Baltimore Orioles: Should the roster be re-made in 2017 and the bullet bitten?

Regardless of whether or not the Baltimore Orioles make it to the 2016 post season, should they bite the bullet with regard to pitching for 2017?

Contrary to what we’ve seen of late, it’s pitching that’s needed by the Baltimore Orioles – not hitting. I suspect that when the current team was assembled there was a certain strategy or attitude of if we have enough sluggers we only need serviceable pitching. And to a certain extent that’s been true. But a front-line starter would have helped the Orioles at various points.

So whether they qualify for the post season or not (and you’re kidding yourself if you just write them off now and say that’s the end of it), pitching has to be a priority for 2017. But who’s out there? The free agent crop of pitchers isn’t exactly exciting per se. Could the Orioles swing a trade?

The answer to that is yes, they could. But should they or will they? And by a trade, I’m not talking about something small that brings a innings-eater. I mean a blockbuster-type trade that would bring a top-of-the-rotation starter. I’m talking about a David Price or a Clayton Kershaw-type of pitcher. 

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And I don’t mean them specifically – but someone along those lines. And the answer to that is yes, they should. But there’s one problem; the O’s would have to give away some pretty impressive players in order to get someone of that stature. I’m talking a Schoop or perhaps even a Machado. Keep in mind that teams have never been shy about inquiring about some of the superstars the Orioles have in their lineup.

But the question is whether or not it’s worth considering. Again contrary to what we see now, the Birds have plenty of hitting. I would submit that Machado is probably untouchable. But regardless of who could be in play and who couldn’t, would Orioles fans support a move like this? Keep in mind, we’re talking about a front line pitcher – you pick which one. This wouldn’t be a middke-of-the-rotation type of guy, but a big-time starter. Think Scherzer, or someone along those lines.

Would fans support this? Because that might be what it takes to get someone along those lines. And here’s the other thing; you have to always adjust for the dimension’s of one’s home ballpark. Camden Yards being a hitter’s park, it’s tough to say that a great pitcher would continue to be great. But there is a reasonable argument that a great hitter will be better.

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It’s a tough call. My opinion would be that I wouldn’t feel comfortable trading a Schoop, or a Jones, Davis, etc. And certainly not a Machado. Could the Orioles survive offensively without maybe one of those guys? I suspect the answer is yes. But also consider the plight in the field. Is it really worth the while?

Next: Baltimore Orioles are showing signs of some very tired bats

I threw David Price’s name out there above; even though they’ve done it before I wouldn’t recommend that the Orioles trade within the division. While they’ve done it before and it’s paid off, do you really want to be facing one of these guys 18 times a year?!