Ed Note: Previously, Paul Valle posted his predicted 25-man roster. See how his prediction compares to Matt’s (below) here.
Opening day for the Baltimore Orioles is rapidly approaching and there are some interesting questions about who will be headed to Baltimore. There are circumstances that make this opening day roster an in-flux unit.
The fact that Manny Machado will open the season on the 15-day DL means that you will most likely see Ryan Flaherty starting the season at third base for the birds. Troy Patton’s 25-game suspension for amphetamines will open up an extra bullpen role for grabs and the late signing of a sure-fire starter will probably mean a Minor league stint for a rising star.
So, without further adieu the Orioles 25-man opening day roster…
OUTFIELDERS
Adam Jones, Nick Markakis, and Nelson Cruz are among the locks to break camp and fly north for the summer. David Lough brings a left-handed bat and versatility to the Orioles lineup, and his speed on the base paths is also a plus for an otherwise slow roster. Nolan Reimold will have yet another opportunity to prove his worth to Buck, after appearing in just 56 Major League games in the past two seasons. His 10 homeruns in that small window show power potential and he’s out of options. It just comes back to the same old question of health with Reimold.
This will send Henry Urrutia and Delmon Young to the minors, the real question is, how long until one of them gets the call up due to injury?
Infielders
J.J. Hardy and Chris Davis are crucial cogs in any success the Orioles want to have this season. Ryan Flaherty is all but guaranteed to make the club and probably cover third until Manny can make a healthy return. The swap of Alex Gonzalez and Steve Lombardozzi between the O’s and Tigers shores up second base.
“We’re taking him right now with that in mind,” EVP of BBO Dan Duquette said when asked if Lombardozzi will be headed to Baltimore. “We’ll see how it goes in the next couple days, but our reports are that he can play second, third and in the outfield. And he can contribute offensively from both sides of the plate. Good fundamental player.”
This will send Jonathan Schoop to the minors to ensure his everyday at bats and continued growth. In turn, this will open a spot for Alexi Casilla to make the club. Jemile Weeks has not impressed in spring training which will send him packing. Seven stolen bases won’t make up for his .143 average.
Catchers
Matt Wieters will obviously be behind the plate for Opening Day versus Boston. All the reports so far by the Orioles beat reporters indicate that Steve Clevenger will beat out Johnny Monell.
Starting Pitchers
Chris Tillman has already been named the Opening Day starter for the birds. Ubaldo Jimenez, Wei-Yin Chen, and Miguel Gonzalez have been rumored to be the 2-4 starters. Before the signing of Jimenez I would have signed a proclamation in blood that Kevin Gausman would be one of the starting five. Gausman, unfortunately, will continue to hone his skills in the Minors. If Bud Norris or Gonzalez begin to show signs of struggle, Gausman will be gnawing at their heels to get himself into a starting role pushing that pitcher into the bullpen.
Relievers
Tommy Hunter and Darren O’ Day will be your closer and main set-up man, respectively. Brian Matusz will pick up where he left off as the lefty specialist. Zach Britton has lit up the competition in the Grapefruit League pitching in short doses. Britton is out of options and is pitching well enough to make the club but not well enough to be a starter. Steve Johnson only allowed three hits and two runs in his first four spring outings and can go multiple innings. Josh Stinson threw six consecutive scoreless innings throughout his campaign and is out of options. According to Brittany Ghiroli of MLB.com, Ryan Webb is a lock. The righty spent the last three seasons with the Miami/Florida Marlins. The final roster spot will go to T.J. McFarland. He pitched a scoreless three innings against Minnesota on the 14th.
Changes
This roster will not look like this once Manny Machado and Troy Patton get back from injury and suspension. I would say it’s only a matter of time before Reimold gets hurt which will probably open up space for Urrutia. Whoever is struggling in the bullpen will lose their job when Patton returns. Also, don’t expect Buck to carry 13 pitchers throughout the entire season either.
photo: Craig Landefeld
