Coming off a year where the Orioles brought the city of Baltimore a handful of great surprises, expectations are the highest they have been in years going into the 2013 season. Whether or not it is fair for Oriole fans to expect a repeat of last year, you know Buck and the boys have their eyes set on winning the American League East, perhaps the toughest division in baseball.
If you have turned on ESPN in the last couple months, then you must have heard Buster Olney talk about the reloaded Blue Jays. And rightfully so. The Jays acquired All-Stars all the way around the diamond, specifically on the mound. Toronto will have left-handed pitcher Mark Buehrle, right-handed pitcher Josh Johnson, as well as reigning National League Cy Young winner, R.A. Dickey suit up for them this season. But they didn’t stop there. Shortstop Jose Reyes will contribute immediately for the club, while newly acquired outfielder Melky Cabrera will showcase his talent after shining for the Giants in 2011 before being suspended 50 games for a failed PED test. After finishing 16 games under .500 a year ago, the Blue Jays will be looking to make a push in 2013.
Perhaps the Orioles’ recent success and the Blue Jays’ splash in free agency are representing a changing of the guard in a division once dominated by the Yankees and Red Sox. With an average age of 32, no one can really be surprised by the string of injuries that has plagued the Yanks. Coming off a season without their star reliever, Mariano Riviera (who is set to retire at year’s end) due to an ACL tear, as well as their captain, Derek Jeter, going down in the postseason with an ankle injury, the spring has not started well for the team in pinstripes. At his first at-bat of spring training, Curtis Granderson broke his forearm after being hit by a pitch, an injury that will require 10 weeks of recovery.
Mark Teixeira was the first victim of the controversy known as the World Baseball Classic. While training with Team USA, the Annapolis native injured a tendon in his wrist, sidelining him until at least May.
And of course, there’s always drama with the one and only Alex Rodriguez. After undergoing hip surgery in January, the club predicted A-Rod could make his first appearance sometime after the All-Star break, with speculation he will miss the whole season.
The plague has even spread to the front office. General Manger, Brian Cashman, suffered a broken leg and dislocated ankle in a skydiving accident. With all the money in the world to spend, look for the Yankees to do their best to fill these spots going into the regular season. But will money be enough to keep the aging Yankees afloat?
The Red Sox and Rays could be seen as holds going into the season due to the lack of moves they made during the offseason. Coming off their worst season in recent memory, the Sox, like their longtime rival, are only getting older. After the circus rolled through Fenway Park last year, new manager John Farrell will look to restore the Red Sox to the team Bostonians have come to expect. In a division that is truly loaded, they could easily by the odd man out come October. Although missing out on the playoffs, winners of 90 games a year ago, the Rays have propelled themselves to the forefront of the American League. Led by 2012 American League Cy Young winner David Price, and three-time All-Star third baseman Evan Longoria, the Rays are hoping to prove to be a consistent threat to take home the AL East title for years to come.
Much like the other birds in Baltimore, the Orioles have done little in terms of free agency. However, unlike the Ravens, the O’s have kept the cornerstone of their roster and leaders in the locker room. With familiar names and fan favorites returning to the yard this year, the biggest storyline could be the emergence of young prospects. Baltimore witnessed the brilliance and potential that is Manny Machado and can only hope more is in store for 2013. Although fans got a small taste of Dylan Bundy, who is likely to start the year in the minors, there is no question Baltimore is anxious for the young pitcher to be a steady contributor to what could be a deep and potent rotation.
With Charm City still flying high after bringing home the Lombardi, anything short of a playoff birth will leave fans disappointed. In a division full of seasoned vets as well as young talent, look for the Orioles to compete and hopefully continue the success that Baltimore sports fans are coming to expect out of their birds.
One Response
The Yanks start every season with a banged up lineup of old geysers. Its the front office savvy and the disposable cash spent on rehab and replacement players that allow teams like the Yanks and Red Sox to stay afloat until they rejuvenate. Excellent point about the Jays — pitching wins championships, and they’ve made major strides in that direction. Would have liked to see more about what the Orioles have done to improve their chances of pulling far enough away at the beginning before the perrenial contenders get healthy again — but I guess I’ll just have to wait for the next article.