Image via WikipediaNo question that for the most part of last season the O's were pretty much viewed as a laughing stock. Enter one Buck Showalter. While he didn't exactly lead any of us believe they could be contenders for even this season, he did change the culture within the organization. That's an important step as the O's go forward.
The O's did go out and snag a few players in the offseason. All have experience and all can play.
Of course the two big names were that of Vladimir Guererro and Derrek Lee.Vlad experienced a rebirth last season in Texas and Lee started in Chicago and was dealt to Atlanta for their playoff run. Both bring still productive bats and Lee can still play a steady first base.
The left side of the infield was revamped as well. Josh Bell will be given some time to mature as the O's traded for Mark Reynolds to play third.Yes, there will be a lot of strikeouts. You could be concerned of his severe drop in batting average (.198) in 2010. He's always a threat to go long. And J.J. Hardy was also added to the roster to play short even though Cesar Izturis was brought back.
Add Brian Roberts and this is a better than average infield. Roberts neck? Oh, the training staff will be able to deal with his sore neck and he has said he will have them make the call during spring training. He also stated he would be a go if it were the regular season.
The outfield may appear a little thin to some. From left to right, you have Felix Pie, Adam Jones and Nick Markakis. It is a little thin and not because of Pie either. Not Jones. Markakis.
