Despite the fact that the Orioles' starting rotation was remarkably consistent against the Yankees during the American League Division Series, it is something that Orioles need to address in the offseason.

The Orioles spent a large part of the offseason filling in holes in the rotation, rather than having five starters they could count on. Part of the problem was that the Birds couldn't turn to Brian Matusz, who has turned into a spectacular reliever, as a starter. Matusz just didn't fit the mold. Jake Arrieta, the team's Opening Day starter, wasn't even carried on the ALDS roster.

Wei-Yin Chen and Jason Hammel, who were part of the rotation at the beginning of the season, were dependable starters, as were Miguel Gonzalez and Chris Tillman. Still, the Orioles need to identify a fifth starter if they are going to be a legitimate contender moving forward. Tsuyoshi Wada could be a possibility if his recovery from Tommy John surgery was successful. Wada didn't pitch a single inning for the Birds.

Pitching wins the postseason, and the Yankees are rich and good enough to have a guy such as CC Sabathia on their team. Sabathia showed what a workhorse can mean to a rotation. The Birds need that to become a regular American League favorite.

A Sabathia is hard to come by, but the Orioles must dedicate themselves to improving the rotation.

Posted Oct. 14, 2012