Just ran across this in Baseball Prospectus's write up of the Dominican Winter League:

Orioles OF Val Majewski continued to get at-bats with the Azucareros after missing the whole summer with a torn labrum in his left (throwing) shoulder. In 17 games he hit .293/.406/.379 with 10 walks, but without a home run, just four extra-base hits and 17 strikeouts in 58 official at-bats. Majewski, who's still unable to play defense, left the team for Christmas and is not expected to return.

All the more reason to get Patterson.  I think that Markakis will need at least half a season at AAA, and it sounds like Majewski should have at least that as well.

I really am shocked at how much Cubs fans seem to hate Patterson, though.  I guess we'll see how quickly Orioles' fans come to agree with them.  It sure makes me want to root for him at this point, though.  

Also of note -- former Orioles shortstop of the future Ed Rogers won the league batting title, hitting .366. No real significance there, but a nice little bit of trivia.