Today officially marks the beginning of the all-out, spend-it-if-you-got-it sweepstakes for Mark Teixeira, CC Sabathia, Manny Ramirez and major league baseball's other top free agents.
This class of more than 180 players is one of the most talented and top-heavy groups in the past decade. Records in terms of average annual value and total money spent could be set this winter, though the market must overcome a downturn in the U.S. economy that could leave lesser-tier free agents desperate.
That effect could work in the Orioles' favor, because they, theoretically, have money to spend but are not an intriguing landing spot because of their 11 consecutive losing seasons in the difficult American League East.
Although concentrated on a rebuilding plan that began in earnest last offseason, Orioles president Andy MacPhail acknowledges that he'll be kicking the tires of some available superstars over the next few days and weeks.
However, the club's spending spree is likely to be modest unless MacPhail reels in his two big-ticket targets: Teixeira, the Los Angeles Angels first baseman who grew up in Severna Park, and Toronto pitcher A.J. Burnett, who lives in Monkton. The unspoken hope is that the allure of home will offset the club's recent losing ways.
"I think there are some unique opportunities here that require our exploration, and we owe that to our fans and to ourselves," said MacPhail, refusing to address specifics. "If we are unsuccessful, we'll still look in the market. But we're not expecting it to be a panacea for us. We need to continue what we started last year."
The Orioles' primary needs for 2009 and beyond are in the starting rotation, at shortstop and in the middle of the lineup. The club would like to add more than one veteran starting pitcher, a shortstop with above-average defensive abilities and a run producer, preferably at first base.
Sabathia, who finished 2008 with the Milwaukee Brewers, is the most coveted starter this offseason and almost certainly would not consider the Orioles. Beyond their interest in Burnett, who won a career-best 18 games with the Toronto Blue Jays last year, the Orioles might pursue the Boston Red Sox's Paul Byrd and the Angels' Jon Garland, among others.
