I have gotten some ideas from reading some other blogs, and an idea I've seen is having themes for a day of the week. I'm going to use this space every Monday until the beginning of the Major League Baseball season to talk about a baseball team or player I'm excited about watching this season.
The first MLB Monday team I want to talk about is the Baltimore Orioles. The Orioles had an exciting and unusual offseason this year, by opening up the wallet and spending a little money on some BIG hitters. They went out and signed Mark Reynolds from the Diamondbacks, Derrek Lee from the Cubs, and Vladimir Guerrero from the AL Champion Rangers.
Guerrero picture- AP Photo/Eric Gay
Guerrero is coming off of his lone season in Texas, where he hit .300 with 29 homers and 115 RBIs. Guerrero's numbers were due in large part to a hitter-friendly stadium in Texas, but playing in Baltimore should be just as beneficial for him.
Baltimore Sun photo by Karl Merton Ferron
Reynolds is a high-strikeout, low-on base percentage, but huge power type of guy. Reynolds is practically a lock for 30+ homers, but also a lock for 200+ strikeouts. The plus side about Reynolds is he will also benefit from playing half of his games in Baltimore, and guys like Brian Roberts, and Nick Markakis on base in front of him when those balls he hits leave the yard.
Lee picture- AP Photo/Eric Gay
Lee is also a solid on-base and power guy, and should hit 20 homers, but is getting up there in age. He is very patient at the plate, which may lead him to hit 3rd in the order and get on base before Guerrero and Reynolds.
In addition to the newcomers, the Orioles also bring back hitters Brian Roberts, Nick Markakis, Adam Jones, Luke Scott, and Matt Wieters. With all this talent at the plate, the Orioles have above-average hitters at every position, which will make this team one of the most fun teams to watch in 2011. The Orioles have a lot of young, but good starting pitchers who are ready to step up, as well as veteran Justin Duchscherer, who when healthy is a top end pitcher in the majors.
The Orioles should score a lot of runs, but may not get a ton of guys out, so I think you're going to see the birds play a lot of 9-7 and 10-8 games, but there is no denying they will be a fun team to watch. My bold prediction for the O's this season is that they could be a lot like the Rays of years ago, where they hang around near the top of the standings with the Red Sox and Yankees all season. I think the O's will finish above 4th place in the AL East for the first time since 2004, and stay in contention for a playoff spot a lot longer than people are used to seeing. Write a comment if you think I might be on to something, or you think I'm off my rocker!
Yea the O's will definitely have the offense needed to be a contender, which puts all of the pressure on the bullpen to perform. And with their best pitcher (Guthrie) recording only 11 wins and a 3.83 ERA last year that is something that definitely needs to improve.
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, I’m not a Baltimore expert by any means, but I’ll try to contribute to the conversation. I’m not looking for the O’s to win a Wild Card or anything in 2011, but I’m expecting them to continue to make steps in the right direction. First of all, they are will have some of that momentum erected by Showalter from the end of last season. I’m not saying they were topping ESPN headlines or anything last year, but they definitely gained momentum and ended the season on a high note. Secondly, they beefed up their line-up. Mark Reynolds (I like the VA ties), Derrek Lee, and Vlad should make an immediate impact. I’m not too up to speed on their pitching, but seem to remember some health issues last season. If the pitchers can last the season and not give runs away the O’s might have a chance. Other that, I’m still looking for Matt Wieters to be the breakout star my cousin sweats about. All in all I think the Orioles will move forward and continue to show progress in 2011, but it’s a long season and they still have to limp through the American League East. There is some potential this season, at least something to be excited about for the first few months.
ReplyDeleteLooking good so far!
ReplyDelete