Seeing the Light: Orioles Rundown, Random Thoughts on a Friday....

Morning everyone! Hope everyone's New Year is off to a good start and all is well. I am finally feeling healthy enough to type and get some blogging done for a change.

Right now, there's not frankly a whole lot going on in Oriole-land. Erik Bedard, who's been rumored to be heading to Seattle, Cincinnati, Los Angeles and wherever else is still an Oriole, and so is Brian Roberts (who the Cubs were seemingly in love with, but talks have really cooled off).

I've not heard much, or read much besides what has been on Roch's blog, as he talks about the spring training home for the team and other tidbits.

It's about 40 or so days before pitchers and catchers report to spring training, and it looks like sooner rather than later, baseball will be back; however, I'm not so sure I'll be excited about 2008, but I'll be watching with great interest as to what Baltimore does.

Well, as a point of information, for those who are interested in purchasing some single game Oriole tickets for 2008 - they go on sale Saturday, Jan. 12, beginning at 10 a.m. You order them online, call the Orioles, or stand out in the crazy cold at the box office or at the team store.

***

Orioles beat writer, Spencer Fordin has a mailbag on the team website. He states that team is not looking at any marquee free agents, and the organization's goal is to restock the farm system. As well, he takes questions on Erik Bedard, Nick Markakis and the catching situation.

Long story short, we as fans may suffer for a season or two, or three, or perhaps longer while Baltimore tries to restructure their house.

***

Pressbox's Craig Heist in his weekly Orioles Insider looks at the various prospects and youngsters that may jump to the majors in light of the organization's rebuilding plans.

Allen McCallum thinks the Orioles may finish last, and Stan Charles laments why it has taken so long for the Orioles to finally see the light and start to right the ship.