The Baltimore Orioles: What To Expect At The Winter Meeetings...

The Baltimore Orioles after finishing worse in 2007 than they did in 2006 with a payroll above 90 million dollars are looking to rebuild after a decade of futility.

Chief Operating Officer, Andy MacPhail is looking to perhaps rebuild around youth, and is open to trading anyone on his roster if it improves the organization.

Much of the talk in Charm City has been centered on flipping Miguel Tejada for talent, as well left handed pitcher, Erik Bedard. If the Orioles could also find a way to unload bloated contracts such as those handed to Melvin Mora, Aubrey Huff, and Jay Gibbons, they’ll manage to do so.

The player most likely that Baltimore will deal is Miguel Tejada. He’s probably one of the better hitting shortstops in the game, but his range at the position has gone down in the past few seasons and most teams would find him to be an ideal third baseman.

The teams that have shown the most interest in Tejada are the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim, the St. Louis Cardinals and Los Angeles Dodgers. A good reason for him not being moved as of yet is that the situation with Miguel Cabrera must be settled before he is dealt, if at all.

For the teams that do not get Cabrera, Tejada is a great fallback option.

The Orioles are right now trying to determine what to do with Erik Bedard as he’s a valuable piece not only on the field, but as potential trade bait. The latest rumor being thrown out there is that Dodgers are looking at getting him, as well as the Mets.

From reports in the Baltimore media, Bedard has not show a willingness to stay in Baltimore or sign a long term extension. He's still under our control for two more seasons, thus, they do not have to trade him.

With Bedard, the O's have the upper hand -- they still have him for 2 years under their control. The team does not necessarily have to trade him; however, his value may not be higher than it is now, and if the team is looking to flip him for young prospects and major league ready talent to contribute for the years to come, this may be the time to move him.

The Orioles should be expected to use the trade market to bolster their roster as well the Rule 5 Draft.