Brief Mention of the Orioles Acquisitions

The Baltimore Orioles made several offseason acquisitions that, I hope, will allow them to place higher than fourth place in the AL East for the first time in about nine years. The obvious priority for the Orioles front office was the bullpen. Baltimore signed four pitches to strengthen a weak pen that featured only one consistent performer last year: closer Chris Ray. The Orioles also inked two outfield bats. The O's had an astounding lack of production from their left field position last year. The two signess, discussed below, should help. Here now, is a brief run-down of some of the new Orioles.

The Bullpen:

1. Jamie Walker: Perhaps the best pitcher the Orioles signed. Walker is a lefty set-up man, who will be vital to the team's success. Last year, Baltimore had no southpaws of any impact. Walker also earned a World Series berth last year as a member of the Detroit Tigers.

2. Danys Baez: Last year, he was Los Angeles Dodgers property, but the former Tampa Bay Devil Rays closer is back in the AL East, where he's experienced his most success as a pitcher. He'll be a nice late-game guy.

3. Chad Bradford: The former New York Met right-hander will be a good middle inning guy if a starter can't go more than five or six innings.

4. Scott Williamson: The Orioles signed the former Reds closer to a one-year, $900,000 deal because of his history of injuries. He's a classic risk/reward guy for the O's. He could turn out to be a steal or a bust. But if he is a bust, there isn't too much money sunk into his surgically repaired arm.

Position Players:

1. Aubrey Huff: Astros property last year, but a Devil Ray for his whole career before that, will have an impact on the Orioles offense. He can bat anywhere from fourth through sixth, and he should provide some protection for Miguel Tejada in the lineup.

2. Jay Payton: The former Athletic will be a fourth outfielder for the team. He can start, DH or come off the bench. He adds more versatility to an outfield that had only two legitimate Major Leaguers in it last year.