We are now about a week away to the start of the season and I must admit I can't wait to hear "Play Ball" ! After suffering through more than a decade of losing baseball there's reason for joy in Birdland ! The baby birds have arrived and are already productive ! The Orioles stand an excellent chance of posting their first winning season in years .
The Birds offense is really shaping up. Their outfield of Markakis,Jones and Reimold is both young and talented. All posses good speed and good throwing arms . But boy can they hit ! All stand a chance to become .300 hitters. The O's infield looks good with the acquisitions of Miggy Tejada and Garrett Atkins to play the corners. Secondbaseman Brian Roberts is one of the best at his position and a world class leadoff hitter. But their prospects at catching are once in a lifetime like in second year Matt Weiters ! He looks like he will eventually become the face of the franchise and is a dangerous switch hitter .
An O's fan has to be just as excited about the Birds home grown pitching staff ! Brad Bergesen has completely recovered from his season ending injury. Brian Matusz is poised to become the team's eventual number 1 . Chris Tillman has unlimited potential and Jake Arrieta is waiting in the wings ! Add to these young Birds the experience of Kevin Millwood and Jeremy Guthrie and you've got a strong five . I would be surprised to see David Hernandez crack that five somehow . Their bullpen looks set to provide relief led by newly acquired Mike Gonzalez . Jim Johnson should bounce back as a solid set up man.
Finally their bench has talent with Luke Scott as the primary DH. Ty Wiggington and Felix Pie provide good back up depth ! I'm also glad Dave Trembley was extended to manage the O's again this season! Finally having talent to compete he will prove himself to be a calming force amongst the O's youth. No I can't wait to get to Birdland this year and watch the existing brand of hustling baseball the Birds will produce !
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