Why Not?

The Orioles starting rotation is for real.

Chris Tillman is a legitimate ace. Miguel Gonzalez is a legit 2 or 3 and owns the Yankees, Wei-Yin Chen is a legit 3, Bud Norris is a legit 3 or 4. Now throw Ubaldo Jimenez in at the 2 spot behind Tillman, and you have one of the better starting staffs in the AL.

The Orioles signing Johan Santana to a minor league contract is a no brainer. There is no risk, and if he can be even a shell of his former self, he'll be a valuable injury replacement or a bullpen arm, maybe even given a shot at closer if Tommy Hunter falters down the line?

If the Orioles do end up singing Ervin Santana too, why not? That pushes Norris into the bullpen as a long man and spot starter.

But even without signing either Santana, the Orioles staff is looking pretty solid, combined with a potent offense, promising bullpen, and the best defense in the history of baseball.

The Orioles in 2014? Why not?

©2014 Denim McDemus