Sprrriiiiiinnngggg is here!

THIS IS VERY LONG. BEWARE. Good reading though. I hope. lol.



Sorry! I know it's been a while since I posted. You have to understand that I threw this blog together in about a day. I was just playing around with blogger one day and decided to have some fun. I just moved into a new house and I have been unpacking and fixing waaaaay too much stuff. Just got the internet and everything hooked up. I'm back for the long haul. Hey maybe I can even stir-up some controversy! Either way I'm back. ;)

With Erik Bedard gone and the new guys in lets take a look at spring training.

Just for everyones information the flu bug has hit the Orioles spring training camp pretty hard. I don't know how this is going to effect the opening day line-up, if at all. How can it effect anything? Players sitting out a week, getting behind everyone else... Hmm... I think this is pretty much the only injury/bug Jay Gibbons has been able to avoid. Just a joke, just a joke, I like Jay.

So far this Spring (3/12) Baltimore has posted a 6-5 record... BALTIMORE? A WINNING RECORD? Too bad it's spring training and it's meaningless. :)

First I wan't to break down every player and thier chances to make the team. Let's break it down by position as well. Also please keep in mind that I do not have exact up to date stats on everyone so I won't be giving any numbers out on their stats. I follow this stuff everyday so I will use my terribl... err.. good memory.

OUTFIED:

Adam Jones - (CF) - This guy was meat and potatoes of the Bedard trade. He will be the Orioles everyday Center fielder barring an injury or horrible slump. So far this spring he is mashing the ball. He has misplayed a few balls in the early spring, but keep in mind that he is 22 years old and is nervous. The entire offseason was pretty much focused on him. The only real problem so far is his strike outs. But it's all a part of the learning process. He will be good.. Very good. As far as this year goes, look for him to put up decent numbers but don't look for him to have a Nick Markakis year just yet. Maybe next year, he needs time to develope.

Nick Markakis - (RF) - How can anybody NOT be excited about this guy?! Nick the Stick! Kakes! Nick is a notorious slooow starter so far in his career, even during spring training. Right now Nick is playing like he is in mid-season form. Look for a MONSTER year. Im going out on a limb here and calling for a .300 BA , 25 - 30 hrs, 100 + rbi. The only problem that I forsee is no Miguel Tejada this year. What does that mean? That means pitchers have been more afraid to throw to Miggy who was in the #4 hole so they threw to Nick who was in the #3. Now with Miggy being gone Nick might get the Barry Bonds treatment and get ALOT of walks. Nick avoided the Sophomore curse, let's just hope he can avoid the junior curse as well. I know I made that up.

Luke Scott - (LF) - For those who don't know him, he came over from Houston for Miggy. Look for this guy to produce some power this year. He tagged 18hr's last year, same as Miggy, in LESS games. He only played about 130 or so. He is young and was a good pick up. Not going to make any predition on this guys stats. I wan't to see him play first. He is one of the unfortunant ones to go down with the flu this spring. Before he came down with it, he was mashing folks.

Jay Gibbons - (OF) - Jay's biggest problem, 15 day suspension. The next biggest problem, he is not a good outfielder. The next problem, the position he plays best is being manned by a kid named Nick Markakis.. Good luck Jay. So far,he is hitting the ball really hard. I like Jay, just don't know how much longer the Orioles will deal with him. Only crappy thing is, he has almost 12 million left for two more years on his contract. Highest paid bench warmer in the leaugue!

Jay Payton - (OF) - Barring any kind of trade (ahem Roberts, Payton to Cubs, ahem) Jay will be the platoon guy in the outfield. The 4th outfielder. When eitehr of the outfielders goes down, look for Jay to fill in. He is a decent defender and can hit a little. Not a bad guy to keep on the bench. He is getting older, but is in better shape then just about anybody on the team.

Tike Redman - (OF) - Hmm.. Not sure if he is going to make the cut this year. If Payton is dealt and we don't get an outfielder back for him, Tike makes the team. Look for him to start in Norfolk this year.


CATCHERS :

Ramon Hernandez - (C) - Let's hope he has a better year this year. His first year with the birds he put up career highs and was a good pick-up. Last year he well.. kinda stunk.. But he was hurt most of the year. Look for some solid numbers out of him this year. O' by the way he show up and camp this in in arguably the best shape of his life..

Guillermo Quiroz - (C) - He was pretty much the only good talent Baltimore picked up at the winter meetings this year. Former first rounder I think.. Could be wrong. He has been solid all spring and will be 92348902384902 times better then Paul Bako this year! Hell yeah!

INFIELDERS :

Brian Roberts - (2B) - The man needs no introduction. Brian is going to be an all star for the Orioles again.. If he isn't traded. Is it windy where your at Brian? I hear Chicago can get pretty windy.

Melvin Mora - (3B) - If this guy still an Orioles? Yeah.. Mora has been on the decline for several years now. It will be very interesting to see how he is without his friend Miguel. Another over the hill ball player that makes too much money. What's even worse, he has a NO trade clause! Ever see the movie Babe with John Goodman? Remember in the end, he would hit the ball and when he made it to first base he had a substitute runner take over. Yeah.. That's Melvin in the year 2030 when he is still on the Orioles. I like Melvin, but he is officially making too much money and blocking younger talent from playing. Scott Moore, Costanzo.. No not George Contanza. Mike Costanzo.

Aubrey Huff - (1B, 3B, DH) - Slooooooowwww starter. As we say back home, this guy is slower then molasses running down hill in January. He put up decent numbers last year but they came in the final couple of months! Over the hill. Let the kids play.

Kevin Millar - (1B, DH) - I wanna see the Ray Lewis dance again this year! No, seriously. I wanna see it. Great attitude and undertanding of the situation. He will get his playing time and hits in. He may sit a few games in favor of the youngins..

Luis Hernandez (SS) - People are comparing him to Aparicio. Not a chance. No bat, all glove. So far this spring he has made 3 errors. He is just nervous. He is an upgrade with the glove or Miguel. But not the bat.

Brandon Fahey (UT) - Long shot to make the team. If he does he will have to beat out Luis and Freddie "Boom Boom" Bynum. Very small guy.. Actually judging by spring training pictures I have seen so far this year, he has put on some weight.

Scott Moore (UT) - Find some pictures of him! He looks like Jim Thome. Long shot to make the team. Good power. He has a few people to beat out to make the team.. Mike Contanzo, Freddie Boom Boom.. He will be up this year at some point if he doesn't make the team initially.

Mike Costanzo (UT) - Former first rounder I think? Came here along with Adam Scott for Miggy. If he makes this team it will be because of his bat. Not much to look at on the field.

PITCHERS :

Ok. I'm not going into too much detail over everybody on the staff as it is really early in the morning and there are too many. I will make some interesting points though.. Hopefully.

Jeremy Guthrie (SP) - I think this guy is going to get the opening day nod. Rule 5 pick up last year and turned out good. He only truly projects to be a # 4 or 5 starter at best. Although I hope last year wasn't a fluke for him. He is a good religous kid who prepares hard. He shows a good 2 seamer that Moose had. It starts outside and drifts back in on the hands. Look for him to put up decent numbers. Very level headed.

Daniel Cabrera (SP) - This has got to be it for him this year. Break out or get out. Very tall flame thrower. So far this spring his walks are still up.. So are his strike outs though. He is pitching in the 3's so far. Don't know how long he can hold it down though with all those walks.

Adam Loewen (SP) - Remember him? He actually projects to be an ACE.. Like our departed Erik. Hopefully he can come back from elbow surgery. Look for him to reestablish himself this year. May be wild at times. He will get it though.

Steve Traschel (SP) - Hope I spelled his name right. If I didn't oh well.. Let just call him the Trashman. He was actually solid for us last year before he was traded. Don't look for him to be around past the all star break unless our kids meltdown.. Like last year!

Dennis Sarfate - Young guy. Big. Look for him to be on the opening day roster in the bullpen. Came over from Houston.

Jamie Walker - Over worked by Perlozzo last year. Look for him to go back as a 8th innning set-up guy. Should be good. Having a decent spring.

George Sherrill - Came over from Seattle. He has been almost PERFECT this spring. Will be here opening day. Look for good things from him.

Hayden Penn - Remember him? He had terrible luck last year. Appendicitis and surgery on his arm. He was out most of the year. Look for him to fight for the 5th starter spot. In my own opinion I want to see him get it. He projects as a #2 - 3 starter. Also, he is still very young and has time to develope.

Garrett Olsen- Promoted last year. Was very shaky. Shows good stuff. Fighting for the #5 spot. Look for him to start in Norfolk. Projects as a #3 starter at best.

Bob McCrory - Don't know much about him. Fighting for a bullpen spot. Hardest thrower so far this spring 95 - 97. If he winds up in Norfolk, he won't be there long.

Radhames Liz - Very interesting. He is fight for either a bullpen slot or the 5th started spot. Shows some good heat and he is young. He was a bit wild last year when he got promoted. Although he was almost untouchable in AA ball. May need more time to develope. Had some funky mechanics last year. Apparently he worked on that and his wind up looks better this year. He has a natural problem with his collar bone. Everytime he throws it pops really loud. Doctors say it is nothing to worry about though. So if he pitches this year and you hear funny noises, it's not your tv, and your popcorn is probably burning in the microwave.

Jim Johnson - Not sure on this guy. Don't think he will be around this year.. Maybe.. maybe not.

Jim Hoey - Big kid. Fighting for a bullpen slot. Look for him to pitch in Norfolk. Not for long though.

Rocky Cherry - Came over last year for the trashman. Pitching outstanding this spring. He may be here opening day.

Brian Burres - Look for him to be long relief this year and maybe even a spot starter. I like this guy personally. I saw him throw 9 or 10 KO's last year at the yard.

Chad Bradford - Same as last year. Dependable submariner. Set-up man.

Randor Bierd - Interesting. Probably going to get a shot at the bullpen this year. Rule 5 pickup from Detroit. Apparently he learned a pitch from Pedro Martinez that no one can hit. It's like a change-up / split finger that he hides really well with his delivery and no one can hit it. They are calling it a "Split-Up". I did not make that up, you know who you are.

Greg Aquino - Don't know much about him. Apparently he is throwing good this spring. Looks like he is going to make the bullpen.

Matt Albers - Fighting for the 5th spot. Look for him in Norfolk this year. I tell you what, Norfolk should be pretty good this year. ;)

Okay that about wraps everything up from player to player. I will post again soon on the staff.


The birds have the potential to be a VERY good team this year. Just depends on this kindsa breaking out.. WHY NOT?