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Thursday, January 5, 2017

Columns:  Despite few holes to fill, Orioles still searching for an identity this offseason The Sun 1/5  Orioles leaning on Gausman to boost rotation MLB.com 1/4  This, that and the other MASNsports.com 1/5  It’s been a very different offseason for free agent spending MASNsports.com 1/5  MLB Roundup: Big-name free agents struggle to find job ESPN.com 1/4  Will The Jesus Montero Signing Pay Off For The Orioles? PressBoxOnline.com 1/4  Tap-In Question: Which team has a brighter immediate future, O’s or Ravens? BaltimoreBaseball.com 1/4

http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/orioles/blog/bal-despite-few-holes-to-fill-orioles-still- searching-for-an-identity-this-offseason-20170105-story.html

Despite few holes to fill, Orioles still searching for an identity this offseason

By Eduardo A. Encina / The Baltimore Sun January 5, 2017

Just as they began the offseason, the Orioles sit in the first week of January with few holes to fill and most of last year’s playoff team returning. But for a team that brings most of its core back in 2017, the Orioles can very much be considered a team in limbo as far as its identity goes.

Will the 2017 Orioles continue to be like the franchise’s recent teams, reliant on power? Or will it bring a group to Sarasota, Fla., that adds a renewed commitment to improving its on-base potential, adding speed on the basepaths and being sound defensively across every position?

There are still 5 ½ weeks until and report to on Feb. 13, so there’s still plenty of time for the Orioles to go either way. First baseman Chris Davisdidn’t agree to terms on his club-record seven-year, $161-million deal last offseason until Jan. 16. And in years past, we’ve seen the Orioles add pivotal pieces well into spring training.

After leading the majors with 253 homers last season, the Orioles lost 38.3 percent of their power production (97 homers) this offseason through free agency. Most of that came from outfielder/designated hitter Mark Trumbo, who led the majors with 47 homers, and the Orioles remain interested in bringing the slugger back.

The Orioles replaced Matt Wieters, who 17 homers last season, with Welington Castillo, who hit 14 homers last season with Arizona and was the best hitting catcher available besides Wieters.

There’s reason to believe that Trumbo’s market will lead him back to Baltimore. There aren’t a multitude of alternate landing spots, although Colorado could be a fit because he could play first base and Oakland reportedly entered the fray with interest this week. But Trumbo enjoyed the best season of his career in his one season with the Orioles and seemed to find comfort in after playing with his fourth organization.

Still, the Orioles don’t want to repeat last year’s experiment of putting Trumbo in right field. That he will mostly be a designated hitter -- as well as team relinquishing the opportunity to gain a compensation draft pick if Trumbo goes elsewhere – will weigh in the team’s decision on how much they ultimately want to commit to keep Trumbo.

Another alternative would be retaining Pedro Alvarez, who hit 22 homers in a mostly platoon DH role, especially if he can be utilized defensively in some way. In an effort to raise his stock, Alvarez is experimenting with playing the outfield, and the Orioles considered giving him a look there last spring and late in the regular season, but nothing materialized.

The Orioles could use Alvarez’s left-handed bat, and some in the organization believe he showed enough against left-handed pitching last season that he could be used in a more regular role. But bringing back Trumbo and Alvarez likely won’t work, as was seen late last season when Alvarez lost at bats as Trumbo moved into the DH spot more often. Manager Buck Showalter’s bench flexibility would be hindered, especially if the team keeps rookie first baseman Trey Mancini as a right-handed DH. That would clog the team’s bench with players who have limited defensive capabilities.

Despite adding on-base skills with left fielder Hyun Soo Kim and adding a spark from trade acquisition Michael Bourn for the regular season’s final month, the Orioles still were in the bottom third of the American League in on-base percentage (.317). Besides Kim and Bourn, just two Orioles starters had on-base percentages over .330 (’s .343 and ’ .332).

Free-agent bats like Brandon Moss and Chris Carter – the Orioles appear to be more interested in the previous than the latter – also provide power that can compensate for lost home-run potential, but offer little in terms of getting better with on-base capability or defense.

Rajai Davis, who led the AL in stolen bases, was on the Orioles’ short list of outfield targets, but he signed a one-year, $6-million deal with the .

The remaining group of players who could help the Orioles balance their roster all represent a significant leap of faith in one way or another. The club loves what outfielderAngel Pagan could potentially do -- give the team a switch-hitting bat who is a proven table-setter and a capable corner outfielder. But Pagan will be 36 in July, and he’s been on the DL at least once in each of the past four years.

Outfielder Chris Coghlan experienced a career resurgence when he was traded to the Cubs in June, posting a .391 on-base percentage in 48 games, but he was horrendous in Oakland before the trade. Outfielder Coco Crisp is coming off a .231/.302/.397 season now entering his age 37 season.

And even a reunion with Bourn, who posted a .283/.358/.435 line in 24 games with the Orioles following his acquisition on Aug. 31, has its questions. Bourn was rejuvenated by joining a contender in a season in which he played for four different organizations, but there is question whether his numbers would play over the long haul at age 34. Regardless, he gave the Orioles better outfield defense and speed they didn’t have.

So in order to improve on their weaknesses, the Orioles would need to take a bit of a risk. Otherwise, they will go with what’s familiar, stockpile power-hitting bats and ride out 2017 much like the past five years, which have included three trips to the playoffs, but glaring holes that have kept the ultimate goal – a World Series title – out of reach.

http://m.orioles.mlb.com/news/article/212830406/orioles-to-rely-on-kevin-gausman-in-2017/

Orioles leaning on Gausman to boost rotation

By Brittany Ghiroli / MLB.com January 4, 2017

BALTIMORE -- The Orioles are hoping their rotation can be better in 2017. Kevin Gausmanis a big reason why.

Gausman took a big step forward in the second half of last season, going 8-6 with a 3.10 ERA in 15 starts after the All-Star break. The righty, who turns 26 on Friday, had a career-high 30 starts and nine wins in 2016, and he will be relied on heavily this year to keep the rotation in check. After opening the 2016 season on the disabled list, Gausman went 1-6 with a 4.15 ERA in the first half.

But in six August starts, Gausman went 4-2 with a 2.45 ERA, pitching 36 2/3 innings and allowing just 11 runs (10 earned) with 41 . He went six or more innings in five of those six starts, a trend he continued in the season's final month.

Gausman posted a 2.83 ERA over his final 12 starts, pitching 76 1/3 innings and allowing 26 runs (24 earned). The righty consistently pitched deep into games -- often ones with postseason implications -- which could be huge in his development.

Along with , Gausman joins Ubaldo Jimenez, Yovani Gallardo and Wade Miley, who will be pitching in contract years, in the rotation. Then there's the interesting case of 24- year-old , who is also vying for the rotation, which should create some competition.

Baltimore's rotation finished 13th in the American League last year with a 4.72 starters ERA. O's starters pitched 886 innings, fourth fewest in the AL.

Gausman, who made $532,000 last year, is first-year arbitration-eligible. He could end up being a bargain should he take another step forward and help the Orioles line up better with division rivals.

Gausman pitched a career-high 179 2/3 innings last year, jumping up from 112 1/3 in 2015 and 113 1/3 in '14. Given his progression, he could be a potential 200-innings guy for the O's in 2017.

http://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2017/01/this-that-and-the-other-136.html

This, that and the other

By Roch Kubatko / MASNsports.com January 5, 2017

I wrote last week that Hyun Soo Kim’s participation in the World Classic wasn’t a certainty despite his inclusion on South Korea’s early roster. Now comes word that manager Kim In-sik is considering possible replacements for Kim and the Rangers’ Shin-soo Choo.

In a story that appeared yesterday in Yohhap News Agency, Korea’s manager indicated that the Orioles could steer Kim away from the WBC because they want the outfielder in camp for the duration of spring training.

“It’s really not up to us,” Kim In-sik said. “But I think Kim may be worried that he might get caught up in an awkward position with the club if he forces his way to play at the WBC.”

Manager Buck Showalter won’t prevent anyone from playing in the WBC, including the other four Orioles who made early commitments - Adam Jones, Manny Machado, Jonathan Schoop and Mychal Givens. However, he’d naturally prefer to have everyone in camp, and Kim could benefit from staying on schedule as he tries to expand his role of platoon left fielder.

Enough has been written about Kim’s 2016 spring training, including the 0-for-23 start and his refusal to accept a minor league assignment. But it will linger in the Florida air as position players report next month.

Givens most likely presents the biggest WBC worry for the Orioles because he’s a and, the thinking goes, more at risk of injury. Kim’s participation would have been a bigger mistake last spring because he was new to the U.S. and getting acclimated to more than just baseball.

* There hasn’t been any buzz surrounding free agent outfielder Nolan Reimold. His name hasn’t been attached to any teams as we’ve moved past the holidays, which sets him up to be one of the later signings.

The Phillies are believed to have some interest that could intensify later in the offseason, but nothing that’s currently hot. They reportedly want to add another bat, but are considering some of the bigger fish on the market.

Meanwhile, it appears that the Orioles haven’t reached out to his agent as they continue to sift through available outfielders, including ones that could be obtained in a trade. I’m hesitant to state that a ship definitely has sailed, since so much can change in this game, but it seems unlikely that Reimold will return to the Orioles. Never say never, but doubtful is allowed.

Reimold, 33, no longer should be subjected to the same old injury “jokes.” He’s been healthy since undergoing corrective surgery to fuse two vertebrae in his neck prior to the 2014 season. He may have to settle for a minor league deal and earn a spot on an opening day roster, but it’s also possible that a team searching for a right-handed bat could get aggressive as more names come off the board. We’ll see.

* I’ve devoted space in this blog to questioning whether the Orioles should deal from an area of strength and part with a reliever. It may be their best route to finding a right fielder.

I’d be hesitant to part with despite the depth in their bullpen. He’s extremely valuable, still a bargain and may be in line to close if the Orioles part with Zach Britton before the left-hander hits free agency following the 2018 season. Or if Britton isn’t re-signed. But plenty of teams are trying to fortify their bullpens and could match up with the Orioles.

It must be considered. But the Orioles couldn’t afford for Darren O’Day to be injured again - he went on the disabled list twice last season - or for left-handers to hit .366 against Givens. AndLogan Ondrusek likely would have to emerge as a suitable replacement after the Orioles re- signed him to a one-year deal with a club option.

Left-handers were 6-for-11 with three doubles and a against Ondrusek, but the Orioles are confident that he can make the necessary adjustments.

* We’re five days into the New Year and still nothing from the Orioles regarding their minor league hires.

Everyone is in place, from what I’ve heard, and it’s just a matter of releasing the names. is the new minor league pitching coordinator, if that’s the exact title given to him. He’s replacing director of pitching development Rick Peterson.

Wasdin, 44, previously served as pitching coach of the -A Midland Rockhounds in the Athletics organization. The Orioles signed him as a free agent on June 11, 2001 and traded him to the Phillies on Dec. 13 for pitcher . You’re a diehard fan if you remember that transaction.

(Brock closed his major league career by appearing in 22 games with the Orioles in 2002 and going 2-1 with a 4.70 ERA.)

Wasdin pitched in Boston while Dan Duquette was general manager and in Texas while Showalter was manager. He carries an outstanding reputation.

* Shameless plug alert: The “Hot Stove Show” returns tonight at Dempsey’s Brew Pub & Restaurant. Pitchers and Dylan Bundy will call into the show between 6 p.m.-7 p.m. on 105.7 The Fan.

Got any questions for the dynamic duo? Pass them along.

Gausman probably will need to address again how he’s expected to “take the next step.” You couldn’t read a story about Gausman last winter and spring without stumbling across that phrase. I was one of the contributors.

Gausman was 6-2 with a 2.67 ERA and 1.107 WHIP in 12 starts at Camden Yards and 3-10 with a 4.32 ERA and 1.412 WHIP in 18 road starts. No sense waiting to bring up that topic again.

Bundy will be asked about his health despite having no issues last season while totaling 109 2/3 innings. May as well get that one out of the way, too.

http://www.masnsports.com/steve-melewski/2017/01/its-been-a-very-different-offseason-for- free-agent-spending.html

It’s been a very different offseason for free agent spending

By Steve Melewski / MASNsports.com January 5, 2017

You don’t have to look very long and hard to figure out that teams are spending much less on free agents this year throughout baseball.

But that doesn’t mean teams are curtailing their spending, as much as the crop of players is very different from year to year. Last winter, 10 free agents signed for total dollars of $80 million or more. This winter, just four players have signed for $80 million or more.

Last winter, of the top 10 contracts, seven went to starting pitchers, including two that signed for over $200 million. So far this year, just one starting pitcher is among the players receiving the top 10 contracts. That was left-hander Rich Hill, signed by the Dodgers for three years and $48 million. He got an average annual value of $16 million per season, well under the AAV amounts last year for right-hander Zach Greinke of $34.4 million and lefty of $31 million.

The biggest contracts of the post-2015 offseason: $217 million, seven years - David Price with the Red Sox $206.5 million, six years - Zach Greinke with the Diamondbacks $184 million, eight years - with the Cubs $161 million, seven years - Chris Davis with the Orioles $132.75 million, six years - Justin Upton with the Tigers

The biggest contracts of the post-2016 offseason: $110 million, four years - Yoenis Cespedes with the Mets $86 million, five years - Aroldis Chapman with the Yankees $82.5 million five years - Dexter Fowler with the Cardinals $80 million, five years - Kenley Jansen with the Dodgers $70 million, five years - Ian Desmond with the Rockies

The top five players after the 2015 season signed for a combined 34 years for a total of $901.25 million. That is an average annual value of $26.5 million. The top five this winter signed for a combined 24 years and $428.5 million. That is an AAV of $17.85 million.

Again, the difference seems to be the much-reduced quantity and quality of starting pitchers, who signed the two deals for $200 million or more last winter. After Hill’s deal with the Dodgers, the second richest deal for a starting pitcher signed so far went to Ivan Nova, who returned to the Pirates for three years and a total of $26 million.

Top team spendors post-2015: $289.25 million - Chicago Cubs $271.75 million - Detroit Tigers $251.00 million - $235.55 million -

Top spendors post-2016: $192 million - Los Angeles Dodgers $127.2 million - New York Mets $113 million - St. Louis Cardinals $99 million -

Some key players are still available in free agency, including two 2016 Orioles in Matt Wietersand Mark Trumbo, along with Jose Bautista. None will likely break the bank. But I do think when you see Jason Heyward get $184 million one winter and Dexter Fowler get $82.5 million the next, we may be seeing some reigning in on spending. Of course as soon as we say that, clubs will soon start throwing around $200 million at a future free agent pitcher. But Heyward got $23 million per year and Fowler got $16.5 million.

The price of free agents never goes down? Does it?

But it did this year. That clearly seemed to be more about the crop of free agents, including much less starting pitching, than any changes in club philosophy. As usual, when it comes to players that can sign with any big league team, free is the last word to use.

http://insider.espn.com/blog/buster-olney/insider/post?id=15688

MLB Roundup: Big-name free agents struggle to find job

By Buster Olney / ESPN.com January 4, 2017

The offer that the Baltimore Orioles dangled to re-sign Mark Trumbo probably looks like an oasis to other free agents in the middle of a winter in which unsigned players are thirsting for deals. Baltimore was prepared to give Trumbo, who would cost any other team a draft pick to sign, a deal worth $52 million to $55 million.

The two sides were far apart, the talks stalled, and now the Orioles continue to weigh other options. Even if Trumbo and the O's re-engage, club executives seem to be increasingly wary of paying more for the slugger than what he could get in the stagnant free agent market.

With the prices seemingly bottoming out, teams have started to take players off the board in low- risk, one-year deals. The Cincinnati Reds signed Drew Storento a $3 million deal, Oakland nabbed Rajai Davis for $6 million (plus $450,000 in incentives based on plate appearances), and agents expect more of the same in the days ahead.

There are so many unsigned players: Jose Bautista, Trumbo, Chris Carter,Logan Morrison, James Loney, Colby Rasmus, Jason Hammel, ,Michael Bourn, Chase Utley, Billy Butler, Matt Wieters, Luis Valbuena. Etc. Etc. Etc.

Twelve of the top 36 players on Keith Law's free agent rankings at the outset of the offseason are still looking for jobs, and some agents are concerned that careers will end this offseason as some teams choose minimum-wage minor league talent over veteran players (and other teams tank and cement their payrolls in place in spite of available bargains).

So the Orioles have dug more deeply into the question of whether they can get more bang for their buck with the money they had allotted for Trumbo. Notables

The are likely to add an outfielder. A match with Bautista has made the most sense for them of all the teams, because the Phillies' first-round pick is protected, and they'd only have to give up a second-rounder to sign him -- and then flip him in a mid-summer trade.

The aren't interested in a reunion with Bautista. Scott Mitchell lists some names which could be attractive to them.

The could wait until after the start of spring training or even into next season to trade Jose Quintana, the best available starting pitcher. But evaluators with knowledge of the Quintana discussions say the White Sox seem intent on finishing a deal before camps open.

The could be the frontrunners for the left-hander, whose modest salary through the 2020 season make him perfect for Pittsburgh's budget.

As the Minnesota Twins mull over offers for Brian Dozier, part of the equation to consider is the possibility that few trade alternatives develop during the regular season. The White Sox can wait until the season to trade Quintana, because even in July, there will be a bunch of teams willing to talk about a frontline starting pitcher –- given that every team has five or six rotation spots. But Dozier would be part of a more specialized market with fewer contenders looking for a second baseman. The Dodgers might have need for a second baseman in July, and the same could be true for the , depending on the play of first baseman Ryan Zimmerman. The don't need someone in that spot because of the presence of Dustin Pedroia, and the same is true for the Seattle Mariners (Robinson Cano),, , etc. The proposals that the Twins see for Dozier now might be the best they'll get, given the limited trade partners.

At the outset of this offseason, the Detroit Tigers were intent on marketing some of their best and most expensive players. The glut of free agent options likely depressed the market value of players like J.D. Martinez below Detroit's comfort level, and it's possible that the Tigers will go into the 2017 season with basically the same team they had at the conclusion of 2016, without having made any major trades.

Edwin Encarnacion will take his physical Wednesday, as his $60 million deal with the Cleveland Indians is wrapped up. Cleveland has sold about 400 full season ticket packages since the signing. Paul Hoynes writes that he has always combined power with contact.

The have filed suit against Maricopa County in an effort to get a new ballpark, writes Rebekah Sanders. From her piece:

The Arizona Diamondbacks sued Maricopa County on Tuesday, seeking to break the team's lease at Chase Field so that it can seek financiers to build a new stadium or renovate the 19-year- old ballpark.

The Diamondbacks' lease with the county, which owns the stadium, prevents the team from talking with outside groups until 2024, and requires the team to play in its current home until 2028.

The Maricopa County Superior Court lawsuit is the latest twist in a long-running conflict over which party is responsible for as much as $187 million in repairs and upgrades to Chase Field. The team threatened to sue last year after negotiations with the county broke down.

The county argues that a portion of the upgrades are cosmetic and the team's financial responsibility, and that the county will have enough money over the long term to meet its share of the obligations. The Diamondbacks counter that the county-run stadium district has not set aside enough money for needed upgrades and is risking safety.

South Korean police are seeking an indictment on DUI charges of Pirates third baseman Jung Ho Kang. He was dropped from the South Korea WBC team.

Here are the players committed to be part of Team USA in the WBC.

Boston's Andrew Benintendi might be baseball's best prospect.

T.R. Sullivan writes about pitcher David Rollins, who has been claimed on waivers five times this winter.

https://www.pressboxonline.com/2017/01/04/will-the-jesus-montero-signing-pay-off-for-the- orioles

Will The Jesus Montero Signing Pay Off For The Orioles?

By Rich Dubroff / PressBoxOnline.com January 4, 2017

One of the more curious signings of the winter is the Orioles' agreement with Jesus Montero. The 27-year-old, who once was a catcher and is now is basically a first baseman/designated hitter, agreed on a minor league deal Jan. 3. Montero will earn $550,000 if he plays for the Orioles, according to FanRagSports.com.

At one time, Montero was a hot prospect with the New York Yankees and was traded to Seattle for pitcher Michael Pineda, another high-ceiling prospect.

But Montero's stock has fallen incredibly during the last five years, and even if the Orioles want or need him to help, he won't be available until at least late May because he's under a 50-game suspension for stimulant use.

Montero had a great opening act, hitting four home runs for the Yankees in 18 games in 2011. After his trade to Seattle that winter, Montero played his only full season in the majors and hit 15 home runs with 62 RBIs and a .260 average.

In the next three seasons, Montero played 73 games with the Mariners but had some good numbers in -A in 2014 and 2015. Last year, Montero hit .317 with 11 homers and 60 RBIs for Buffalo, Toronto's Triple-A affiliate.

After the news was reported, there were the predictable fan reactions of "dumpster diving." But the Montero move is different.

Despite his flaws, Montero is still young and has the potential to hit with power. He may not be seen often during spring training, because the team will probably want to look at players who can potentially help during the first two months of the season when Montero can't.

The Orioles have experience with players under suspension. Three years ago, left-handed reliever Troy Patton started the season on a 25-game suspension for using Adderall without a prescription. Patton was dealt to San Diego for a useful player, catcher , who filled in nicely for Matt Wieters.

Baltimore also has experience with players who can be helpful for a few games. In April 2012, executive vice president of baseball operation Dan Duquette signed veteran outfielder Bill Hall, and not long after he signed, the Orioles had a need.

Hall, who hit 35 homers with Milwaukee in 2006, had bounced around, playing for five teams in the three seasons before the Orioles signed him. In his first game with the Orioles, May 12, 2012, he hit an eighth-inning home run in a two-run win.

He played just six more games with the Orioles, but he filled a need. Montero may not play much for the Orioles; perhaps he'll be a September callup and hit a big home run.

But that's the way the Orioles think. They'd like to sign another outfielder or two. One they had interest in, Rajai Davis, is going to Oakland, but there are still are many available.

In the meantime, they'll make other low-cost pickups. In November, they added minor league king Adam Brett Walker, who also has a lot of power.

If Walker stays with the Orioles, perhaps manager Buck Showalter sees a series that Walker can help the team win in June, and he's called up for a few days.

In 2012, Showalter said if the team sees a way it can improve itself by two inches, it would do so, and that's how the Montero signing should be viewed.

Davis' deal with Oakland was for a year at $6 million with $450,000 in incentives. While Davis was of interest to the Orioles, he is 36 and is a right-handed hitter, and they need more left- handed hitters. (Montero is a right-handed hitter.)

The Orioles could always platoon Hyun Soo Kim and Joey Rickard in left and focus on getting an everyday right fielder.

Angel Pagan, a 35-year-old switch-hitter, has intrigued the Orioles, but he hasn't played right field since 2010.

Colby Rasmus, who the Orioles nearly signed two years ago, is another left-handed hitter, but he has limited experience in right field, too.

The Orioles tried to acquire Brandon Moss from Cleveland at the trading deadline in July 2015, but they were outbid by St. Louis. Moss is still available and is a left-handed hitter.

Moss can play right field, but last year he had a .300 OBP, and the Orioles would really like to get another outfielder who can get on base.

Michael Saunders has more recent experience playing right field than Pagan and Rasmus. He's a left-handed hitter, and his on-base percentage is higher than Moss'.

The Orioles could still re-sign Mark Trumbo, but if they lose him, they'll be compensated with a draft choice, and that could help restock the farm system.

Conversely, they're unlikely to reach out to Jose Bautista, especially since Duquette labeled him "a villain" at last month's winter meetings. And, at 36, Bautista would cost them a draft choice. Edwin Encarnacion would have been worth a draft pick, but a three-year, $60 million contract wasn't in the Orioles' plans.

http://www.baltimorebaseball.com/2017/01/05/tap-question-team-brighter-immediate-future-os- ravens/

Tap-In Question: Which team has a brighter immediate future, O’s or Ravens?

By Dan Connolly / BaltimoreBaseball.com January 4, 2017

I don’t want a civil war in here. I don’t mean to split the bar in half, with purple over here and orange over there. But this question was eating at me last night. And I’m curious. So, humor me. We won’t hold this against you next September.

I want to know which Baltimore professional sports franchise – the Orioles or the Ravens – has the brighter immediate future. Say, over the next three or four years.

It’s a fascinating question to me. When the Ravens first started here they were an extension of the bumbling Cleveland Browns while the Orioles, a star-studded group, made the playoffs in 1996 and went wire-to-wire to win the American League East in 1997.

Then it all fell apart for the Orioles, and the new kids on the block quickly began making Baltimore a football town again.

Before my first season covering the Orioles – in the 2000-01 offseason — I was asked to temporarily follow the Ravens during their first playoff run in December 2000. I happily accepted the assignment, and tagged along for the ride as the Ravens won their first Super Bowl that January.

I then switched over to the Orioles’ beat, and began covering a club that wouldn’t make the playoffs for 11 seasons, finally gaining a postseason berth in 2012. Meanwhile, the Ravens won their second Super Bowl in 2013, a few months after the Orioles’ brief playoff run ended.

At that point, there was no question that the Ravens were viewed as the better-run organization after five straight playoff appearances and two titles in 12 years. The Orioles, in contrast, haven’t won it all since 1983.

But since that 2012-13 sports year, the Ravens have made the playoffs only once – winning one game and losing one game in January 2015. Whereas the Orioles made the playoffs in 2014 (losing in the ALCS) and this past season, in which they lost in the AL Wild Card game in Toronto.

Both franchises have coaching stability: Ravens head coach John Harbaugh has been with the franchise since 2008 and Buck Showalter has managed the Orioles since 2010.

The Orioles probably have a better core of players, led by 24-year-old third baseman Manny Machado, closer Zach Britton, first baseman Chris Davis and center fielder Adam Jones (pictured above at Camden Yards with Ravens safety Lardarius Webb).

The Ravens have, among others, quarterback Joe Flacco, kicker Justin Tucker, veteran defensive standout Terrell Suggs and those ever-important title rings.

It appears that the Ravens will have some tough decisions to make this offseason; the Orioles’ winter of discontent likely will come in 2018, if not sooner.

With free agency, it’s tough to know what these teams will look like in a few years. But I want your best guess. Several years ago, this question would have been easy to answer. And we likely would have been wrong.

So, what about now? Which team will have more success in the next few seasons, the Orioles or Ravens? And what makes you think that?

Tap-In Question: Which team – O’s or Ravens – will be more successful in the near future?