Baltimore Orioles: Buyers.

Why: The Orioles have played .500 or better baseball through the first three months of the season. Baltimore would be in the playoffs if the postseason started Friday. Sure, the Orioles have a minus-28 run differential, worst in the AL East, but by acquiring designated hitter Jim Thome for two Class A prospects, the Orioles sent a message: They're buyers. 

Who they need: The Orioles want -- and need -- starting pitching. Earlier Friday, they were rumored to be aggressively pursuing Milwaukee's Zack Greinke. If they can't land Greinke, they'll look at other, cheaper options on the market.

The Orioles could also potentially use some help at second base. Their OPS of .568 at the position -- between Robert Andino and the injured Brian Roberts -- is 13th in the American League, as only Detroit is worse.

Who they can deal: The Orioles have two of the top prospects in baseball: pitcher Dylan Bundy, ranked  No. 1 on Baseball America's Midseason Top 50 Prospects List, and shortstop Manny Machado, ranked ninth. However, Baltimore is reportedly unwilling to move either, as they "could be long-term solutions for the Orioles."

If things fall apart for the Orioles the next few weeks, they could look into dealing veterans Kevin Gregg and Mark Reynolds, both of whom have 2013 club options. 

Who is available: If the Orioles can't land Greinke, which seems doubtful without including Bundy or Machado, Baltimore will set their sights on Joe Saunders and Bartolo Colon to bolster their rotation. 

Verdict: The Orioles got off to a quick start by trading for Thome a month before the July 31 non-waiver trade deadline. They're buying, and looking for starting pitching, so they can make a run at the postseason. If call-ups like Chris Tillman can continue to contribute, injured players Roberts and Nick Markakis return, and general manager Dan Duquette can get the starter he covets, perhaps Baltimore can make some noise this fall.