After previewing the other 29 teams, I’ll conclude my team-by-team preview with the Orioles. In nine of the last 10 seasons, they’ve finished in fourth place in the AL East. Following their latest disappointing season, the team traded shortstop Miguel Tejada to Houston and starting pitcher Erik Bedard to Seattle.

By doing this, the team lost two of its key fantasy components, but they picked up several prospects with potential future value. For now, it seems like the Orioles have two fantasy standouts – right fielder Nick Markakis and second baseman Brian Roberts – and a bunch of players who have little to no fantasy value.

However, several of the other players could begin to make an impact before the end of this season. Catcher Ramon Hernandez is coming off an injury-plagued season and should still be one of the better players available at that position. Look for his numbers to improve considerably from 2007 because the Orioles need him to take on a bigger role in the offense to fill the void left by the Tejada trade.

Newly acquired outfielders Luke Scott and Adam Jones haven’t had much of an opportunity to show what they can do in the majors yet. They’ll be given plenty of chances on an inexperienced team and could both put up solid numbers. Both should be solid injury replacements for your fantasy team before the end of the season.

While the rotation no longer has a dominant ace, it’s conceivable that three starters have the ability to find their way onto fantasy teams before the end of the season. Jeremy Guthrie, who emerged as a solid starter last season, could be picked up early in the season if he shows that last year wasn’t a fluke. Adam Loewen could step into Bedard’s role as a dominant left-handed starter and win 10-15 games. It’s been talked about for the last few years, but Daniel Cabrera could be one of the most dominant pitchers in the major leagues if he ever figures out how to pitch with better control.

Although it’s unlikely that all of these players will become fantasy standouts this year, it’s not out of the question that some could contribute to your team later in the year. The important thing is determining which players will have the biggest impact in 2008 and then grabbing those players before everyone else does.

Baltimore Orioles

2007 record: 69-93 (4th in AL East)

Key additions: CF Adam Jones, LF Luke Scott, LHP George Sherrill, RHP Steve Trachsel

Key losses: LHP Erik Bedard, SS Miguel Tejada, CF Corey Patterson

Most valuable fantasy performers:

1. Nick Markakis, RF – Many people view the 24-year-old outfielder as the team’s best player and he’ll likely gain more fans in 2008. Last season, Markakis hit .300 with 23 home runs and 112 RBIs. While he’s not known for his speed, Markakis also had 18 stolen bases. Draft him in the fourth or fifth round with expectations of similar numbers this season, but there’s a strong likelihood that he’ll improve again.

2. Brian Roberts, 2B – Despite all of the trade rumors in the offseason, Roberts is still a member of the Orioles right now. There shouldn’t be much effect on his fantasy value if Roberts is dealt between now and the beginning of the season. He’ll bat leadoff and have 40-50 stolen bases and 90-100 runs scored. While his career batting average is .281, there’s always a chance that he’ll bat .300. Pick him around the same time as Markakis.

3. Ramon Hernandez, C – It’s hard to predict what you’ll get from Hernandez in 2008. Will he have numbers similar to 2006 (.275, 23 home runs, 91 RBIs) or 2007 (.258, nine home runs, 62 RBIs)? Either way, Hernandez will still be someone’s starting catcher in your league. Grab him if he’s still available in the middle rounds and hope that he rebounds from a down year. The Orioles will need him to hit for power again this season, so it’ll be good for you to bank on the potential.

Hidden gems:

1. Luke Scott, LF – With the Houston Astros last season, Scott hit .255 with 18 home runs and 64 RBIs in 132 games. He’ll have plenty of chances to prove he’s a valuable fantasy outfielder, so don’t be afraid to grab him with one of your final picks. Scott needs to hit around .275 with 15-20 home runs and 70-80 RBIs to have any fantasy value, but it’s not out of the question. He could provide solid depth to your fantasy team.

2. Adam Jones, CF – While he may not make much of a fantasy impact this season, Jones will be one of the team’s biggest contributors soon. His batting average is only .230 in 73 games in the major leagues, but that’s too small of a sample size to mean anything. Pick Jones with your last pick if you’re the type of fantasy player who likes to take one of your favorite team’s most promising prospects. Otherwise, Jones should go undrafted and be watched until later in the season. He should be drafted in the middle rounds if your league has keepers because his value will be much higher next season.

3. Jeremy Guthrie, RHP – Guthrie showed that he’s capable of pitching in the major leagues last season when he was 7-5 with a 3.70 ERA in 32 games (26 starts). With Erik Bedard gone, Guthrie needs to show that he’s able to carry the pitching staff. He had 123 strikeouts last season, so he’ll give you moderate value. Guthrie will likely have 10-15 wins and an ERA around 4.00 this season. He’s probably not worth a draft pick, but keep him under consideration if you’re looking for a starter in the late rounds.

4. George Sherrill, LHP – Sherrill could have moderate value if he receives the majority of save opportunities this season. However, he has almost no value if there is any type of closer-by-committee approach. See how the Orioles handle this situation early in the season. Be ready to pick him up in the first few weeks of the season if he’s getting plenty of chances. With many other options at closer, he may not even be worth a look.