Brad Bergesen, please, please, please don’t fall off of any pitching mounds again.

If we can all learn one thing from Bergesen’s most recent injury, it is to make sure that you are fully recovered from an injury before trying to film a commercial. It is a little known fact that camera crews and the intensity of a local TV commercial are the leading causes for injury to a baseball player. It’s written in the science books.

Back in the middle of February, Bergesen decided to help film an ad to promote the Orioles’ upcoming season. The goal was to attempt to make the Orioles an attractive team to watch by featuring the players that performed well last season. Bergesen, who went 7-5 with a 3.43 ERA last year, was one of those players to whom fans seemed to find a fast connection with. Whether it is his strikingly good looks, his ability to look like a winner while wearing an Orioles’ uniform, or the fact that there is literally no other pitcher on the team that anybody has any faith in, Bergesen wanted to do more for the team.

Little did he know, his biggest rival was the pitching mound.

While filming the commercial, Bergesen thought it would be the best idea to pitch at game speed in order to give the real effect. You can’t blame him; A 10 year old could go out there and throw as hard as possible a couple of times with the risk of injury about as high as winning the lottery. It would only make sense.

Unfortunately for Brad, that decision had a lot riding on it. He ended up hurting his shoulder, knocking him out of spring training until the middle of March. Bergesen, who could have used the extra work this spring in order to prepare to continue his major league success, has instead had to watch the games from the dugout. While his spot in the rotation is not at risk, his preparation for the upcoming season may very well be lacking.

Click here to view the embedded video.

Brad was injured last July when he was hit on the shin by a line drive. The hit ended his superb season, and left little hope for the Orioles’ fans, who had discovered that the Orioles may actually be good in a year or two. We’ve all been waiting for him to come back and show us what he is capable of, and to prove that last year was not a fluke.

But then there was that damn pitching mound.

The strangest part of the saga was that it took this incident for the Orioles to realize that maybe they should keep an eye on the operations of outside sources when dealing with the players. There was no Orioles’ medical personnel or trainers on the site of where the commercial was being filmed, and there was no policy regarding the use of players in commercial shoots.

Really?

Maybe it’s just me, but I think that if I’m spending money on these players-players who are supposed to be the bright future for the team- that maybe, just maybe, I’d make sure to have somebody to keep track of what is taking place outside of the Orioles’ facilities. Bergesen is a young guy coming off of an injury, and natural instinct is likely to be that of a stabled horse, ready to run free in pastures and meadows and, maybe, the Kentucky Derby. Without any guidance on set, there was nobody to let Brad know that it might have been to his benefit not to put 100% behind his throwing motion, especially since he was recovering from an injury.

It’s almost as if parental instincts have to kick in. Your young players shouldn’t be granted as much freedom, regardless of whether they push for it or not. You’re not going to let an 8 year old go play at a friend’s house if the parents are not there. Nolan Reimold should not be allowed to go play a charity flag football game without having the proper medical personnel on hand, making sure that he doesn’t do anything above and beyond what is smart and healthy.

However, the Orioles have since instated a policy regarding commercial shoots (and hopefully everything that could be considered similar). So if you’re concerned about Nick Markakis or Matt Wieters going out and tripping over a base, or being slapped in the face with a stray baseball glove, don’t worry. The Orioles now have the common sense not to let their million dollar, prized possessions into the hands of strangers without a little adult supervision.

Everybody knows Cal Ripken is too old to come back to baseball as a player. That would just be ridiculous, seeing him out there trying to play the hot corner. It would probably look something like Miguel Tejada’s efforts so far this spring. But what if the O’s could convince Ripken to return to the organization in a managerial position, with a chance to help develop the plethura of talent that is coming up through the system. That would be craaaaaaaazy!

Well, apparently it could be a reality in the short future. The Iron Man has made it known that he is interested in returning to baseball as soon as his son goes off to college in a couple of years. For starters, I had no idea that his kids were that old. That is just ridiculous. With a team that is looking to regain some interest and drive up ticket sales, maybe the Orioles should open their little bird ears (do birds have ears? I guess they have to) and start figuring out how to convince Ripken that his idea is a great one.

If Cal was to make a return, I would have to assume he would want to get involved with the Orioles. I mean, the guy spent 2,632 straight games playing for them. He better want to stick around town. They might as well rename the franchise the Baltimore Cal Ripkens considering how much of a face he has become for the entire organization.

Actually, let’s keep it at Orioles. The Cal Ripkens is too long, and can you imagine all the fart jokes that would come along with it?

Whether his position would be with the big league club or a minor league organization would be a decision made by the O’s front office. In the majors, chances are that becoming a manager would be out of the question. He could find himself on Dave Trembley’s staff (or whoever happens to be managing the Orioles at the time). A possible defensive coach position sounds reasonable.

If he were to go to the minors, Ripken could find it a bit easier to gain a manager position. The turnover in the minors is a bit more liberal, mainly because the coaches on the farm are looking for the same promotions that the players are searching for. With a farm system position, Ripken could also help to promote a minor league team that relies more on fan fare attractions rather than the game going on on the field. Fans could learn more about the players of the future because they’ll have an interest.

Either way, the Orioles should consider bringing Cal back to the big show, to rejuvinate some of the fans that have lost some interest over the past decade, and to show a little bit of extra respect to the most well known player in franchise history. I’d go to more games to see him back in the action, and I know my two friends would want to go as well. Not to mention, with both his son and daughter in college, the extra cash probably couldn’t hurt.

With the Orioles set to feature several of their top prospects this season, the expectations from the rest of the team have been put somewhat on the back burner. The focus isn’t as strong on Adam Jones, Luke Scott and Brian Roberts, but instead has stemmed from the upcoming performances of players like Chris Tillman, Brian Matusz and Brad Bergesen. However, the Orioles are going to need healthy veteran players in order to achieve the type of surprise success that some of us are hoping for.

Roberts, the Orioles’ starting second baseman for the past seven years, has been suffering through a back injury since Spring Training began. He has not played in a single game so far this year, and the time table continues to stay ambiguous for his return. What was once thought to be a slight setback is quickly turning into something that many fans fear is worse than perceived.

Roberts was given medication on Sunday night as a means of helping him recover from the back injury that has plagued him, but claimed to feel ill on Monday evening. Because of his sickness, he was held out of Baltimore’s game on Tuesday, and trainer Richie Bancells stated that he would not be able to resume baseball activities until at least Thursday.

The concern that fans have expressed is that Roberts will be ill-prepared for the upcoming season. With a six month season becoming a long haul, it is important for players to find a rhythm early. Ask Jeremy Guthrie, who had his spring interrupted last year by the World Baseball Classic. Without the extra work in the pre-season, Guthrie struggled to achieve the same success he had seen a couple of years earlier. Roberts needs to avoid the same type of collapse.

While the concern is growing among fans, it has not stayed exclusively in their minds. Andy McPhail, Baltimore’s General Manager, expressed that he was a bit worried upon hearing the news that Roberts is still not looking 100%. McPhail knows that Roberts is one of the league’s best leadoff hitters, and is a true asset to the Orioles in their attempt to rise from the basement of the AL East.

When an injury seems to nag a player, as the back problem is doing to Roberts, one can’t help but think that bad news is inevitable. Let’s just hope that this sickness is the last setback, and that Brian can get the work he needs to jumpstart what is poised to be a confidence-boosting season.

Miguel Tejada is back in Baltimore with a new number, bigger glove, and a completely different role than what he had in his first stint with the club. It’s somewhat ironic that Tejada is considered to be part of the Orioles’ saving grace after being traded away two years ago because of off the field issues, poor decision making, and an overall image problem. But despite the history he brings, O’s fans don’t have much choice but to hope that Miggy’s claims of turning over a new leaf are not just part of the load of crap that he fed many people during the previous years he played for the birds.

Priorities become a very important aspect of the 2010 season to start focusing on. Regardless of personal opinions, the fact is that Tejada has signed a contract and will be playing in Baltimore. He brings a big bat, a strong reputation as being a hard nosed player, and a verbal vow to be a positive presence in a locker room full of young players. The concept is pretty easy; Andy McPhail needed a veteran that he was familiar with to come in to town, understand his stopgap role, and have no hard feelings about a diminished amount of responsibility. While he can play that same mentor role that Gregg Zaun filled last season, Tejada will have a much greater contribution to the actual game than Zaun could have ever provided.

But can he play 3rd base?

The Orioles have already announced that they have ruled out putting Tejada at shortstop and attempt to move Caesar Izturis in some sort of weird, unnecessary trade. Izturis is a solid defensive shortstop, and provides a true specific role at the bottom of the O’s lineup, giving them speed and smarts on the basepath. The need for a fast number 9 hitter in the AL is often times overlooked; If Izturis and Brian Roberts can start off a late inning by getting on base in an attempt to forge a comeback win, chances are that their speed will be a difference maker in any sort of rally.

Andy McPhail wouldn’t have even considered bringing Tejada in as the team’s new third baseman if he didn’t think the guy could learn the position quickly enough to be major league ready by the beginning of the season. He is a veteran player who has has a true love for the game. Don’t get me wrong, he has a reputation in much need of repair. But what better way to draw the attention away from past mistakes than to prove to everybody that you can learn a new position at a major league level without a hitch? An agreement to come back to Baltimore, seemingly completely removed from the mindset the team carried when Tejada was around the first time, and the guy genuinely seems ready to contribute as much as he possibly can. Tejada has to be chomping at the bit for this opportunity, if not for anything more than a means of proving his still-existing value.

The door swings both ways, however; The Orioles need Tejada just as much as he needs them. The protection in the middle of the lineup is now a lot more intense with the threat of Miguel. He is familiar with Camden Yards, much of the personnel, and the city. A certain sense of compatibality with the team has to make him feel more comfortable than he would have felt going somewhere new. He feeds off of the team, just as the team and the youth movement hopes to feed off of his performance and leadership.

Time will tell when it comes to figuring out if Tejada will be the right man for the third base job. But with a built in trap door, the O’s are in a position in which most teams would love to find themselves. Ready to get called up from the minors is Josh Bell, the highly touted prospect on which the team has a lot riding. Bell will give a bit of a challenge to Tejada this season. Knowing that the competition is sitting in AAA Nofolk, waiting to show everybody what he is made of, should let Miggy realize that his job is nowhere close to secure. He would be stupid to not realize that he has a lot to prove if he wants to be resigned at the end of the year or display to future suitors that he is worth a few more years of baseball.

With spring training just a week away, it’s hard not to get a bit excited to see how well Miguel will perform at his new position. All eyes will be focused on him, seeing as he is the most familiar returning name. We’ve seen how he has played before, serving as the bright spot in an otherwise long, dark era for the Baltimore Orioles; Let’s hope this time around he realizes that his role is not packaged with another heavy load of expectations, but he is instead just one piece of a puzzle that has been built for long term success.

Email Tyson at RavesnGUFS@yahoo.com with any questions or comments. Follow Tyson on Twitter at Ravens_Os_GUFS.

Ahh! The fresh smell of the grass. The crack of the bat. That pop of the catchers’ mitt.

The beauty of baseball is back.

Pitchers and catchers have reported for the Baltimore Orioles, and there is much excitement in the air surrounding the Birds.

Spring Training marks the start of a long journey. So much will change for the Orioles and every team, between the first pitchers and catchers workout, and the end of the playoffs in October.

So many questions are currently unanswered, and so many surprises and unexpected situations will arise throughout the course of this upcoming marathon.

Amidst all of these questions and all of this uncertainty, there is one thing for certain. The 2010 Orioles, will be the most talented Orioles team in quite some time.

Andy MacPhail, since taking over as GM in the middle of the 2007 season, has done a remarkable job.

Now, I certainly have not agreed with everything Andy MacPhail has done with the Orioles. For one, I greatly disagreed with MacPhail not doing everything possible to bring Mark Teixeira to Baltimore prior to the 2009 season. To this day, I feel that those negotiations, and the thinking of MacPhail at the time of the negotiations, should have been handled much differently.

Furthermore, I do not see any reason why after 2+ years, that MacPhail has not brought in a long-term answer at SS.

All of this being said, Andy MacPhail has this team in very good position moving forward. MacPhail has assembled a young core that, going forward, has realistic potential to become a dynasty.

Prior to MacPhail’s arrival in 2007, the Orioles were trotting out stopgap, limited ceiling type players such as Kevin Millar, Corey Patterson, Jay Gibbons, Ramon Hernandez, Melvin Mora, Russ Ortiz, and many more of the like.

Going into 2010, the Orioles have assembled a core of players that would make any organization envious.

Matt Wieters, Brian Roberts, Nick Markakis, Adam Jones, Nolan Reimold, Felix Pie, Brian Matusz, Chris Tillman, Brad Bergesen, Jake Arrieta, Jim Johnson, Brandon Snyder, Josh Bell…all of these players, with the exception of Brian Roberts who enters 2010 in his early 30’s, represent a young, talented core; most of which will be together in Baltimore for many years to come.

Undoubtedly, the Orioles would put this core up against any organization, and say bring it on.

Andy MacPhail has brought the majority of this talent into the organization under his watch. He deserves much props, and appreciation, from all O’s fans.

The biggest potential roadblock to a potential dynasty in Baltimore, is simply the current state of baseball during this time. In an era without a salary cap, the two richest franchises, the Yankees and Red Sox, obviously are operating with an advantage. Both of those teams will be championship contenders each and every season; they are not going anywhere. Both of those teams are in the AL East, with the Orioles.

If the Orioles were in the NL West or AL Central, they would be set to contend right away in 2010, and would be on track to be in the playoffs the great majority of the next decade.

In the AL East, the O’s could average 89-94 wins a season during the next decade, and still only make the playoffs 5 out of 10 times.

However, this is just the nature of the beast in baseball in the present. As a competitive fan, I welcome the opportunity to be in the division against the two best teams. Being in the AL East with the Yankees and Red Sox will make it all the more sweeter when the Orioles are playing meaningful games in October, having overtaken the two baseball powerhouses.

With the smell of spring in the air, optimism is abound in Baltimore.

How will the 2010 season play out for the Birds? As of now, that remains to be seen. Most about the 2010 season, at this point in mid February, remains a mystery.

However, say what you want about the 2010 Orioles, but this is the most talented Orioles team since the 1997 season, when the O’s went wire to wire, and reached the ALCS. This is true, because of the young core that has been assembled, that will be growing together throughout the year.

Even more encouraging for Orioles’ fans, is that this young core will only improve and continue to grow, as this season, and the coming seasons, go on.

This young core will only get better from here.

…A lot better.

MASNsports.com has reported that the Orioles may hold the possibility of trading backup infielder Ty Wiggington in their hands. While it would be a somewhat unexpected move to most, the scenarios a trade would open up would relieve the Orioles of several logjam problems dealing with minor league prospects.

By ridding themselves or Wigginton, the Orioles would have another roster spot available for a non-pitching player. Nominees for this spot may include Robert Andino and Michael Aubrey, both who saw some success with the big league club last season. Andino, who filled in nicely when Caesar Izturis was out with an injury, would seem to be the best fit for the opening.

However, as reported by MASNsports, the Orioles are looking to roll with 12 pitching spots, leaving two offensive positions to fill if Wigginton is to be traded. If Ty doesn’t leave town, there is still a spot open for the best spring training performer. According to the source, the O’s have a couple of guys in mind, including Justin Turner, who saw time in the majors after the September roster expansion, as well as Blake Davis, an infielder who spent much of his time on the DL last year with a nagging injury.

As an opinionated writer, it seems to me that Aubrey may be the best fit if a position opens up via a Wigginton trade. He hit .289 in 90 at bats with the O’s last season, jacking 4 home runs and 14 RBI’s despite being positioned towards the bottom of the lineup. He has not been tried in terms of a major league career, and could become a dark horse power hitting player putting pressure on the primary DH, Luke Scott.

As for Blake Davis, he may have to wait another season before showing face with the major league club. Davis, who has been highly touted as a possible utility infielder, could have the most potential if Izturis is not signed past the upcoming season. He has surprising power, as he showed in 2008 with AA Bowie, but is most recognized by his defense, a quality that does not escape Izturis.

Regardless, Baltimore has some options already. Those possibilities could be opened up significantly if they are able to shop Wigginton around, maybe even considering an early season trade depending on his performance during spring training. As some writers around the area think, Wigginton could be out of town by the beginning of the season. As far as I am concerned, I see no harm in keeping him around, providing a veteran presence as well as a player who can play almost every position. With a decent year up until July 31st, Wigginton may give the Orioles more production than any of their younger players are capable of at this point in their careers.

Questions? Comments? Email Tyson at RavensGUFS@yahoo.com. Follow Tyson on Twitter at Ravens_Os_GUFS.

Andy McPhail said that during this off season, he would be willing to spend money in order to improve the Orioles as a way of becoming competitive with the rest of the AL East. With all things considered you can’t really blame him. The Yankees don’t understand the concept of not spending money, while the Red Sox also rank among the top 5 teams in total salary. Not to get nit-picky, but the Orioles have the lowest total salary among all AL East teams, including the home grown Tampa Bay Rays.

It’s not like Baltimore doesn’t have the money. If you need proof that they have the resources to spend, take a glance back to the mid 1990’s, ironically the last time they were competitive, and you’ll see that free agents didn’t come cheap. Regardless, the Orioles left the 90’s, still championship-less and on the brink of the longest losing drought in the organization’s history.

For a long time thereafter, I, along with most of the fan base, wanted to see wads of cash thrown in the laps of any free agent the Orioles could talk to in order to attract him to come to Baltimore. It’s painful to watch the O’s attempt to build a team with outcasts and poor draft picks, mainly because you can’t defend them in any sort of argument.

“Mike Mussina can eat it for leaving Baltimore to sign with your stupid Yankees. You’ll see as soon as the future phenom, Matt Riley, makes his way to the big leagues.”

Hmmm… even as I search for anything regarding the whereabouts of the former top prospect, all I get are “Page Not Found” notifications. I guess any news has followed the same trend as Riley’s career.

Since Andy McPhail has taken over as the GM of the Orioles, the urge to hope for a spending spree has disappeared. McPhail has made the moves to rebuild the farm system with talent found due to improved scouting and well worked trades. Instead of Matt Riley, there are now Brian Matusz and Chris Tillman. There is a plan for the future, and the free agent signings are based around the development of those players.

Garrett Atkins, who signed a 1 year deal, will ultimately be replaced by Josh Bell, the Orioles top minor league prospect. Miguel Tejada was also signed to a 1 year deal, leaving the door open for Brandon Snyder to make his way up to the major leagues. Other notable 1 year contracts are Luke Scott and Jeremy Guthrie, both who may be fill in players while prospects gain the experience in the minors before making their way up to the big league club.

Need more proof? Look no further than Adam Jones, who is still making a whopping $435,000 a year despite being named to the AL All-Star team last season. While he will demand a much larger contract when his current one runs out, the Orioles have the money to spend in order to keep the young prospects around. Brian Roberts and Nick Markakis, both home grown talent, have already been rewarded with those big money contracts.

Markakis is just one of many Orioles who have made their way through the Baltimore farm system.

In the long run, it still comes down to the money. The Yankees choose to spend 208 million dollars on the best free agents, hoping for some sort of chemistry. In the overall perspective, they grossly overpay for the players they choose to pursue. While A-Rod gets paid his ridiculous amounts of cash each season, I would personally rather have a player like Markakis on my team. Here is a look at the two players’ 2009 stats.

Alex Rodriguez: 30 HR, 100 RBI, .286 batting average, 97 K’s

Nick Markakis: 18 HR, 101 RBI, 293 batting average, 98 K’s

Comparing the two players, A-Rod had more home runs, a stat which can partially be contributed to the surrounding protection. A Yankees fan who is watching a player thought of as one of the most feared hitter in the league, Rodriguez had better hit 30 home runs for the money he’s getting paid. The biggest comparison isn’t stats at all, but instead is the yearly salary. While Markakis makes about $3,300,000 a year to put up solid numbers, A-Rod makes $33,000,000 a season. Yes, for 12 more home runs, less RBI’s, a lower batting average, and one less strike out, you could have Alex Rodriguez for only 30 million more than Markakis.

No thanks.

The Yankees’ attempt to pay for already proven star players may seem like a wonderful idea to a team that has no need to worry about how much money is spent. Sure, the Yanks aren’t going to face real problems in the future for spending so much money now. They will always be a rich team who will have the resources to attract the most lucrative player. However, for a bit cheaper, and with a bit more pride, the Orioles can have a contending team. With just a little bit more work and love for the traditional game, building a farm system and developing players who are expected to stick around the organization for years to come, fans will have even more to be proud of.

Andy McPhail understands that an Orioles salary of just over $61 million is not that much. He made it known to the public that he would spend the money in order to compete with the New Yorks and the Bostons of the league. However, the players that receive that money won’t necessarily have to be free agents lured in by heavy contracts. Instead, McPhail is putting the money exactly where it belongs; Players we have had the privilege of hearing about as they rise through the ranks, preparing to go head to head in a perfect David vs. Goliath battle.

It’s old news at this point, but for those who haven’t heard about the biggest MLB off-season move, here is the spoiler alert. The Baltimore Orioles have signed Jeremy Guthrie, all knowing, to a one year deal worth $3 million dollars. The club and the pitcher came to an agreement to avoid arbitration, giving both sides what they want.

For a long time now, the Orioles have been considered as an organization to make moves equivalent of those an ostrich; The front office seems lost, as if their collective heads are buried in the infield dirt, deep and out of touch with the reality that swirls violently among the O’s fan faithful. Baltimore deserves a winning team, especially after struggling for so many years with uncharacteristic jabs, stabbing aimlessly at stopgap players who stand no chance of turning an entire franchise around. So excuse some for coming across as a bit disappointed when hearing that the Orioles gave Guthrie another shot at meeting the expectations of a former first round draft pick.

However, what seems to be another addition to the joke that the Orioles have become over the past decade could very well turn out to be a blessing in disguise. With a one year deal, Guthrie will be available as trade bait come the end of July; If he pitches well, posting good enough numbers to draw in more young talent, don’t expect the Orioles to pass on the idea of sending him out of town. If he doesn’t do so hot, he’s gone at the end of the season.

Guthrie has been the Orioles’ top pitcher when it comes to eating up innings. For a team that has seen more struggles come out of the bullpen than any across the league, Guthrie provides a glimmer of hope. His ability to keep the team in the game, avoiding the need to bring in relief pitching, could become a saving grace this season. What should be a reworked bullpen will still have the youth and inexperience hanging over its head, leaving more responsibility to fall to the starting rotation. Of all the starters last year, Guthrie gave the most out of each start.

People get caught up in wins and losses, a stat that is representative more of an offense’s ability (or inability) to score runs than it is of a pitcher’s mishaps on the mound. While a 10-17 record is nothing to congratulate or reward, it is easy to lose sight of the fact that the Orioles lost almost 100 games last year, and that any starting pitcher who could put together 10 wins deserves some credit.

For the 2010 season, the Orioles have a good 3rd or 4th starting pitcher locked up and ready to go. Guthrie will bring the intensity and the outstanding knowledge of the game with him, just as he has in the past, giving the O’s a better chance at getting things headed in the right direction.

Kevin Millwood was a good acquisition. He really was. You can look at me weird, slander my name, and throw snowballs at me if you see me on the street (heavens knows there is enough snow to pummel me into oblivion if you really want to take me up on the offer), but the fact is, the Orioles needed somebody not named Jeremy Guthrie to provide leadership to a young staff. Nothing against Jeremy, it’s just that the opinion and advice of a major league pitcher who has actually seen what it takes to be the ace of a staff, pitch for winning teams, and taste post season play tends to go a long way.

Well, maybe it is something against J-Guth.

However, Millwood is only one man. Yes, yes, despite how much he may seem to be more than just a mortal (he has been around long enough to be considered ageless by some, over the hill by others), the Orioles would be best suited to find another like him to solidify the starting rotation, even for just the beginning of the season. Millwood, despite all of his infinite glory, can’t be expected to hold the entirety of the Baltimore fans’ expectations on his massive shoulders. They just aren’t that big.

According to Fox Sports reporter, Ken Rosenthal, the Orioles have recently exchanged talks with the agent for Chien-Ming Wang, formerly of the New York Yankees. Give or take, this is probably how the conversation went. I’ll skip over the whole translation process.

Orioles’ Representatives: So Chien, you must be looking for a role on a team since you didn’t have a good enough year to stick around New York. How do you feel about possibly pitching in Baltimore?

Chien-Ming Wang: I won nineteen games in 2007. I think I can bring a good, veteran presence to this team.

O.R.: Good, good. Now, what makes you think that you can pitch as well as you used to without the backing of a $225 million dollar lineup, an owner that spends money faster than the Federal government, and a complimentary pitching staff consisting of four pitchers that are most likely better than you?

Chien: ummm…

A few years ago the Orioles had this great idea to sign Jarrod Washburn, most recently (then) of the Angels, in order to add some depth to a starting rotation that couldn’t figure out how to win even if the other team forfeited. But he somehow failed a physical and ended up signing with Seattle, who now secretly consider him the best part of the Adam Jones-Erik Bedard trade. Regardless, Washburn has come full circle and is once again searching for a job.

While the Orioles are rumored to have been in talks with his agent, Washburn has been said to have limited the teams he is willing to sign with. Because he is from Minnesota, it is claimed that the guy is only willing to sign with the Twins or resign with Seattle. To this, any normal human being has to wonder why Washburn, who is not getting any younger, would turn down any contract that is worth more than most money that the average American makes per year. Maybe he is holding out for a position as a gym teacher in St. Paul, and wants to know if any major league team will offer him a salary on par with his dream job.

As an O’s fan, I wouldn’t mind seeing Washburn come to Baltimore. Honestly, what could he do to make things worse around here? Give him a two year deal to make him feel like he is still worth a damn in this league, see what the guy is made of, and kick him to the curb if he sucks. Washburn has been successful where former Oriole Erik Bedard has not, and so the expectations would have to be that the guy can figure the game out better than some. If not, no big loss.

There are still several starting pitchers that the Orioles could wrap their hands around before pitchers and catchers report to spring training at the end of the month. Most likely, those veterans that Baltimore is looking at wouldn’t be too bad off missing part of the spring due to the fact that they’ve spent hundreds of days throwing pitches to AA teams to prepare for an upcoming season. Time will tell.

Follow Tyson Heck on Twitter @Ravens_Os_GUFS

The Orioles had some definite goals going into the 2009-10 off season. Those who had experienced last year understand completely what the needs were that had to be addressed by Andy McPhail and his front office friends. However, excuse us for second guessing the ability of said front office to obtain the players needed to continue the future preparation of this franchise; The expectations, for some odd reason, lend themselves more to a pessimistic sort of view. At least, that is what the past eleven years have shown us.

But surprise abounds for Baltimore baseball this winter, and Andy McPhail has continued to triumph as a successful and inspiring General Manager of the Baltimore Orioles. For a team that has suffered through more losing seasons than any in the major leagues deserves, it seemed as if the off season was more welcomed than any opening day game since 1999. Until now, at least. With the life and love for baseball season growing within us, the fans have been incited with the passion that had all but disappeared for over a decade. Andy McPhail has gone from another name on a long list of predicted failures, to the life and savior of a once storied franchise.

Below stands a list of the major acquisitions the Orioles have made this winter. If you’re looking for an in depth look on Chris George or Alfredo Simon, I’m sorry to inform you that this is not the forum you are looking for. It’s nothing against them… well, yes, maybe it is.

So now, I present to you, the list. If you find the order to be in a particular fashion, then by all means, continue to accept it as such. If not, well, it wasn’t meant to be anything but random.

1. Garrett Atkins: For starters, I take pride in my work. When I can predict a future signing halfway correctly, the world should owe me something. Or, at least, pat me on the back for making it look like I really know what I’m talking about. So check out this link, read the very last name on the list, and tell me how I should be the next Ms. Cleo.

The Orioles gave Atkins a one year deal with an option for a second year. The O’s have prospects developing in the minors, and so their take on acquiring corner infielders is a bit conservative. He will find his groove at 1st base for the majority of the season, giving the O’s a (hopefully) power hitter to match up with the AL East competition. While it is only a one year contract, don’t be surprised if Atkins is kept around for his second season, as long as he shows the same power that he had in Colorado two seasons ago. McPhail has been a genius in the past at finding players who had fallen off the radar, and Atkins fits the bill perfectly. The only person in the area that should be worried about whether Garrett has a good year? Ty Wigginton, who may see his chance at a new contract fly out the window if Atkins puts together a good season.

Miggy is back in town. His power in the lineup should be a nice surprise for the O's.

2. Miguel Tejada: From what I’ve gathered so far (and mainly, it has been strictly my parents and my old college roommate), Miggy’s signing is being questioned around Baltimore. Whether it is the steroid-linked name, the seemingly bad attitude and apparent want to get out of town during his last stint here, or the reputation that his abilities are quickly nose diving, it doesn’t make a whole lot of sense to me. For one, the guy has shown complete professionalism over his past two seasons in Houston. Despite playing for a piss poor team, Tejada has kept his mouth shut and done everything that has been asked. As a free agent, he has been more than willing to switch positions in order to make him more attractive to potential suitors. The Orioles have (re)acquired a huge asset to their team, almost to a point where I listed him as number one.

Look back at 2007, the last season Miguel played in Baltimore. While the batting protection was decent, think of the order he’ll be in this coming season.

2007:(1) Brian Roberts, 2B, (2) Melvin Mora, 3B, (3) Nick Markakis, RF, (4) Miguel Tejada, SS, (5) Aubrey Huff, 1B, (6) Jay Gibbons, LF, (7) Kevin Millar, Designated Hitter, (8) Corey Patterson, CF, (9) Paul Bako, C

2010 (projected): (1) Brian Roberts, 2B, (2) Adam Jones, CF, (3) Nick Markakis, RF, (4) Nolan Reimold, LF, (5) Matt Wieters, C, (6) Miguel Tejada, 3B, (7) Garrett Atkins, 1B, (8) Luke Scott/Felix Pie, LF, (9) Caesar Izturis, SS

Luke Scott in the eight spot? Honestly, that’s pretty ridiculous. Replacing the weak assets with stronger ones becomes the exact reasoning for the signing of Tejada. It puts more power in the back of the lineup while allowing the O’s to have two to three stealing threats at bat in a row (Pie, Izturis, Roberts). However, regardless of the extension of power in the O’s batting order, Tejada brings a veteran leadership ability as well. He was well liked in the clubhouse, that’s for sure.

Here is a good article with a video that puts together what O’s players think of Miggy.

3. Kevin Millwood: Millwood has been a pitcher that has been fancied by the Orioles in the past, but has avoided the long term stare. He spent his early career as a member of the Atlanta Braves’ destructive pitching force, coming just a couple of games within the 20 win threshold on three different occasions. Millwood most recently spent time with the Texas Rangers going 13-10. While his record was a bit more than mediocre (although, he had more wins than any pitcher on the Orioles starting staff), Millwood will most definitely bring leadership to a starting rotation that is the furthest thing from old. With Chris Tillman, Brian Matusz, and Brad Bergesen heading to the mound, Millwood should be able to provide an experienced mentality that didn’t exist last season.

How exactly will Kevin fit into the starting rotation? Here is my prediction.

Mike Gonzalez will hopefully solidify the closing role, giving the Orioles more confidence in their bullpen.

(1) Kevin Millwood, (2) Brad Bergesen, (3) Jeremy Guthrie, (4) Brian Matusz, (5) Chris Tillman.

David Hernandez and Jason Berken should find themselves filling important roles in the bullpen. Hernandez has the most potential as a relief pitcher, while we can all hope that Berken can develop into a surprising, reliable pitcher.

4. Mike Gonzalez: With a bullpen as completely worthless as the Orioles had last year, it is only fitting that they spend the money to revamp the closer first. While they had options in house, mainly the opportunity to move Japanese pitcher Koji Uehara to a relief role, the O’s gave up the cash in order to make sure they had a solid game plan.”The Cobra”, as some have called him, tends to rock back and forth before throwing a pitch to batters; I’d much rather have the old B.J. Ryan back, when the “trance” that was instated was usually just a swing and a miss for strike three.

There is room to be skeptical, however. Gonzalez, who was considered to be the best closer on the free agent market, struggled last season with the Atlanta Braves. He began the year as their lights out guy, but eventually lost that role due to his inability to close out games. Regardless, the O’s have discarded that as a decision making attribute. In 2006, Gonzalez had 24 saves for a lowly Pittsburgh Pirates club, proving that the ability is there.

5. Players That Have Been Re-signed: Mainly, Luke Scott highlights this category. The O’s gave him a new, one year contract to work with, which was what he deserved. Scott, who has become a sort of fan favorite, is also one of the streakiest players in the league. The Orioles hope is that he will perform well enough before the trade deadline, providing bait for another team to give up a prospect or two. The O’s have done it in the recent past with George Sherrill, Erik Bedard and Miguel Tejada, using their performances as a way of acquiring future, long term talent. Unfortunately for some, Scott may be the next chum that Baltimore uses to gain the big fish they need.

6. Players That Have Not Been Signed: Like it or not, the Orioles need one more starting pitcher to solidify the rotation. Tillman and Matusz (Tillman more than Matusz) could use more time in the minors, developing the skills that will provide the O’s with their future. In order to do so, Baltimore needs to obtain one more veteran starter. With Jon Garland and Ben Sheets recently leaving the free agency ranks, the attention should turn directly to another former Oriole, Erik Bedard. While Bedard has struggled considerably since being shipped off to Seattle, it has been solely due to injury, not performance. For a player that had so much success in an Orioles uniform, under an Orioles training regiment, it would serve both parties well to reunite.

Will we see Erik Bedard back in an O's uniform? We should hope so.

If not Bedard, there are a few other options out there to give the Orioles another veteran presence in the locker room. For starters (ha, play on words!) Pedro Martinez is still looking for a home, as well as former Oakland A’s ace, Mark Mulder. Chien Ming-Wang, the Yankees opening day pitcher just a year ago, is also available, although his struggles throughout the 2009 season make him a long shot for any team to give him another chance.

All in all, the O’s are set on the right track. They have made some very good moves through free agency, and the young players coming through the system will have more than enough veteran presence to turn to. While the off season acquisitions are not done (hopefully), the O’s have already made it very apparent that they don’t plan on waiting very long before making a huge splash in the titanic AL East. In just a few short months, with opening day just two months away, we’ll see how the moves pan out.