| 08 December 2011
As we’re on the final day of the Winter Meetings, the Orioles have done quite a bit of talking with various teams, agents and whatever; however, little has happened so far with the organization.
The various scribes and hard working media members who made the trip down to Texas reported that Dan Duquette said that Baltimore is in position to make a move or two at the meetings. Of course, the Orioles are looking for pitching -- and more pitching.
I’m going to assume that a trade or two might be made, but no big signings – at least from what has been put out there.
According to Pete Kerzel from MASN Sports, “Nippon-Ham Fighters have decided to post Japanese pitcher Yu Darvish
. Major league teams will bid on the right to extend a contract offer to Darvish, a deal that collectively cost somewhere in the $100 million range.”
In a previous post in the last month or so on the blog, James brought up Darvish’s name and the hopes of the Orioles signing him. They have done little on the international front over the past several seasons, aside from signing Koji Uehara, and Duquette has made it known that the team will look abroad for talent.
Based on recent history, the Orioles have been hesitant to give any pitcher a long-term deal. They have stuck with trying to produce their own arms or have given free agent pitchers – bullpen and starters included – contracts that have been around two years or so.
That being said, should the Orioles go after Darvish since he was posted?
Yes, I would hope so and Baltimore should take the risk, just to show us fans that they are dead serious about reaching .500 and ending their long stretch of losing.
Darvish would be an ideal fit for the Orioles – young, internationally proven and could be a great top-of-the-rotation guy; however, once again you’ve got to wonder – will Baltimore pony up the money?
He will cost a lost and since we can’t see the financials with the Orioles, who knows if they want – or can – spend the money. Plus, I would think the competition would be fierce to acquire him – especially with the Rangers and Yankees as deep-pocket favorites.
Like I’ve been saying all week, I hope the Orioles just do something this winter and take a risk.
Going after Darvish – and getting him – would accomplish just that.
Finally, the Orioles selected Ryan Flaherty in the Rule V Draft, which was held earlier this morning.
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