More on Markakis and a week gone bad

Did you really think the Nelson Cruz news was going to be the low point of your week?

Nick Markakis will sign his four-year, $44 million contract with the Braves once he passes a physical. You've got more time to process how the longest-tenured Oriole will be wearing a different uniform and playing in a different league.

Hopefully, left-hander Andrew Miller's pending agreement with a new team won't become a distraction. That news could come as early as today.

(Is it really between the Yankees and Astros? I'm picturing the bouncer at your local bar grabbing Screech by the collar and tossing him onto the sidewalk.)

The Braves checked the results of Markakis' recent medical examinations, including an MRI, and had no qualms about offering him a fourth year. The Orioles wanted more information on the small disc herniation in his neck and assurances that it wouldn't become a more serious issue that might require surgery.

Another difference of opinion.

For fans asking how the Orioles will replace Markakis in the field, it's too early to give a definitive answer. Executive vice president Dan Duquette said he's going to "canvass the market" for another outfielder. The club has genuine interest in Michael Morse, a free agent who appeared in 12 games with the club in 2013 and didn't reveal the extent of his wrist injury.

The Orioles don't appear to have any concerns about Morse's health and are determining how much it would take to sign him. And before you make any comparisons to Markakis, they're not looking at a three- or four-year deal.

The question is whether Morse would have any concerns about taking the Orioles' physical.

Morse batted .279/.336/.475 in 131 games this season with the world champion Giants. He's a career .281/.335/.473 hitter in 10 major league seasons.

The Orioles have noted the similarity.

I'm sure they're also aware that Morse isn't in the same defensive class as Markakis, a two-time Gold Glove winner. Morse is projected more as a left fielder, and he also can play first base.

We still don't have a replacement for Markakis.

Again, it could come via trade or free agency. In the long run, it could be Dariel Alvarez once he's deemed ready. Club officials rave about him - the plus-plus arm, the way the ball jumps off his bat. But I don't sense, at least now, that they would be comfortable breaking camp with him.

With Markakis headed to Atlanta, could the Orioles explore a trade for Justin Upton? Could the Braves advance talks by not mentioning Kevin Gausman and Dylan Bundy?

As far as in-house candidates, Steve Pearce could play right field or he could move to first base, with Chris Davis heading to the outfield. Maybe they could alternate.

Alejandro De Aza is capable of moving around the outfield. He's played 316 major league games in left, 232 in center and ... 37 in right.

Markakis' departure also leaves the Orioles without a leadoff hitter. And they lost a player with a career .358 on-base percentage, an area they're always trying to improve.

Manager Buck Showalter has a knack for finding closers and leadoff hitters. Markakis' replacement atop the order could be right under his nose.

I'd be concerned about the void Markakis leaves inside the clubhouse. He was a quiet leader, respected by all of his teammates. A player who had Showalter's ear and whose opinion was trusted and valued.

Upon further review, the Orioles should have made a qualifying offer to Markakis and collected the draft pick. They get nothing in return.

Same with Miller, but he wasn't eligible for a qualifying offer after being traded during the season.

Quite a week, huh?