After a disappointing end to the 2017 season and a rather frustrating offseason up to this point, the Baltimore Orioles find themselves two days away from pitchers and catchers reporting. With this said, there are more returning catchers to this team than starting pitchers. With starting pitching being the main problem in previous years, this is very concerning for the team.

The Orioles have been linked to several free agent pitchers like Alex Cobb and Lance Lynn. There has been no further progress reported with these pitchers and the Orioles.

The O’s essentially have about $35 million in freed up money after departing free agents and salary bumps. In previous years I would be all for spending that money for some top of the line starting pitchers, but this year I am hesitant.

I really don’t know what the direction of this team is. Manny Machado is still an Oriole which I believe is a huge mistake, and Zack Britton who was the team’s best trade piece two years ago is now basically worthless.

The Orioles for the time being look like they are going for it all this year considering Manny Machado’s contract is up at the end of the year and there is a very unlikely chance he will return. The problem with this idea is that the Orioles are very far away from being a championship team and they are putting all their chips in for one year.

This is not only a risky move, but possibly costly as they could be jeopardizing the entire future of this team. If Manny walks away at the end of the year and we don’t receive anything for him, it is a gigantic hit to a team with very little prospects to begin with.

The Birds need to trade Machado now and possibly Adam Jones as well around the deadline in my opinion. 2018 is not year for the Orioles and they need to accept it. They have to make the decision whether they want to make fight for a postseason spot for one year or be a championship contender in years to come.