Now that the off-season is behind us...and the regular season a little more than a fortnight away...what's everyone's thoughts on the local 9?

The way last year ended, with the disappointing string of losses (11 out of 16 in mid-September), it had the feeling of another 95+ loss season. I have to keep reminding myself that even with that poor finish, and a closer that lost his mojo, the Orioles won 85 games.

I think they are a better team than last year's team...not significantly better, but better by degrees at a few positions...and I think they have the potential to make another playoff run. I am cautiously optimistic.

"Hope springs eternal" http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/An_Essay_on_Man