If hope truly springs eternal, the Baltimore Orioles should have prepared for the past dozen seasons of misery in the dark chill of winter, not the bright sunshine of March in Florida. But this year could be different.
Could be.
It's been a half-generation since Orioles baseball was relevant. After going wire-to-wire to win the American League's Eastern Division in 1997, the O's slipped into a habit of losing that they haven't been able to shake. Worse still is that for much of this lost decade-plus, the team has floundered directionless, playing mostly without inspiration and earning notice only for the negative (see: steroids).
While the results on the field haven't changed since current general manager Andy MacPhail took over in mid-2007, the competency of the organization certainly has. MacPhail, a proven winner, has a plan, and the result of that plan - drafting and trading for then developing young talent and remaining patient rather than going for the quick fix - began to show promise toward the end of last year.
A stable of talented young players have many believing the Orioles could be in for a breakout year in 2010. Whether that happens or not (and in a division with the New York Yankees and Boston Red Sox, I doubt it will), it's refreshing to see light at the end of the tunnel. A successful 2010 season in my eyes would see the team finishing around .500 with significant contributions from the young stars - especially the starting pitchers. It's now at least possible to imagine the O's as a contender one day in the not-so-distant future, and for me, heading into the 2010 season, that's enough.
Orioles Links
2010 Schedule
Ticket Discounts and Promotions
Oriole Park at Camden Yards
Best Bars near Camden Yards
Buy your Orioles gear
Projected Lineup
Catcher - Matt Wieters - Wieters, the No. 1 prospect in baseball when he made his Major League Debut last May, came up with ridiculous expectations. Quietly, he had a solid season, and all signs point toward him making a huge leap this year. The O's will try to be patient with him by initially not slotting him into clean-up spot in the order, but it will be interesting to see how long that lasts. I'll also be watching to see how he handles the young pitching staff. I expect greatness sooner rather than later.
First base - Garrett Atkins - A free agent signed from Colorado, I have no idea what to expect from Atkins. His numbers steadily declined in Denver, falling from a high of .329 with 29 homers in 2006 to .226 with nine long balls last season, but hopefully he can bounce back in Baltimore. His defense at first is an unknown as well.
Second base - Brian Roberts - The closest thing to a star or fan favorite in recent years in Baltimore, Roberts have been a rock of consistency from the leadoff spot. He always posts a solid batting average (.283 last year) and is among the league leaders in doubles (his 56 in 2009 were best in the AL) and stolen bases. Still, because of his baby-faced boyish looks, most people don't realize that he's 32 years old. He came into spring training this year with a bad back that the team insists is not serious, but back injuries have a way of lingering and always make me nervous.
Shortstop - Cesar Izturis - After a rocky start last year, his first in Baltimore, Izturis settled down and became exactly what the O's were looking for - a rock-solid defensive player and a solid guy in the locker room. Anything he contributes with the bat is a bonus.
Third base - Miguel Tejada - Miggy returns to Baltimore after spending the last two seasons in Houston. He had by many accounts a bad attitude toward the end of his overall successful first run with the Birds, but playing with only a one-year contract I have a feeling he'll be fine in the locker room this year. He should make a seamless transition from short to third considering his cannon of an arm - not his range - has always been his defensive strength. At this point in his career (he's 34) Tejada is not going to hit a ton of home runs (he had just 14 last year in Houston), but he should be able to drive in runs. At $6 million for one year, he was relatively risk-free signing.
Left field - Nolan Reimold - This is by far the O's most unsettled position. Reimold came up from the minors last year and showed immediately that he can be a solid major league player in all phases of the game. Unfortunately, a foot injury ended his season early and could linger into this year. Luke Scott and Felix Pie, a young player who came on strong toward the end of last year, figure to get a lot of playing time in left this year as well.
Center field - Adam Jones - Jones was the Orioles lone All-Star last year and won the Gold Glove. He is a budding superstar who can do it all with both the bat and the glove. All signs point toward a monster year for Jones.
Right field - Nick Markakis - The Orioles most productive player for the past half-decade, Markakis is coming off a 100 RBI season in which he hit .293. Despite putting up very good numbers for the past three years, you can't help but get the feeling that in a lineup with more talent, Markakis's stats would be even better. Perhaps this is his year to really bust out. He's got for my money the best arm (a combination of strength and accuracy) of any outfielder in baseball, and it's a pure joy watching him throw out guys on the base paths.
Designated hitter - Luke Scott - Scott will get the majority of at-bats here, but he could be trade bait in July. He's a likable player who as a hitter is incredibly streaky. When he connects with one (he his 25 homers last year), he has stunning power. When he doesn't (he struck out 104 times), it's amazing how bad he can look at the plate.