Michael Cuddyer, IF/OF, Minnesota
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The Virginia native, 32, ultimately might be the best free-agent fit for the Orioles. He isn't flashy, but he hit 20 homers while getting on base at a .346 clip in his first All-Star season in 2011. He played 77 games in the outfield, 46 at first base and 17 at second base. He has also played third in his career. He'll land a lucrative deal, but it won't be earth-shattering. And the Orioles would love to have a guy whom they can start every day but can move all around the diamond and be second base insurance if Brian Roberts can't play.
The Virginia native, 32, ultimately might be the best free-agent fit for the Orioles. He isn't flashy, but he hit 20 homers while getting on base at a .346 clip in his first All-Star season in 2011. He played 77 games in the outfield, 46 at first base and 17 at second base. He has also played third in his career. He'll land a lucrative deal, but it won't be earth-shattering. And the Orioles would love to have a guy whom they can start every day but can move all around the diamond and be second base insurance if Brian Roberts can't play. (Getty photo)
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Aramis Ramirez, 3B, Chicago Cubs
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If healthy, the 33-year-old bashes homers, hits for average and gets on base. He appeared to be in significant decline in 2010 but responded with 26 homers, a .306 average, a .361 on-base percentage and a .510 slugging percentage in his 2011 walk year. He has played more than 135 games just twice — including in 2011 — in his past five seasons, and his defense, to be kind, is less than stellar. But he is the best third baseman on the market and one of the better sluggers, and so there's some interest in Baltimore.
If healthy, the 33-year-old bashes homers, hits for average and gets on base. He appeared to be in significant decline in 2010 but responded with 26 homers, a .306 average, a .361 on-base percentage and a .510 slugging percentage in his 2011 walk year. He has played more than 135 games just twice — including in 2011 — in his past five seasons, and his defense, to be kind, is less than stellar. But he is the best third baseman on the market and one of the better sluggers, and so there's some interest in Baltimore. (Getty photo)
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Edwin Jackson, RHP, St. Louis
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He seems like the annual big-money mistake waiting to happen this offseason. Supremely talented, the 28-year-old went 5-2 with a 3.58 ERA in 13 games down the stretch for the World Series champion Cardinals. He peaked at the perfect time, and, with Boras as his agent, he is line for a handsome payday. But he is 60-60 with a 4.46 ERA and has been with six teams in nine seasons. He's going to finally gain consistency or break someone's heart. Regardless, it will cost them.
He seems like the annual big-money mistake waiting to happen this offseason. Supremely talented, the 28-year-old went 5-2 with a 3.58 ERA in 13 games down the stretch for the World Series champion Cardinals. He peaked at the perfect time, and, with Boras as his agent, he is line for a handsome payday. But he is 60-60 with a 4.46 ERA and has been with six teams in nine seasons. He's going to finally gain consistency or break someone's heart. Regardless, it will cost them. (Getty photo)
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Mark Buehrle, LHP, Chicago White Sox
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He could be higher on this list, given the Orioles' need for pitching, but he's probably the mound version of the Paul Konerko, who flirted with the Orioles in past years but ultimately stayed in Chicago. The 32-year-old bulldog likely would leave Chicago only for a contender, but his resume makes him a nice match for the Orioles, whose young pitchers could learn from Buehrle's attitude and fielding prowess.
He could be higher on this list, given the Orioles' need for pitching, but he's probably the mound version of the Paul Konerko, who flirted with the Orioles in past years but ultimately stayed in Chicago. The 32-year-old bulldog likely would leave Chicago only for a contender, but his resume makes him a nice match for the Orioles, whose young pitchers could learn from Buehrle's attitude and fielding prowess. (Getty photo)
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Roy Oswalt, RHP, Philadelphia
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The 34-year-old can still pitch, but he made just 23 starts last year. The Phillies reportedly would like him back, but they declined his $16 million option. There is a case of buyer beware here since there is a lot of wear and tear on a slight frame, but, if healthy, he's a solid addition to any staff. Maybe the Orioles could land him if they really showed him the money, but he probably would prefer staying with a contender in the NL.
The 34-year-old can still pitch, but he made just 23 starts last year. The Phillies reportedly would like him back, but they declined his $16 million option. There is a case of buyer beware here since there is a lot of wear and tear on a slight frame, but, if healthy, he's a solid addition to any staff. Maybe the Orioles could land him if they really showed him the money, but he probably would prefer staying with a contender in the NL. (MCT photo)
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