Hey Pete, it's been a while since I've posted, but I have got to get this out. I feel that this Orioles team is about to turn a corner. I guess I'm just drinking the kool-aid, but there is not a single starter in our rotation that I don't trust with the ball on any given start, and our bullpen is finally coming around, with the exception of Jamie Walker, who just needs to go. With the promotion of Wieters on Friday, we will have the majority of our lineup for the foreseeable future in place, which will, in time, be one of the best, if not the best, in baseball. This wave of yong talent has solidified this team, and I have no doubt that great baseball is on the fast approaching horizon.

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Pete's reply: Indeed, these are positive developments, but these guys are still early in the growth curve.

The team is starting to take shape.In a way, the brutal performances of vets like Eaton, Wiggy is a blessing in disguise as we get to see the young blood sooner.
We are far from a complete team, however, which raises the question-who's going to play 1st and 3rd next year? I say offer Huff 2 yrs at 5 mill/yr. In this economy, he isn't going to get much more elsewhere and he's still a better than average producer and he's better than I thought defensively. As far as 3B, Mora is declining and unless he's ready to play for 1 or 2 mill, I say cast him adrift. Surely we have someone ready down on the farm or can find someone via trade/free agency.

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Pete's reply: They hold an option on Melvin. I think they would try to re-sign Huff if he has another good year, but he'll command way more than $5 million if he plays well. No one on the farm is ready at either position, except 1B Oscar Salazar, who is not a young prospect.

Now that the "boys" are coming up, can the "fans" be patient with them? This is just the beginning ....

In terms of a First Baseman for the future, it looks like Brandon Snyder is swinging a pretty good stick this year in Bowie. I know he is a converted catcher and is listed as a 1st baseman now so how far away "defensively" is he from being thought of as a viable option at first for the O's. It seems to me that this year he has figured out how to hit, so I dont think he is too far in that department.

Pete. You may be right that Huff is worth more than 5 mill but the market seems to be dropping. For example, Orlando Hudson signed for only a few mill and Pedro Martinez is still out there because he wouldn't 'settle' for 4 or 5 mill. Huff is making 7-8 mill so I guess he can realistically command somewhere near that in '10, either from the O's or some other team in need of a DH/1B. Most teams have that role covered; with the possible exception of Boston.
Any idea how much Mora's option is?

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Pete's reply: $8 million.