Baltimore Orioles and Offseason Rumors

This time of year, the rumors involving the Baltimore Orioles are swirling as much as the chilly wind on Inner Harbor.

I don’t begin to admit I have all the answers. However, that won’t stop me from giving my thoughts on several recent rumors, and maybe contributing a few myself.

First, Hanley Ramirez. The Red Sox are looking to possibly trade HanRam, and some have mentioned the O’s as a possible destination. No.

The Orioles are a team that prides itself on defense, and with their pitching staff, relies on good defense. Hanley can’t play a lick of defense, anywhere. His left field experiment was a complete disaster. I spoke to a Red Sox fan today and they think Ramirez is washed up. I would have to agree. And, the O’s don’t acquire players to be DHs. It doesn’t work that way.

We can count on the Orioles not letting the Red Sox out of Ramirez’s terrible contract.

Second, Yasiel Puig. The leader of The Baltimore Wire wrote an article about the rumors surrounding Puig and the O’s here. He calls it a long shot, and I would have to agree.

Puig would be an upgrade in the corner outfield, but the baggage might not be worth it. That doesn’t include the fact that he was making well over $5 million last year in the minor leagues. The O’s can’t afford that kind of swing and miss.

I can’t see Puig trading Dodger blue for black and orange in the upcoming weeks.

Third, another post here at The Baltimore Wire talks about Denard Span and Justin Morneau coming to Baltimore. I would be a big fan of this move.

It would likely tie up around 12-16 million dollars in my opinion, leaving around 14-18 million for pitching. The O’s could likely get Mike Leake for that much money (an article on this will be coming online here later today), and also a few relievers as well. To see my thoughts on some relievers who might do well in Baltimore, click here.

Finally, a rumor of the Orioles trading Zach Britton for Sonny Gray. Hadn’t heard this one yet? Me neither, until my subconscious dreamt it up last night.

For some reason, in my dream lots of Oriole fans were not happy with this move. I’m not sure why. Gray is a proven ace, who is young. Britton is a proven closer. There is a difference.