Post by Orioles GM (Michael) on Dec 7, 2011 8:06:52 GMT -5
Orioles General Manager Michael Natelli seems to be trying to emulate Rex Ryan, as he has once again stated that his team will be World Series Champions in 2012.
"I felt confident in our 2011 team, and that didn't go quite as planned (referencing his team's loss to the Angels in the ALCS)," said Natelli.
"But this year's team looks much better. I am exstatic to be bringing Albert back for three more years. The addition of his bat last season really helped us clinch that playoff berth late last year. I'm really happy about all the moves we've made so far. Cutchy (Andrew McCutchen) will go quite nicely with Denard and Adam in our outfield, and Saito and Mo will make Jimmy's job much easier in the back of the pen. With all respect to Jim, we lacked a true, experienced closer last year, and I feel that hurt us. Now we have 3 or 4 guys that I feel we could put in to close a game. This is just fantastic."
Natelli went on to say, "I know that lots of media types are doubting the my Orioles. We're up against multiple talented organizations within our division. I respect all four of them and what they've been doing. Taking them down will be no easy task. But, from what we've done so far, I feel that it is quite doable. We will take the division by storm this year, and clinch our second straight division title. And from there, well, just start getting our locker room some champaign."
In addition to the acquisitions mentioned by Natelli, the Orioles have also recently signed starting pitcher Brad Penny, first baseman Jorge Cantu, and backstop Dioner Navarro to major league contracts, as well as relief pitcher Tony Pena to a minor league deal. Cantu and Penny are restricted free agents, so we won't know until tomorrow night whether their original teams will keep them or not. But, Natelli did tell me that he doesn't think his team is finished just yet. Keep an eye out for these Orioles. They appear to be in it to win it this year.
"I felt confident in our 2011 team, and that didn't go quite as planned (referencing his team's loss to the Angels in the ALCS)," said Natelli.
"But this year's team looks much better. I am exstatic to be bringing Albert back for three more years. The addition of his bat last season really helped us clinch that playoff berth late last year. I'm really happy about all the moves we've made so far. Cutchy (Andrew McCutchen) will go quite nicely with Denard and Adam in our outfield, and Saito and Mo will make Jimmy's job much easier in the back of the pen. With all respect to Jim, we lacked a true, experienced closer last year, and I feel that hurt us. Now we have 3 or 4 guys that I feel we could put in to close a game. This is just fantastic."
Natelli went on to say, "I know that lots of media types are doubting the my Orioles. We're up against multiple talented organizations within our division. I respect all four of them and what they've been doing. Taking them down will be no easy task. But, from what we've done so far, I feel that it is quite doable. We will take the division by storm this year, and clinch our second straight division title. And from there, well, just start getting our locker room some champaign."
In addition to the acquisitions mentioned by Natelli, the Orioles have also recently signed starting pitcher Brad Penny, first baseman Jorge Cantu, and backstop Dioner Navarro to major league contracts, as well as relief pitcher Tony Pena to a minor league deal. Cantu and Penny are restricted free agents, so we won't know until tomorrow night whether their original teams will keep them or not. But, Natelli did tell me that he doesn't think his team is finished just yet. Keep an eye out for these Orioles. They appear to be in it to win it this year.
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