I generally detest John Donovan, but there isn't much going on, so here's a national writer's views on the O's offseason.
Lowdown: The Orioles have had it hard this winter. White Sox first baseman Paul Konerko turned down huge money to stay in Chicago for less. Jeromy Burnitz was close to a deal, but turned his back on the O's at the last second. Star shortstop Miguel Tejada complained, demanded a trade, then retracted the demand. If Patterson works out, if Conine and Millar can be productive at first, if the O's keep Javy Lopez as a designated hitter, and if Chris Ray or newly acquired LaTroy Hawkins can close, the Orioles haven't lost any ground. Any way you look at it, though, they sure haven't gained any.
GRADE: Scuffling just to fall further behind -- C.