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Baltimore Orioles: Find New Life in the International Market

By Nelson Barnes II

BALTIMORE, MD - JUNE 12: Executive vice president and general manager Mike Elias of the Baltimore Orioles looks on before a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on June 12, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
BALTIMORE, MD - JUNE 12: Executive vice president and general manager Mike Elias of the Baltimore Orioles looks on before a baseball game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on June 12, 2019 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /
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This is not a dream, a mirage, or a hallucination… the Baltimore Orioles really participated in the 2019-2020 international signing.

Compared to just two years ago when the Duquette era produced zero international signings for the Baltimore Orioles and left fans frustrated and confused for many seasons. Those days have now come and gone especially with Mike Elias as the GM.

On July 2nd, the Orioles started the signings with 27 agreements according to MASN. The Media outlet reports that ” the club has signed 16 players from the Dominican Republic, eight from Venezuela and a few from Aruba, the Bahamas, and Columbia.

THE SIGNINGS 

Orioles made big moves and acquired a lot of players according to The Baltimore Sun

  • OF – Luis González L/L 11/02/2002 Dominican Republic
  • SS – Leonel Sánchez R/R 12/4/2002 Dominican Republic
  • LHP – Luis Ortiz L/L 9/17/2002 Dominican Republic
  • OF – Dax Stubbs R/R 5/21/2003 Bahamas
  • RHP – Moisés Chace R/R 6/9/2003 Venezuela
  • SS – Robert Martínez R/R 1/16/2003 Dominican Republic
  • LHP – Moisés Salas L/L 10/28/2002 Venezuela
  • SS – César Aguasvivas R/R 9/9/2002 Dominican Republic
  • RHP – Raúl Rangel R/R 10/9/2002 Venezuela
  • OF – Luis De La Cru z L/L 10/15/2002 Dominican Republic
  • RHP – Charbel Abboud R/R 10/13/2002 Venezuela
  • RHP – Harol Arias R/R 11/7/2002 Venezuela
  • RHP – Erick Caines R/R 9/21/2002 Dominican Republic
  • C – Ricardo Rivera L/R 9/29/2002 Colombia
  • OF – Jesús Alvarado L/L 1/16/2003 Venezuela
  • RHP – Francisco Crispín R/R 12/9/2002 Dominican Republic
  • RHP – César Álvarez R/R 9/11/2002 Venezuela
  • C – Kenny Báez R/R 9/26/2002 Dominican Republic
  • SS – Rolphy Cruz S/R 9/21/2002 Dominican Republic
  • LHP – José Ramírez L/L 5/23/2003 Venezuela
  • RHP – Edgar Portes R/R 10/2/2002 Dominican Republic
  • LHP – Johán Berroa L/L 8/27/2000 Dominican Republic
  • RHP – Randy Berigüete R/R 11/2/2002 Dominican Republic
  • SS – Anderson Rogers S/R 10/24/2002 Dominican Republic
  • LHP – Adrion Lacle L/L 11/6/2002 Aruba
  • SS – Erinson Placencia R/R 12/31/2001 Dominican Republic
  • RHP – Alejandro Méndez R/R 2/28/2001 Dominican Republic

THE NEW ERA 

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The Mike Elias era has not disappointed on the checklist of goals stated from the beginning. From signing talent in the draft to actually going for it all in international signings the ownership model this year is a complete 180.

15 pitchers ( 10 right-handed and 5 -left-handed)  including 6 shortstops now could potentially wear the orange and black including 4 in the outfield and 2 behind the plate as catchers. Potentially, these players will be able to provide the potential to be a talented juggernaut for this organization for years to come.

THE NEW RELEVANCE IN THE MARKET

Whether anyone wants to admit it or not,  the Orioles have been irrelevant when it comes bringing in players from international territories prior to the Elias Era. Observation from the previous champions of the World Series has shown that the vast majority of baseball talent comes from the rich pools found in the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Columbia, Cuba, and the list goes on.

To have gone this long without acknowledging this leaves no wonder as to why the farm system lacks a pool of talent and is currently catching up. Now with criticism aside, credit has to be given as well.

The Baltimore Orioles are making themselves now relevant by tapping into this rich pool of Latin talent that can be found across the globe. Gone are the days where you can turn a blind eye to the international market. If you wish to be in the same conversation as the Red Sox, Yankees, and Astros then you have to be active in the market that exists right here and right now.

THE NEW ORIOLE WAY

Because the Orioles have thrown their hat in the ring, there is potential for relationships to be built in the Latin market. If there is a potential to acquire a powerful arm on the mound from Aruba or a speedy shortstop from Venezuela then the Orioles can field that option.

The main goal for the Orioles now is to establish the new era of the Oriole way.  Sustainability instead of just racing against time. Elias and his staff understand that this process is just the beginning.

"“Today is only the beginning of our efforts, as we continue to sign more players throughout the 2019-20 signing period. Our international scouting staff has already begun laying the groundwork for future classes.”"

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The groundwork is being laid to establish a system of talent that either can win a championship or at least knock on the door. Potentially these goals are important for keeping a talent pool that can last for years instead of just that infamous window of opportunity.

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