Answers to pressing questions as offseason turns into home stretch

It's question-and-answer time:

Q: The Orioles and Nationals each need a starting pitcher. Did they miss a deal when Ian Kennedy signed for $70 million with the World Series champion Royals?

A: Kennedy, 31, was the best of the starters on the low-risk, high-reward free agent list, but it was shocking that the Royals, of all teams, gave him that kind of money. Kennedy is coming off a down year with the Padres after expectations were high that he'd be a key to keeping them in contention in 2015. He gave up 17 home runs, but Petco Park in San Diego was more neutral than pitcher-friendly in 2015. He's a smart pitcher who averages nine strikeouts and two walks per nine innings. He'll be reunited with pitching coach Dave Eiland, who knew him when the two were with the Yankees. And Kennedy will benefit by pitching with the Royals' improved defense - Jarrod Dyson and Paulo Orlando will platoon in right in place of Alex Rios - and in their spacious ballpark.

Q: Is pitcher Yovani Gallardo a good deal or not?

A: Apparently, his price is high. As Orioles manager Buck Showalter said Tuesday on "The Mid-Atlantic Sports Report," giving pitchers a five-year deal is usually a "graveyard'' for teams. But at 29, Gallardo is better than most think. He's pitched for Milwaukee, Texas and Toronto and he's made opening day starts multiple times with the Brewers. He's pitched at least 180 innings and made at least 30 starts in seven consecutive seasons, starting with his first full season with the Brewers at 23. The Orioles can't go into the season with Mike Wright as their No. 5 guy and the Nationals need more than Joe Ross in their No. 5 spot.

Q: Do the Orioles have a better chance trading for an outfielder or signing a free agent at a low price?

A: After signing Davis, the Orioles aren't likely to sign another big-time guy. The Rockies have a surplus of left-handed batting outfielders, but the trade price is going to include pitcher Kevin Gausman. So the Orioles will have to look elsewhere. Austin Jackson has speed, but he can't hit right-handed pitching and at 28, he's morphing into a platoon outfielder that hits well against lefties. That's why Steve Pearce, 32, would be perfect for the Orioles. He was a dangerous hitter in 2014, but an oblique injury messed up his 2015 season. Still, he hit 15 home runs and what's not to like about his versatility? Pearce can play first, DH and either of the corner outfield positions. He even did fine at second last year in an emergency.

Q: Where is Yoenis Cespedes going to sign? Is it true that the Nationals are interested?

A: Apparently, there is plenty of interest in Cespedes, 30, a hero for the Mets last season who wants $22 million a year for six years. The Nationals always have the ability to surprise, and given they were offering Jason Heyward big bucks before he went to the Cubs, perhaps they will take a look at Cespedes. His strengths are power hitting, a strong arm and speed, even though he doesn't steal a lot of bases. If Cespedes signs with the Nationals, that begs the question about Jayson Werth, 37, and his ability to play regularly. The Mets are interested in Cespedes on a short-term deal, but instead of playing him in left field, they'd put him in center because Michael Conforto is in left.

Q: The Tigers tried to sign Chris Davis as a left fielder, but now they have Justin Upton to play left? Can the Tigers overtake the Royals in the American League Central?

A: Figure Upton will hit .270 with 28 home runs for the Tigers. Put him in a lineup with Miguel Cabrera, Victor Martinez, J.D. Martinez and Ian Kinsler, and the Tigers will once again be dangerous when they bat. But, the key will be the Tigers rotation. Justin Verlander, making the transition from a power to control pitcher, was strong in the second half of last year. Former Nat Jordan Zimmermann is a huge addition, but can Anibal Sanchez stay healthy and how fast will prospect Daniel Norris grow? Mike Pelfrey, the No. 5 guy, gives up a lot of hits and is a five-inning pitcher. For once, the Tigers have a strong bullpen with Mark Lowe, Alex Wilson and Justin Wilson setting up closer Francisco Rodriguez.