O's fans not feeling much love for offseason moves

[Evil Yoda]

When the Baltimore Orioles take the field in Sarasota, Fla., on Friday, Valentine’s Day, Dan Duquette probably shouldn’t expect roses and chocolates from fans.

Or a love song. Maybe Cee Lo’s “Forget You,” or, more likely, its less radio-friendly alternative.

Those candy hearts with the cute messages? Let’s just say the ones sent to him won’t exactly be “Be Mine.”

Bob Blubaugh writes about sports for the Carroll County Times. In this Sunday's column he explains why he believes the Orioles got worse this offseason, and why fans can expect to be disappointed this year. It boils down to this: they lost far more pieces than they picked up.

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[Moses]

A really disappointing offseason . Probably an understatement.

[Deleted]

Nothing that hasn't been said before. The Orioles were in a position where one or two key acquisitions might have made a tremendous difference. Instead, all they've done is add a lot of spare parts that can be had cheaply. I like the Ryan Webb signing, and I think David Lough, whom they acquired from Kansas City, could be a good pickup. Neither, however, figures to be the type of signing that gets fans reaching for their wallets.

[mmmbeer]

fans, schmans. I don't think anyone still really believes that owners/GMs/players in any sport give 2 toots about the fans.

The big danger that I see is that the Os players, like Davis who dropped the line about waiting for another starting pitcher, will go into the season believing that they cannot contend. That is a sure recipe for half-hearted effort and a return to the oh-so-familiar losing ways of PA's ownership.

[Evil Yoda]

They had a chance to turn it around. Look for guys like Machado, Weiters, even Tillman to hit the road as soon as they're able. Why would any decent player keep playing for a losing organization that won't take the steps necessary to win. They've got Machado for a few more years - some chance there's new ownership by then, dedicated to turning the team around. But I wouldn't bet on it.

This is what I'm reduced to. I have to hope a man dies because that's the only way we have any shot at better ownership in this town.