The only way out is up

[Solair Wright]

Since the Orioles haven't had a winning season since 1997, I think the only way to improve this team is to win games, which is what they are doing lately, and don't make stupid decisions, from managing mistakes to pitching errors. They need a good starter, reliever and good bat to help turn this mired mess.

Unfortunately, that's been the case since 1998. Someone (read: Peter Angelos) shells money on subpar players, ran Davey out of town and created the Curse of Davey Johnson. Sosa was a flop, attendance has dipped, and the adamant Angelos has done nothing to save this franchise. (I know blaming him is regression towards the mean, but he's not made good decisions lately)

There have been bright spots, but the team needs to improve. The rookies have shined and prospered well so far. What do you think is the way out of this mire?

[Erik Bedard]

Good drafting and prospect develoment. Wieters and Arrieta is an incredible first step. Now, please don't take a high schooler next Thursday (even Tim Beckham)!

[J W]

They'll also need to pull another trade or two for multiple players, I think. Right now George Sherrill and Daniel Cabrera's names have been mentioned. Sherrill because he'll probably be an all-star closer and he's on the wrong side of 30. Cabrera because some think his good start won't last and that he is at his best value right now.

Yes, the prospects and rookies need to develop. We've seen Adam Jones get accustomed in the field and he's slowly getting better at the plate. Tillman and Arrieta are tearing it up in the minors. So is Wieters. There is still a dearth of overall positional talent in the minor leagues.

Nick Markakis needs to get back on track... though he is showing power.

And finally, the Orioles need to market their new look and promise to prospective free agents like, oh, Mark Teixeira. Though that may not happen this offseason; rather, next offseason.

[Eddiey]

They'll also need to pull another trade or two for multiple players, I think. Right now George Sherrill and Daniel Cabrera's names have been mentioned. Sherrill because he'll probably be an all-star closer and he's on the wrong side of 30. Cabrera because some think his good start won't last and that he is at his best value right now.

Yes, the prospects and rookies need to develop. We've seen Adam Jones get accustomed in the field and he's slowly getting better at the plate. Tillman and Arrieta are tearing it up in the minors. So is Wieters. There is still a dearth of overall positional talent in the minor leagues.

Nick Markakis needs to get back on track... though he is showing power.

And finally, the Orioles need to market their new look and promise to prospective free agents like, oh, Mark Teixeira. Though that may not happen this offseason; rather, next offseason.

IMO free agent signings is not the way to improve the team right now.
Build up the farm system, develop your own players and then when
they are ready free agency can be used to plug a hole here and there.
Right now the Orioles need to develop players and that should be their
primary focus. As a long suffering Rays fan my team is reaping the
benefits of having developed its own talent. Crawford, Upton, Longoria,
Kazmir, Shields, Navarro, just to name a few. Yes, some of these guys
were picked up in trades, but they were young when obtained and the
Rays had the patience to develop them. Thats the way I think the O's
need to go.

[J W]

Yes, you're right Eddie Y (and Go Devil Rays btw, beat the Sawx).

Free Agency should be the last part of the puzzle; something to supplement the team once you know where your home-grown talent will be strong. It'll be tough because Teixeira seems such a natural fit for the team. He fills a big hole at 1B, is a right-handed bat you can hit #4 behind Markakis, and has ties to the city of Baltimore.

Reimold and Salazar are ready to show what they can do, I think, and both are right-handed. Maybe one of them can be our future first baseman?

[Pere]

It'll be tough because Teixeira seems such a natural fit for the team.

Several teams, or their fans, seem to be thinking this. Bidding is likely to be competitive. Tex may end up overpaid by whatever team gets him.

Respect and invest in the minor leagues. Run a disciplined organization. Bring back the Oriole Way.

[Eddiey]

Yes, you're right Eddie Y (and Go Devil Rays btw, beat the Sawx).

Free Agency should be the last part of the puzzle; something to supplement the team once you know where your home-grown talent will be strong. It'll be tough because Teixeira seems such a natural fit for the team. He fills a big hole at 1B, is a right-handed bat you can hit #4 behind Markakis, and has ties to the city of Baltimore.

Reimold and Salazar are ready to show what they can do, I think, and both are right-handed. Maybe one of them can be our future first baseman?

I'm looking forward to the day that the Ray's and the O's rule the AL East
and not those other guys. :cap: