2008 Baltimore Orioles Baseball Preview

Last year, everyone was wondering if the Orioles would notch their tenth-straight losing season. Unfortunately, the Birds did reach that decade-long losing mark, finishing fourth in the AL East with a 69-93 record.

The club’s 5.17 ERA was second-worst in the American League. They gave up too many walks per game (2.57 BBG) and the bullpen allowed too many runs (5.71 ERA). The starting rotation includes dominant LHP Erik Bedard (13- 5, 3.16 ERA, 221 SO), who led the league in strikeouts before he was sidelined. Daniel Cabrera (9- 18, 5.55 ERA, 166 SO) is a big, hard throwing RHP who is still looking for a breakout season. He led the AL in BBs (108). Jeremy Guthrie (7- 5, 3.70 ERA,123 SO), who looked good until he got injured, will start second. Former Astro Dennis Sarfate (1- 0, 1.08 ERA, 14 SO) who pitched less than 10 innings for Houston in 2007, may close. The bullpen is sketchy.

Second baseman Brian Roberts (.290 AVG, 12 HR, 57 RBI) stole 50 bases last season on a team that was first in steals. Right fielder Nick Markakis (.300 AVG, 23 HR, 112 RBI) is a talented, versatile hitter. SS Luis Hernandez (.290 AVG, 1 HR, 7 HR) is solid in the field and can hit liners anywhere. At second, Brian Roberts (.290 AVG, 12 HR, 57 RBI) was a solid performer until September.

In the field, Baltimore’s .987 FP was tops in the AL. Catcher Ramon Hernandez has potential but seems to lose focus and interest. Except for Markakis, the outfield looks weak. Corner men Kevin Millar (1B) and Melvin Mora (3B) were streaky and prone to errors.

The Orioles have changed their focus. Instead of trying to beef up the team to create a winner right now, they’re focusing on the future. The old way of doing business certainly hasn’t worked and although the new way will take a few years, it could pay off in huge dividends. New president Andy MacPhail and new manager Dave Trembley need time to make things happen.

Read more on the Orioles other AL East division opponents, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees, Toronto Blue Jays and Tampa Bay Devil Rays.

For more info on the Orioles check out the MLB official page for Baltimore baseball.