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Wow, this is the first update I've given since... December 5th!


PITCHERS AND CATCHERS REPORT IN 2 DAYS (FEBRUARY 18th)

Let's see if I can name a good majority of the transactions that happened between December and now (there are a lot but I'm going to highlight a few that stand out)

Hideki Okajima- Okay, so I remember he played for the Red Sox a little while back. He's forty years old! I don't know if that is old enough to retire. I mean Peyton Manning's 39 and he's probably going to retire. But really? It's only a minor league deal, and with that being said he should've just retired. But he can do whatever he wants...

Trey Mancini- I thought this was a familiar name, but I guess not. He's fairly young- born in 1992 (actually the year when Camden Yards first opened). He went to Notre Dame, the school of the fighting Irish. Let's hope he plays the same way. Oh well this is only apparently "an invitation to spring training"... that really is a thing?

L.J. Hoes- Sent to the Norfolk Tides.

Orioles claimed C.J. Riefenhauser from the Cubs

New Edition: Where Are They Now? DELMON YOUNG
As a free agent, Young was arrested with a battery charge after choking and threatening a valet at the Viceroy Hotel. Apparently he was told that the club at the hotel was closed by a valet and that got him angry. This isn't the first time he's been arrested when he was with the Tigers, after yelling antisemitic insults. Which makes sense as to why he's a free agent. No one wants him. He doesn't play well with others, so it seems.

Back To Business- Official Start of Offseason Updates (Again)

The last post for this blog was on October 11th. How time flies...

In the trading world, the Orioles acquired Mark Trumbo from the Mariners. This time it's official. Usually when I type out that they might be getting someone, the Orioles duck out a second later. This purchase may hurt Steve Pearce and Chris Davis, as they might loose their position at first base. In this trade, the Orioles gave away Steve Clevenger (I actually didn't know he was still on the team), and the Orioles also received C.J. Riefenhauser (a pitcher- the only question is if he's good enough).

Should the Orioles keep Chris Davis?

That's the question I have. He did pretty well this last season, but he's unreliable. Back in the day when he hit 53 home runs (2013), that was a pretty good time... at least until it was told to us that he uses drugs. The apology was sincere and all, until he got permission to use them again. Of course baseball has come to the point where everyone has probably used steroids or other physical or in this case mental shifting drugs. It was very upsetting though, that many fans (including me) trusted the fact that he didn't use drugs and lied over the many of the questions being asked about it (creating growing suspicion after he deleted his twitter...) It might be good to keep Davis as one of those players who occasionally hits home runs to secure a win, but he's not doing the whole "hits home runs under pressure" sort of thing any more. Many fans are looking back on his better days, when really we should be looking at what it is now. Davis could be good this year, but it might not be.

It may be possible though that the Orioles will get rid of Steve Pearce, keeping Nolan Reimold. Which is a big mistake, keeping in the back of my mind that Reimold's always hurt (well not always hurt. But never playing)

The Orioles resigned Matt Wieters. So he's coming back.

Darren O'Day is also being attacked, by teams such as the Dodgers but apparently O'Day wants to stay on the east coast.
 

Baseball Makes Its Return

2 DAYS UNTIL PITCHERS AND CATCHERS REPORT
8 DAYS UNTIL FULL SQUAD REPORTS


J.P. Arencibia, catcher was signed on as a minor league deal. 

The Orioles dreams of hosting the all-star game in 2016/2017 were crushed by the Padres and Marlins. The only thing I'd have to say is, did they stop alternating between the American and National League? Or was that never a thing? There's always 2018, though. 


Since there isn't much else to talk about in terms of trades and negotiations, let's take a look at some predictions (again). Some put their favorite teams before hand, the red sox and the yankees. Some put in the blue jays, which is a little bit weird. I mean they were good, last year and definitely have a good roster/lineup. I don't even know how the Orioles will do this year, to be honest. I am not sure if the loss of Cruz and Markakis will leave a heavy impact on the team, or how they'll do without them. I found it interesting how the Orioles could just make it by without any of their all-stars during the postseason. Yeah, maybe they still had some of the greats at the time, but it was a lot of prospects doing the reinforcement. We'll have to see as of March and April to be able to determine that one. 


Games start March 3rd! 

ORIOLES FLORIDA HOME:
Ed Smith Stadium
2700 12th St, Sarasota, FL 34237

The Superbowl Came and Went, Now Time to Play Ball

Superbowl comments- I didn't really like either of the teams, but leaned towards the seahawks in terms of their reputation. I don't mind that the patriots won but if they cheated during that game against the colts, I hope the guilt lingers with them.

NEWS
Dan Duquette staying with the Orioles despite of rumors that he was going to sign a deal with Toronto.

Matt Wieters, who was out recovering from Tommy John surgery and Manny Machado who was out with another knee injury are expected to hopefully return in time for opening day. Let's hope Machado has no more knees to sprain. Machado is cleared of all injuries and expected to participate with the team during spring training. No word yet on Wieters.

Chris Davis took the time out to discuss matters with his recent suspension. Davis says "I obviously wasn't thinking about the big picture, it was a mistake that I wish I could go back and undo,"

Orioles reach agreement with Steve Pearce- a one-year, 3.7 million dollar contract.

The Orioles again are being picked for last place. That works for me. Just saying that you did the same thing last year sportscaster people and look where they ended up. Do you think that just because they lost one player that's going to change the whole team? It's about time to stop picking the yankees and red sox because of their big names. It's not the 20th century anymore. There's no more Jeter, DiMaggio, Geurig. Just because a team has good players and pays a lot of money doesn't mean anything. Not all big money players are stars. The ones that are good enough don't earn enough reputation or money. You have to start looking down at the players there are right in front of you and not base your team of off a bunch of stars. Not how it works at all.

If I listed my personal picks, it would be obvious because I'm Orioles fan that I'll pick them ahead of everyone else. I'm not sure what's going to happen, but it's doubtful that the yankees will be able to replace the swagger of their legend, Jeter. There are no big names there anymore.


Outside the Yard (well not really)

A small fire was ignited at a ticket stand on the first floor of the warehouse. None were injured and no serious damage occured to the warehouse and the park.

Upcoming Games
@Tigers, March 3rd


OPENING DAY
April 6th- @Rays





Please tell your friends, family and other Orioles fans about this blog. It'd be lovely to have more visitors! 

Orioles Resign All-Stars

Four Orioles avoiding arbitration, signed with the Orioles to one-year contracts. Including favorites like Chris Davis, Matt Wieters, Chris Tillman, and Brian Matusz are expected to stay in Baltimore for this upcoming 2015 season.

In addition the Orioles added Daniel Rodriguez to their bullpen, with an exchange of cash from Atlanta. A minor league deal was also agreed upon old-timer, Steve Johnson.

Outside of the field, Dan Duquette is looking to finish a deal off with Toronto. This will make the spot for a general manager open. Duquette came in 2012 and was expected to be the main cause of the "magic". This will be Duquette's second time managing in Canada as he once was with in Montreal with the Expos from 1991 to 1994. The deal is closer to being done, but not finalized-so anything can happen.

Adam Jones, to wear a patriots jersey for loosing a friendly bet and to donate money to David Ortiz's charity. Of course, the joke is on the patriots now-who apparently can't even properly hold a football even if they're being paid millions of dollars to. The patriots sit on a throne of lies. Hopefully something will be confiscated, draft picks, players, money or just for the Colts to get a ring

SPRING TRAINING COUNTDOWN

24 days until pitchers and catchers report to Sarasota! (February 19th)

Full squad report-February 24th

Games start March 3rd. 

Who Should the Orioles Sign?

The Orioles made some good moves- Signing Delmon Young to a one-year contract as well as some moves with catchers (in case Wieters is in bad health) and are apparently talking to Colby Rasmus, an outfielder who could potentially fill the loss gap of Nick Markakis. But the Orioles better hurry with that one. The athletics are also apparently interested and so the Orioles better be quick to move... but yet again that's never going to happen.


The Orioles need to have some big name. I mean they already do have some at third base, center field, catching, maybe even at first base. But, I'm talking about on the pitching mound. Sure they've got ones that are stars on the team itself, but I mean like a big name, all-star. I mean how many times do you see an Oriole pitcher win an all-star game ballot. I always wondered how they won the AL East, most likely with the yankees down and a good defensive. The one who would receive all the losses was Jimenez with a bit of Matusz. But I really think that the yankees are trying hard to get back to where they use to be which is only up to the Orioles to prevent. Sure winning the games is based on luck and the probability of getting the ball to smack up against your bat is quite slim, it really depends how often it occurs with the players you bring it (more experienced and hard-working, I mean)

Who the Orioles should sign (focusing on pitching) is a big name that may cost a bit more money, like Max Scherzer or a developing minor-league one. The Orioles took Gausman and Bundy as chances, resulting in an interesting disaster. I mean they won games, but not very many. It was a shame though that the Orioles lost Andrew Miller and Eduardo Rodriguez. But I hope that they're looking some where other than Chicago.

Other random news-
Nick Markakis took out a two page ad in the Baltimore sun, to thank Orioles fans.
A bet between Adam Jones and Andrew McCutchen on the Ravens-Steelers game. Loser wears opposing team's jersey to home stadium.

Happy Holidays!

Wishing All A Safe And Happy Holiday And A Great New Year!!



Now to some updates-

Delmon Young resigns with the Orioles, a one-year $2.25 million dollar contract. Hopefully this will replace the gap of offense following the losses of heavy hitters, Nick Markakis and Nelson Cruz...

Ryan Lavarnway (catcher) is claimed off waivers from the cubs. Following, the Orioles released Quintin Berry whom actually is a childhood friend of Adam Jones since they both grew up in San Diego.

The Orioles loss Andrew Miller to the yankees. Better say goodbye to that beard.


Orioles signed reliever, Wesley Wright from none other than the cubs. Really? The Orioles should be taking their business elsewhere if you ask me...

The Orioles sign new hitting coach- Scott Coolbaugh (rangers) to replace Jim Presley who got reassigned for "personal reasons". Could this have to do with Chris Davis?

While on the topic, Chris Davis has gotten permission to use Adderall. Now I'm just waiting for his twitter account to return (it always disappears when someone makes an allegation. Coincidence? I think not)

Orioles miss chance on signing former, Nolan Reimold as he was sent over to Arizona.


Outside the Yard- Orioles hold annual party for the less fortunate bringing smiles to children's faces and the chance to meet some of their favorite stars!

A Fond Goodbye to Orioles Players Nelson Cruz and Nick Markakis

       Out of fair respect, I will not give any comments of hate on these situations.

       Nelson Cruz, I would like to thank you for all of the home runs hit during the season and will always remember the first one on opening day. I thank you for ignited my spirits and left me smiling after the ballpark ignited into exuberant cheers. Although you were with the Orioles for a short period of time, you left a lasting legacy on the team. I don't know if the Orioles will ever get the American League East title again, but you were a great pioneer in letting that happen. You always gave me hope even if it was the last inning or a shut out and always gave me a reason to be hopeful. Best of luck in Seattle and fans better remember to bring their umbrellas because you're going to make it rain (with baseballs, that is).

     Nick Markakis, where do I even begin? You've been with the Orioles for eight years. Now that's a long time even though I've only known (not personally) you for two years. Twenty-one is all that comes into my mind for some reason. I remember seeing that number in at-bats, on the field and in the dugout. If a ball flew out to right field, I already knew it was going to be caught (well, in the moment I wasn't so confident). He was one of the first players I actually knew once I became a fan of this team and slowly allowed myself to become more knowledgeable about the team. My first impression of him was a humble, classic and laid-back ball player. No one ever seemed to bother him or question him. He just went out and played the game. He gave back to the fans too- the ones who couldn't afford tickets but still supported them and signed baseballs, hats and memorabilia for the next generation of players without huffing. So, when I heard that there was a possibility of him going to the giants or braves, I didn't believe it. I thought Markakis only belonged to one team and this brought me to reality. To see him go to another team filled me with raw emotion, anger and sadness. This is one of the only Orioles left from the first year I recognized them(2011 is the actual year). I am not going to hate the braves for this or go against Markakis for his decision. Money is money. More is better. I had the vivid imagination that he would stay for his entire career in Baltimore, but it got taken away from me. Baltimore says goodbye sometimes. This time he's taking right field with him.

Thank you, both for making the 2014 season so great. Best of luck with the mariners and braves. Baltimore will always hold a special place in your heart and continue to play with the same passion as you have over the years.

Congratulations J.J. Hardy, Adam Jones, Nick Markakis and Buck Showalter!

*Sorry for the bit of hiatus (again)*

The Orioles will have brought home three gold gloves from Adam Jones (fourth-time winner), J.J. Hardy (third) and Nick Markakis (second). Jones was a likely guess of receiving the glove again after all the home run robbing catches that made me wonder if he was actually human.

What I really want to focus on is the fact that Buck Showalter won this award. I was really surprised when they announced his name. I figured it would have just been the royals manager because they made it farther than the Orioles have ever done. What surprised me before was back in 2012 when Showalter fell to the Athletic's manager. It was odd, in my opinion but I am happy anyways that they finally decided to give him some recognition after two years.

What really made him deserve this award is the way he dealt with most of his star players being injured or put on suspensions. I thought it was looking a bit hopeless towards the end, myself but I still wasn't going to completely give up on them anyways. I didn't even think they'd make it past the tigers. Somehow Showalter pulled it off, probably with a few sleepless nights and some coffee. I want to thank Buck Showalter for bringing back Orioles magic and bringing back hopeful feelings.

Thank you, Adam Jones, J.J. Hardy and Nick Markakis for snagging a few balls and getting the Orioles on the board. Without you, we would not of been able to beat the yankees!

And to all the Orioles who were not recognized, thank you for your patronage in making this 2014 season one of the best!

This Orioles are royal! (defying all odds against Jeremy Guthrie's shirt)
 

Just Because the Orioles Didn't Make it That Far Means Nothing in Orioles Future

I am not bothering to post the scores of the Orioles game. I am not bothering to explain what they did wrong or what they should of done. This is a time to keep moving forward and not look back at the damage that has been done.

    To be honest the best teams don't always have to make it to the world series. It's the role of fate that causes who wins. I am one not to judge the players of the Orioles. I see that the staff and them tried their hardest and that is what makes me think they've won in the long haul. Yes, I may of been upset they didn't make it. But really this is the farthest the Orioles have made it in a long, long time. You can't just go from underdog to first rate team (well the royals did) in a matter of a season. Anyone who goes against the Orioles are just jealous (re: Jeremy Guthrie wearing the t-shirt "these O's will never be royal") they've picked players that most major teams stick their noses up at and don't bother giving a chance. Buck Showalter's strategic moves really shined with the players. The pitchers may not of been that great, but man something about the way the infielders and outfielders worked together both offensively and defensively was a brilliant thing to watch. To see these players play with so much compassion and devotion far past what others just do for money is amazing and to see these players give back to the fans and organization is amazing as well.
   So, a world series trophy might not be coming home this year but I'm still up to seeing what the future has to hold. It was far amazing to see how the Orioles made out without their stars - Davis, Wieters, Machado... and to see them manage to win even without them. I feel a confident future ahead. I really do. But for now I am just going to drink in the future and hope for the best.

I spit on you Jeremy Guthrie for wearing that shirt to the press conference. The whole organization and yourself should be embarrassed for what you have done. As an adult your age, you should have enough morality in your mind to not wear the shirt or even buy it. I hope you got what you wanted. The two things you need to have while playing sports in the positive mind and respect for others which you lack. You don't even deserve to be playing in major league baseball. Children are looking up to you.

As for the Orioles players and organization I hope you enjoy your off season. You deserve it!

Orioles Sign Nelson Cruz, Say Goodbye to Hammel

            The Orioles made history today. Not really. They at least were able to trend on facebook. The Orioles have signed former ranger, Nelson Cruz to a one year, $8 million dollar deal including $750,000 incentives based on active time on roster. The Orioles needed this. Chris Davis we cannot be reliant on that he will have another big hit season. Or at least we don't know yet. But, Cruz may ruin the teams reputation due to his ties with the biogenesis scandal. But in 2013, he hit 27 home runs so hopefully he can do the same this year. At least without the drugs.
           Hammel is gone. It's old laundry but I forgot to do his "goodbye we'll totally not miss you loosing games for some other team" rant. Hammel, he was always injured. He would make games not even come close to being able to be saved in the first few innings. He was a lost cause. Nothing could and would ever fix him. I am glad he will get to join his formers from the lost column, Arrieta and Strop with the Cubs.
            In names of signing more big stars the Orioles still have their eye on Ervin Santana in hopes to fill the roster with more confident starters. But remain in a race against time with the rangers who may be also interested in signing him.

6 more days until spring training games begin!

The Orioles Future Is...Hopeful

              Finally. The Orioles have someone who has more wins than losses. A rare for any Oriole player past or present. The Orioles have agreed with former Indians starter, Ubaldo Jimenez to a four-year, $48 million dollar contract. Ah. The sweet satisfaction of not having to worry about loosing Jim Johnson, or seeing the chart of free agents with yankees and red sox's hats mix with the one Oriole one. 

              This guy is hard to hit. Even the Orioles had a tough time hitting him. Hopefully they'll put him to good use. I wish they could use him as a closer too. Hopefully he'll not give the yankees an easy win.  

              The Orioles did find a relief pitcher South Korean, Suk-Min Yoon. He finished his season 9-4 with 7 saves. Could this be the start of something new?
              I don't want to jinx it at all. I am not setting the expectations too high. But I don't want to see Johnson succeeding while the Orioles are failing. Johnson and McLouth were all part of some show "house of cards" where it ironically took place at Camden Yards. Strangely enough, Johnson's lines were cut. Maybe that's an omen he should be cut from the line-up.

Injury Update- Manny Machado has reportedly arrived at Ed Smith Stadium and started taking ground balls. Showalter asked Machado if he felt nervous to which he answered "No, why should I be?". Afterwards, Machado took up in batting practice. Machado says he feels great and hopefully will be able to start at third on opening day.

8 more days until spring training games begin!

The Orioles Still Need A Pitcher

              The Orioles better not take the eeny-meeny-miney moe exit out of this problem. As both the fans and sun columnists know, we need a pitcher that can beat Balfour whom is apparently looking forward to playing the Orioles. The Orioles have made completely unsatisfying choices in terms of loosing key players such as Johnson, whom I miss making fun of and Roberts.
              Now this season does have a little bit of pluses all within this tragedy. The Orioles won't have to face Granderson (well, I take that back... maybe once), Rivera or what's his name.. Pettite. At least I got a figure that as long as I save could probably later pay for my college tuition if I sell it on ebay. Then there's ah yes no other than Alex Rodriguez who should practically have steroid as his middle name who will be paying his dues to a one-year suspension. That is 162 games we don't have to see his copper-tone face. Let's face it, I think we are entering a time period which should be called "the fall of the yankees" what goes up must come down and now it finally has. Maybe the Orioles won't have much of a shot, but they're competing in one of the most hardest league divisions so beat it.
              Now, Orioles fanfest is tomorrow. Thanks to the near arctic temperatured, six-hour imprisonment called school I can't go. It's not like I could but. I want to recognize the kind act of Orioles center fielder- Adam Jones who chose to wait for Machado during his visit in California so he could help assist Machado on the plane ride. Jones had to travel from San Diego, his hometown to L.A which was a couple hours away and volunteered without resistance. This is why the Orioles are amazing off and on the field. The yankees only "claim" they do that kind of stuff with no proof of any kind deeds.

Only 6 more days until pitchers and catchers report at Sarasota!
Only 27 more days until practice games start at Ed Smith Stadium!

Orioles Make Arbitration Deals With Six Players

             So let's clear the cobwebs. The Orioles finally did something in regards to their 2013 players. That left many people questioning what the Orioles will do with including their breakout Davis as well as the three-time gold glove winner, Wieters. Then there's the others who suck. Norris the Benedict Arnold of baseball, Matusz the blower and who could forget? Patton, the druggie.
             Yet again the top free agents roll on. Who know's what's going to happen as of right now. There's no closer. Barely any pitchers who names actually sound familiar and defensive players who have been up to bad at least ten times.
             But let's recall the positives... There's a stellar third baseman, a 53 home run guy, a home run robber, a base stealer, a not afraid to ruin these white pants player. They brought us some goods. Some streaks, but they're (mostly) a drug-free team to be proud of. Maybe they've only won three pennants... the Orioles haven't been around that long. There's some teams that are new additions whom never won one yet. But Baltimore is full of great players and that's only something fans see potential in. I didn't find Davis' stellar season surprising. Nor did Machado's plays. It was something typical that people finally started to take notice in. I don't care if the yankees are jealous, but that's their fault for not seeing potential in even the worst of players because trust me they'll become something.
            If only you could only see the Orioles past the gang symbols. The three pennants. The 2012 playoffs. Then maybe you will see how much of an impact it had on the fans and the city of Baltimore.

New Year, New Orioles?

                 As you probably well know, the Orioles are extremely desperate right now. You heard me. They blew off the Balfour deal, the only thing that actually had some hope amidst this crisis... Signing pitchers who either had more in the loss column, never had more than 5 home runs in the year or just never played at all.
                 What the Orioles need to know is not to invest in younger players. Having them is good but not a team full of them. You need to start this players out and let them work their way up to triple A. Maybe get some players with a little more major league experience. Some young players are good, but some are well... terrible.
                 But according to sports blog nation, the shopping spree is long from over. The Orioles are apparently considering former ray closer, Fernado Rodney whom barely ended is his 2013 record with more wins then losses. It is something that the Orioles should try and invest in, only because this guy looks familiar as in someone the Orioles lost to in the past. There's other top end free agents also in consideration such as Arroyo and Jimenez. So maybe we can all remain hopeful about this season, considering already our football team blew it. Don't want to call ourselves Baltimore bomb do we?

Only 43 more days until we can bring baseball back into our lives!

Manny Machado Injury Updates

              At the near end to the offseason, Manny Machado was escorted out of the Ray's Tropicana Field as fans cringed as they watched the stellar third baseman roll his ankle in ways the looked almost impossible. Many, feared the future of his career was done. They thought wrong.
              Right now, the Orioles are trying to push Machado towards recovering by spring training of next year. I thought it was a hopeless situation and the Orioles were trying to remain optimistic about it.
               Machado says the surgery went well and this came and a good time for him so he could get surgery right after it happened and didn't have to worry about the future of his team without him. His doctor says right now the goal is to get him to start running, since he can walk without a problem.

Currently, Machado is rehabilitating at the University of Miami.

Machado was most recently named 2013 gold and platinum glove winner as well as the #OMG play of the year.... against the yankees.   

Orioles Make No Deal With Balfour-In Need of a Closer

                  The Orioles announced that the 2 million, 2-year deal they were going to make with former-Athletics pitcher, Grant Balfour has be cut off. It is heard the Orioles were not satisfied with his physicals, although Balfour claims he's fine the Orioles aren't putting this off as they learned with Roberts.
                  The Orioles really shouldn't take chances with this guy, considering he's the equivalent of Brian Roberts only a year younger. That makes him extremely injury prone and so not worth that much money.

 There's still options out there though on the free agency- the rumor is still swirling around about A.J Burnett but I have mixed feelings about the Orioles signing him. He's good but he blows out a lot. I remember with the yankees the Orioles won against him (I cannot remember the score- but there was a large difference) so he could be the next Jim Johnson which isn't good at all. There's still other people on the free agency the Orioles may have to invest in, but they'll have to be worth the money!

Orioles Done With Roberts, Valencia and Patton Gets Suspended

               Amidst this quiet offseason, it was so quiet the you could barely tell that Roberts got sent to the yankees without looking it up online. The same went for Valencia.
              I have no idea what to comment on this. I mostly agree, but Roberts- I have mixed feelings about. I feel a little nostalgic connection with him, but I thought he made a pretty good 2nd baseman during the time he ACTUALLY played. The issue was with these concussion problems and his old age it left him out for the season or so many months that by the time he was able to come back it was too late. I thought it was too much to be paying for someone who didn't even step out of the dugout.
              As for Valencia, his whole drug ordeal made his name plastered all over this biogenesis scandal (which I have no idea what happened to it) it would of ruined not only his reputation but the team's making Davis, Jones and Machado possibly candidates/connections to it (but they actually don't do drugs-so...)
              But I ain't saying the Orioles are clean either. Troy Patton got suspended for amphetamine use. Which doesn't really matter, considering he didn't pitch at all or well maybe only a few games. It didn't bring the Orioles that far... so they might as well get rid of him considering the main/profile image of him on Google (you know when you search their name) looks to be a mugshot. At least I think. I'll let you be the judge of that (image is the rights of google- not plagiarizing)

      IN HOUSTON, TEXAS! WHY THAT FAR? 

Will the Orioles Sign Any Key Free Agents?

           As the yankees and Mariners continue to buy up the free agency I am wondering why the Orioles aren't. They've got all the money (well sort of) from cutting Johnson. Well, so far from what I can tell that's one of the only major players they've cut. I think it's about time for the Orioles to move past minor leaguers and onto someone with far more talent than a rookie and get out with Matusz and Hunter who have all caused way too many losses.
           On the bright side, many of the key free agents left are mostly pitchers. I've heard rumors from the sun of signing Burnett but if you ask me, there's far more better options than that. There's Santana, Jimenez and Arroyo. Yeah, maybe they're asking for "too much money" but the Orioles need to take chances and go out there and spent money and not just let it burn a hole in their pocket. The Orioles just missing plenty of opportunities just like all of the games they almost won.
           What I think the Orioles need to work on is buying players fans are actually familiar with. Some have a ring to it like you've heard it on the radio, but most of them don't. It's good to start out players young, but you can't have a team full of them or else you'll just have a team full of players whom are still working on their techniques.
  

The Yankees Loose Key Players, Orioles "Too Afraid" to Buy Them

   The yankees have recently lost multiple players, including their "team captain" and symbol of New York, Cano and reportedly Granderson decided to become a traitor joining the Mets.
    Now all these teams are receiving the high-edged free agents. Now I really wish the Orioles will go outside boundaries and maybe put forth a little more money toward the pitching staff.
    Right now, unexpected teams or underdogs are buying up the free agency. The Mariners, Mets, Marlins- even the yankees are desperate because they even thought they could buy back some of their players until realizing after buying other free agents that they couldn't buy back their own.
     Now that the Orioles lost McLouth to the Nationals, Feldman to the Astros- what else will occur?

What I am wondering is will people like Granderson and Cano be signed for plenty of money (for a couple of years, too) and then not be at their best compared to last year?

What about that yankees fan who met Cano at the ice cream truck thing and was inspired by him... Who's his role model now?

These changes shouldn't effect the Orioles because basically it's like they just switched rival teams. The yankees pitching staff at least right now seems like a loss so the Orioles will just have to try harder as they do year after year. 

The yankees should fear for themselves