The Orioles will enter 2009 with just as many questions as they did in 2008.
After going all out -- as all out as they have for any free agent in team history -- for Mark Teixeira, the Orioles must adjust their offseason plan after their hometown target signed with the Yankees. The Orioles are in the market for two or three starting pitchers, a catcher and likely another bat to fill in as a first baseman/designated hitter.
"We'd all prefer to have the player, but at the end of the day, it didn't work out that way," Orioles president Andy MacPhail told The Sun. "As they have demonstrated this offseason, the Yankees have resources that aren't available to 28 other clubs."
And with that said, the Orioles are unlikely to designate all the resources thrown at Teixeira in the direction of any of the remaining high-priced free agents.
Unless the price tags come down significantly, don't expect the Orioles to go after Jason Giambi, Adam Dunn, or any of the other top free agent offensive talent. Club officials have already ruled out Manny Ramirez.
Look for the Orioles to explore more trades -- particularly if contract negotiations with second baseman Brian Roberts don't heat up -- while signing a veteran catcher like Gregg Zaun to fill the slot until top prospect Matt Wieters is ready to assume the full-time role.
