It is hard to project what the Orioles batting order could or should be for the 2011 season since all the parts are not in place yet. But I still think the most effective top of the order, or top three spots in the order, could be with Brian Roberts batting first, Adam Jones second and Nick Markakis third. I suspect many fans first thought about this will be negative. They don't see the free-swinging Jones as a number two hitter at all and most realize Markakis statistically hits better...

I was afraid to look out my window this morning, figuring that the snow would be piling up and I'd be making another frantic search for my gloves. I raced to the grocery store because I needed milk and water. I hate being that guy, but I was out. (I skipped the bread and toilet paper.) I raced to the gym and kept one eye on the parking lot - a surefire way to get a headache - so I could bolt as the first snowflake fell. More than two hours later, I'm still waiting for that first flake....

Nationals prospect first baseman Chris Marrero had another solid year at Double-A Harrisburg and followed that up with a superb campaign in the Puerto Rican winter league. Last month, the Nats placed Marrero in the 40-man roster. Marrero was impressive, to say the least, with the Senators, batting .294 in 141 games, smacking 18 homers with 82 RBIs. That included 154 hits, 28 doubles and 73 runs scored. Showing it was no fluke, he continued to hit well for Ponce, batting .306 in 26 games with...

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to one and all. I wasn't expecting to see snow this morning, but it looks like we got a light dusting in Sykesville (as opposed to a heavy dusting.) Just give me clear roads on Monday. That's all I'm asking. I didn't find a first baseman under the tree. I'm not sure what I would have done with him, so maybe it's for the best. My Hall of Fame ballot arrived in the mail a few days ago. Finally, I have the power to get Kirk Rueter into...

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to everyone in Birdland! Thanks for all you do to keep this blog popular and please know that I never take you for granted. No great baseball thoughts today, except one small one. I hope all long-suffering O's fans realize that anyone can easily root for a winner. Being an Orioles' fan is tough. I know, I've been one for over 40 years. I've seen the glory years and World Championships and I've seen everything since that 1983 win over the Phillies and...

It shrinks? Like a frightened turtle! The Padres reportedly have reached agreement with Brad Hawpe on a one-year contract, which figures to impact the Orioles. Hawpe will platoon at first base in San Diego despite extremely limited experience at the position. He's appeared in only nine games there, all of them in 2010. By comparison, he's played 748 games in right field over seven seasons. Derrek Lee wants to play for a contender, Well, the Padres no longer need him. The same with Adam...

If you're heading out to do some last-minute shopping, I'll just ask...are you crazy?! I'm out of milk and I'm afraid to venture to the grocery store. I'll eat my Cheerios dry. All I need is a highchair and a sippy cup. It would be an upset of monumental proportions if the Orioles signed a free agent today - or scheduled a physical so they could sign a free agent. I'm on call as always, but I don't anticipate any news on Christmas Eve. If Adam LaRoche finally agrees to terms, he might...

In case you missed Ben Goessling's outstanding update on Baseball America's list of Top 10 prospects in Nationals organization, here it is again. I spoke with Aaron Fitt of Baseball America who works to put together the prospect list each season and asked him to run down the Nats top prospects. We begin at number 10, right-handed pitcher Brad Peacock. Peacock's numbers were pretty impressive in 2010, as he was promoted from Single-A to Double-A. He finished 6-11 with a 4.50 ERA overall in...

Growing up as a kid on Third Street in Overlea, Christmas was a magical time for me. As another holiday season has arrived, I hope we all can experience some of that magic we felt as a kid and remember the special friends and family in our lives. Since my parents would always let us open a few presents on Christmas Eve after returning from my aunt's house, here are a few presents for the Orioles on this Christmas Eve. Nick Markakis: A Gold Glove and continued leadership ability. Everyone in...

You can stop worrying. Garrett Atkins has found a job. The Pirates announced that they signed Atkins to a minor league contract with an invite to spring training. Atkins lasted 44 games with the Orioles last season, batting .214 with one homer and nine RBIs. They released him on July 6. Atkins signed for $4.5 million last winter. Now he's settling for a minor league deal from a club that already signed first baseman Lyle Overbay. Let the comeback begin. By the way, the Orioles didn't...