Most offseasons for the Orioles aren't very productive, especially the past dozen or so, but the Orioles have begun making some noise this year. Baltimore's Andy McPhail signed former Oriole Miguel Tejada to a one-year, $6-million dollar contract over the weekend. Tejada is expected to play third base.
"I think if you play shortstop in the big leagues for 10 years, you will adapt," said Orioles second baseman Brian Roberts. "It's certainly not going to be easy, and it's not going to be overnight that he's going to turn into the best third baseman ever. But he has the ability, the arm strength certainly. It's a matter of getting over there, getting the repetitions and getting comfortable."
Although the Orioles pitching rotation is still a question mark, the batting order could be as follows:
1. Brian Roberts, 2B
2. Miguel Tejada, 3B
3. Adam Jones, LF
4. Nick Markakis, RF
5. Matt Wieters, C
6. Luke Scott, DH
7. Garret Atkins, 1B
8. Felix Pie, CF
9. Cesar Izturis, SS
If the young Oriole pitching staff can string together some wins, the Orioles may just compete for the Wildcard. However, with Boston and New York reloading as well, it could be another season watching from home in October.