The 2012 season will be remembered by Orioles supporters as one that would provide plenty of hope, but ultimately end in disappointment.

Though they progressed to the post-season courtesy of a Wildcard victory over Texas Rangers, progress was halted by the New York Yankees in the division series, with a failure to win game four ending their hopes of a World Series push.

Ahead of the pre-season a record of 93-69 had been enough to secure second spot in the American League East, and hopes at that stage were high that a surprise push for Major League Baseball’s showpiece matches would follow.

The arrival of Endy Chavez and Taylor Teagarden in December helped plant the seeds of optimism ahead of the 2012 season, and the recruitment of Jai Miller, Wei-Yin Chen and Wilson Betemit had many positively giddy about imminent prospects.

Pitching ammunition was added in February in the shape of Matt Lindstrom and Jason Hammel, with Jeremy Guthrie heading in the opposite direction and finding a home at the Colorado Rockies.

What followed did not deliver on early season hopes, and the club weren’t among the MLB World Series picks, but there’s enough in the bank for the Orioles to look ahead to 2013 with a little extra confidence.

The addition of a hitter with a high on-base percentage could help remedy the Orioles’ failure to manufacture many runs this season, with batting attacks often found wanting against the division’s more aggressive pitchers.

But extra quality in the Orioles’ pitching department wouldn’t go amiss either. There’s plenty of capable bodies on board, but not enough with the star power that separates successful teams from victorious ones.

One man who could fill that void is Anaheim Angels right-hander Zack Greinke, though the Orioles’ traditional hesitancy to award signings with contracts longer than four years may deter some of MLB’s biggest names making the switch.

Those who enjoy betting on baseball believe it’s time for the Orioles to show a little long-term faith in their transfer targets. It could be the change that’s needed to deliver a World Series.

I wonder if the Orioles would be interested in trading for Span and putting him in left field? He and Jones being buddies and he would be a great top of the order guy for them.

I wonder if the Orioles would be interested in trading for Span and putting him in left field? He and Jones being buddies and he would be a great top of the order guy for them.

and what would you want in return for denard?