The offseason for the Orioles has been based around one player. They have yet to figure out what to do with Erik Bedard. They seemed to be the perfect candidate for a rebuilding structure, but if they do not find the right deal for Bedard, they may end up signing him long term.

Many feel like looking for an ace when you already have one is foolish. But other than Bedard, really what does this team have? The offense does not look as good as last year. With the departure of Miguel Tejada, they look to be in worse shape than they were with him last season when they finished with a 69-93 record. Leaving the Orioles 27 games behind the division leading Boston Red Sox.

It seems clear that they should not expect anything different this season. It would be wise to trade as much talent as possible and go young. The Orioles have had a problem with getting free agents to sign with them, and if they are rebuilding, they are going to have to look real hard at trading for a lot of young talent and draft well.

The Orioles thought they had a successful offseason last year when adding bullpen depth. But this offseason proves otherwise. Once again, this is likely their weakest spot. And they haven't done much to remedy the problem this offseason. Signing Matt Albers (5.86 ERA) and Jim Johnson doesn't exactly scream success. But Dennis Sarfate looks to be their biggest acquisition this offseason and although he looks real good, he hasn't proven himself yet.

Right now, their strong point is their rotation. With Bedard as the ace, and the young guns in Guthrie and Patton, this team has a chance to win some games.

This team could be fun to watch, especially if Bedard is traded for young talent. But it has to define itself one way or the other. And the best way to define this 2008 team is as a rebuilder.

Projected Lineup:

 Baltimore Orioles
Pos.Name
2BBrian Roberts
CFTike Redman
RFNick Markakis
1BKevin Millar
DHAubrey Huff
3BMelvin Mora
LFLuke Scott
CRamon Hernandez
SSLuis Hernandez

Rating: C

Rotation:

 Baltimore Orioles
Pos.Name
LHPErik Bedard
RHPJeremy Guthrie
LHPAdam Loewen
RHPDaniel Cabrera
LHPTroy Patton

Rating: B

Top 10 prospects:

Matt Wieters-
1st Round Draft Pick; Did Not Play Pro Ball In 2007

Billy Rowell-
(Low-A) 91G .273 21(2B), 3(3B), 9HR, 57RBI, 31BB, 104K, 3SB

Troy Patton-
(MLB) 0-2, 3.55ERA, 12.2IP, 4BB, 8K, .213BAA
(AAA) 4-2, 4.59ERA, 49IP, 11BB, 25K, .247BAA
(AA) 6-6, 2.99ERA, 102.1IP, 33BB, 69K, .247BAA

Nolan Reimold-
(AA) 50G .306, 15(2B), 11HR, 34RBI, 17BB, 47K, 2SB
(Rk) 9G .233, 4(2B), 1(3B), 8RBI, 6BB, 4K

Garrett Olson-
(MLB) 1-3, 7.79ERA, 32.1IP, 28BB, 28K, .326BAA
(AAA) 9-7 3.16ERA, 128IP, 39BB, 120K, .208BAA

Radhames Liz-
(MLB) 0-2, 6.93ERA, 24.2IP, 23BB, 24K, .260BAA
(AA) 11-4, 3.22ERA, 137IP, 70BB, 161K, .204BAA

Brandon Erbe-
(High-A) 6-8 6.26ERA, 119.1IP, 62BB, 111K, .273BAA

Pedro Beato-
(Low-A) 7-8 4.05ERA, 142.1IP, 59BB, 106K, .256BAA

Mike Costanzo-
(AA) 137G .270, 29(2B), 1(3B), 27HR, 86RBI, 75BB, 157K, 2SB

Chorye Spoone-
(High-A) 10-9, 3.26ERA, 152IP, 67BB, 133K, .200BAA