Will the Baltimore Orioles Be the Next Tampa Bay Rays?

Are the Baltimore Orioles going to be this years Tampa Bay Rays? Let's have a check list. New uniforms? Check. How about a young and very talented baseball team? Absolutely check.

How about a good rotation, as well as a good bullpen? Check. With the addition of Koji Uehara that should give the Orioles a different look in their rotation. The re-signing of George Sherrill should really give a nice stability to the Orioles bullpen.

A young and fast outfield? Definitely a check.

With Nick Markakis out there in right field, with an absolute gun, and an up-and-coming star Adam Jones in center field, and Luke Scott in left field? Check.

The Baltimore Orioles really have all of the tools to be a good if not a great team this year. We all know that the Orioles will get off to a fast start the first half of the year.

Now we just have to hope and pray that they can be just as good the second half; because the second half is when the good and great teams separate themselves from the mediocre and bad teams.

Another big concern is the health of the Orioles. Will the Orioles be able to stay healthy most of the season?

The Orioles must also be able to do the little things right. They must absolutely be able to move the runners over, be smart on he bases, and when there is a runner on third and less than two outs try to get him home.

If you recall the Orioles left a lot of men left on base. The reason poor execution of the little things. The Orioles really have a good chance of being the next Tampa Bay Rays. So, grab your popcorn and drink and get ready for an interesting 2009 season by the Baltimore Orioles.

Oh, and don't be afraid to go out to the field and support you team. Hope too see you there in about 29 days!