Orioles searching for outfield alternatives

By Roch Kubatko

Orioles

November 30, 2014, 10:38am

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There's a perception among some fans that Orioles executive vice president Dan Duquette is sitting back with his feet on his desk while outfielders Nick Markakis and Nelson Cruz decide whether to re-sign with the club or pursue a better offer.

I've read the criticisms on Twitter and in the comments section of the blog. Other teams in the division are making bold moves while Duquette lets opportunities pass by waiting on Markakis and Cruz. Pretty soon, it's going to be too late to replace them.

This isn't an accurate portrayal of how Duquette conducts business. He can't force Markakis and Cruz to accept his offers, which explains why they're still on the market. Meanwhile, he's making and receiving calls - agents, rival executives, the occasional reporter.

It's apparent that Duquette is working on possible alternatives for left and right field. He's not assuming anything with Markakis and Cruz and the Orioles aren't ready on Dec. 1 to hand starting jobs to Alejandro De Aza and Steve Pearce.

Don't confuse a relatively quiet offseason with inactivity. There's more going on behind the scenes than negotiating with their own free agents, interviewing candidates for the hitting coach job and setting up the 40-man roster prior to the Rule 5 draft.

Unfortunately, Duquette doesn't share every conversation with media and fans. Wouldn't that be sweet?

Melky Cabrera, Torii Hunter and Matt Kemp are possible fallback options for the Orioles. Hunter told a Los Angeles reporter on Saturday that the Orioles, Rangers and Mariners are the teams he's most strongly considering.

I can confirm the Orioles' interest in Hunter, 39, if he's willing to accept a one-year deal. They like his makeup and personality. They think he's a good fit in the clubhouse and lineup.

Of the three outfielders mentioned above, I'd say Hunter has the best chance of becoming an Oriole. However, it only happens if Markakis and Cruz don't re-sign. Also, Hunter has a home in Prosper, Texas, which may favor the Rangers if he believes they can contend next season.

FOXSports.com reported yesterday that Duquette has talked to the Dodgers about Kemp. The sides definitely spoke a while back. Perhaps there have been more recent conversations, too.

I'm guessing that the Dodgers have floated Kemp's name in front of a lot of executives.

Kemp, 30, is owed $21 million in 2015 and $21.5 million in each of the next four seasons. He went on the disabled list five times in two years before appearing in 150 games this season. He's had two surgeries on his left shoulder and one on his left ankle.

Just to name a few concerns.

Would the Dodgers take Ubaldo Jimenez's contract in exchange? Would that be enough, consider he "only" has about $39 million remaining on it?

You could factor in the money saved on Markakis and/or Cruz.

Kemp batted .309/.365/.606 with 17 of his 25 home runs in the second half. Jimenez had a strong second half with the Indians in 2013. As long as we're linking the two.

Duquette is playing it smart, checking on alternatives and perhaps turning up the heat a little on Markakis and Cruz.

An agent who doesn't represent Markakis senses that the Orioles may need to make a slight increase to their offer. Markakis, meanwhile, will see what else is out there and allow the Orioles to decide whether to sweeten the pot. It's the free agent dance. When the music stops, grab a team.

Cruz still wants a four- or five-year deal and isn't going to suddenly jump at a three-year offer simply because Duquette is working the phones. If it were that easy, Duquette could just order a pizza and let reporters think he spoke to John Hart instead of Papa John.

On a completely separate topic, catcher Matt Wieters has started to do some light throwing as he progresses from ligament-reconstructive surgery on his right elbow.