What does this team lack that is needed for us to contend?

[Sports Guy]

Putting aside things like more scouts, better structure, international presence, etc....

I am talking on the ML team...What upgrades and at what positions, are needed for us to contend IYO?

[clapdiddy]

I can't believe I'm typing this, but 1st Base, 3rd base, and LF are problem areas, as well as DH at this point. I think all the players manning these positions will eventually be OK this season, but it may be too little, too late.

We also really need a true #1 starting pitcher. I think that is more important than any of the above.

[Sports Guy]

I can't believe I'm typing this, but 1st Base, 3rd base, and LF are problem areas, as well as DH at this point. I think all the players manning these positions will eventually be OK this season, but it may be too little, too late.

We also really need a true #1 starting pitcher. I think that is more important than any of the above.

When I ask this, I am talking long term, not neccassarily this year.

I mean, look at what we have now vs what we have long term and pretty much figure out what ingredients are we lacking for contention, starting in 2012.

[webbrick2010]

Seriously to contend??? In the AL East?? Need two impact offensive players, for example Fielder to play 1B, and Kemp to play LF

Need a legitimate #1 Starter, like a Jarred Weaver, James Shields, Price, or Felix Hernandez

Need another legitimate starting pitcher to round out rotation.

Need to release Gonzalez and add two legitimate LH specialists.

Need a legitimate closer.

[Sports Guy]

Seriously to contend??? In the AL East?? Need two impact offensive players, for example Fielder to play 1B, and Kemp to play LF

Need a legitimate #1 Starter, like a Jarred Weaver, James Shields, Price, or Felix Hernandez

Need another legitimate starting pitcher to round out rotation.

Need to release Gonzalez and add two legitimate LH specialists.

Need a legitimate closer.

Few issues with this...Shields isn't a legit #1 starter but he is a very good starter. He just isn't in the class of a guy like Felix.

We don't need LH specialists to contend...but improvement in the pen is needed.

[LookinUp]

When I ask this, I am talking long term, not neccassarily this year.

I mean, look at what we have now vs what we have long term and pretty much figure out what ingredients are we lacking for contention, starting in 2012.

Until proven otherwise, we need every fielding position but catcher and 2B. We have guys in RF, CF, 1B, SS, 3B and DH that are all good enough to play on a contending team, but none are currently of the caliber it takes to lead a contending team. I also have questions about the bullpen, but they're very secondary.

We need legit, feared, hitters.

[Gurgi]

A force at 1st base. A lights out dominating closer.

What we really need is a mega billionaire owner who makes sooooo much money he doesnt care about payroll.

[Sports Guy]

To contend in '12:

Markakis, Wieters, Jones all with an OPS at .800 and above.

Scott at his career levels... .850ish OPS. If he goes back to DH, Pie/Reimold have to produce at league average, or LF has to be addressed.

Roberts similar to his '07-'09 numbers...

Reynolds at career levels...

Hardy resigned... 130+ games.

Production from 1st. Fielder will continue to be debated, but 1st can't be a black-hole.

Health, and performance from Matusz, Guthrie, Britton, and Arrieta.

League average 5th starter production from Bergesen/Tillman will keep you close... if they exceed that, obviously better.

If you obtain another front-end starter, and everyone else is slotted down... obviously that helps as well.

This will not make us true contenders in the AL East unless those OPS's are closer to 900 than 800 and unless the young starters are #3s or better.

The team as currently constructed is highly unlikely to contend.

[Gurgi]

Until proven otherwise, we need every fielding position but catcher and 2B. We have guys in RF, CF, 1B, SS, 3B and DH that are all good enough to play on a contending team, but none are currently of the caliber it takes to lead a contending team. I also have questions about the bullpen, but they're very secondary.

We need legit, feared, hitters.

Brian Roberts isnt good enough to lead a contending team either. He doesnt run anymore and his back cant hold up. His range is diminished.

[Dipper9]

Brian Roberts isnt good enough to lead a contending team either. He doesnt run anymore and his back cant hold up. His range is diminished.

And yet he's the best player on the team right now. What's that say about this team?

[Roll Tide]

Putting aside things like more scouts, better structure, international presence, etc....

I am talking on the ML team...What upgrades and at what positions, are needed for us to contend IYO?

IMO ...This team still lacks a star offensive talent. Thus far Lee has been a bust. Both he and Vlad were once that type of player. In years past Eddie Murray comes to mind would come to the plate in a game changing situation and you knew he would find a way to produce. I don't feel that way about any of the current Orioles.

[SammyBirdland]

What does this team lack that is needed for us to contend?

Wins. :wedge:

[SammyBirdland]

Until proven otherwise, we need every fielding position but catcher and 2B.

Keep in mind that Roberts is one awkward twist away from missing games due to injury and we have no depth behind him. Every time Roberts grimaces on the field, whether it be due to injury or indigestion, the fanbase has to hold is collective breath to see if we will be faced with Andino AND Izturis in our daily lineup. We're one injury away from resigning Julio Lugo who is still looking for a job.

[waroriole]

Putting aside things like more scouts, better structure, international presence, etc....

I am talking on the ML team...What upgrades and at what positions, are needed for us to contend IYO?

Probably 1B, LF and pitching.

We need a TOR SP from outside the group we have now, and we need someone in the bullpen who we know can shut down the other team. It would be nice if we only had to go to FA for two of those needs. Maybe finish it up with trades and some good luck in prospect development.

[waroriole]

I fully disagree with your premise that this team as constructed is far away from contention.

I fully agree with your premise that the O's need Wieters to be a middle order of the lineup force.

I don't agree with the idea that Markakis has to post his '08 numbers, nor do I think that Jones needs to be .850ish plus.

The starting pitching is going to give the O's a chance to win most nights. Should fully expect Matusz/Britton/Arrieta/Guthrie to post numbers equal to or better than league average 3rd starters.

With Scott at DH, Pie/Reimold in LF, a D.Lee equivalent (.750 to .800 OPS expected production), and no starter added; my opinion is that team should contend for that proposed 2nd Wild Card.

With Scott at DH, an addition in LF, Fielder at 1st, and another starter added; I'd expect that team to contend for the division.

The problem with this is that the SP has to be almost perfect to contend. There would be much more margin for error with the pitching if Wieters, Jones, Markakis or whomever turns into a MVP caliber player.