The Baltimore Orioles and Free Agents: Beware What You Crave

Oct 5, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Baltimore Orioles right fielder Nick Markakis (21) prior to game three of the 2014 ALDS baseball playoff game against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Even as there is disappoint again in the land of the Baltimore Orioles that the team was/is not willing to spend on free agent players, let’s take a look back at some the players craved by fans this year and in previous seasons.

But first, a story …

When I was a little boy growing up in New Jersey, the annual trip to the beach was in Wildwood. And I remember one year seeing ALL the other children walking on the boardwalk eating cotton candy. I just had to have that, not that I had ever actually tasted it. Finally, my parents gave in to my pestering and cravings and bought it for me. One bite and I absolutely hated it; it was nothing like I expected. I tried giving it away to other children, but none would take it. I finally just threw it into a trash can. My family never let me forget that, as the story was repeated year after year.

But I learned a lesson: Be careful what you crave, it might not be all that you expect.

That has largely proven to be true relative to free agent baseball players over the years. They look so good, and since relatively few are hired by the Baltimore Orioles, it appears that everyone else is loading up while the O’s are falling farther behind.

It looks that way right now. Orioles fans are especially sad about not being a player and securing the return of Nick Markakis or Nelson Cruz … and to a lesser extent Andrew Miller. It is the final of these three that I grieve more than the first two, as Miller looks the part to continue his dominance while he goes to a dreaded rival for 4 years and $36 million – I would have done that one.

Nelson Cruz signed with Seattle for 4 years and $57 million. The number of years on the deal was the sticking point for the Orioles given his age at 35 entering this contract. That seems to me like too much also, as I’ve written about ad infinitum on this blog.

Nick Markakis at age 31 has been lost to the Braves on a four-year deal worth $44 million. The age was less of a factor here than his health and the number of years. I agree with the Orioles, even as I grieve with the fans upon the loss of a valued player and clubhouse leader.

Though the Orioles were never presumed to be in on the big three pitchers in Scherzer, Lester, or Shields, with the need of a corner outfielder, many fans could not understand being unwilling to go after Melky Cabrera. He signed with the White Sox for a three-year, $42 million deal.

Over time we will be able to see how these “lost” opportunities turn out for those who “won” the contracts. Each year I’ll return to reflect back again on this, even as we can now look back on the four previous offseasons and see various free agents desired by fans or the franchise, noting what has become of them and their value relative to their contract deals.

So step through the next four pages with me. I promise you’ll be encouraged by the end.

Next: Anybody still wish the O's had Shin-Soo Choo for $130 million?