The Baltimore Orioles are approaching 2014 as if it is one of but a few seasons in a window of opportunity.
The additions of Nelson Cruz, Ubaldo Jimenez and Suk-Min Yoon early in camp showed that the Orioles are looking to take advantage of the prime years of their core players — Adam Jones, Chris Davis, Matt Wieters, Manny Machado and J.J. Hardy.
The club also has another year with veteran outfielder Nick Markakis, who is primed for a comeback season after two injury-plagued years and the uncertainty of free agency looming at year’s end.
As intrasquad games kicked off and the Grapefruit League action was on deck, the Orioles remained in play for other free-agent acquisitions. With a Rule 5 selection and some players out of options competing for positions, the club is also in position to make a trade by the end of March.
A week in mid-February completely swung the offseason for the Orioles, and with it, changed the attitude heading into spring training. Baltimore patched holes in the rotation and lineup and added pitching depth with Yoon.
The message was not only sent to the fan base but to a clubhouse full of veterans and young stars facing tough decisions in coming seasons. By paying to get other players in their prime, such as Jimenez and Cruz, the Orioles addressed any doubt from Davis and Wieters about the club’s willingness to contend.
Questions still remain — the bullpen, left field and second base, in particular — but the week preceding camp put the Orioles’ clubhouse in a much better place as Grapefruit League games commenced.