Expert: Paul F. - 4/10/2001

Question
I have recently moved out of state from MD, but I still follow the O's. I have noticed most publications and "experts" pick the Orioles for last place. And while I don't expect any miracles with the players they have, I don't believe them to be quite that bad. From the very early returns, it looks like all pitching and no hitting. What is your spin?

Answer
Ever since Albert Belle was forced to retire, we knew this offense would be bad.  I just didn't think it would be quite this horrible.  It probably won't get much better, and the O's will probably finish under .500 because of it, no matter how good the pitching ends up being (and the pitching will certainly not be this good all season either).  Still, I don't see the O's finishing in last place, because I don't see any way in hell that they'll be worse than Tampa Bay.  In the end, the Orioles will probably be about 74-88.