by DEAN BARTOLI SMITH
Shortly after Andy MacPhail arrived in Baltimore in June of 2007, he began developing a plan to rebuild the franchise. As the legend goes, he walked up to the whiteboard during a meeting and wrote down the number “2011” as the year that “Oriole magic” will make a triumphant return and the Birds will be competitive again.

Over the past two years, MacPhail has been assembling the pieces by acquiring young talent through masterful trades and careful draft picks. So, for the first time in many years, our expanding talent base has drawn national attention.

By unloading the oft-injured Canadian malcontent Erik Bedard and free agent slugger Miguel Tejada, MacPhail netted Adam Jones, George Sherrill, Chris Tillman, Matt Albers, Troy Patton, Dennis Sarfate and Luke Scott, among others. The Orioles drafted Brian Matusz, Jake Arrieta and Matt Wieters under his direction.

“It was the first coherent plan they’ve had in awhile,” said Tony Pente, who publishes Orioles Hangout.com—an online community dedicated to the O’s. “I like the direction we’re headed in.”

During a productive offseason, the front office focused on securing Brian Roberts and Nick Markakis to long-term contracts. An attempt to lure free agent superstar Mark Texeira back to his hometown ended when the Severna Park native revealed his secret passion for pinstripes.

Pente covered the Orioles during Spring Training this year.

“We’ve had some struggles this spring,” he said. “There were some tough, tough conditions.”

Competition was fierce for roster spots and brutal conditions included harsh winds, high skies, and rain down South. Nagging injuries have plagued several players.

The team to watch early on could be the Norfolk Tides, our Triple AAA affiliate, where Matt Wieters will begin the season behind the plate. Already being projected as a Major League Rookie of the Year candidate, Wieters pounded the ball this spring, hitting .343 and appears ready to excel in the big leagues. Fans are counting the days until he arrives in Baltimore—maybe as soon as April 17th.

The Orioles look strong in the outfield and in the bullpen. Nick Markakis, Adam Jones, Luke Scott and Felix Pie (pronounced “Peeh-Aye”)—acquired in the offseason, have flashed power and leather in the Grapefruit league. Chris Ray and Danys Baez are back from injury, joining George Sherrill and Jim Johnson in the pen.

“Pitching is key,” said Pente.
Heading into the 2009 season, it’s also the biggest question mark. The only remaining starter from last year’s team is Jeremy Guthrie. Former Japanese League pitcher Koji Uehara has performed well and will face the Yankees in the second game of the season. The last two spots are open with several candidates vying for a chance.

Can the Birds take on the giants of the American League East in 2009?
It’s hard to say whether the team will disappoint the unpleasant swarms of Boston and New York fans who’ve invaded the Yards for the past decade. The 2009 Orioles are not a store bought team of baseball mercenaries—but a group of young players to rally around. They will hustle, scrap, steal bases and respect the game or they won’t play.

Under the direction of manager Dave Trembley, the Orioles will make progress this year and approach .500. In all likelihood it may well be the 12th losing season in a row but there will be more evaluation and planning for the future.

“[Trembley] is a great baseball mind,” said Tony Pente. “He’s a leader on top of being a good tactical manager—a guy they need to keep around.”

If Mora, Roberts and Huff have productive years, things might get interesting. Scoring runs will not be a problem—but stopping the opposition from doing the same may be like a Cricket match against Australia.

One major improvement over last year involves the redesigned “away” uniforms. On the road, they will once again be playing for the city of Baltimore.