After its first last-place finish in 20 seasons, the Orioles entered the offseason likely to turn over a significant portion of the 40-man roster. The team needs depth in pitching, at least one veteran starter, and a long-term solution at shortstop.
BIGGEST NEEDS: The Orioles' pitching staff is an eyesore. As the season came to a close, the starting rotation included minor league journeymen like Chris Waters, Brian Bass and Alfredo Simon. Injuries played a role, but a lack of minor league depth was glaring. The team also needs a steady shortstop, having used six different players at the position in 2008. FREE AGENTS: OF Jay Payton, 1B Kevin Millar, C Guillermo Quiroz
Quiroz, who signed a minor league contract in December 2007, could return. Millar could come back on a one-year contract if the club is unable to add a significant upgrade to the lineup. Payton is not likely to be re-signed.
ARBITRATION-ELIGIBLE: RHP Daniel Cabrera
Cabrera has frustrated the Orioles with his tantalizing yet unfulfilled potential. The 6-foot-9, 270-pound power pitcher led the American League in walks, wild pitches and hit batsmen in 2008 and could be non-tendered.
IN LIMBO: 2B Brian Roberts, 1B/DH Aubrey Huff and LHP George Sherrill could be traded. Roberts was the subject of trade speculation all of last winter, and the team will listen to offers again as he enters the final year of his contract. Huff and Sherrill had break-out seasons in 2008 and could be traded while their value is high. C Ramon Hernandez could be traded or released.
MEDICAL WATCH:
RHP Matt Albers (torn labrum) is expected to be ready for spring training and, if healthy, could contend for a spot in the starting rotation.
LHP Troy Patton (torn labrum) is recovering from surgery and should be ready for spring training.
RHP Chris Ray (elbow surgery) should be fully recovered in time to reclaim a role in the back end of the bullpen in spring training.
RHP Dennis Sarfate (right shoulder) was scheduled to undergo surgery on his fractured right clavicle Sept. 30. It is expected he'll be ready for spring training.
RHP Jim Johnson (right shoulder impingement) is expected to be ready for spring training and reclaim a role as a late inning reliever.
LHP Jamie Walker (left elbow inflammation) was expected to seek a medical opinion in early October after a dismal season that included a 6.87 ERA.
OF/LHP Adam Loewen (fractured elbow) has given up on pitching and is attempting to play outfield in the Arizona Fall League or the Hawaiian Winter League.
RHP Jim Miller (torn ligament in right shoulder) will refrain from upper-body workouts until mid-November at the earliest.
