Orioles stay active at Winter Meetings

The Orioles were busy and active at the Winter Meeting’s this year. President of Baseball Operations Andy MacPhail stated addressing the shortstop position was the team’s biggest need and they were able to accomplish this by trading for Minnesota’s J.J. Hardy. I’ve compiled a list of the O’s activities during their trip to Las Vegas, to include Hardy:

• Traded for 3B Mark Reynolds formerly of the Arizona Diamondbacks, giving up relievers David Hernandez and Kam Mickolio. Reynolds provides a power bat, yet strikeout prone, in the middle of the lineup.
• Selected 21-year-old reliever Adrian Rosario from the Milwaukee Brewers in the Rule 5 draft. The move was a surprise due to Rosario’s age and inexperience. He spent last season between rookie and single-A ball, totaling 59 strikeouts in 46 1/3 innings. The team lost relievers Pat Egan to the Brewers, surprisingly enough, and Pedro Beato to the Mets in the Rule 5 draft as well.
• Acquired shortstop J.J. Hardy and infield utility man Brendan Harris from the Minnesota Twins for minor league relievers Brett Jacobson and Jim Hoey. Hardy is seen as an offensive upgrade at shortstop and Harris will have a chance to compete for a utility role in camp.
• Re-signed Koji Uehara to a one-year incentive laden deal. Uehara has battled injuries during his two-year stint with the club but was the most reliable reliever the last two months of the season. He will most likely resume the closer duty for the O’s.
• Re-signed Cesar Izturis to a one-year deal. Izturis was the starting shortstop last season but will transition into a backup role. Infield depth, which was once thought as a weakness to the organization, has quickly become a strength.

The ballclub is still searching for a starting first basemen and relief help. The O’s have cast a wide net looking at first but most reports believe the team is focused on Adam LaRoche and Derrek Lee. The team has reportedly offered several relievers contract deals and are waiting to hear back.

Are you satisfied with the moves so far by the O’s? Let us hear what you think O’s fans!