Happy New Year everyone, and hope your Saturday is going well wherever you are in the world.
For the most part, it seems my partner James, the mainstream media, bloggers and fans are in approval for the Derrek Lee acquisition by the Orioles.
It would be a big surprise if Lee was a complete flop. From what I have seen, the guy comes off as a complete professional and will not embarrass the organization on and off the field.
In addition, Lee is only signed for one year; therefore, he will probably be hungry for perhaps another lengthy (or final) contract. He had a thumb injury last season which perhaps affected his at-the-plate and if he’s healthy, I’d expect him to serve the team well.
Certainly, Lee will not be like a former Cub – Sammy Sosa.
Well, at least I hope not.
I guess LaRoche’s demands came to be a bit much for the Orioles, and they moved on.
We know what LaRoche brings, but I think Lee has a better bat and is certainly proficient with the glove. I just hope the Orioles can break out with a strong start to 2010 and keep everyone motivated.
Other than that, while I think the Orioles are much improved from the team that were last season, they will certainly not contend.
Stranger things have happened, but I don’t see the Orioles becoming an elite team despite the strong showing they have had so far under manager Buck Showalter.
I do believe that the Orioles do need another starter, more bullpen help and a better bench.
In all honesty, if the team could just get more innings out of their starters, hold close leads, stop the silly fielding and baseball mistakes (both were cut down considerably later on in 2010); furthermore, play .500 at least against the Yankees, Red Sox, Rays and the Jays (yes!), Baltimore might surprise the baseball world.
The talent is there with the youngsters on the mound and at the plate. Everything just has to come together.
Sports Illustrated’s Joe Sheehan gives the Orioles props in his latest piece online, as he believes the Orioles will be 2011’s version of the 2010 San Diego Padres.
I don’t know if Baltimore is yet playoff caliber team. Then again, after what I saw out of the squad last year, plus the moves so far, things are looking up.
If Sheehan’s thoughts are even close to reality, I can imagine Camden Yards filled again with fans actually wearing black and orange.
Hopefully, in 2011, the Orioles will play some meaningful baseball in August and September.
