First Overview, Worst MLB Team?

Originally Posted on 2/10/08

Series of Team Overviews for 2008; Baltimore Orioles

It seems that the Baltimore Orioles haven't played in a meaningful game since back in the mid 90's when the infamous Jeffrey Meier interference call was made helping the Yankees advance in the post-season... since then the Birds have posted one losing season after another. Who's to blame, well, my vote would go to Peter Angelos, owner of the Orioles. He seems to rule the house and bring it down with him. On top of that, revenues are probably declining too as the nostalgia of one of the greatest ballparks in baseball (Camden Yards) wears off more with each season. Angelos was even voted recently as the worst owner in all of professional sports (must be nice walking around in Baltimore with that title). Click here for more: Voted worst owner by Sports Illustrated, Angelos

All in all, the franchise that was once led by the likes of Cal Ripken Jr. now has a roster made up of mostly mediocre and young un-proven players. But there is hope, albeit small. This off-season has seen some progress, with the start of the rebuilding phase. Problem is, it should have started years ago... Now the question is did the Orioles pick up the right pieces??? Time will tell, but one thing for sure is the Orioles are in one of baseball's strongest divisions and one in which includes both the Yankees and Red Sox. Plus the promising Rays (one of baseball's best farm systems) and the Blue Jays who may compete with both the Yanks and Sox in 2008. Thus, it will be years before the Orioles are looked at as contenders. The most likely pick for the Orioles this year, is last in the AL East and another losing season, one that could be worst in baseball for 2008.

With that said, though, let's look at the Orioles off-season moves and breakdown a few of their trades and some that are still expected:

The rebuilding phase started this off-season with the trade of prized shortstop and former MVP, Miguel Tejada going to Houston for a plethora of average arms with promise including potential starters in Troy Patton and Matt Albers and OF Luke Scott. I actually wrote a short piece on this move when it was first reported, Astros trade 1/2 their team for Tejada. I liked the move for the Orioles then and I still do. The Birds needed some depth in a weak starting rotation (knowing Erik Bedard would be traded too) and although neither Patton or Albers could be the right pieces, they're worth the risk for an aging shortstop who's best years are behind him while being one of the highest paid players in the game. Scott actually posted similar offensive numbers as Tejada and given the opportunity to play everyday could prove to be a successful move for Baltimore.

The other big move was the center of attention for what seemed like years. The rumors around Erik Bedard were about as common as Britney Spears latest Taco Bell or hospital outing... but the deal was finally completed last week with Bedard moving to the Seattle Mariners for another list of pitchers headed by reliever George Sherrill and minor league prospect Chris Tillman along with top prospect OF Adam Jones. With Jones patrolling CF in 2008, the Orioles have a solid young OF core. Scott will play left and the most likely candidate to make the AL All-Star team in 2008 and beyond will be in RF, Nick Markakis.

The rest of the starters shape out like this; veterans Kevin Millar, Jay Gibbons and Aubrey Huff platooning at 1B and DH, Brian Roberts (until he's traded) will start at 2B and bat leadoff in the lineup, SS will likely be rookie Luis Hernandez and at 3B, we'll see Melvin Mora. As mentioned above, the starting OF will have Scott, Adam Jones and Markakis with Jay Payton coming in off the bench. Starting at catcher will be Ramon Hernandez.

The rotation will consist of three hold-overs from last season with Jeremy Guthrie, Daniel Cabrera and Adam Loewen with the final two spots open for Troy Patton, Matt Albers, Hayden Penn and Lance Cromier battling it out for the final two spots. Bullpen will include some common names like Chad Bradford, Jamie Walker and whoever doesn't win nods in the rotation. Also coming out of the pen will be newly acquired Sherrill and rookie Garrett Olson. The two may even fight for the closers role with both Danys Baez and Chris Ray out for the year with injuries. Greg Aquino, Esteban Yan, Dennis Sarfate and young arm Radhames Liz may also get looks for the bullpen.

Projected Lineup:
1. Brian Roberts, 2b
2. Melvin Mora, 3b
3. Nick Markakis, RF
4. Kevin Millar / Jay Gibbons, 1b
5. Aubrey Huff, DH
6. Ramon Hernandez, C
7. Luke Scott, LF
8. Adam Jones, CF
9. Luis Hernandez, SS

Final Five:

1. Fantasy Value: I don't expect Brian Roberts to be an Oriole for too long but he has great value for his ability at the plate and on the base paths, expect another 40+ SB season with a good average and runs scored for whoever he ends up playing for (most likely the Cubs). Markakis also has great value as he hit over 20 HR's and had 112 RBI's with a .300 average in 2007. Ramon Hernandez continues to be a solid option at catcher and Adam Jones and Luke Scott could surprise some this year. Don't expect any big seasons from any of the starters but in deeper AL-only leagues some value can be found.

2. Most likely to be traded in 2008: this is easy, Brian Roberts. Also, don't be shocked if it doesn't stop there with veterans like Mora, Millar and Gibbons becoming available down the stretch.

3. Breakout player in 2008: Markakis nailed this down last year, this season, my top option is Adam Jones. Jones may start off slow but come the second half, he should show us all his great potential.

4. Farm Top Five: pitchers, Troy Patton, Chris Tillman and Radhames Liz along with OF Nolan Reimold and 3b Billy Rowell.

5. 2008 Prediction: 61-101, last in AL East