When the Orioles acquire a player, should they consider the character of that player? When looking to add a player through trade, free agency or the First-Year Player Draft, is it mostly about talent, or should character come into play? Do fans care about having a team full of good guys or do you just want hits, homers and wins? It's a complicated question and one that probably provokes different answers for different players.

...Jason Berken. I have respect for anyone good enough to ever put on a Major League uniform. But during the Orioles' 2009 season, I gained a ton of respect for pitcher Jason Berken. As the losses mounted for Berken, so did speculation that he'd soon be headed back to Triple-A. For a while there, his fate seemed to hang on every pitch. And some of those pitches hung as well, ending up in the left field seats.

You have to admire Bob McCrory's positive outlook. The Orioles' right-handed reliever has been mostly hit hard in 15 games covering 13 2/3 Major League innings the past two seasons. Now he's had a second major surgery in four years, yet he remains upbeat. He thinks he can be ready for spring training next year and wants to prove to the club that he can pitch in the big leagues.

New Orioles' bench coach Jeff Datz already had one of the most special days of his baseball life in Baltimore. Now he hopes for more after joining the O's coaching staff Thursday. "I'll never forget I got my first Major League hit in Baltimore in 1989 and was able to hand that baseball to my mom and dad. "Being from south Jersey I had about 30 family members there. I was a September callup of the Tigers in '89 and got a base hit off Gregg Olson. I only got 10 at bats that year and...

In this space yesterday we presented a story on the O's new bench coach, Jeff Datz. The 2010 season will be Datz's 29th in pro ball. During last eight years he's been a coach with Cleveland, spending about four years as bench coach for the Indians. He played professionally, mostly in the minors, as a catcher, from 1982-90. In 1989, he saw his only Major League action as a September call up for the Tigers. He went 2 for 10 at the plate, getting his first big league hit in Baltimore off...

This pitcher made six starts in September, going 2-3, 5.45 for his team. In 34 2/3, he allowed four homers among 46 hits. Opponents hit .317 against him that month. Was it Jason Berken? David Hernandez? No it was Cliff Lee of the Phillies. Hit hard in Septmeber, Lee pitched Philly to a win in game one of the World Series and is 3-0, 0.54 this post-season. Meanwhile, check out these thoughts and let me you know if you agree or disagree.

Over the next several weeks, we'll review how the O's minor league teams finished this season, with an in-depth look at each team and some of their top players from the 2009 season. Today we take a look at the 2009 Frederick Keys with comments from Keys manager Richie Hebner. (Stats listed are for games with Frederick only).

There seem to be some solid reasons out there for the Orioles to sign one or more big dollar free agents this winter. For one, they would improve the team's talent base. And, maybe get a needed bat for the lineup. Both good reasons to add a player. But, is another reason to enhance the club's credibility with its fan base? And another to prove to everyone, once and for all, that the club is willing to spend money.

Today we continue our review of the Frederick Keys 2009 season with comments from Keys manager Richie Hebner. Monday, we reviewed several Keys' position players and today wrap up the 2009 season for Keys' pitchers. The numbers - Frederick, which finished 64-75 in the Carolina League, had a team ERA of 4.11 which tied for 5th in the eight-team league. The Keys were 4th in the league in strikeouts, issued the 3rd most walks and had just five shutouts, fewest in the league.

John Lackey, John Lackey, John Lackey. Are you tired of hearing about him yet? Get used to it. He's considered the top free agent pitcher out there and the time for players to file for their "freedom" hasn't even come yet. Some are speculating that Lackey will garner a contract for five years and worth between 80 and 100 million. The ship is about to come in for the right hander. O's fans will anxiously await word on whether their club is in the hunt for Lackey. While I would love...