Baltimore Orioles: 4 key questions at Orioles spring training

As pitchers and catchers reported to Sarasota last week and the rest of the team expected to join in the next few days, there are still questions left to be answered that could impact the Orioles 2016 season.

The Orioles enter spring training after investing the bulk of their $250 million spent this offseason in retaining the nucleus of the team. The Orioles most notable signing this offseason was keeping free agent slugger Chris Davis. The reigning Most Valuable Oriole and home run champion signed a franchise record seven-year deal, worth $161 million. The Orioles also retained all-star relief pitcher Darren O’Day and catcher Matt Wieters after taking the Orioles qualifying offer.

Outside of preserving the core of the team, the Orioles added the veteran starting pitcher, Yovani Gallardo. The Orioles made it a priority to add a proven starting pitcher to boost their rotation. Discussions that started in November and ended a few days into spring training, the Orioles and Gallardo come to agreements on a three-year deal worth $35 million.

The team also traded for outfielder Mark Trumbo and added the South Korean star, Hyun-Soo Kim. At the moment, the Orioles are confident they’ll land the free agent, Dexter Fowler.

As spring training is underway, there are still vital questions left to answer. Here are some of the prominent topics to point out:

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1. Who will be the Orioles Opening Day Starter?

After a 3-month quest, the O’s and former all-star pitcher, Yovani Gallardo, agree on a three-year deal worth $35 million. With the addition of Gallardo, the Orioles now have to decide who will be their opening day pitcher. The signing of Gallardo most likely ends the question of who will be the O’s fifth rotation spot. The rotation full of right-handers now consists of Chris Tillman, Ubaldo Jimenez, Kevin Gausman, Miguel Gonzalez, and Gallardo.

The decision comes down between Yovani Gallardo and Chris Tillman. Last year, Gallardo went 13-11 with a 3.42 ERA in 33 starts with the Texas Rangers. After an impressive 2014 season where Chris Tillman posted a 13-6 record with a 3.34 ERA and selected to the all-star team, Tillman’s ERA jumped t0 4.99 in 2015. Gallardo expects to arrive at spring training in the coming days, as the campaign to pitch opening day begins.

Mandatory Credit: Gregory J. Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

2. How will Chris Davis Handle The Pressure of His New Deal?

After a prolonged, dragged out pursuit, Chris “Crush” Davis will begin the 2016 season as the highest paid player in Orioles history. During the Orioles press conference to officially announce Davis’ brand-new contract, one of the first questions from reporters was about the pressure that comes with signing a record-breaking deal. A confident Davis replied by saying he hopes there’s pressure and went on to state that he always holds himself to high standards.

Davis has encountered the ups and downs throughout his tenure with the O’s, but he isn’t the type of player to get flustered. Instead, Davis acknowledges that even at times when he struggles, all will return to normal if he remains focused and prepared. Being in a place where Davis feels comfortable should ease his confidence and mindset as his next chapter with the Orioles unfolds.

3. Will Kevin Gausman Finally Have His Breakout Year?

The former fourth pick in the 2012 amateur draft and top pitching prospect, Kevin Gausman, entered the league with hopes to be the next pitching ace for the Orioles. Now the 25-year enters the 2016 season after an inconsistent 2015 where he posted a 4.25 ERA. His fastball and splitter have always been surplus pitches, but the young right-hander struggled with his breaking ball. Gausman yielded 17 home runs last season after only allowing 7 homers in 2014.

If Gausman looks to produce a breakout year the Orioles need, he must improve his offspeed pitches. Regardless if his fastball registers in the mid-90s, the lack of control in his offspeed pitches will continue to limit him from being a top-tier major league pitcher.

4. What kind of year will Jonathan Scoop Experience?

Orioles Vice President of baseball operations received several phone calls this offseason with inquiries about the availability Orioles second baseman, Jonathan Schoop. Not only do the O’s understand Schoop’s potential, but so does the entire league. Schoop started showing flashes of prominence in 2014 as he was praised for his exceptional defense skills.

Next: Orioles: Newest Addition Yovani Gallardo

In 2015, Schoop endured an injury reduced season as he suffered a right knee injury in early April. Schoop returned the Orioles lineup post All-Star break and smashed 10 home runs in 71 games. This placed Schoop at 15 home runs and 39 RBIs to finish the 2015 season. Makes you wonder what kind of numbers he’d post if he had a full season under his belt. Schoop has made it clear that he’s 100% healthy and prepared for the 2016 season. The 23-year old slugger looks to take the next step in 2016 as one of the best second basemen in the majors.

As pitchers and catchers reported to Sarasota last week and the rest of the team expected to join in the next few days, there are still questions left to be answered that could impact the Orioles 2016 season.

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