Baltimore Orioles: 2014 Season Could be Ugly

Dec 10, 2013; Orlando, FL, USA; Baltimore Orioles manager Buck Showalter talks with reporters during the MLB Winter Meetings at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Resort. Mandatory Credit: David Manning-USA TODAY Sports

Although the Baltimore Orioles have been one of the more surprising teams of the past two years, their front office is proving why this club has been bad for so many seasons. While it appeared that the team would go after many big names just a few months before Spring Training, the Orioles have been as about as quiet as any team thus far.

The team has been tied to many names, including Grant Balfour and Rajai Davis, but there has been no action out of the Charm City. There have been several big names signed by key competitors–something that should spark the decision makers in Baltimore to make a move.

Buck Showalter talked to the media today, and while he expressed the need for many things, no announcement was made regarding potential players in free agency–something concerning for fans of the Black and Orange.

Perhaps the biggest off-topic discussion was that of Brian Roberts. If the second baseman doesn’t return, you can pile that on a stack of problems that the Orioles have going into Sarasota in the Spring. Nick Markakis would likely fill the void of a leadoff man in the lineup with Roberts’ absence; and if you think that’s an upgrade, you’re mistaken. Markakis struggled all season just getting on base, and the Gold Glove Right Fielder shouldn’t be expected to make a miraculous comeback immediately.

It may take time. Time that the Orioles might not have.

Let’s face it–the pitching on this team isn’t elite. There’s certainly not a huge problem with the rotation, but it shouldn’t be relied upon to carry this team. There are holes to be filled, and without a big name signing, we could be back to seeing the Baltimore Orioles of old.

Enough with the “sources” and “interested in”… The Orioles need a big-name signing and they need it fast!