Baltimore Orioles Clipped in 2011: 5 Reasons for Hope in 2012

After a 5-1 start to the season, it looked as if the Baltimore Orioles were going to be somewhat competitive this year. 

The Birds pitching staff cam out firing, and the team allowed just four runs in their first four games. 

But here we are in the dog days of August, and the O's are once again in the AL East cellar. The Birds may have had their wings clipped this year, but here are 5 reasons why fans should have hope for the 2012 season. 

3 Players with 30 or More Home Runs

Mark Reynolds is known for one thing and one thing only, hitting home runs. Reynolds has hit twenty-seven big fly's so far this season, which ranks him 4th in the American league. 

His teammates Adam Jones and J.J Hardy have twenty-one and twenty-three respectively, which is why I have them all reaching thirty next season.  

If all three can produce these kinds of numbers, the O's offense will be one to be reckoned with. 

Matt Wieters Will Be an All-Star Again

Matt Wieters is an extremely solid defensive catcher, and his offense is finally starting to come around. There are no more superstar catchers in the American League (unless Joe Mauer continues to play the position), so the young Wieters looks to have the advantage. 

Wieters is only 25, so the prime of his career is just beginning. 

The Pitching Staff Will Have an ERA Under 4

This pitching staff showed some promise at the beginning of the season, and it looked as if the O's had somewhat turned the ship around. 

That didn't happen, but what we did see was the potential of this young rotation. This staff has to face the best hitters in the game week in and week out, and the stiff competition will only help each individual grow. 

An ERA under 4 is a realistic mark for this team, and I fully expect it to happen. 

Buck Showalter

Buck Showalter has been a manager for 13 years, and he knows how to get the most out of his players. Showalter has a career .509 winning percentage, so the guy knows how to win.

Buck will field one of the best Oriole teams in recent memory next season, and with the addition of a solid pitcher to the rotation; this team could make some noise. 

Prince Fielder?

Prince Fielder would be a great addition to any team, and he is everything that Orioles are looking for. 

The Orioles have plenty of money, and small-market teams will be competing for the Brewers first-basemen. The Orioles would add an MVP caliber talent to their already powerful lineup, which would be a scary thought for opposing pitchers. 

Both the Red Sox and Yankees have their first baseman, so that plays as an advantage to the O's. 

If the Orioles brought in Prince and a solid number 1 or 2 pitcher, this team could compete for the AL East crown.