We’ve nearly made it, Birdland. We’re now just one week from Opening Day at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Seven days from beginning the much-needed flushing of the taste of the ALDS sweep at the hands of the Texas Rangers from our mouths. A quarter of a month from what we hope will be the successful defense of the 2023 American League East title.
And while we have a pretty good idea of what the final 26-man roster will be when the team heads north from Sarasota, plenty of questions still remain. Top of mind for O’s fans is, of course, which prospects will start the season on the big club?
In case you missed it, they have quite the logjam on their hands.
Last year, the team broke camp with 13 position players and 13 pitchers, and it’s fair to expect the same. With that in mind, let’s toss some darts and see if we can accurately predict the state of things. We’ll start with the layups.
Catchers (2)
Easy peezy, orange crush squeezy. No controversy here.
Starting Pitchers (5)
Brandon Hyde laid out his rotation yesterday, so there’s nothing to argue about here either. While I personally prefer Tyler Wells in the bullpen, with Kyle Bradish and John Means unavailable, he’s a logical replacement. He seems to want to be a starter, and says he’s put in the work to rack up the innings once again. He deserves the chance. Irvin showed off some increased velocity early in Grapefruit League action, but has looked more like his old self lately. Fingers crossed on that front.
Bullpen (8)
I’m quite confident about the first six here, but the last two spots are a mystery. Nick Vespi was optioned, so he’s out. Keegan Akin and Bryan Baker are both likely to be optioned to begin the season as well, in my opinion, simply because they have the options, and Jacob Webb doesn’t. Julio Teheran might surprise some people, but he offers length and the ability to spot start and will very likely opt out of his contract if not on the team. Like with Webb, I see the organization opting to not lose anyone they don’t absolutely have to just yet.
Super Utility Player (1)
Now we get into the real fun.
Jorge Mateo will make the team, Hyde said
— Danielle Allentuck (@d_allentuck) March 21, 2024
Brandon Hyde told us yesterday that Mateo is on the team, and while this seemed to surprise many fans, I don’t count myself in that group. They love his speed as a weapon and have no plans to jettison him. If you consider Jorge a super utility player who can fill in at shortstop, second base, or in the outfield, it’s like the team is keeping 4.5 outfielders and 6.5 infielders, rather than four and seven respectively.
Outfielders (4)
With Mateo as an extra backup oufielder, we have just four true outfielders. Despite Kyle Stowers‘ extremely impressive spring, Cowser has the edge in my book. Let the Moo Man have another shot. I don’t think we’ll be disappointed again. With Ryan McKenna out of options, he’ll have to be pried from Brandon Hyde’s vice grip, but the time has come to say goodbye.
Infielders (6)
Yes, I still think Holliday is the Opening Day second baseman, despite Mateo’s presence creating more of a “crunch,” if you believe the rumblings from some corners of Birdland. Likewise, Ramon Urias’ presence doesn’t preclude Holliday’s inclusion.
Agree? Disagree? Let me know in the comments or @EutawStReport.
