I hear that Luis Gonzalez is rumored to be headed back to the Tigers. The Diamondbacks could be in store from rebuilding. I think they will lose Mussina, not good news for the rotation next season, given that Scott Erickson is out, too. I agree, though, it is going to take a long time for the Orioles to be competitive. If ownership decides this winter that it is time to spend money again, the drought will last longer.
History says no.
It is one thing to have hitting carry a team in the regular season. The Texas Rangers of last season. Joe Torre is starting Chuck Knoblauch at DH in Game 1 of the Division Series vs. Oakland. The lineup will be Knoblauch, Jeter, O'Neill, Williams, Justice, Martinez, Posada, Sojo and Brosius. The Yankees are leery of Knoblauch's throwing at second base.