In hopes of competing with the likes of the Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays, the Baltimore Orioles made some off-season transactions that might be pretty good help in doing that.
1B Derrek Lee (from Atlanta)
3B Mark Reynolds (Arizona)
DH/OF Vladimir Guerrero (Texas)
RHP Justin Duchscherer (Oakland)
RHP Kevin Gregg (Toronto)
SS J.J. Hardy (Minnesota)
With Derrek Lee (1B) and Mark Reynolds (3B) set to man the corners of the infield, the middle of the infield is left with no questions at all. Brian Roberts (2B) hopefully will have a healthy back and be able to play more than the 59 games that he was limited to in 2010. Shortstop will be a combination of J.J. Hardy and Cesar Izturis.
The outfield is pretty full of depth for 2011. At the start of Spring Training, Felix Pie (LF), Adam Jones (CF) and Nick Markakis (RF) are projected to roam the outfield grass. Luke Scott, Jake Fox and Vladimir Guerrero, who will start as Designated Hitter, will be slated as backup outfielders.
The pitching rotation is the real question for the Orioles this season. The rotation order is what should really puzzle Baltimore management as the regular season approaches. They are a group of unknowns that expect to make their presense known. The rotation will go as follows:
1-Jeremy Guthrie
2-Brian Matusz
3-Jake Arrieta
4-Brad Burgesen
5-Justin Duchscherer
The bullpen will have some issues as well, having names that are basically considered unknown. These players aren't really known names in the baseball world because in the American League East, Boston, New York and Tampa Bay seem to completely overshadow teams like Toronto and Baltimore. When you have the success that those three teams have had in recent years, it makes total sense. Recently acquired Closer from Toronto, Kevin Gregg, is only name that sticks out that baseball fans wouldn't really have to look up information and statistics to see if and what they've actually done in the big leagues thus far.
Manager Buck Showalter is in his first full season with Baltimore. He took over leading the Orioles in late July 2010. Showalter is entering is 12th season as a manager in the major leagues. He has also managed the Yankees, Diamondbacks and Rangers, twice becoming manager of the year.
COME BACK TO CHECK OUT A PREVIEW OF THE BOSTON RED SOX LATER THIS AFTERNOON!!
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