Orioles Sign Grant Balfour

Yes, the dream is complete. The Orioles have a pitcher whose name is essentially “ball four.”

Actually, this is a pretty good deal for the Birds. Balfour, 35, has closed out games for the Oakland Athletics for a season and a half, racking up 62 saves in that time. More of a power pitcher than former closer Jim Johnson, Balfour is also more susceptible to the long ball (which may present itself as a challenge in hitter-happy Camden Yards).

What’s better, is that the deal makes sense in the scheme of the Orioles offseason plan for the bullpen. He’s being paid $15MM over two years (with $500K from each year deferred Bobby Bonilla style). Essentially, Jim Johnson’s salary got them a bona fide closer (Balfour) and an excellent set up arm (Ryan Web). They also got the proverbial bag of balls named Jemile Weeks. This is a solid approach. The club felt that an upgrade was needed in the bullpen in order to contend in 2014.

Rather than focus on all the ways the Orioles have failed this offseason (though keep your eyes peeled for future posts), let’s tip our cap to the front office. They saw a need, and went out and addressed it. It is not hard to look at the projected bullpen and see it as an improvement over the 2013 squad. The loss of Jim Johnson may have been unpopular, but it’s the type of move the Orioles are going to need to perfect in order to win without spending gobs of money.

That model can work. Look at the (Devil) Rays and Ballfour’s former team, the Athletics. I suppose this serves as an excellent reminder to the fans to fall in love with the name on the front of the jersey instead of the one on the back – these guys may not be here for very long, and that might be a good thing, if the O’s continue to play that card well.

Especially if the name on the back is essentially “ball four”

That’s right, this is a tip of the cap from someone who’s been merciless this offseason. Hopefully, Dan Duquette won’t wipe his hands and pretend he’s done for the offseason. A well stocked bullpen would look really good if a capable rotation was turning the ball over to them. Capable, not spectacular is probably still out there on the market.

Your move, Dan.