CF Adam Jones and RF Nick Markakis have both gotten off to outstanding starts to the 2009 season. Jones has played in 4 games for the Orioles this year and he is 6 for 14 (.429 avg, 1.257 OPS) with 6 runs scored and 3 RBIs. Markakis has played in all 4 games this season for the Orioles and he is also 6 for 14 (.429 avg, 1.185 OPS) with 5 runs scored, 1 homer and 6 RBIs. These guys should both have good years as the Orioles are very excited about them.

The smart bet here is the under as the Orioles don’t have any pitching. They should score a lot of runs but their pitching staff will give up more 95+ times in the 2009 season. 2009 will be a drag again for Orioles fans.

The Tampa Bay Rays screwed everything up for Orioles’ manager Dave Trembley as he can’t use the excuse about payroll any more. The Orioles were 68-93 (42.2%) last season finishing in 5th place in the American League East and that likely won’t be tolerated again in 2009. It’s too hard to get rid of all of the players so manager Dave Trembley could be on the hot seat. Trembley has managed parts of two seasons for the Orioles and he is 108-146 (42.5%) and that just isn’t acceptable.

The Orioles have released veteran infielder Chris Gomez. Gomez played in 21 games for the Orioles this spring and he was 9 for 45 (.200 avg, .577 OPS) with 5 runs scored, 2 RBIs and 1 stolen base. The acquisition of Robert Andino from the Marlins pretty much ended Gomez’ career with the Orioles.

25-year old lefty swinging Nick Markakis is the best player the Baltimore Orioles have to offer. Markakis played in 157 games for the Orioles last season and he was 182 for 595 (.306 avg, .897 OPS) with 106 runs scored, 20 homers, 87 RBIs and 10 stolen bases. Look for Markakis’ power numbers to improve in 2009 while keeping his batting average around .300 again. Markakis played in 156 games in RF last season for the Orioles showing off good range while only making 3 errors. Markakis also has a howitzer attached to his right shoulder as he had 17 assists from RF last year. The sky is the limit for Markakis in both 2009 and the future.

If anything happened to Markakis (injury) then the Orioles would likely call up 27-year old righty swinging Lou Montanez to replace him. Montanez played in 38 games for the Orioles last season in which he was 33 for 112 (.295 avg, .762 OPS) with 18 runs scored, 3 homers and 14 RBIs. He also played in 116 games in AAA-ball last season in which he was 151 for 451 (.335 avg, .986 OPS) with 90 runs scored, 26 homers, 97 RBIs and 4 stolen bases. Montanez is not a good defensive outfielder but the Orioles would likely live with that due to his hitting.

PROJECTED GRADE FOR THE 2009 SEASON: A+