They may not have secured the American League East Division title they wanted, but fans can take solace in the Baltimore Orioles at least ending the postseason drought that had endured for over a decade. For the first time since 1997, Baltimore will take part in the MLB postseason, though they’re guaranteed only nine innings. In order to earn a re-match with the title-stealing New York Yankees, the Orioles must travel to Arlington and defeat the Texas Rangers in the new single-game wild card playoff instituted at the start of the season. Should they be victorious, Camden Yards will host the first two games of the ALDS so begin making plans now with 2012 Baltimore Orioles playoff tickets available in the Vivid Seats marketplace.

Six Orioles had tallied 100-plus hits at the end of the regular season including Adam Jones, who recorded a team-best 186, followed by J.J. Hardy (158), Chris Davis (139), Matt Wieters (131), Nick Markakis (125), and Mark Reynolds (101).

Judging by the way the Baltimore Orioles swung the bat last season, it was surprising the ball club won only 69 games and finished in the AL East cellar. Four different O's hit more than 20 home runs last year: Mark Reynolds, J.J. Hardy, Adam Jones, and Matt Weiters. Baseball nuts in Baltimore in the market for 2012 Orioles tickets should be happy that their big-swinging quartet is returning for another run at the playoffs. While the franchise should have enough fire power at the plate to compete in the division, manager Buck Showalter's team will need to improve immensely at the mound to have a shot at upsetting the Yankees and Red Sox. The front office has already taken measures to remake their pitching staff, signing Japanese left hander Tsuyoshi Wada to a 2-year deal. Here's a sneak peak at what the 30-year-old hurler can do -