The announced signings of Mike Gonzalez, and Garret Atkins only increase my excitement for the O’s 2010 season.

Even without Gonzalez, the bullpen figured to be improved with the additions of Mickolio, Hernandez, Berken, and Uehara; not to mention the benefits of an improved rotation.

Adding the lefty Gonzalez, who has the ability to close, makes the relief corps suddenly pretty deep.

Gonzalez
Johnson
Mickolio
Albers / Meredith
Uehara
Hernandez
Berken

That is a group that actually has the ability to augment the rotation.

I have no problem losing my 2010 2nd-round pick, when I have added a reliever with the ability to close out games in Fenway, and Yankee Stadium for the next two-seasons.

Getting Atkins for one year, is another positive move. I have been saying since August that I would have welcomed the decision to start Bell at 3rd to start 2010. If the O’s would have made that decision, I would have supported that move.

I can also support the addition of Atkins for one season, and allowing Bell to gain further Minor League experience, as he faces AAA pitching for the first-time.

As I detailed the other day, my expectations for Atkins will be a 750 OPS, with 20 homers, and 80 rbi. His defense might be slightly worse than Mora’s, but he will help balance the lineup with another RH power bat.

His signing also improves the bench depth, as Wigginton is now one of the reserves, and not a projected starter.

Chris Stoner
Chris Stoner

Owner

Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.

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