Would we be a contender with Gallarado and/or Fowler in the fold for 2016?

[Frobby]

Just trying to gauge how much of a difference people think Gallardo and/or Fowler would make. Poll to follow.

In my mind, to be a contender you need to be expected to win 85+ games. But define contender however you'd like.

[Ripken]

If we get them both, much as I haven't loved the off season and worry about the future, I'd have to say we are contenders. It's a very solid 25-man, really only lacking a high end starter.

[oriole]

You know, it's not the offseason I'd have chose but I think as long as a couple pitchers get a groove in the rotation along with at least average performances by the rest of the staff then the offense should be able to make up the difference. But honestly, if Tillman and Gonzalez continue their performance from last season and no one else steps up big time then it's another .500 type of season.

[Pickles]

I'm not sure you can really answer the question, because contending depends on a lot, w or w/o Fowler and/or Gallardo.

That said, we're certainly a better team next year with the two of them.

[25 Nuggets]

Tough choice between just Fowler, and both Fowler/Gallardo. Ultimately I think the Orioles can contend with a RF upgrade and something mid-season to address the rotation (or even better, a trade for Wood/Santiago before the season).

[El Gordo]

I would have said we need both Gallardo and Fowler to be more likely to contend. Not sure we can contend but they give us a better chance.

[Pickles]

I would have said we need both Gallardo and Fowler to be more likely to contend. Not sure we can contend but they give us a better chance.

This...

[Tryptamine]

The Orioles got a mind blowingly awful -1.4fWAR out of RF last year. If they're able to add Dexter for 2/20 or even 3/30, giving them a 4 to 4.5fWAR upgrade, it's an absolute no brainer.

[Frobby]

There's only so many options I could dream up, guys. That's why I said "likely to contend" instead of "will contend" in these questions.

[Pickles]

There's only so many options I could dream up, guys. That's why I said "likely to contend" instead of "will contend" in these questions.

Well, I'm not complaining. I'm just explaining what I think.

[Enjoy Terror]

Our biggest offseason loss is Chen and I think Gallard's acquisition offsets that to some extent.

Trumbo is a huge improvement over Young/Paredes.

Kim HAS to be better than our every day left field carousel, and if not Reimold or Alvarez every day is at least a wash. Id like to see Rickard do something too.

Fowler is an upgrade over Parra and the hole that was there before prior to getting him.

And I still believe Matt Wieters is a huge offensive upgrade over Joseph, though I thoroughly enjoy Joseph.

These two players leave us with no holes and only room to improve certain areas. I would still have concerns that a team with 5 #3 pitchers cannot be successful. Pray for the best, we can only hope for optimal outcomes.

[Frobby]

Our biggest offseason loss is Chen and I think Gallard's acquisition offsets that to some extent.

Trumbo is a huge improvement over Young/Paredes.

Kim HAS to be better than our every day left field carousel, and if not Reimold or Alvarez every day is at least a wash. Id like to see Rickard do something too.

Fowler is an upgrade over Parra and the hole that was there before prior to getting him.

And I still believe Matt Wieters is a huge offensive upgrade over Joseph, though I thoroughly enjoy Joseph.

These two players leave us with no holes and only room to improve certain areas. I would still have concerns that a team with 5 #3 pitchers cannot be successful. Pray for the best, we can only hope for optimal outcomes.

If they pitch like five no. 3 starters, they'll be very successful. The worries are that they'll pitch like two no. 3's and then three no. 4-5's.

[25 Nuggets]

Agreed -- with Fowler, offense is very much improved at C, DH, LF and RF this season. Beast of a lineup. Provided health. *knock on wood*

[Enjoy Terror]

If they pitch like five no. 3 starters, they'll be very successful. The worries are that they'll pitch like two no. 3's and then three no. 4-5's.

See also: Boston, 2015

[Pickles]

This team will compete if they get average starting pitching. The rest of this team is good enough.

This is probably a top 2 or 3 defense in the league.

This is probably a ~5 offense, w Fowler.

This is probably a top 3 bullpen.

Average starting pitching is all they need.