Garrett Atkins praises his new team’s offense (emphasis added):

Atkins said the Orioles, who had vacancies at both first and third base, were the first team to call his agent, and a deal was struck within a week. His contract includes $500,000 in incentives and an $8.5 million option for 2011 with a $500,000 buyout.

“They stepped up,” Atkins said. “They were the first one to call, showed the most interest, were able to provide the most playing time. It’s a good lineup. They obviously had the most confidence in me out of any team out there. All of those things are very appealing for a player.”

Does he realize the Orioles finished 2009 10th in the AL in runs per game? Does he also realize that the Rockies, despite a poor year from Atkins and a pitcher batting a good deal of the time, outscored the Orioles by 0.4 runs per game?

The Orioles brought up a couple of good young hitters last year, so I expect them to improve. They have a ways to go before they are a good lineup, however.