| |
2006 Baltimore Orioles Preview
By Jack Scrafford
2005 Overview:
Prior to the All Star break the Baltimore Orioles were playing like they were destined for one of those dream seasons. On June 21, Baltimore held a two-game lead over the division rival Boston Red Sox and had assembled an impressive 42-28 record. The Orioles were also just 24 days away from celebrating Rafael Palmeiro's 3,000th career hit and were 4th in the American League with a .278 team batting average. But after June 22nd Baltimore's dream season quickly faded. The Orioles would lose their next six games and win only 32 of their final 92 games (just under 35%). Rafael Palmeiro would be suspended for steroid use on Aug. 2, and second-year manager Lee Mazzilli would be fired just two days after Palmeiro's suspension.
The three offensive bright spots in 2005 were shortstop Miguel Tejada (.304 36 98) 3rd baseman Melvin Mora (.283 27 88) and outfielder Jay Gibbons (.277 26 79). On the downside, 1st baseman Rafael Palmeiro (.266 18 60) appeared in only 100 games and the off season acquisition of Sammy Sosa (.221 14 45) proved to be a wasted gamble. As far as pitching, only starters Rodrigo Lopez (15-12 4.90), Bruce Chen (13-10 3.83) and closer B.J Ryan (36 saves in 41 opportunities) proved reliable. The Orioles ended their season with a disappointing 74-88 record, 21 games behind the division-leading Yankees and Red Sox.
Off Season Moves:
After Free Agent Closer B.J Ryan signed with the division rival Toronto Blue Jays, Baltimore quickly traded Steve Kline to Giants for RHP LaTroy Hawkins (2-8 3.83 6 saves in 2005, 25 saves in 2004 for the Chicago Cubs). The Orioles also added Free Agent catcher Ramon Hernandez (.290 12 58) and 1st Base/ Outfielder Jeff Conine (.304 3 33) as well as former Red Sox Kevin Millar (.272 9 50) hoping to supplement the loss of Rafael Palmeiro as an offensive force in the everyday lineup. Baltimore also traded SS Nate Spears and LHP Carlos Perez to the Cubs for Corey Patterson (.215 13 34) in order to better jumpstart their offensive production in 2006. To address their starting pitching problems the Orioles traded with the Mets for RHP Kris Benson (10-8 4.13) in exchange for relief pitcher Jorge Julio.
2006 Analysis:
Expect the offensive additions to help better protect Tejada and Mora. The newly acquired Millar and Conine will probably split time between 1B, outfield and DH. The starting five appear at this point to be Lopez, Erik Bedard (6-8 4.00), Daniel Cabrera (10-13 4.52), Chen and John Maine (2-3 6.30) plus newcomer Kris Benson who is expected to bump Chen or Maine to the bullpen. Although the addition of Benson will help, the starting rotation doesn't quite offer enough to seriously contend against Toronto, Boston and New York. The departure of lefty closer B.J Ryan will clearly be missed. The Orioles are keeping their fingers crossed that LaTroy Hawkins can once again close games like he did in 2004. Relievers Eric DuBose (2-3 5.52), Chris Ray (1-3 2.66), Tim Byrdak (0-1 4.05) and Todd Williams (5-5 3.30) complete the Oriole bullpen. Javy Lopez will most likely DH this year with the acquisition of Free Agent catcher Ramon Hernandez joining the club.
About the Author
Jack Scrafford recommends PlatinumTickets to buy Baltimore Orioles tickets. See http://www.platinumtickets.com/mlb/baltimore_orioles_tickets.html for more information.
Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/author-articles/3638/1.html
| If you wish to add the above article to your website or newsletters then please include the "Article Source: http://www.simplysearch4it.com/author-articles/3638/1.html" as shown above and make it hyperlinked. |
| Some other articles by Jack Scrafford | 2006 San Francisco Giants Preview
2005 Overview:
Without all star Barry Bonds in their lineup the 2005 San Francisco Giants struggled to score runs and find an identity. Newcomer Moises Alou (.321 19 63) didn't quite match ...
2006 San Diego Padres Preview
2005 Overview:
In 2005, the NL West Champion San Diego Padres managed to accomplish more with less. Despite a new ballpark, the offense for the team was spotty all season. Ryan ...
2006 Pittsburgh Pirates Preview
2005 Overview:
Pittsburgh Pirates fans had little to cheer about in 2005. The only real bright spot for the club was the continued ...
2006 Seattle Mariners Preview
2005 Overview:
The Seattle Mariners provided little for fans to become exited about in 2005. Seattle ended the 2005 season posting the 3rd worse record in the American League finishing up ...
2006 St. Louis Cardinals Preview
2005 Overview:
The 2005 Cardinals were led by one of the greatest offensive player's in baseball, Albert Pujols (.330 ...
2006 Tampa Bay Devil Rays Preview
2005 Overview:
There were very few bright spots for the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in 2005 including the final disappointing weekend when Tampa Bay fans were treated to 4 straight home ...
|
|
| |
|
|
|
