With the usual apologies to former Baltimore Sun Columnist (and current CSNBaltimore.com contributor) John Eisenberg, here is another submission of my version of ‘Fact & Opinion.’

Fact: The San Diego Padres declined their 2011 option on Jon Garland, leading some to speculate he could be of interest to the Baltimore Orioles.

Opinion: The Orioles do not need to obtain him or any other veteran starter. (Cliff Lee will not be standing at a podium at the Warehouse this Winter, so we are talking about the class of starter whose best attribute is providing innings.) I like the idea of going into Spring Training with a staff that looks like Matusz, Guthrie, Arrieta, Bergesen, and Tillman. With Britton waiting in the wings in AAA, and other internal options like VandenHurk, Berken, and Hernandez if need be.

You want to guess how Garland would fair in the AL East? Pay less attention to his ’10 numbers with San Diego in those huge National League West ballparks, and more attention to his ’08 numbers with the Angels. You might as well just bring back Millwood, if Garland is an actual option.

Fact: Jason Berken has announced he is on pace to begin his throwing program in December, and he has received multiple recommendations that surgery is not required.

Opinion: This is the best news of the Winter so far for the Birds. Not because I believe Berken will directly match the production he showed in the 1st-half of last-year, but because a healthy Berken only adds to the depth being assembled in the O’s bullpen.

Several times prior to the off-season, Andy MacPhail stated publicly that adding someone externally to the bullpen would be something that is considered.

Right now we are looking at bullpen that includes Gonzalez, Hernandez, Johnson, and Berken. That is four. If you resign Uehara, that is five. I would expect the O’s to have one of VandenHurk or Simon in the pen, that is six. Patton or a FA lefty addition would be seven.

Fact: A number of Coaching staff moves have occurred. Pitching Coach Rick Kranitz moved to the Astros, and appears that he will be replaced by Mark Connor. The Crow will no longer be on the bench, and has been replaced by Jim Presley. Rick Adair has been named the bullpen coach. Wayne Kirby will be the coach at 1st, and in a bit of surprise Juan Samuel will likely be back at 3rd. If Don Wakamatsu does not get a Managerial gig of his own, he is the leading candidate to be Showalter’s bench-coach.

Opinion: I really do not care about any of these moves beyond the idea that I am happy that Showalter is getting to formulate his coaching staff as he deems fit. There has been plenty of discussion about Crowley over the years, and my feelings have always been mixed. A lot of players directly stated they liked working with him, and that he improved their swing mechanics technically. The results though showed the Orioles were consistently mediocre at taking pitches, working counts, and getting on-base. I’m happy Crowley is staying in the organization, and also excited that a new voice will be heard in the O’s dugout. I thought it was interesting that Matusz had spoke out publicly about his desire for Kranitz to return. Based on that alone, I would have been tempted to bring him back. All-in-all though, that would have been the easy decision. It is better that despite Matusz’s proclamation, that Showalter surrounded himself with the coach he was more comfortable with.

I was surprised that Samuel was going to be named to the staff. After-all he was not part of the staff when Showalter took over. Still, Showalter did go out of his way to thank Samuel for his contributions before he (Showalter) was hired. Also, we all heard about the respect the team had for Samuel during his time as Manager.

Fact: Peter Gammons recently wrote that he believes the Detroit Tigers will be willing to give Victor Martinez a 4 year deal.

Opinion: I believe Martinez will be pursued by the O’s, but would be surprised if the Orioles were willing to offer 4 years.

Fact: The Tigers declined their option on Jhonny Peralta, but Detroit still has interest in resigning the SS.

Opinion: Peralta is 28, and has been just a .700 OPS hitter over the previous two seasons (.748 for his career). He is also known as a mediocre SS (also nearly 300 career games at 3rd) that will make the routine play, that has limited range. I’ll still take him over Izturis if Detroit does not get him resigned.That is not me not valuing defense, it just my belief that Izturis is not a Ozzie Smith or Belanger, and because of that you can justify bringing him back. He is the worst everyday offensive player in the Majors. Peralta has had 3 seasons of 20+ homers, and brings some upside.

Chris Stoner
Chris Stoner

Owner

Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.

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