What’s Left? – Starters Edition

The Orioles’ signature move of the offseason (unless you count a salary dump as their “signature move”) has fallen through, which leaves O’s fans wondering what the club will do next. And let’s face it, those fans are not confident that the club won’t screw things up worse. The team went into the offseason with a list of holes, and have filled very few. Of the glaring needs, the only true positive additions has been Ryan Webb. 

The Orioles are seemingly content to go into 2014 with a club that is not built to contend for a playoff berth. But let’s pretend they were interested in getting better before playing the World Champion Red Sox on March 31st. What’s left?

Matt Garza

In a  free agency market that lacked #1 starters, Matt Garza may be best in class. The eight year veteran has a career .500 record (67-67), and has only thrown more than 200 innings twice (the last being in 2010). His 2013 ERA+ of 106 isn’t eye popping, either. Remember that the Orioles are philosophically opposed to doling out long, lucrative contracts to starters. Whereas injury risk will probably mean the team that lands him won’t have to deal out a 4-5 year deal that Team Garza wants, but the amount of money he’ll cost in this crazy market likely rules the Orioles out of contention.

Jake’s Take: Garza is more expensive than he’s worth, but heck, that’s the entire market this year. If you’re intent on dropping a ton of money, this is a guy who will help your staff. Won’t happen, though – it’s counter to the organization’s long standing policy on paying starting pitchers.

Ervin Santana

Santana is a pretty good option, which is why he could rake in a 5/$75 contract. If you listen carefully, you can hear Peter Angelos’ ass start to pucker. Despite knee issues in 2009, and a propensity for giving up the long ball, Santana has zip on his fastball, pinpoint control, and a history of going deep into ballgames.

Jake’s Take: Santana would be a great addition to the Orioles. He wouldn’t tax the bullpen, and would be so much more than whatever bum they put in the 5th starter spot. Also has playoff experience. The kind of thing worth paying for? Not according to the Orioles…

Bronson Arroyo

Arroyo pitched 200 innings in all but one season since 2005 – and the outlier was 199 IP. Arroyo is a dependable starter who could be trusted to take the ball and win ballgames. His sub-4.00 ERA in the last 2 seasons in the rough-and-tumble NL Central would be an asset to the Orioles. Arroyo is at the tail end of his career, and the price he will command is more reasonable than some of the others on the market.

Jake’s Take: This is the guy you want, despite his hair. He would bring a strong veteran presence, along with his impressive resume. CBSSports.com reports that competition is down to the Reds, Twins (because, why not?) and two other teams. Maybe the Orioles are on that list?

Let’s face it. The Birds are likely to start the 2014 campaign with their in-house options. You’re more likely to see Zach Britton, Brian Matusz, or TJ MacFarland than you are to see any of the accomplished starters on the open market. The Orioles will cite their organizational beliefs that “support” their Scrooge McDuck behaviors, and the fact that they want to “reallocate” those resources, but all those quotation marks should tell you that I think that’s bullshit. Here’s hoping I’m pleasantly surprised.