I am looking forward to the 2009 season, as I believe the O’s have assembled their best team since the 1997 season.
Even if the O’s can not contend this year, it should be enjoyable to watch the young talent at the Major League level (and in the Minors) that will comprise the future core.
However – without a pitch being thrown for the 2009 season, my interest is quickly turning to 2010.
The reason for that, is I believe the O’s can be right on the verge of contention, this time next year.
2010 Orioles
Roberts 2nd
Jones CF
Markakis RF
Wieters C
Wigginton 3rd
Pie LF
Reimold DH
Snyder 1st
Izturis SS
Zaun, Montanez, Freel, B.Davis
Guthrie, Uehara, Hill, Tillman, Matusz
Ray
Sherrill
Johnson
Albers
Patton
Liz
Penn
Notes:
1) Scott traded
2) Would still be looking for a long-term answer at SS
3) The 4th, and 5th starters, along with spots 4-7 in the bullpen would be comprised of Tillman, Matusz, Albers, Patton, Liz, Penn, Pauley, Hernandez, Bergeson, Arrieta… excess could be used to help address SS, and 3rd.
4) Depending on his 2009 growth, Rowell could be an option at 3rd by mid-season 2010… moving Wigginton back to Super UTI
Roberts would figure to be take a step-back vs 2009, but still be productive…
Jones would figure to take another step forward, after an additional 500 Major League at-bats…
Wieters, and Pie would figure to be that much better after regular 2009 Major League at-bats..
Reimold in 2010, should equate Scott in 2009…
Snyder jumping from AA in 2009, to the Majors in 2010 will be a step back from Huff… but should be productive, for an 8th hitter in the line-up.
If Wigginton joins the everyday lineup, you would like to find a similar bench option… instead of carrying a Blake Davis type.
Guthrie, and Uehara will be 31 and 35 during the 2010 season… unless either is unexpectedly abysmal in 2009, they should be reasonably productive in 2010.
Hill’s 2007 season with the Cubs, was plenty impressive…. His 2008 was horrific, and Hill points to issues with his back. Based off of his Minor League career, and 2007 ML season, I think expecting him to be a solid 3rd starter in 2010 is fair… especially coming-off the season of regular starts that he figures to get in 2009.
Tillman and Matusz are going to go through a learning curve when they ascend to the Majors… but asking them to match the average level of American League 4th and 5th starters as rookies is reasonable.
If they approximate the average levels of AL 4th and 5th starters, that will be a large improvement to the rotation.
Ray, Sherrill, Johnson, Albers, Patton, Liz, and Penn would be an extremely talented bullpen….. Some of those guys, would not have to hit their full-potential as starters, to be dominating relief-pitchers.
My overall expectation for that team, would be about 83-85 wins…. Which makes the possibility of obtaining a few breaks, and winning 90-93 games and being in Wild-Card contention possible.
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.