Question of the Day: One of the few positions that hasn't been talked about as a "position of need" in Baltimore is second base, but we all saw what a disaster it to lose Brian Roberts for 2/3 of the season. Next year is Roberts' age 33 season, and now he has severe back injuries on his resume. He's under contract for three more seasons at $10 million per, and right now is the second most expensive Oriole on the roster (behind Nick Markakis). On the other hand, when he did play in 2010, Brian was his usual reliably good self. Are you worried, and if so, what would you do? -Andrew
In Orioles news...
Orioles Insider: Should Brian Matusz be in the Top 3 in AL Rookie voting?
Today we'll find out who will be the Rookies of the Year for the MLB, and Dan Connolly asks what our own Andrew_G did back in September: should Matusz be in the race?
Commentary: Offseason course is clear for Orioles - Carroll County Times: Bob Blubaugh
I don't know what this guy is talking about. A strong middle infield? Needing a closer?
Orioles Insider: Why have a bench coach?
Dan Connolly schools you on bench coaches.
Simmons: On Marino and Iginla | Steve Simmons | Toronto Sun
There isn't only one line about the Orioles in this article, but it's one that I liked: "The big surprise in the East may be the aggressive plans of the Baltimore Orioles, who have been messed up forever, but have a general manager with just two years left on his contract and a manager in Buck Showalter who wants to win now."
The Royle Rundown: Two 3B options for the O's, well maybe one
WTF? I have never heard of Jen Royle, but she thinks we should trade Matt Wieters for Jorge Cantu Gordon Beckham. Seriously! How certain people manage to get a job writing about baseball is beyond me. -zk
Around the MLB...
Oakland A's trade pitcher Vin Mazzaro for Royals' David DeJesus - San Jose Mercury News
If I remember my lesson from daveh873 in New Jersey baseballers, both of those guys call the Garden State home.
Marlins deal Maybin and Miller; Only 1 left from Cabrera trade - Big League Stew
The Marlins got Andrew Miller and Cameron Maybin from the Tigers as the centerpieces of the Miguel Cabrera trade, and now both are gone.
Hot Stove heats up with start of GM Meetings | MLB.com:
The GM meetings start tomorrow. HoT sToVe!
Pirates ready to name Hurdle new skipper | MLB.com
The Pirates look to Clint Hurdle to right their ship.
Everybody is always, like, "Open thread, you are anorexic." And, I'm like, "No, I'm not." I eat all kinds... I eat so much junk food, you wouldn't believe it. I'd have a heart attack...