Roch Kubatko makes a case for the Orioles signing first round pick Matt Wieters.

But forget for a minute that my checking account will stay the same - nearly empty - no matter what the Orioles decide. They'd be investing in more than a switch-hitting catcher. They also could be investing in their second baseman and leadoff hitter, their No. 1 starter, and any free agents with even a passing interest in coming to Baltimore.

Brian Roberts and Erik Bedard are more than a little curious to see what the Orioles plan to do in the next few years before making a long-term commitment. Do they have a plan? Are they headed in the right direction? Are they really committed to doing whatever's necessary to field a winner - such as spending like the Steinbrenners?

You're scrutinized a little closer when your last winning season dates back to 1997.