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So far:

Ramon Hernandez traded to Cincinnati for Ryan Freel and two minor league prospects. I'm assuming MacPhail plans to sign a Gregg Zaun type, and call up Matt Wieters, who is probably the top prospect in the minors.

Also: Orioles seem to be close to signing Cesar Izturis to a 2 year deal.

Rumors: Orioles would be trading Garrett Olson, and acquiring Jason Marquis and Felix Pie in a four team deal.

I can't believe the O's and Nats both have HUGE offers on the table for Mark Teixeira. Reports are the O's put up a 7 year $150 million dollar deal. The Nats have an 8 year $160 million dollar deal on the table.

Happy with the Izturis signing .... can't tell you how much of a difference a good fielding shortstop makes for a pitching staff.

Also good move with the Ramon trade, depending on how much money was given to Cincy to help offset his $8 million dollar salary next season. He certainly was on the decline and performing well below his salary. I know the O's want to make room for Weiters ... just wondering if 1 year in the minors is enough.

Freel, although injury prone, is a pretty good jack of all trades IF/OF guy that brings lots of energy. It's possible that he's insurance if the trigger is pulled on a Brian Roberts deal.

Some positive moves recently:
- Got Zaun back to be the starting catcher until Wieters is ready (and the O's can bind him to the team for another year)
- Markakis wrapped up to a long term (6 year) extension
- Garrett Olson traded for Felix Pie, which should set the O's outfield for years to come. Should be one helluva defensive outfield with some pretty good potential at the plate.

Finally got a potential lefty for the rotation in Rich Hill (from the Cubs for a PTBNL).

Should be interesting to see if his old AAA pitching coach can cure Rich Hill of his control problems last year. Hill was a top pitching prospect and dominate in 2007 until he unexpicably went downhill last season. Hill and is still very young and I think is a great risk/reward type of acquisition.

Just think, last year the O's were rebuffed when trying to trade Brian Roberts for Rich Hill and Felix Pie. Now the O's get both for Garrett Olson, some single-A pitcher and a PBTNL.

Ty Wiggington just signed for 2@6 milion.

Potentially gives a nice right handed bat to platoon with Huff @ 1B and Luke Scott @ DH. Also gives some nice insurance for when Mora goes down.

I really like the moves they have made so far. Our bench is probably the best its been in 10 years. MacPhail has to sell the fans on the young pitching though. Emphasize the pitching will come in a year or two and then they will see whether or not they can compete at least for a wild card. We still have no infield prospects to speak of though. Brian Roberts being traded for infield prospects would be a start, or maybe with the signing of Wiggy, they could move Scott for a couple of mid-level infield prospects.