USA Today: Tools sought in Orioles’ rebuilding process

When MacPhail took over in June 2007, he made a point of dismissing any thoughts of a quick fix to the franchise’s problems. But a frustrated fan base — the Orioles drew fewer than 2 million fans this year for the first time since 1988 — has openly wondered about current free agents with Maryland roots: first baseman Mark Teixeira grew up near Baltimore, and pitcher A.J. Burnett resides nearby.

Showing them money is one thing. Giving them a chance to win probably remains the deal breaker, though MacPhail said at the end of the 2008 season, “I think we’d be remiss in not exploring (Teixeira and Burnett).”

A significant part of the long-term plan, though, has been to turn away from churning free agents through the roster year after year, something that occurred partly because the farm system provided little homegrown talent.

That’s changing with improved drafting. Wieters, Baltimore’s 2007 first-round pick, is the prize of a farm system in which the bulk of the most promising talent is a couple of years away from contributing in the major leagues.

The Orioles entered the offseason with 10-game winner (the most on the 2008 team) Jeremy Guthrie the only certain member of the rotation. After that, it’s mostly a collection of young pitchers and auditions from others who might be best suited for the bullpen.

There are more holes. The Orioles don’t have a shortstop, and there’s no prospect on the horizon. Leading hitter Aubrey Huff can play first base or designated hitter, but whichever spot he doesn’t fill is empty at the moment.

The Orioles’ roster will look different next season. But changing the results remains a work in (very slow) progress.

ONWARD TO THE FUTURE…. very… slowly….