Connolly: O's still looking to acquire bat

[Os84]

In Connolly's O's Insider post last night, he mentioned that the Orioles are still looking for a bat. It sounds like they will pick someone up from FA rather than through trade. Here is the exact quote:

The Orioles are still looking to add a bat, and it?s likely it could come in free agency. That said, the market is definitely drying up and any addition at this point could not be considered an impactful one. One recognizable name, first baseman Casey Kotchman, signed a one-year deal with the Cleveland Indians on Thursday. The Orioles had tepid interest in Kotchman but dismissed the possibility before learning he had signed elsewhere.

If true, I don't really see how any of the remaining FA bats would really fit the team at this point. It seems the O's would be looking at one of the older DH types and that could mean less playing time for younger guys like Reimold and Davis.

Here's a link to MLBTR's free agent list: http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2010/03/2012-mlb-free-agents.html

Who are the Orioles' likely targets at this point? Can any add value that the young guys can't?

[BrunoCherrytown]

You can smell it in the air. Doesn't matter who our GM is or what year it is. Catch a whiff of Dumpster Diving for Bargains in Birdland! Courtesy of Peter Angelos. Will it be Damon? What about Manny? Or how about a Vlad or Ibanez? Just gives me goosebumps.

[TiredofLosing20]

If it takes ABs away from Betemit then I can live with it. If it takes ABs from Davis or Reimold well then that would be about right for this team.

[luismatos4prez]

I'm sure Duquette has a plan, but I just don't see it. Maybe he wants Magglio Ordonez? Isn't he still out there?

I don't see what the use is though. I hope Connolly has it wrong here.

[Moose Milligan]

Haha the Orioles suck so bad.

[Eddie_Ripken]

A lead off hitter would be nice. Since there are no legit one's left on the market then please stop looking for another bat. Please.

[Dipper9]

I don't want any of them, but IF they are bound and determined to do this crap again, my order of preference would be...

Mags

Damon

Vlad

everybody else who has ever played the game of MLB

Manny

[Orioles0615]

Cespedes?

[jtschrei]

Could we sign Damon, put him at DH, and have him hit lead-off? That addresses lead-off w/out BRob.

[Dipper9]

Could we sign Damon, put him at DH, and have him hit lead-off? That addresses lead-off w/out BRob.

That would be my preference, but Damon's OPS last year was almost as bad as Vladdy's.

[utvolzac]

Unless it's through a trade, I have zero interest in signing any of the past their prime "name" players still available.

[Os84]

I would really prefer to let Reimold and Davis get a full season's worth of ABs.

That being said, if I was forced to choose one of the remaining vets, I would give D. Lee another shot. He probably wouldn't consider it though.

[Oriolidae85]

Cespedes it is

[theobird]

Cespedes. This is the only reasonable option. Thats why we will get Manny

[Going Underground]

I am scared the offense might take a step back like the pitching did last year. They put too much pressure on the young guys and it failed. This year, I think they might put too much pressure on the hitters by not having a leadoff hitter or cleanup hitter. I know they are older and have had more success in the majors but I can see the offense declining somewhat. Could be wrong and only time will tell.