So the Orioles realized, hey, we gotta field a team this year, eh? Let's see who we can get.

Carlos Beltran and Carlos Delgado are out there. Nope, we gotta re-sign B.J. Surhoff.

How about Carl Pavano or Pedro or even Derek Lowe and Matt Clement? We need an ace for the rotation. Oh wait, we need aging middle relief. Let's get Steve Kline and Steve Reed. And don't forget that Asian pitcher that pitched a few games for us last year Bruce Chen.

I know, we're suckers for comeback stories. Go out and sign Tony Saunders and James Baldwin.

As you can see, the team hasn't come close to the success we had in free agency last year when the Orioles obtained Tejada, Javy Lopez, and Palmeiro. This year, they've taken stabs at Pavano and Delgado with no success and you can't blame the money. The Orioles basically threw as much money as they wanted to and still couldn't get them. Does Angelos still have that negative effect on the team? Maybe, maybe not.

So tonite, word comes that Sammy Sosa will be traded here. How fun. This could be the biggest acquisition for the team (save for Miggy) since Albert Belle. Hmm, that name should send shivers. He basically was the greatest cause for the team's demise for the last 5 years as his contract ate up most of the money the Orioles had. While successful prior to his arrival, Belle only played 2 years while the team paid for 5. Now Sosa arrives, obviously on the back end of his career. Hopefully, he experiences a revival with a change of scenery. If his production stays constant from what he's done for the last couple of years, I'd say he'd be worth it given what we're giving up (Hairston, a couple of minor leaguers from our weak system, and probably Julio too, expendable since Ryan takes the closer role this year). But if he turns out to be another Belle, say hello to the cellar.