Thoughts on Wieters and Davis

One of the more popular questions that I receive in television and radio interviews centers on the Orioles' intentions with catcher Matt Wieters and first baseman Chris Davis, both pending free agents following the 2015 season.

Rather than being asked about possible contract extensions, the inquiries are aimed at whether the Orioles will consider trading Wieters and Davis over the winter or during the season.

They're both represented by Scott Boras, who usually wants his clients to test the free agent waters. The Orioles may not be able to afford them. May as well get something in return now before their value decreases as games are played and they become summer rentals.

It may sound logical to fans and media types, but the Orioles don't appear to be considering that option.

"They're going to play," said manager Buck Showalter. "Who knows what comes at you? You never say never to anything. But I haven't heard of any offers.

"If we're competitive and everything, I plan on both of those guys being with us next year. And I hope at some point we're able to keep them in the fold. I'd like to keep them."

Money talks, of course. Wieters made $7.7 million this year and MLBTradeRumors.com projects that he'll earn $7.9 million in 2015 after appearing in only 26 games due to an elbow injury that required surgery. Davis made $10.3 million and is projected to earn $11.8 million after batting .196, having his home runs drop from 53 to 26 and being slapped with a 25-game suspension on Sept. 12.

"I think Chris is going to have a good year, as will Matt," Showalter said.

"I haven't heard any talk about moving those guys during the year. Let's face it, if we're 30 games out in August, who knows what's going to happen? But if those two are on the field, we shouldn't be 30 games out."

My two cents: The Orioles are going for it in 2015, just as they did this year. Why fret over and react to the potential departures of Wieters and Davis? If they give the club a better chance to compete and contend and win it all, then hold onto them.

If Davis rebounds and duplicates his 2013 production, the Orioles will benefit from it. They can worry about negotiations later. If he suffers another pronounced dropoff, they can let him walk or try to sell him on a more team-friendly deal. At least they didn't overreact to his career season.

I understand the logic behind moving Wieters if they don't feel as though they can re-sign him and another team is willing to offer a package that fills other needs, but again, they're all-in next season. Field a lineup that includes Davis, Wieters and Manny Machado and take your chances against anyone.

Negotiations can open up again during the season and over the winter. There's always the qualifying offer and draft pick compensation. But most important, there's a chance to win the World Series next season.

That should be the focus right now.