Baltimore Orioles

There is a sad story in the recent Orlando Sentinel about the deteriorating health of former Baltimore Orioles ace Mike Cuellar.

The story by Sentinel columnist, George Diaz, illustrates recent health issues for Cuellar that now have him in a hospital in the Orlando area living out his final days in pain.

A number of local businessmen and organizations are trying to assist Cuellar and his family with his expenses, including paying for his funeral.

The Baltimore Orioles made what is probably the team’s final transaction before the regular season kicks off by acquiring veteran utility man Julio Lugo from the St. Louis Cardinals this morning.

The Orioles seemingly got him for nothing, as they will send the Cards either cash or the ever-so-specific "player to be named later."

2009 regular season record: 64-98, Fifth place, AL East

Major Offseason Acquisitions: Mike Gonzalez (ATL), Miguel Tejada (HOU), Garrett Atkins (COL), Kevin Millwood (TEX)

With the Orioles fifth and final rotation spot being filled by David Hernandez, Baltimore announced today that Felix Pie will be in left field for the Birds’ on opening day. The news is not too surprising after Nolan Reimold’s inability to show consistency this spring.

One of Baltimore's best moves this offseason was trading for veteran pitcher, Kevin Millwood. Although some initially questioned the move, his presence has already been felt this spring. Millwood’s locker has been assigned in between two of the Orioles' most coveted prospects, Brian Matusz and Chris Tillman. Both of whom have seen great success this spring and are polishing their resumes in hopes of getting a spot on the opening day roster.

How does any team replace a player who has averaged 46 doubles over the last six years, 39 stolen bases over the last four, and made two All-Star appearances?

More importantly, how do you replace a guy like that when you are the Orioles, and the player in question is Brian Roberts?

That is the dilemma currently facing the Orioles as they draw ever closer to Opening Day 2010.

If you have paid attention to the Orioles this spring, you know it hasn’t been pretty.

After crushing the Tampa Bay Rays in the opening game to spark Oroles fans’ excitement, the Orioles have look mediocre.

Ever since Andy McPhail took over as General Manager, Baltimore Orioles fans have had this year circled. This is supposed to be the year that we saw signs that all of the waiting and developing prospects was going to show itself. However, as Spring Training is ¾ done, it seems that something unforeseen could stand in the way, injuries.

Every manager in baseball will say the same thing about record in Spring Training; it doesn’t matter.

It's been a long strange road, but the Orioles Top 30 prospects, my little "rip-off" of Baseball America's version, has finally come to a close.

And without a doubt, there is no better prospect to top it all off than Brian Matusz. Don't let those 45 innings he pitched last season fool you, the lanky lefty still qualifies as a rookie.

The Baltimore Orioles return to glory isn't too far away considering the stockpile of pitching talent they have ready to take over. In fact, should they be in contention by this year's trade deadline, the mere depth of the impressive arms in their system should allow Andy MacPhail and his staff the pieces to acquire the "over the hump" type of player teams in a playoff hunt look to acquire.

Brandon Erbe, RHP