Notes on Markakis, Cruz, Hamels and more

It doesn't yet appear that Orioles fans have much reason to worry about watching the longest-tenured Oriole, Nick Markakis, play for another team next season.

But if Markakis' agent is going to meet with other teams this week to see what is out there, the Orioles management can certainly do the same.

One player that may be worth the Orioles looking at is free agent outfielder Nori Aoki. After playing in Japan for eight seasons, he has recorded a slash line of .287/.353/.387 the past three years with Milwaukee and Kansas City.

Aoki could bring some solid defense, a good OBP, speed and a leadoff hitter to the Orioles. If he were a replacement for Markakis - and that is getting a bit ahead of ourselves - they would lose some pop in the bat from right field. But Markakis' power numbers are down the last couple of years.

Also what is appealing about Aoki is the likely price tag. MLBTradeRumors.com projected he could get a two-year deal worth $16 million.

While Aoki could potentially be a Markakis' replacement, he is also a possible fit even if the Orioles re-sign Markakis. Aoki could play in left field and the Orioles could then better take on his salary by non-tendering Alejandro De Aza, a player projected to make $5.9 million next season through arbitration.

Should Aoki make his way onto the Orioles' radar?

Nelson Cruz, as expected, turned down the Orioles $15.3 million qualifying offer. Now any team signing Cruz will lose a draft pick and that could actually help the Orioles' chances to retain Cruz.

I just have a hard time seeing a team give Cruz the four-year deal he seeks that could cost $70 million while also parting with a pick.

Maybe turning down the qualifying offer will lower Cruz's price through the industry and bring the dollars back into play for the Orioles. That is how they got him in the first place.

We know the Boston Red Sox need starting pitching. Their rotation ERA last year of 4.36 ranked 13th in the American League, ahead of only Texas and Minnesota.

Now come more rumors that Boston could look to acquire lefty Cole Hamels in a trade with Philadelphia. The teams could be a good match for such a deal with Boston's fertile farm system providing the haul of prospects Philly is said to be seeking for Hamels.

Hamels, who turns 31 in December, went 9-9 with a 2.46 ERA in 30 starts last season. He has a lengthy no-trade list that includes Boston, but players can often be bought out of such clauses.

Hamels is owed $90 million over the next four years. Yep, the price of good pitching is high.

The Sporting News named the Angels' Mike Scioscia the American League Manager of the Year. When the Baseball Writers' Association of America hands out its AL honor tonight, it will be a surprise if Buck Showalter does not win.

He is a finalist with Scioscia and the Royals' Ned Yost. Showalter won the BBWAA award with the Yankees in 1994 and the Rangers in 2004. It's 10 years later again.

Showalter would be a deserving winner as a skipper who guided the Orioles to the AL Championship Series, often playing without three key players.

Remember when some said the O's won in 2012 due to "Buck and luck." Now they are just a good team, guided by an excellent manager who should add some hardware tonight.

Stat of the day: AL leaders in 2014 in starting pitcher ERA:

3.37 - Oakland
3.48 - Tampa Bay, Seattle
3.60 - Kansas City
3.61 - Orioles