Baltimore Orioles Looking to Add Starting Pitching

Yovani Gallardo could be a potential trade target this summer but he likely won’t be an option for the Baltimore Orioles, who’ll reportedly be looking for additional starting pitching. (Image Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports)

One of baseball’s biggest surprises in 2012, the Baltimore Orioles haven’t quite gotten the quick start that some expected from them this season. The team still sits in the thick of things in the AL East, tied for 2nd place entering today’s games, but there are some clear areas that they could look to improve in the coming weeks. One particular need they’d like to address is their starting rotation, but the team appears unlikely to target the bigger name options who may become available this summer, according to Jon Heyman at CBSSports.com.

Heyman specifically mentions Matt Garza, Yovani Gallardo, and Cliff Lee as potentially available arms who the Orioles are unlikely to pursue. In fact, Heyman believes that if the Orioles do make a move it would only be for a “lower tiered” option as they do not have a ton of financial room to work with.

Garza has a demonstrated track record in the division from his time with the Tampa Bay Rays. He missed a big chunk of time to begin the year but appears to be healthy, only the Orioles appear to have little interest in acquiring him. Gallardo’s best seasons came while working with Rick Peterson, the team’s current pitching coach, but again it seems that the interest from the team’s front office is minimal. Lee is the best pitcher who might be available, but due to his exorbitant contract situation and the fact that Baltimore is reportedly one of the team’s on his no-trade list, he seems highly unlikely.

Heyman mentions Josh Johnson, Ricky Nolasco, Bud Norris, and Jason Vargas as potential fits. It remains unclear if they’ll become available and what the potential cost may prove to be (there’s virtually zero chance that the Orioles will move either of their top prospects – right-handers Dylan Bundy and Kevin Gausman). There should be numerous other options on the trade market, however, if the Orioles are serious about making an acquisition of some sort. The team could also get Tsuyoshi Wada back in the coming weeks, which could reduce their need to pickup an option from outside the organization.