2009 MLB Preview - Baltimore Orioles

Baltimore Orioles
Manager: Dave Trembley (3rd season)
2008 Record: 68-93 (5th NL East)

Added: C Gregg Zaun, SS Cesar Izturis (STL), 3B Donnie Murphy (OAK), IF Ty Wigginton, OF Felix Pie, OF Ryan Freel (CIN), SP Rich Hill, SP Mark Hendrickson (FLA), SP Koji Uehara, SP Adam Eaton, RP Brad Hennessey (SF)
Lost: C Ramon Hernandez (CIN), OF Adam Loewen (TOR), SP Daniel Cabrera (WAS), SP Garrett Olson

Projected Lineup (2008 Stats)
1. 2B Brian Roberts (.296, 107 R, 9 HR, 57 RBI, 40 SB) 2. RF Nick Markakis (.306, 106 R, 20 HR, 87 RBI) 3. 3B Melvin Mora (.285, 77 R, 23 HR, 104 RBI) 4. 1B Aubrey Huff (.304, 96 R, 32 HR, 108 RBI) 5. DH Luke Scott (.257, 67 R, 23 HR, 65 RBI) 6. CF Adam Jones (.270, 61 R, 9 HR, 57 RBI) 7. C Gregg Zaun (.237, 29 R, 6 HR, 30 RBI) 8. LF Felix Pie (.241, 9 R, 1 HR, 10 RBI) 9. SS Cesar Izturis (.263, 50 R, 1 HR, 24 RBI)

Projected Starting Rotation (2008 Stats)
1. Jeremy Guthrie (10-12, 3.63 ERA, 120 K) 2. Koji Uehara (Rookie) 3. Rich Hill (1-0, 4.12 ERA, 15 K) 4. Mark Hendrickson (7-8, 5.45 ERA, 81 K) 5. Adam Eaton (4-8, 5.80 ERA, 57 K)


Bench
C Matt Wieters, IF Ty Wigginton, OF Ryan Freel, OF Lou Montanez

Bullpen (2008 Stats for Closer only)
George Sherrill (31 SV, 53.1 IP, 47 H, 58 K, 4.73 ERA), Chris Ray, James Johnson, Jamie Walker, Danys Baez, Matt Albers

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Fantasy Studs: 2B Brian Roberts, OF Nick Markakis
Fantasy Sleepers: C Matt Wieters, OF Adam Jones

Men In The Minors: 1B Brandon Snyder, OF Nolan Riemold, SP Brian Matusz, SP Chris Tillman

Home Ballpark: Oriole Park at Camden Yards (Grade 6/10)

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Team Outlook: Can you believe it's been 12 years since Baltimore made it to the playoffs? Actually, you probably can, considering the dominance of the Yankees and Red Sox in the division. Last year, the biggest problem for the Orioles was pitching. Despite their attempts to bring in new arms this season, it doesn't look like they're going to much better. Guthrie is good, but after that, there are too many question marks. The bullpen isn't awful but considering they will be pitching early and often, don't expect too much. As far as the lineup, it is very top-heavy, led by Roberts, Markakis, Mora and Huff. Wigginton is a good pickup for the club and this may be the breakout year for Adam Jones. All eyes though are on Matt Wieters, who could soon be putting up Joe Mauer type numbers. He's only 23 as well, so don't expect Gregg Zaun to be starting for very long, if at all by time Opening Day rolls around. This team has a lot of work to do to be competitive in this tough division. If they finish above .500, I'd consider it a good season.

Next Preview: Boston Red Sox