Orioles GM comments on Gallardo, Fowler
The Baltimore Orioles have emerged as serious suitors for both Yovani Gallardo and Dexter Fowler, with both players representing a strong upgrade for a team in need.
Gallardo and the Orioles appeared to be close on a deal Wednesday, and the two sides reportedly remain optimistic that they'll strike a deal.
After losing left-hander Wei-Yin Chen to free agency this winter, Gallardo - the top remaining free-agent starter - would give the Orioles' beleaguered rotation a much needed dependable innings eater that could serve near the top of the rotation.
"A 13-game winner would do that, right?" Orioles general manager Dan Duquette told 105.7 The Fan, via Jon Meoli of The Baltimore Sun. "Gallardo's been a good pitcher over his career. He did well in the National League with Milwaukee, and he also pitched well this year with Texas and he pitched well in the playoffs. That's why teams would have interest in him.
"And he's been very dependable, I think. Thirty starts, seven years in a row. There's very few players that have done that. … That's something that we've been trying to add to our pitching staff, and we're still working on it."
The Orioles' reported interest in Fowler is said to be dependent on if they can agree to a deal with Gallardo. Baltimore would be forced to give up the 14th overall pick in this year's draft to sign the right-hander as compensation and would also be required to surrender another to grab Fowler - but a lesser pick that would justify signing the speedy outfielder.
The 29-year-old Fowler is coming off a strong season with the Chicago Cubs, one in which he hit .250/.346/.411 with a career high 17 home runs and 46 RBIs to go with 20 stolen bases. He could slide into a corner outfield spot for the Orioles and serve as their leadoff man.
"He's developed into a good player the last couple years," Duquette said. "A really good right-handed hitter, he's a center fielder by trade, so he's got the tools. He throws good, he runs good. … He hit a home run in the playoffs, too. He's got a lot of good qualities."