Mike Elias press conference timing just tipped Orioles fans off to rotation decision

Baltimore Orioles president of baseball operations Mike Elias did not speak during the recent Birdland Caravan, suggesting that he was putting the finishing touches on a deal to address the team's need in the starting rotation. Elias is scheduled to meet with reporters next week at spring training, and he is going to have some explaining to do.

Had the Orioles signed Framber Valdez, then Elias' absence at the Birdland Caravan would've made sense. Why talk around the move you were about to make. But things took a dramatic turn for the Orioles earlier this week when Valdez inked a three-year deal with the Detroit Tigers.

The good news is the heat should die down (slightly) on Elias by the time he meets with reporters next Tuesday. He certainly is going to be asked about Valdez and how the Orioles fell short, but the sting may not be as sharp as it currently is.

Especially if Elias can quickly pivot to another free-agent target. Chances are that by the time pitchers and catchers report next week, Elias will want to have checked off the need for a starting pitcher.

Mike Elias has time to fix the Framber Valdez mistake, but the leash is pretty short

Here's the problem with that: the goalposts have already moved. What made Valdez such an appealing target for the Orioles was that he is an established frontline starting pitcher. The Orioles don't just need a guy who can eat innings; they need the third piece to a potential playoff rotation. Trevor Rogers and Kyle Bradish certainly check that box at the top of the Orioles' rotation, and Shane Baz could turn into that guy. But for now, there's an emphasis on could when it comes to Baz.

Trevor Rogers and Kyle Bradish certainly check that box at the top of the Orioles' rotation, and Shane Baz could turn into that guy. But for now, there's an emphasis on could when it comes to Baz.

With Valdez now off the market, the dust should start settling on the free-agent market for starting pitchers. Between Zac Gallen, Lucas Giolito, Justin Verlander, and Chris Bassitt, there is a strong chance Elias will be talking about the arrival of one of those four pitchers when he meets with the reporters next week.

If not, the call for Elias' job are only going to get louder.