I spotted an interesting poll on MASN’s website last night, posing a thought-provoking question: Which currently injured Oriole do you think will make the biggest impact in 2013? It got me thinking about the candidates and what they each bring to the table.
First is Brian Roberts. The news that Roberts is off to see a specialist about the tendon behind his knee is unsettling to say the least. It’s tough for me to be very confident in Roberts getting back anytime soon to make a real reliable contribution. It’s a shame because second base is definitely a spot where the O’s could use some more offense. I’ve heard Chase Utley’s name thrown around in trade talks and I’ve heard speculation that Jonathan Schoop could be called up. When all of these are options, there really isn’t much confidence in Roberts.
Taylor Teagarden was another candidate on the list. I like what Teagarden brings to the table in his sporadic starts. They are only that though, sporadic starts. If we are talking about who can make the BIGGEST impact on the team in 2013, I don’t think it will be the Orioles backup catcher. Matt Wieters is obviously the man behind the mask for this team. Having Teagarden back, whenever he is healthy, will give the team a boost for sure. That said, it won’t make the biggest impact on the team.
Wilson Betemit is another interesting part of the equation. I think we all know what kind of contribution Betemit can make from the left side of the plate. Before spring training, he was penciled in as the club’s designated hitter against right-handed pitching. The O’s DH spot has suffered this year in Betemit’s absence. Baltimore designated hitters are dead last in the American League in batting average at a cool .147 this season. They are also last in on-base, slugging and RBI in the junior circuit.
Dylan Bundy sparks a fun part of this debate. We all know the prized prospect is resting right now, as prescribed by Dr. James Andrews. I don’t think Bundy will be able to contribute to the big league team until August or September at the very earliest. He hasn’t even pitched at the Double-A level this season. Bundy has all the potential and talent in the world, which makes him an obvious candidate on this list. In my opinion, the O’s are going to be extra cautious with Bundy coming back from his forearm issue. When you couple that with the fact that Kevin Gausman appeared to be ahead of Bundy in spring training, I’d guess that Bundy may not be a high choice.
The final candidate on this list is Tsuyoshi Wada. In my eyes, Wada is the real wild card here. No one really knows what the Japanese import can do. He didn’t pitch at all for the O’s last year after undergoing Tommy John surgery. The left-hander is scheduled to make one more start in extended spring training on Friday before going on a rehab assignment with one of the minor league clubs. I’m not even positive where Wada might land when he joins the Orioles. It could be the bullpen or the rotation. That’s all up to the coaching staff. What I do know is that the club is very high on Wada and he’s my choice for the guy I think can make the biggest contribution this year. In whatever capacity the team chooses, I think Wada will end up getting some big outs for the O’s. He’s likely to come off the disabled list in about a month, so it’s something to watch out for.
Who is YOUR pick out of this group? Let me know in the comments or find me on Twitter: @AStetka.
Also, be sure to tune in to The Coach’s Buzz each Monday night at 7:15 on CBS Sports Radio 1300 in Baltimore. You can listen online at Radio.com or at coachbuzz.net. I’ll be making a weekly appearance to talk about the Orioles.
Go O’s!
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