Monday, Monday, Monday

Baseball season is upon us ladies and gentlemen. At 4:05PM on Monday the Orioles will open up the 2009 season against the New York Yankees, and 6 months of baseball will be off to the races in Baltimore. The team that will take the field has a lot of promise and potential, and at the same time leaves a lot of questions to be asked. Could we see a .500 season for the first time since the mid-90's? Will one pitcher emerge from this sparse rotation as an "ace", and help bring this team to the next level? Will we see the chosen one, Matt Wieters, and will the hype be worth it?

Some of these questions about the team may be a cause for concern, but regardless, it is the beginning of April and I know that I am nothing short of pumped for the beginning of this baseball season. We know the Orioles are going to score a lot of runs. The offense is there and the consistency is getting there. We know that the defense will be strong. Look across the outfield for example. Markakis, Pie, and Jones. We will definately see our share of Web Gems in Baltimore this season, and for a long time. Many parts of this team are as solid as the best teams in the majors, but there is still one thing lacking and that is the pitching. I will put that in the back of my mind though and be optimistic that our staff can step up and bring this team to where they should be. I'll keep my glass more than half full. I'll also be bold and say that within 4 years the Orioles will be at least a Wild Card team. Hold me to that. I believe in this lineup and I think that for once the front office may have a grasp on getting things under control.

Who will be the standout players, homerun leader, RBI leader, Orioles MVP, etc. you ask? Let me fill you in on what Fergalicious thinks will happen in 2009.

Orioles MVP: Nick Markakis

Home Run Leader: Aubrey Huff - Prediction: 33

Batting Average Leader: Brian Roberts - Prediction: .304

RBI Leader: Nick Markakis - Prediction: 110

Most Wins: Koji Uehara - Prediction: 14-9 Record

Most Frequent "Web Gemmer": Adam Jones

Final Record: 77-85

That's all I have for now. Get excited. Its baseball season in Baltimore, and although I may be expecting more than I should for this year, it doesn't get any better than spring and summer nights at The Yard. See you out there on Thursday at 1:35PM if you'll be there.

J.F