Baltimore Being the GM of the AL East

Next is the flip flops from Toronto. Baltimore was ranked 13th in the AL in ERA. These guys aren't as bad as their record shows them to be. Remember last season they were over 500 for the first 2 months? Their major problems are everything surrounding their starting pitching, and they haven't found a everyday short stop yet.

These guys swore to rebuild themselves by shipping Tejada and Bedard away, and they were successful in changing the team around. They need a few pitchers some low risk high reward pitchers. And number 1 starter to be ahead of Guthrie. If they want to contend, or even win 70 they should pick up Burnett primarily to his onslaught against the two biggest threats the Yankees and Boston. I don't recommend them trading Roberts to the cubs unless they get at least 2 everyday players and a pitcher in return. Bryan has been their saving grace and was their 'MVO' 2 years back. He is the Inner Harbors biggest pride and joy, and should be there for when they compete like they did in 97.

The kids in the farm system show promise although its not great. With the exception of catcher Matt Weiters. He was last years minor league player of the year. And will reek havoc when he gets promoted to MLB. He will be an everyday player by this spring training. They have more than enough pitching being prepared in the farm to accommodate them in time. They have flame throwing Kam Mickoilo who can touch the high 90s. And their off speed/ breaking ball control man Brian Matusz. But their best pitching prospect is Chris Tillman, who they got from the Bedard trade. All three will be ready by next year. The key to their team, to determine if they are a 70 win team or a 82 win team is Garret Olson and Kim. Both who got their debuts last season and failed to live up to the job.

Sign Jon Garland, Nick Punto, AJ Burnett

Lineup

Bryan Roberts 2nd

Nick Punto SS

Nick Markakis RF

Aubrey Huff 1st

Melvin Mora 3rd

Ramon Hernandez DH

Adam Jones CF

Luke Scott LF

Guillermo Quiroz/ Matt Weiters C

Staff

AJ Burnett

Jon Garland

Jeremy Guthrie

Matt Albers

Garret Olsen