The Orioles are committed to their rebuilding project, which bodes well for the future — but not the 2009 season. Not by a long shot, which also is how they'll be viewed when the experts handicap the AL East race. Eleven straight losing seasons should give way to twelve. Last place seems to be waiting for them again because of a thin rotation and their failure to sign hometown slugger Mark Teixeira.
The Orioles are just biding their time until their young pitching prospects are ready to contribute at the major league level. And they're in the wrong division. They can't even count on the Rays to cushion their fall.
Rotation
It begins with Jeremy Guthrie and tails off considerably. Guthrie is the undisputed ace after going 10-12 (the most wins on the staff) with a 3.63 ERA and 120 strikeouts in 190.2 innings. He's also the only pitcher who's guaranteed a spot in the rotation heading into spring training. The Orioles attempted to add a few veterans who could eat up innings and give the prospects at Triple-A Norfolk more time to develop. They signed lefthander Mark Hendrickson, who might be used as a swingman. He's 50-63 with a 5.07 ERA in 215 career games, including 7-8 with a 5.45 ERA for the Marlins last season. Koji Uehara became the first Japanese native to sign with the Orioles. He's an eight-time Japanese All-Star, but an unproven commodity on U.S. soil. Lefthander Rich Hill was acquired from the Cubs for Garrett Olson. Olson dominated in the minors but struggled with the Orioles, posting a 6.65 ERA in 132.2 innings last season. Hill has much the same history with the Cubs. Radhames Liz, rushed to the majors, is trying to prove that his future isn't in the bullpen. Matt Albers was a valuable middle reliever before suffering a torn labrum. He bypassed surgery and will try to win a starting job. Manager Dave Trembley can sort through a pile that includes Brian Burres, Brian Bass, Hayden Penn, Danys Baez and lefthander Chris Waters.
Team president Andy MacPhail clearly is calling all the shots for this ballclub. Everything funnels to him. And his commitment to building through the draft, strengthening the farm system and improving foreign scouting have the organization pointed in the right direction. His critics say he's too deliberate, but he has a track record that's hard to dispute. And he has the absolute trust of owner Peter Angelos, which is no small accomplishment. Trembley, with his extensive minor league background and no-nonsense approach, seems like the right man to guide a team that was the fourth-youngest in the AL last year and is going to rely heavily on its young pitchers and position players.
Difference maker
Even if he starts the year in the minors, catcher Matt Wieters could make a huge impact, and in a variety of ways. He's got all the tools — a switch-hitter with power from both sides, a strong and accurate throwing arm and leadership qualities that belie his age. The job is supposed to be his by the break, if not sooner, after he dominated at two levels of the minors and followed up with a strong showing in the Arizona Fall League. And he'll give fans a reason to come to Camden Yards and get excited about this team again.
Final analysis
It will be a small miracle if the Orioles contend in 2009. Their rotation is a major concern. It's too soon to bring up the kids. If history is any indication, the club will start fast, then fade in August and September due to a serious lack of depth. The bullpen will be taxed. Fans will be told to remain patient. And 2010 can't come soon enough for them. But there's a solid core of young talent here with Markakis, Jones and Wieters. And Roberts either gives them a first-rate leadoff hitter or the promise of more prospects in a trade. The Rays have proved that you don't have to be a big spender to win. The Orioles need to make it their mantra.
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Author:Fox Sports
Author's Website:http://www.foxsports.com
Added: March 21, 2009
