Spring is Here

Today, the Orioles had their first spring training game! They lost, 8-6, to the Marlins, and Steve Trachsel bombed. However, the offense perfomed well, and Todd Williams had great movement. Jeff Fiorentino had two hits.

The O's Offseason Gradesheet

Move #1: Traded RHP Chris Britton to NYY for RHP Jaret Wright. At the time, this move didn't make sense, trading a young reliever for a starter who can't go deep in games, but in hindsight, it looks decent, because of all the bullpen acquisitions. Grade: B

Move #2: Signed LHP Jamie Walker. OK, it's not Barry Zito, but it's still a good signing, and something that will help the team not be horrible. I like this deal a lot. Grade: B+

Move #3: Signed RHP Danys Baez. This is a lot like the Walker signing, but a little better, since Baez is a little younger, and has closer experience. Grade: A-

Move #4: Signed RHP Chad Bradford. I like this deal a lot too. Bradford is a good setup man whose submarine delivery can give the batters a different look out of the bullpen. Grade: A-

Move #5: Signed RHP Scott Williamson. This is a bit of a gamble, because Williamson seems to be injured a lot, but when healthy, he is an excellent reliever. Grade: B

Move #6: Signed IF/OF Aubrey Huff. This was easily, without a doubt, the best move of the offseason. Huff may be on the downswing, but he is still an excellent player who can give the Orioles a .285/25/100 season, and they need someone like that who will make pitchers think twice about pitching around Miggy. Grade: A+

Move #7: Traded RHP Rodrigo Lopez for RHP Jason Burch and RHP Jim Miller. Anything to get rid of Lopez is a great move, and getting closer prospect Burch for him makes it even better. Grade: A+

Overall: This was a great offseason for the Orioles, with no stupid moves, and it looked like Flanagan made a conscious effort to make the team better. They didn't land a Carlos Lee or a Barry Zito, but they plugged a few holes, and they look like a better team than last year.