With the 2009 baseball season finally coming to a conclusion, we can now focus on the offseason for the Baltimore Orioles. With Melvin Mora's option being declined, the Orioles are in the market for a third baseman to hold down the hot corner until prospect Josh Bell arrives. Another position of uncertainty is directly across diamond at first base. As the roster stands now, Michael Aubrey is the incumbent starter. Other possibilities include Luke Scott and Ty Wiggington.

The Orioles have no true cleanup hitter so one of those positions should be filled with a power bat. Another direction that Baltimore could go in would be to acquire a full-time DH with power to slide into the number four slot in the lineup. Off the top of my head, Jim Thome and Carlos Delgado come to mind. Other players that could be given consideration would be Adrian Beltre, Pedro Feliz, Nick Johnson, or even Vladimir Guerrero (if not resigned).

My next entry will profile the pitching needs for the Orioles, both in the starting rotation and the bullpen.