When Mike Mussina embraced the bright lights and big money of New York in 2000, the Orioles were left without an ace, a No. 1 pitcher who evokes fear in the opponent and gives his team the belief that it will win every time he is on the mound.
That void lasted until 2006, when hard-throwing, low-talking lefty Erik Bedard truly emerged. He gained national prominence last season when he was a legitimate Cy Young candidate before missing September with a strained oblique.
So why, after being without one for so long, would the Orioles deal away a 28-year-old homegrown ace for five unproven players?
Because the Orioles have little use for a short-term ace. They aren't playing for this season. Or next. They need as many talented young players as possible. And trading Bedard to the Seattle Mariners gives them quality and quantity.
That's why, at least for now, it's a move club president Andy MacPhail had to make. No matter how good Bedard is.
First, the quantity:
The Orioles get four players age 23 or younger (outfielder Adam Jones, 22, and pitching prospects Chris Tillman, 19, Tony Butler, 20, and Kam Mickolio, 23) as well as quality lefty reliever George Sherrill, who might become the Orioles' 2008 closer. Add in the five they received by trading Miguel Tejada to the Houston Astros, and the Orioles have picked up 10 players in exchange for two since December.
Of those, only Sherrill, outfielder Luke Scott and pitcher Dennis Sarfate are older than 25. Immediately, all levels of the Orioles' farm system receive a boost.
Secondly, there's the quality:
Jones, a supplemental first-rounder in 2003, is considered the all-around package by scouts and baseball executives alike. Yes, "toolsy" outfielders often flame out, but Jones should be different.
He has batted .291 with a .350 on-base percentage in five minor league seasons despite being among the youngest players in the leagues in which he has played. He's an above-average defender, and his power is developing. He compares favorably with Milwaukee Brewers outfielder Mike Cameron, except Jones should be a better hitter.
Scouts believe Tillman, a second-rounder in 2006, can be at least a No. 3 starter. He has a mid-90s fastball, a quality curve and a developing changeup. And he doesn't turn 20 until April. Of the Orioles' top 10 prospects as selected by Baseball America, only infielder Billy Rowell is younger than Tillman.
