This was supposed to be a season for the Orioles to escape the injury bug that plagued them throughout 2014, but so far in 2015, the bug is unfortunately biting once again.
It appears J.J. Hardy, Matt Wieters and David Lough will all begin the season on the DL, which is something Baltimore fans won’t be happy about. However, the injuries give certain players, like Jimmy Paredes, new life when it comes to their possibility of cracking the 25-man roster.
Paredes has been looking for a chance to make the team and has done all the right things so far. He batted .302 in 18 games for the Orioles last season and has batted .373 in Spring Training.
However, the third baseman was on the outside looking in as he faced tough odds of beating out Jonathan Schoop, Evereth Cabrera and Ryan Flaherty for a roster spot. The recent injury to Hardy though gives Paredes a very good chance to make the team and possibly even to start at third base.
Some fans have suggested Paredes start at third base and Manny Machado slides over to shortstop while Hardy is out. It’s not a bad idea, as Paredes played (reasonably) well at third base last season and Machado is a natural shortstop.
Another option would be for Cabrera to play shortstop and for Paredes to come off the bench. Either way, in my eyes Paredes has done enough to beat out Flaherty for a spot and should have some type of role while Hardy rehabs.
Flaherty has had many chances to prove he belongs to the team but has only posted a career .221 average for the Orioles. His versatility to play at almost every position – and play it well – has been a huge asset that Buck Showalter values. Still, is this enough to keep him around again, even as more capable players emerge who could take his spot on the roster?
It would be best for the Orioles to give Paredes a chance to start as he has hit extremely well this Spring Training. His clutch bat would be much welcomed to a lineup that will lack some power with Hardy and Wieters out for the time being.
Paredes isn’t a power hitter, but he could do some damage as a switch hitter at the bottom of the lineup.
Injuries are always a tough part of the game, but it also opens the door for many players that normally wouldn’t get a chance to show what they can do on the field.
Paredes has a chance to prove that he belongs on the Orioles and that he could stick around in a backup role once Hardy returns.
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