Baltimore Orioles: Winter Meetings Reflections

May 27, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Sports agent Scott Boras attends the MLB game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Though the Winter Meetings for the Baltimore Orioles did not produce any groundbreaking news, the O’s played their cards well and set up the remainder of the offseason.

Whereas many Orioles fans had hopes of a Chris Davis signing to follow soon upon the heels of the good news of retaining Darren O’Day, it was probably not realistic to expect such a result from a Scott Boras client.

After the disappointment and bad will created a year ago in the minimal efforts to retain Nelson Cruz and Nick Markakis, the ownership and front office put out an entirely different face this year. The reported seven-year, $150 million offer to Davis was as totally out of character as it was huge.

Reading the comments of the fanbase on various Orioles outlets would seem to indicate that the vast majority are pleased with the effort to extend a very fair and reasonable offer. There are yet some who feel that the Birds should go even further in negotiation. And some continue to see Angelos as a cheapskate; but those critics are far outnumbered this time around. As well, there is no shortage of fans who believe more bang for the buck (and less risk) can be achieved by using those millions on multiple players to address a variety of needs.

Again, as I explored in a previous article, I have to wonder if a big part of Chris Davis would not like to just take the offer as good enough, sign it, and play happily for the Orioles through the 2022 season. My speculation is that Boras is telling him to wait for it … wait for it … wait. But will there be a better offer, a bigger market for Davis? He’s a good guy, we all know that; but he’s a meek fellow as well. I hope he is not being foolishly led along and walking away from his best window of opportunity. One can imagine Boras telling him to not give in and sign a team-friendly contract … that doing something like this hurts other free agents now and in the future, etc., etc.

The deal could still happen, but the optimism of just a few days ago has faded more than a little bit. I still think it would be great to have Davis back, but if that does not eventuate, the Orioles are going to get several good players that will create a lot of interest for a new roster in a new season.

Two other items of interest from the Winter Meetings are the Rule 5 Draftee and a waiver claim from the Cubs …

Joey Rickard – Rule 5 Draft

Rickard was originally drafted in 2012 by the Tampa Bay Rays out of the University of Arizona. The 24-year-old is able to play all of the outfield positions, throwing left-handed but batting from the right side.

Rickard’s game is about on base percentage and speed, more than it is about power. He only has 13 home runs in his portions of four minor league seasons. His career average is .283 with a great OBP of .390.

Especially interesting when looking at his stats is the unique season he had in 2015. He went from high A, to AA, to AAA; and he got better with each stop.

Level	Games	.AVG	OBP
A+	23	.268	.436
AA	65	.322	.420
AAA	29	.360	.437
Total	117	.321	.427

It is difficult to keep a Rule 5 Draftee on a team for an entire season, especially when competing for a title. But Rickard looks to be worth the consideration as a utility player who should not be overwhelmed by the big leagues.

Edgar Olmos – Waiver Claim