by Sports Xchange

"It's the fun part of the job. This is the time for us to go up and hit," Orioles president Andy MacPhail told the Baltimore Sun. "Last year, we made a couple of trades, we signed five free agents. We were pretty active. Numerically, I think we'll be more active dollar-wise than we were last year. We're organized, we have our targets that we're going to go after, and we'll see how it goes and how the market unfolds."

The Orioles will attempt to address both corner-infield positions while trying to address a lack of power in the middle of the order. MacPhail will also try to acquire a veteran starter and some help for the back end of the bullpen, while also leaving open the possibility for a backup catcher.

The Sun reported the club would enter 2010 with a payroll around $45 million with its current roster -- including arbitration and contract renewals. The 2009 payroll was nearly $70 million.

The Orioles will not chase outfielders Matt Holliday and Jason Bay and are unlikely to seriously enter the bidding for Angels free agents Chone Figgins and John Lackey.

Instead, the team is likely to pursue second- and third-tier free agents -- particularly at the corner-infield spots. The club has two highly touted prospects (third baseman Josh Bell and first baseman Brandon Snyder) who could contribute to the big-league roster by midseason. It also has a wealth of young pitching talent on the verge of contributing.

The last time Baltimore made a significant financial splash in free agency was in the winter of 2006-07, when it spent roughly $20 million on the bullpen. Surrounding those unfruitful additions were dozens of questionable contract commitments. If nothing else, the club's depth of minor league talent should enable it to avoid similar cash-strapping, long-term deals and set MacPhail and his staff in position to add value in the short term.

The Orioles might also look to acquire a starter or slugger via a trade, but MacPhail has insisted he's not yet willing to trade any of his young talent.