Why the Orioles Should Sign Jim Thome

Jim Thome is one of the best free agents available, and I think he is the best DH-type player available on the free-agent market. The Orioles could use another bat to compete with the solid pitching rotations of the AL East, and I think that Thome could be the perfect fit.

Yesterday, the Orioles inked Derrek Lee to a 1-year deal, which could be worth up to $10M, and, provided he doesn't get injured in Spring Training, he will be the first baseman in 2011. But, the Orioles could insert Thome into the DH role. Luke Scott is the primary candidate to be the primary DH next year, allowing Nolan Reimold and Felix Pie to battle for the starting left field job. But, Scott could take over the left field job if Thome was signed.
              Also, the Orioles have a very small fan base. These fans need something to be happy about. The O's have made a big splash this year, bringing in J.J. Hardy, and much more notably, Mark Reynolds, but even that hasn't brought many fans to Baltimore. Adding a man who is chasing history, 600 home runs, could at least bring in some ticket sales, if not some actual fans, because people will want to A) watch a an improved offense, and B) try to catch the game that Thome hits his 600th bomb. Thome is also a smart move financially. The Orioles still want to make some more moves this year. They sit in the middle of the financial game. Thome will likely come cheaper than Vladimir Guerrero or Manny Ramirez, the other top outfield/DH-type players available. Guerrero had a phenomenal season last year, and will likely seek a large contract. Also, he has the Cliff Lee-less Texas Rangers chasing after him, so they will be aggresive and will likely drive up his price. Manny brings a troubled player and always seeks a large deal, so he doesn't seem to make much sense for a young club seeking leadership.
               Now, if there are any possible concerns, here is the biggest one.  On December 21, 1998, the Orioles signed Albert Belle, who was on the back end of his career, to a 5 year, $65 million deal. At that time, that was the largest contract in Orioles history. Belle was a bust, and because of his outbursts of anger at the media, he brought negative attention to a club that was trying to get on track to win. So, Owner Peter Angelos may be hesitant to handing over an expensive contract to another player on the decline, such as Thome.

However, Thome is asking for roughly $8 million for one year, so it is a much less risky contract. Althought it would be an expensive investment, it will only be for one season, and Thome will provide the Orioles with a true leader, and a solid bat. He also has a great work ethic, and never has problems with the media.  I think that all of this makes the $8 million completely worth it. Thome provides the Orioles with the final piece they need to have a potent offense.

This signing could be quite attractive to Thome as well. The future Hall of Famer is sitting at 589 home runs, 8th on the all-time list, and hitting in Camden Yards, a hitter's park, would create a very good opportunity for him to reach the 600 home run milestone. Also, the Orioles have one of, if the greatest manager in baseball, Buck Showalter. Showalter is known for winning, and for getting the most out of his players.  Thome would benefit because it would help prevent him from suffering a serious drop in production, as he turned 41 this offseason, and most players start declining around age 35. He’s not getting any younger, and this could very well be his last season, so why not spend it in Baltimore?

Orioles Sign Derrek Lee

BREAKING NEWS:

The Orioles have reached an agreement with first baseman Derrek Lee. Lee hit 19 homers and 80 RBIs with the Cubs and Braves last year.

Orioles Don't Sign Nick Green

The Orioles announced that Nick Green did not accept his contract. That means that there will likely be a battle for a roster spot between Brendan Harris and Robert Andino.

George Sherrill Signs with the Braves

The Orioles were rumored to be a potential landing place for relief pitcher George Sherrill, but the chances of that happening have been crushed. Sherrill has inked a deal with the Braves today on a 1-year deal worth $1.2 million. The deal can be worth up to $1.4 million if he reaches certain incentives. Sherill was non-tendered by the Dodgers this fall, after posting a 6.69 ERA in 36.1 innings for the Dodgers last year. The Dodgers acquired Sherrill from Baltimore for third base prospect Josh Bell. Bell is currently on the Orioles' active roster, and as of now, is likely going to play first base for the O's next season.

Nolan Reimold Staying Put?

As we saw earlier this week, the Orioles seem to want to keep Nolan Reimold. Reports earlier in the offseason speculated that the O's may try to trade Reimold, as they already have a crowded outfield with Luke Scott, Adam Jones, Felix Pie, and Nick Markakis. But, earlier this week the Orioles decided not to send Reimold to Tampa in a deal that would have gotten the Orioles Jason Bartlett. So, we can speculate that perhaps there is still a future for the young outfielder in Charm City.

Manny Machado Scouting Report

He was drafted out of high school and has been compared to Alex Rodriguez. This is Orioles prospect Manny Machado. Machado was selected by the Orioles with the 3rd overall pick in the 2010 Ameteur Draft, and is projected to be their shortstop of the future.

Machado tends to stand in the back of the batter's box, giving him more time to see a pitch and get good wood on it. Machado's batting stance is similar to that of Nationals shortstop Ian Desmond. He is a righty, his back foot is stationary very close to the catcher, and his front foot is stretched out left towards third base. However, despite these close similarities to the finesse hitter, Machado also has similarities to power-hitter Alex Rodriguez. The actual way he swings the bat is quite similar to that of Rodriguez. He has a very simple swing, and it stays nice and straight, allowing him to make contact with the ball right on the sweet spot.

Machado is also a great defender. He has great range and a solid arm. The way he throws is at a one half arm slot, similar to the way a side-arm pitcher pitches. This arm motion is also comparable to that of Alex Rodriguez. Generally, it is unorthodox to throw side-arm, as it fatigues your arm much quicker than the tradition methods of over-the-top throwing and using the three quarter arm slot. These two methods fatigue your arm much more slowly, and generally generate a stronger throw with less effort involved. However, both Rodriguez and Machado get it done with the one half motion, and it certainly hasn't held them back.

Orioles Sign Nick Green

The Orioles have added utility player Nick Green to their roster on a minor league contract. Green will also be invited to Spring Training. Dan Connolly of the Baltimore Sun suggest that Green will likely battle Robert Andino and Brendan Harris for a roster spot. Andino has been with Baltimore for the past 2 seasons, and Harris was acquired from Minnesota in the J.J. Hardy trade.

Green has spent time with the Blue Jays, Dodgers, and Red Sox over the past two seasons, but only saw 23 big-league at-bats this past season, posting a very low .232 batting average over those at-bats.