2010 Baltimore Orioles team preivew

2009 Record: 64-98   .395

Run Differential: -135

Baltimore hasn't made the playoffs since Jeffrey Maier gave Derek Jeter a home run on what would have been a flyout.  Not unlike Pittsburgh, fans have grown weary of waiting for the next playoff appearance.  Contrary to public perception, the team hasn't even been a big spender in recent offseasons.  It seems apparent that owner Peter Angelos finally realized that big spending doesn't always equal success but good drafting does.  While several players on this team are getting up there in age, the new core of players is moving into place.  Outfielders Nick Markakis, Adam Jones, and Nolan Reimold are young players firmly entrenched as starters.  Markakis and Jones have already made an All-Star team and last year's #1 prospect Matt Wieters is ready to make his impact felt this season.  Angelos has even opened up his pocketbook to keep his favorite players in town as evidenced by the long term deals signed last season by Brian Roberts and Markakis.  What made last season so brutal though, was the pitching.  When Brad Bergensen is the best hurler on the staff, you're giving up a lot of runs. But with the recent emphasis on better drafting, hope is on the horizon.

Freel for Ramon Hernandez

I just wanted to say something quick about this trade.  The Reds are trading their last year of beer-bucket Freel for two years of a slightly overrated catcher.  Hernandez represent a stopgap for two years allowing Ryan Hanigan to learn while being the backup.  He can has some medium pop, average defense, but is clearly declining.  Basically he's just overpaid.

In Freel Baltimore receives a utility player who looks like he can play everyday until you try it.  He's always injured and when he's not he fades badly in the second half.  The fans will love his all-out play and his entertaining interviews but thoughts that he was acquired so the team can move Brian Roberts are misguided.

Baltimore also gets two "prospects" in this deal but I don't see them as being significant contributors.  

Verdict:  No winners or losers here as each team traded to fill a need.