I wish that either Billy Rowell (a complete bust) or Brandon Snyder (unlikely to pan out) were panning out. I would be much more hopeful for the future if we had a blue chip bat in the high minors. The Os apparently have only one corner infield prospect, Bell (3B) and nothing of interest at first. Should the team splurge on a big bat this off-season, or wait until next year? One plus is that because of our poor record, the team can sign a Type A free agent without surrendering a draft pick.

With their money, the Yankees and the Sox can compete every year. As a mid-range team, perhaps the O’s need to develop a strategy that allows them to compete for a time and then re-build.

This is one reason why I didn’t like the Hobgood pick. He isn’t the same age as the 20 year olds who are the heart of our team. High school pitchers are not only the riskiest of choices, but-even under the best case scenario- he won’t be in Baltmore for at least several years.

Under this approach, we would not try to peak until the young pitchers have established themselves, which might happen in 2011 or 2012. Then, we would go out and spend on the missing pieces. By then, we will also know if Bell and Snyder are big leaguers. So, I would hate to give up young talent now just to become somewhat better but still way below the Yanks and Sox. We will be better next year regardless, and until we are ready to compete at the highest level I am content to stick with spare parts at the corners and DH.

I’m not a big time baseball head, more than a casual fan, but definitely don’t have the insight of some of the guys/girls on here, so don’t cook me for this suggestion..

Do u guys think we could bring Bedard back into fold? It seems to me that the rotation for next year would be Tillman, Matusz, Guthrie, hopefully Bergensen. I know we have Hernandez, Bergen, and Patton probably fighting for that last spot, but I would think having Bergen and Hernandez in the bullpen would help our concerns there without spending any money. And let Patton work on his control and arm strength in AAA, until a midseason call up. I don’t know if Bedard had any problems with management or teammates, but it would seem like a low risk / high reward type of signing. We get a guy that when healthy is a true #1 pitcher, he can help Tillman and Matusz, especially Matusz, since it seems they have the same kind of stuff, and really get over on that trade.

What do u guys think?

I was not following the Orioles while Bedard was here, but he apparently developed a reputation as a prickly, sullen player. One of the things I like about the current Os is that the players, especially the young players seem like good guys. In fact, Roch commended them for their politeness to him. I am loathe to add a jerk, no matter how good he is. In fact, I parted ways with the Os when they signed Albert Belle. For the same reason, I would not touch Milton Bradley. If Bedard is, in fact, a good guy, he would be an interesting signing if his price is moderate. From what I have read, torn labrums are harder to overcome than Tommy John.