masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgSo how do you feel about Melky Cabrera?
I’m just curious, since I’ve heard from multiple people that he’s a “fallback option” for the Orioles if they can’t re-sign Nick Markakis. His name has been discussed. He’s on the radar, as the kids say.
Cabrera’s 50-game suspension after testing positive for testosterone occurred two years ago, one month after he was named Most Valuable Player in the All-Star Game. If the Orioles were able to overlook Nelson Cruz’s suspension, signing him to a…

So how do you feel about Melky Cabrera?

I’m just curious, since I’ve heard from multiple people that he’s a “fallback option” for the Orioles if they can’t re-sign Nick Markakis. His name has been discussed. He’s on the radar, as the kids say.

MelkyCabreraSidebar.jpgCabrera’s 50-game suspension after testing positive for testosterone occurred two years ago, one month after he was named Most Valuable Player in the All-Star Game. If the Orioles were able to overlook Nelson Cruz’s suspension, signing him to a one-year, $8 million deal in spring training, they should be fine with Cabrera’s transgression.

The feeling may not be universal in the organization – I remember one person suggesting that the National League surrender home-field advantage in the World Series in 2012 – but Cabrera does have his supporters.

The Blue Jays signed Cabrera to a two-year, $16 million deal. He had to “settle” for $16 million due to the suspension. We should all be so fortunate.

What’s the appeal with Cabrera? He’s a 30-year-old switch-hitter with a career .339 on-base percentage. The Orioles’ OBP over the past five seasons has been .316, .316, .311, .313 and .311.

Cabrera was batting .346/.390/.516 in 113 games with the Giants before his suspension. He hit .301/.351/.458 in 139 games with the Jays this summer and .293/.340/.421 over his two seasons.

Markakis’ power numbers are in decline, but he owns a career .358 OBP in nine seasons with the Orioles. If he bolts as a free agent – and I still believe that the Orioles will re-sign him – the need for an on-base guy grows significantly.

The Blue Jays may not have interest in Cabrera after signing catcher Russell Martin to a five-year, $82 million contract. CBSSports.com added the White Sox to the list of teams in the hunt.

The Orioles would have to surrender a draft pick to sign Cabrera, but they could gain one if Cruz signs with another team. Also, Cabrera is projected by MLBTradeRumors.com to net a five-year deal worth close to $70 million.

For now, we’ll label Cabrera a “fallback option” while monitoring how the Orioles conduct business with their own free agents this winter.