2010 record/finish: 66-96, last place
Manager: Buck Showalter (first full season)
Key additions: 1B Derrek Lee, DH Vladimir Guerrero, 3B Mark Reynolds, SS J.J. Hardy, RHP Justin Duchscherer
Key losses: 1B Ty Wigginton, RHP Kevin Millwood, RHP Matt Albers
Outlook: For the first time in recent memory, there is some excitement in Baltimore heading into a season. The Orioles have a good, young nucleus – led by outfielders Nick Markakis and Adam Jones and catcher Matt Wieters. The addition of a few veterans such as Guerrero and Lee should make the team competitive.
Player to watch: LHP Brian Matusz. The talented prospect went 7-1 with a 2.18 ERA in his final 11 starts last season and will be the No. 2 starter.
Will win the east if ... they can’t win the East, but they can maybe have their first winning season since 1997.
Comments