Fan Fest: Q&A with the Baltimore Media - Synopsis

Link to pictures and slideshow: http://oriolepost.blogspot.com/2007/04/fan-fest-shots-from-q-with-local.html

As the Baltimore Orioles embark on the 2007 season, and try to snap the streak of nine consecutive losing seasons, a group that probably the knows the Orioles the best took the stage at the Club Level of Oriole Park at Camden Yards – the local media.

Baltimore Sun writer Roch Kubatko, ESPN Radio’s Anita Marks, Amber Theoharris of WHFS and MASN, Matt Palmer of the Baltimore Examiner, WMAR’s Scott Garceau and Craig Heist of WBAL discussed the state of the team. In addition, they gave their opinions and predictions for the Orioles and the American League East for the upcoming season.

Orioles’ radio broadcaster Fred Manfra served as the emcee for the session.

The panel in the session universally agreed that the Orioles have indeed improved a team, and will finish with a record better than they had in 2006. However, everyone agreed that the Orioles will not be a contender in the American League at all unless everyone takes a step back, but they could make things difficult for the elite teams.

Notes From the Session:

• Everyone agreed that the upgrades to the bullpen was crucial and worth the money spent. As well, the panel liked the upgrades with the bats/offense, especially with the addition of Aubrey Huff. Also, the panel, especially Roch and Amber felt the Orioles filled in a lot holes that plagued the team last season.

• Roch Kubatko and Amber Theoharris asserted that the team chemistry is stronger than it has been in recent seasons, and the O’s players believe they can win with the talent on board.

• Everyone in unison thinks the key to the season is with the starting pitching, especially with the triumvirate of Erik Bedard, Daniel Cabrera, and Adam Loewen.

• Roch likes the defensive prowess of the infield, especially up the middle, but the outfield may be weak in left field with the injury to Jay Payton. As well, he believes that Kevin Millar is under-rated as a first baseman.

• There was a little talk about the bench not being deep as it should be; however, much of that is due to the team now carrying 13 pitchers.

• The topic of Daisuke Matsuzaka came up, and everyone believes he is going to be good pitcher. Anita Marks brought up the SI article with Matsuzaka in it and Roch along with Amber said the Orioles were impressed with him along with his assortment of pitches.

• A fan in the crowd brought up the new radio format (WHFS-FM will air the games for the team, not WBAL-AM) and she noted that she was not able to get a clear reception for games on the radio. Matt Palmer of the Examiner noted that Orioles games will be aired on the radio via Sports Talk 980 in the Washington area. Anita Marks explained the radio situation and how where you reside affects the frequency of what you hear.

• The topic moved onto Steve Trachsel and Jaret Wright, as a fan asked about about the two pitchers. Right now, the Orioles are concerned as the two racked up high pitch counts during their Spring Training starts. If the two fail, Roch felt that Garrett Olson, Hayden Penn or Jeremy Guthrie might be slotted to start. Amber Theoharris noted that Leo Mazzone asserted that Wright’s arm angle may be off and may be the cause of his issues.

• The topic switched to Jay Gibbons (fan question) and almost everyone agreed that he needs to get off to a hot start. Gibbons until Payton’s injury was slotted to be the DH, but will see time in the field. You may see Millar and Huff get time in left, but Huff will be the primary first baseman, and Millar will be the DH.

• Craig Heist believes the key to the Orioles also contending in the AL East will be neutralizing the Red Sox, Yankees and Blue Jays.

• Everyone gave their predictions, and most everyone picked the Yankees to finish first in the AL East, with the Red Sox in second. Most everyone believes the Orioles can take on the Blue Jays for third place, but Tampa will finish in the basement. However, everyone figures Tampa Bay will be not in last place in the East for long as they have a super-talented young outfield, and all that needs to happen is for the pitching to improve.

• Amber thinks the O’s can compete with the Red Sox.

• The consensus was the Orioles could possibly surprise and maybe resemble the turn-around the Tigers had in 2006.

• Anita Marks was very enthusiastic for the Orioles this season. I think she comes off as overly so on the radio, but the positive attitude is needed & appreciated.