Spring training is technically underway. But it’s important to remember that as we ease into another season, that stretching and building up your strength is important. We are going to ease into Thursday Thoughts for this season right here after what has been a strange and puzzling winter.
It’s odd that Spring Training is underway even though it feels like the offseason has yet to start. That’s not just an Orioles thing, either, it’s that way throughout MLB. There are so many prominent free agents still on the market, you could nearly form a full 25-man roster capable of competing.
The biggest storylines coming into this season for the Orioles ironically do surround their roster construction, or lack thereof. There are a total of two capable Major League starting pitchers on the roster (and there are even major questions about both Kevin Gausman and Dylan Bundy). There’s no promise beyond this season for players such as Manny Machado and Adam Jones, two stalwarts who mean as much to the team for their talent as they do their clubhouse and fan-morale presence.
What’s most disconcerting about the Orioles has become a redundant theme over the course of the last few months. The team appears to have no direction or guidance, and could easily be stumbling towards the abyss. The abyss in this case, meaning very bad baseball and lots of losing. The redundancy of this storyline has already grown tired on me. Perhaps depressing is a more apt term than tired. It’s all just sad. And sure, “hope springs eternal” is a common phrase this time of year. But there isn’t a whole lot of optimism being felt among O’s fans. There isn’t even a feeling of a potential 2012 surprise season on our hands this year. No one thinks this can go well.
Yeah, we’re not sure what we’re looking at either, guys. (GulfBird Photo/Craig Landefeld)
The team has TWO starting pitchers. The team still has an offense that relies FAR too heavily on the home run. The team will be WITHOUT its closer for at least a significant part of the season. But aside from all of the on-field turmoil, it’s the off-field “stuff” that still has my stomach churning.
The fact that both Buck Showalter and Dan Duquette both have expiring contracts entering this season doesn’t breed a lot of confidence. There’s also a lot of rumor and speculation about ownership. Many are wondering if Peter Angelos could be nearing a sale of the team. While the possibility of this may be music to the ears of many fans, I have my own reservations. Ownership change would mean upheaval throughout the organization. Just look at what’s happening with the Miami Marlins right now.
The Orioles are going to sign someone else before Opening Day. It may be a pitcher, it may be a hitter. They are going to provide fans with exciting moments this year, too. It’s not all going to be dread.
But the greater picture, when you really step back and take a look from afar, doesn’t look pretty.
