Two Questions the Orioles will address this offseason.

 Will they pick up the 13 million dollar option on Mark Reynolds?

            Mark Reynolds had a dismal offensive season.  He was brought in to hit 35-40 home over the course of the season and be power threat in the 4^th or 5^th spot.  He ended the season with 23 home runs.  That is a good number when compared with the entire MLB, much above average.  But keep in mind that 9 of those long balls came in 9 game at the beginning of September.  Over the course of the rest of the 153 games he only hit 14 home runs.  That’s below average, and certainly unacceptable for someone getting paid 13 million dollars a year.  The only saving grace for him has been his gold glove caliber defense at 1^st base.  Had he not been so stellar on the bag his exit from Baltimore would have been swift.  The Orioles have the option to extend his contract one more season at a cost again of 13 million.  His power potential is still there, and his strikeouts were down this year.  But is potential worth 13 million a year?  Will Baltimore pick up the 13 million dollar option on Mark Reynolds and hope his home run totals revert to previous seasons, or will they let him walk in free agency?

Who will play left field in 2013?

            Noland Reimold started 2012 strong but is now recovering from a severe neck surgery.  It will keep him out until the start of spring training and only then can coaches and medical staff evaluate his ability.  Nate McClouth was signed mid season as his replacement and performed well.  He gave the Orioles speed at the lead-off position and played great defense.  He was the only player to hit well in this postseason.   A free agent at the end of this season, he will definitely command interest on the market and the Orioles need to decide how much they are willing to pay to keep him around.  Additionally if the team doe decide to keep him where will McClouth play, and how much time will he get.  He has all the skills to be an every day left fielder and the Orioles will definitely have to pay him like one.  Are the Orioles willing to overpay Nate McClouth to keep him in Baltimore as a utility outfielder and insurance against Noland Reimold’s recovery?