Baltimore seems to be much improved. Bet on Baltimore anytime they are + odds early in the season in a game that isn't lopsided.
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Thanks.Originally posted by pags11Originally posted by BuddyBearOriginally posted by curiousComment -
Curious, where exactly do you think they've improved the most?Comment -
Everywhere. They will finally have a solid DH. They will have two credible catchers. A credible fielding infield. Starting pitching, relief pitching.
I'm not saying they will win the pennant, I just think the lines makers will be valuing the "bad" Orioles team for a while and this team is a better team.Comment -
Well they had a pretty good DH last season when Huff hit over .300 with 32 homers and filled the full-time pinch hitter's role the vast majority of the time (98 games at DH for Huff, Luke Scott was next at 25 games). With Huff moving to 1B according to the team's plans right now, instead of Millar, I'd say the O's have upgraded that position more than upgraded their DH where Scott and Ty Wiggington figure to get the most action.
Now I do think they've improved their depth with the addition of Wiggy and Ryan Freel.
As for catcher, everything I'm hearing is that Matt Wieters won't be there at the start of the season. I think there are two reasons for this: 1) There's no need to rush this guy to the majors since the Orioles aren't going anywhere this year, and; 2) Holding him back until maybe July will relate to dollars over the course of a few seasons based on service time with regards to when he'd be arbitration eligible. But you're right, once he does get there it will be a hug upgrade.
On the mound, well, we're just going to have to disagree on the shape of their mound right now. Their ace is Jeremy Guthrie who is really nothing more than a No. 3 starter. Rich Hill is yet to see any action this spring really, but could become a nice stopper in the mix if he proves healthy. Got no clue on Koji Uehara. The pen should be better assuming Chris Ray is 100%. They've just decided to put Albers in the bullpen, and if his shoulder is back to normal that will help. They do have some young arms on the horizon that look to have some potential (Matusz and Tillman stand out), but it will be July before any of them get the call.
Looking at their schedule, I only see seven of their 22 April games that they WON'T be drawing a + moneyline, and all seven of those are against Texas which has similar pitching questions, has an offense that can rake and plays in a hitter's park like the O's. I'll be paying more attention the posted totals in those games looking for value on the Over.Comment -
i'll be playing lots of oriole overs in the right spots. good offense with roberts, huff, markakis, mora...wieters soon as well.Comment