Last Year: Without Cal
Ripken Jr., the Orioles have been trying to usher in a new era.
However, a bloated payroll combined with dismal team performance has
rendered it difficult for any employee, member, or fan of the Orioles to be
happy.Infield: The infield is relatively solid. Jeff
Conine can hit for average and a little bit of power, and adds about 10
steals of speed. He will play a crucial role in the Orioles' offense.
At second base is Jerry Hairston Jr., the slick-fielding, poor-hitting
speedster (29 SB). Mike Bordick is still around, and despite some
recent aberrations, he still is the same bland hitter. Tony Batista
gets the task of filling for Cal Ripken's shoes. While it won't be
easy, Batista has 40 HR power (and he hit 41 two years ago). Geronimo
Gil becomes the catcher, and while is known for his fielding, he can swing
the bat a little.
Outfield: Marty Cordova journeys from the Indians to play a big
role in the Orioles' offensive cog (yeah, right). He was able to hit
.301 with 20 HR last year, which is crucial for a struggling Orioles' O.
Chris Singleton comes over from the White Sox to play center field, though
Melvin Mora will see plenty of opportunities as well. Singleton's
struggles hitting-wise make him an easy candidate to replace in the lineup.
Lastly, is right fielder Jay Gibbons, the man of extreme power, but not a
very good eye or batting average.
Bench: DH may be one of the Orioles' most solid positions
with David Segui as their man. He can consistently put up .300, 20 HR
numbers if he stays healthy. On the bench, the Orioles have supersub
Melvin Mora, who is fast but hasn't been able to find his niche. They
also own Chris Richard, who hit 15 HR in 136 games last year. Former
Cub Gary Matthews Jr. will see opportunities to play in the outfield, as
will Brook Fordyce at catcher. And, Albert Belle is still technically
on the team.
Starting 5: Former ace Scott Erickson is back in the bigs, and is
the new ace of a much less accomplished pitching staff. If he stays
injury free, an ERA under 5 is quite possible (let's hope so). Sidney
Ponson is the number two man, and despite a durable arm that threw 3 CG's
last year, his ERA was just under 5. Calvin Maduro is the #3 starter,
and one of the most solid (not saying much). The injured Jason Johnson
will get some starts as one of the top men of the rotation, as based upon
his 4.09 ERA from last year. Josh Towers has struggled, but will most
likely be the #5 starter once he gets his bearings set.
Bullpen: Closers-by-committees aren't really fun, so Jorge Julio
inherits the closer role. He has nasty stuff is punctuated by high K
totals. Willis Roberts and Buddy Groom also have a couple save
opportunities, and Groom has proven to be the most solid arm in the pen (a
lefty no less). Roberts has been fantastic at times, but terrible at
others. The rest of the appearances will go to B.J. Ryan.
Conclusion: Will compete with Tampa for last place. If only
Albert Belle was back...
