comes off the board, baseball is set to experience a rush of important free agent signings that has not been experienced in recent seasons.” He documents that over the past five years from January 24th and later, relatively few (a) multi-year deals and (b) contracts of $10 million or more have been consummated. Here are the numbers…
Year |
(a)
(b)
2009
6
3
2010
1
1
2011
0
0
2012
2
2
2013
5
3
In the article, Todd lists the following names as legitimate candidates to get multi-year contracts and/or annual deals of $10 million or more: Kendrys Morales, Stephen Drew, Nelson Cruz, Bronson Arroyo, Matt Garza, Ubaldo Jimenez, Ervin Santana, A.J. Burnett, and maybe Paul Maholm, Chris Capuano, Grant Balfour, Fernando Rodney.
2. Batting order thoughts on the “six core plus six more” Orioles roster (original article) …
The proposed 12 position/DH players mentioned (excluding back-up catcher) were the “six core” (Matt Wieters, Chris Davis, Manny Machado, J.J. Hardy, Adam Jones, Nick Markakis) and the “six more” platooning (Nolan Reimold/David Lough, Alexi Casilla/Ryan Flaherty, Delmon Young/Henry Urrutia).
So what might batting orders look like in this scenario? Try these:
Against left-handed pitching
1. Nick Markakis
2. Manny Machado
3. Chris Davis
4. Adam Jones
5. J.J. Hardy
6. Delmon Young (DH)
7. Nolan Reimold (LF)
8. Matt Wieters
9. Alexi Casilla
Against right-handed pitching
1. Nick Markakis
2. Manny Machado
3. Chris Davis
4. Adam Jones
5. Matt Wieters
6. J.J. Hardy
7. Henry Urrutia (DH)
8. Ryan Flaherty
9. David Lough (LF)
One thing I suspect will be different from my suggestions is that Matt Wieters will hit higher in a Buck Showalter order against righties. This is a disagreement I would have, and yes, I understand his total value when adding in his home run totals (near the top for catchers) and defensive value. But his BA and OBP belong lower in the order IMHO. OK?
Putting together and looking at these lineups really emphasizes the necessity of the DH coming through for the Orioles in a way not seen recently.