2012 MLB Season Preview: Baltimore Orioles
By Matt Musico
Baltimore Orioles 2012 Season Outlook
Unfortunately for all the Orioles fans out there, the outlook for the 2012 season isn’t all that bright. If they were in a different division,
it may be another story, but it is going to be hard for them to keep up with rivals such as the Yankees, Red Sox, and Rays. Over the last couple of seasons, Baltimore has had a chance at putting together good years, but their pitching has failed them, whether it be because of their performance, lack of depth, or injury. So, Buck Showalter is bringing a different approach to forming his starting staff this spring.
Domenic Vadala, managing editor of Birds Watcher, the MLB Fansided site dedicated to the Baltimore Orioles, said that they’re going to have more depth on the mound than in recent years. Not only do they have over thirty pitchers in camp at the moment, but they will be holding open try outs for all five rotations spots, so the five best pitchers this spring will break camp with the O’s. I think this is a great idea, but it doesn’t look like there is much veteran leadership on the starting staff, especially after the trade of Jeremy Guthrie.
It should also be noted that second baseman Brian Roberts is far from a sure thing to start the year atop the O’s batting order. Roberts has struggled with injuries over the past several seasons, appearing in only 98 games from 2010-11, and questions remain regarding his timetable for recovery from multiple concussions.
Though most fans feel that this past winter was a waste because they didn’t ink a big market free agent (i.e. Prince Fielder) to a long-term deal, but after hearing Domenic’s assessment of Baltimore at this point, I don’t think that they will be as bad as some are anticipating. They have a young core group of offensive players that are still maturing, with the biggest question mark being their starting pitching. This year will be better than last year for the O’s, but not by much; such a tough division and having to play the NL East for the majority of their interleague play doesn’t help. If this young group can play to their current potential, 70-75 wins will be where they end up.