Orioles’ potential free-agent targets

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After Pujols, he is the big fish in this shallow free-agent pond. Since several of the big-money teams are set at first base and the 27-year-old surely doesn't want to be pigeonholed as a designated hitter — he is a competent fielder — the market for his bank-busting contract seems limited. So, technically, the Orioles could slip in there, and some national media think they will. Don't bet on it. Orioles owner Peter Angelos doesn't set records for contract amounts, especially for someone with such a bad body (Fielder is listed as 5 feet 11, 275 pounds). Throw in the fact that he is a client of Scott Boras and looking for a winner, and the bottom would really have to drop out of his market for the big man to land here.

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If healthy, the 33-year-old bashes homers, hits for average and gets on base. He appeared to be in significant decline in 2010 but responded with 26 homers, a .306 average, a .361 on-base percentage and a .510 slugging percentage in his 2011 walk year. He has played more than 135 games just twice — including in 2011 — in his past five seasons, and his defense, to be kind, is less than stellar. But he is the best third baseman on the market and one of the better sluggers, and so there's some interest in Baltimore.

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In seven years, the 2003 first-round pick went 53-73 with a 4.36 ERA for the woeful Pirates. After posting a 3.66 ERA in 26 starts (despite a 6-14 record) in 2011, he pushed himself onto the free-agent radar. He's not a front-line starter, but the 29-year-old has value for plenty of clubs, including the Orioles.

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The Virginia native, 32, ultimately might be the best free-agent fit for the Orioles. He isn't flashy, but he hit 20 homers while getting on base at a .346 clip in his first All-Star season in 2011. He played 77 games in the outfield, 46 at first base and 17 at second base. He has also played third in his career. He'll land a lucrative deal, but it won't be earth-shattering. And the Orioles would love to have a guy whom they can start every day but can move all around the diamond and be second base insurance if Brian Roberts can't play.

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Like most Twins, Kubel dealt with injuries last year. At 29, he's a younger version of Luke Scott. He has big power and is limited defensively but has plenty to offer at a corner outfield spot. A left-handed-hitting left fielder will definitely be part of the club's search.

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Ellis, 34, is one of several free-agent second basemen — throw Kelly Johnson and Aaron Hill into that mix, too — who could fill a void if Roberts can't play. It'll be tough to lure a second baseman here since it is possible Roberts will play — and no one wants to sign as a free agent to end up as a backup. Still, the Orioles will scan the second-base market, and the dirt-dog Ellis might be the most reasonable option.

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The Orioles need a veteran ace to eat innings and provide leadership for the young pitching staff. Wilson, 30, is about as close to an ace as there is in this free-agent class. He's also very familiar with Showalter, his first manager in Texas, and Orioles pitching coach Rick Adair. But the sense is that the intense need for starting pitching will push Wilson's value through the roof — even with a subpar postseason — and he'll garner a five-year contract, which is two more years than the Orioles have ever given to a free-agent starting pitcher. It's hard to believe that would change this year.

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He's not the sexiest of free agents but could fit in left field. At 32, he hit 29 homers and drove in 98 runs for a bad Athletics team. He's a tough-minded player and has a past with hitting coach Jim Presley.

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It's that time of year: to talk about the Orioles and Pena, a sure-handed, go-for-the-fences first baseman who can probably be had on a one-year deal. Pena and the Orioles have flirted before — including last offseason — but you wonder whether he and Mark Reynolds could share a lineup, given their similar offensive games. Pena, 33, is a better defender, however.

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The 34-year-old can still pitch, but he made just 23 starts last year. The Phillies reportedly would like him back, but they declined his $16 million option. There is a case of buyer beware here since there is a lot of wear and tear on a slight frame, but, if healthy, he's a solid addition to any staff. Maybe the Orioles could land him if they really showed him the money, but he probably would prefer staying with a contender in the NL.

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He seems like the annual big-money mistake waiting to happen this offseason. Supremely talented, the 28-year-old went 5-2 with a 3.58 ERA in 13 games down the stretch for the World Series champion Cardinals. He peaked at the perfect time, and, with Boras as his agent, he is line for a handsome payday. But he is 60-60 with a 4.46 ERA and has been with six teams in nine seasons. He's going to finally gain consistency or break someone's heart. Regardless, it will cost them.

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He could be higher on this list, given the Orioles' need for pitching, but he's probably the mound version of the Paul Konerko, who flirted with the Orioles in past years but ultimately stayed in Chicago. The 32-year-old bulldog likely would leave Chicago only for a contender, but his resume makes him a nice match for the Orioles, whose young pitchers could learn from Buehrle's attitude and fielding prowess.