Baltimore Orioles: Gallardo’s Physical A Bust meanwhile Fowler Inks Contract

It looks like the Baltimore Orioles have filled their RF position with Dexter Fowler, signing him to a 3-yr $35 Million dollar contract, Buster Olney of ESPN reports. Meanwhile, the Orioles have once again found themselves between a Free-Agent signing and their physical. Ken Rosenthal tweeted that the Orioles are concerned with Yovani Gallardo’s physical and that Baltimore may restructure his contract or back out entirely.

Baltimore is well known for maintaining strict standards in regards to new player physicals. The most notable to date was the controversy over Grant Balfour’s deal rejection in 2013, which followed the loss of hometown favorite Jim Johnson. This ended up being a blessing in disguise for future All-Star Zach Britton, as he was instead given the role as closer, going 3-2 with a 1.65 Era and 37 saves, where as Balfour had a disappointing season going 2-6 with a 4.91 Era and only 12 saves. In 2014 Balfour’s fundamentals were poor and something in his physical led Baltimore to predict his 2014 season.

So now we’re seeing history repeat itself. Once again there’s something about Gallardo’s physical that’s leaving Baltimore uneasy. Between Xavier Hernandez’s torn rotator cuff of 98′ and the unknown Balfour situation of 13′, it’s obvious the Orioles suspicions have credence.

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Ken Rosenthal mentions that Baltimore may restructure the deal but if history is truly going to repeat itself than its more likely that won’t be under consideration. If that does end up being Baltimore’s decision I fully stand behind it. I didn’t think Gallardo was worth the first round pick to begin with and most certainly not if he is potentially hampered by injury.

The next question I propose, in the event the deal is dumped, who will gain the most from this result. Most likely we’ll see Tyler Wilson play the role of 2013’s Zach Britton. Wilson, who still retains his rookie status, looked solid in his appearances in the big leagues last year and is hungry to make the rotation for 2016. Gallardo was most likely only going to provide around 13 Wins this year anyway and there’s a good chance Wilson will provide the same results with a much lower overall cost to the organization.

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The draft pick debate amongst the baseball community has varied but I’m sure we can all agree it’s not worth losing a first round pick for an ailing free agent, especially when it’s looking like a pitcher heavy draft this year. With the opportunity to land Kyle Funkhouser or Cape Cod League star Corbin Burnes, this is the perfect time to strengthen the farm.

Over the last few weeks we’ve read reports that if Baltimore signs Gallardo than they will go ahead and sign Fowler as well, losing their second first round pick which they gained when the Miami Marlins signed Wei Yin Chen. So now that Fowler has signed his deal, pending a physical, will that have an effect on Baltimore’s decision as to what to do with Gallardo and his faulty physical?

Next: The Expectations for Gallardo, O'Day and Davis

There still seems to be a lot of questions to be answered but if the Orioles have proven one thing it’s they never opt out of a deal without god reason and they haven’t been bitten by it yet. I’m sure the Orioles young players will be even more determined to prove they deserve the chance to fill he empty slots.