O’s 09: Change and Hope in Baltimore Too

Written by: John Rosenfelder on 28th February 2009

O's 09: Change and Hope in Baltimore Too | read this item

The once-proud Baltimore Orioles finished 2008 in last place in the American League East, with a 68-93 record, as the perennial cellar-dwellers the Tampa Bay Rays won the Pennant with a mixture of pitching, defense, youth and a charismatic manager. Sound familiar? That’s how the Baltimore franchise was typified over many years, beginning in the 60s and through Cal Ripken’s retirement about ten years ago.

Dave Trembley, the current skipper, has his work cut out for him, but after two years under respected executive Andy MacPhail, the Orioles have a nucleus of good young pitchers and position players to build around. Who knows, maybe they will be the Tigers of 06 or the Rays of 08 this year!

The club inked long-term deals with All-Star Brian Roberts and up and coming star Nick Markakis over the winter, and top catching prospect Matt Wieters will most definitely be in the majors by Memorial Day. Key acquisitions include pitchers Rich Hill and Koji Uehara, shortstop Cesar Izturis and outfielder Felix Pie, all career National Leaguers. The consistently disappointing fireballer Daniel Cabrera has left for the crosstown Nationals, and catcher Ramon Hernandez was dealt to Cincinnati.

These O’s may not have a long way to go to restoring the pitching-dominant style the team has always been known for. According to MLB Network expert John Hart, their young pitchers are “a deep group,” with several players on the verge of being effective major league players. Of course, having several players blossom at the same time is what propelled the Rays last year, the Tigers in 2006 and the White Sox in 2005.

The Orioles should expect a famous fan to visit when the White Sox are in town, but the words “Change” and “Hope” could be a winning campaign them for them as well.

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Topics: 2009 Preview, Baltimore Orioles, Cal Ripken