Wondering what's next for Orioles after Kim agreement

With the Orioles reaching an agreement yesterday on a two-year, $7 million contract with Hyun-soo Kim, the next question is how the signing will impact other moves.

I'll get the first concern out of the way. The Orioles aren't tapped out. Committing $7 million to Kim, who turns 28 in January, leaves plenty of cash for another hitter and a starting pitcher.

First baseman Chris Davis remains in play with Kim expected to earn $3.5 million next season. They can afford another outfielder and/or a starting pitcher.

Kim's appeal to the Orioles extended beyond his batting eye and ability to reach base. It extended beyond his durability and his work ethic. They continue to scan the international market for "bargains."

Wei-Yin Chen only cost the Orioles about $16 million over four years. Now that's a bargain. Kim is on the payroll for two years and at a reasonable price, and he's going to be a steal if he comes close to producing the same slash lines in the U.S.

This deal makes sense on many levels. It just can't be the biggest one of the offseason, as I wrote yesterday.

The next question centers on whether the Orioles continue their search for a left-handed hitting outfielder or does Kim fill their quota? They could make an aggressive play for Justin Upton, plug him into the middle of the lineup and surrender any chance of keeping Davis, or they could maintain interest in Denard Span and Alex Gordon.

I'm hearing that they'd still like to add another outfielder who bats from the left side. They're not necessarily one and done with Kim.

The roll call of left-handed hitting outfielders also includes Will Venable, David Murphy and Gerardo Parra. I didn't bother to include Travis Snider, knowing that ship has sailed and it's not circling back to Baltimore.

If I'm making the decision, I'd first need to determine whether Kim's power carries over to the majors. I don't see anyone projecting 25-30 home runs from him. This could influence the type of hitter I want to bring into the organization.

Right-handed hitting Nolan Reimold, L.J. Hoes and Dariel Alvarez are on the 40-man roster, along with Rule 5 pick Joey Rickard. It's understandable why they'd like another left-handed hitter at the position.

Of course, re-signing Davis would put a big left-handed bat in the middle of the order, but the Orioles aren't waiting around for him, as you may have noticed.

Kim also played first base in Korea, but Mark Trumbo would get the call over him if Davis is gone. The Orioles have met with agent Scott Boras regarding Pedro Alvarez, who would become the primary designated hitter.

So many moving parts. So many irons in the fire. So many clichés.

I know that some fans were growing impatient with the Orioles' lack of activity this week, but I'll pass along the yearly reminder that the club can't force players and teams to cooperate. The whole gun to the head technique is frowned upon by the commissioner's office.

Former executive Jim Bowden of ESPN and SiriusXM named the Astros yesterday as the only other match he could find for Davis, though he also questioned whether they're willing to spend.

I saw more comments on the blog and Twitter accusing the Orioles of cheating the fans by not making more of an effort to keep Davis, that they're being "petty" in negotiations. An offer in the $150-$154 million range over seven years that appears to be unchallenged at the moment hardly strikes me as cheating or petty.

People in the industry still can't find a real suitor for Davis besides the Orioles. They haven't unearthed the mystery team. So I'll ask again why the Orioles should bid against themselves here?

This offer doesn't qualify as low-balling, even by today's insane standards.

Note: Hoes will host his fourth annual "Gift of Joy" toy drive Saturday from 4-6 p.m. at Dave & Buster's in the Arundel Mills Mall. The event will benefit St. Ann's Center for Children, Youth and Families in Hyattsville.

The toy drive will feature a memorabilia raffle and giveaway, a silent auction and a guest appearance by the Oriole Bird. To gain entry into the event, guests are encouraged to show their support by donating a toy or making a donation of at least $10.

"I feel very fortunate to be in a position to help others, especially in my own hometown," said Hoes, drafted by the Orioles in 2008 and reacquired from the Astros last month. "St. Ann's Center for Children, Youth and Families is a great organization that I've always felt very close to and provides me with a great opportunity to impact local families. This event is the highlight of my holiday season each and every year, and coming home to Baltimore makes it even better."

Shameless plug alert: I'm back at Dempsey's Brew Pub and Restaurant with MASN's Jim Hunter for the "Hot Stove Show" that airs from 6-7 p.m. on 105.7 The Fan. Hoes will join us and reliever Darren O'Day will call into the show.

Stop by and hang with Hoes.