My most enjoyable year following the Baltimore Orioles, was the year I turned 10 – the ‘Why Not’, year of 1989.
I remember calling my Dad at his work on December 4th, 1988 when my favorite player Eddie Murray had been traded to the LA Dodgers.
While I was upset, that trade was probably the catalyst for my interest of what happens off the field, in the Baseball Operation departments.
I have more vivid memories of the 1989 season, vs any other O’s season. Some of that is because of the year-end video that was produced, but a larger reason is the pure joy that year elicited.
I hold a great respect for what the General Manager Roland Hemond and Manager Frank Robinson were able to accomplish.
They realized that after a 1988 season where they started 0-21, and finished 54-107 that there really was no where to go, but up.
Even if it did not reflect in the standings, they were determined to have a 1989 team that had increased youth, athleticism, strong defense, and played the game fundamentally correct.
That team was fun… they captured some Orioles Magic in a bottle, finishing the year 87-75.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1989_Baltimore_Orioles_season
In 2008, the Baltimore Orioles finished 68-93.
MLB in 2009 is a different animal vs 20 years-ago, and I have no-illusions of the 2009 Orioles competeting until the final weekend of the up-coming season.
That said, I do think there are lessons to be learned from that season and reasons for some optimism for the up-coming year.
Guthrie, Uehara, Olson, Liz, Albers
Sherrill
Ray
Johnson
Walker
Sarfate
Hendrickson
Penn
*Baez traded or cut in ST.
Roberts 2nd
Jones CF
Markakis RF
Huff 1st
Mora 3rd
Scott LF/DH
Wieters C
Reimold DH/LF
Izturis SS
Zaun, Gomez, Freel, Montanez
Bergesen, Hernandez, Tillman, Berken, Patton, Mickolio, McCrory, Hoey, Arrieta, Matusz all arms that can help you at different points during 2009.
My own optimistic thoughts are:
1) That bullpen has a chance to be outstanding… With Johnson, Ray, and Sherrill – the O’s can make a lot of games 6innings.
2) Olson, Liz, and Albers will go through plenty of struggles… but there is quality there… talking about a former 1st round (supplemental) pick in Olson, and former Baseball America Top 100 prospects in Liz, and Albers. They have each had AA, and AAA success and it is reasonable to expect some growth from last year.
3) There are a lot of existing arms that will not make the 12 man staff that comes north, that can help the roster during 2009.
4) Cabrera ate some valuable innings, and I will not be surprised if you see his velocity return with DC – but he had 90 walks in 2008. Amazingly those 90 walks was his lowest total during the last 3 years. Those walks, combined with his wild-pitches and defensive liabilities were hard to watch. Uehara will provide a large portion of the same innings Cabrera provided, walk nobody, and be a superior fielding pitcher… that is an upgrade.
5) Izturis has some holes to game (primarily an inability to reach base), and he is not a long-term option at SS – but he is vast improvement over what the Orioles used in 2008. (Hernandez, Fahey, Castro, Cintron).
6) That is a relatively strong everyday lineup, even with expected regression from Huff, and Mora.
7) I would prefer Salazar to Gomez, but regardless, that is a 4 man bench that can contribute…..
8) You can expect outstanding defense in the OF, SS, and C… and solid enough at 2nd.
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.