This got ugly quick. But there’s good news. Now we know.

We know that we won’t be able to count on Liz or Burres or Olson or Waters or (it’s time to admit it) the DC Cab. At least not in any role more prominent than fourth or fifth starter.

We know that the bullpen has some good arms and some bad ones, but that it’s basically solid. When it isn’t overused.

We know that the outfield is set with Markakis, Jones, and Scott. We know that we desperately need a shortstop, and that Huff and Mora probably each have two or three years left in the tank. We know that we’ll need to address first base. We know that Brian Roberts is a perennial team MVP, provided he sticks around.

We know that Matt Wieters should be given a chance to start during spring training, partially due to the fact that Ramon Hernandez has worn out his welcome.

Right. So what now?

This was the Lost Season — the one where we suffer as we learn. Next season’s different. We’re supposed to start showing progress. The organization appears to be in very good shape on the whole, and there’s no point in conceding another year. We know where the holes are and we have a pretty good idea of how they might or might not be filled with guys currently in the system. It’s not about contending for a playoff spot in ’09, but it is about taking the next step to get there.

The prescription for 2009, then, is to add quality veteran players to complement what we’ve got without blocking anyone’s development. That’s how winning teams do it.