It’s almost time to welcome our boys of summer back to Charm City! In two weeks, Orioles pitchers and catchers will report to Ed Smith Stadium in Sarasota, FL with visions of bringing the Commissioner’s Cup trophy back to Baltimore. Winning the American League East by 12 games brought back baseball Baltimore pride, but getting swept by the Kansas City Royals left a bitter taste and hopefully a hunger in the bellies of those in the orange and black uniforms.
In looking back on the 2014 Opening Day line-up, it appears there may not be many changes to what we should expect for 2015, but where are the holes and who fills Nelson Cruz’s and Nick Markakis’ shoes on the field?
The 2014 opening day starting line-up and early projections for the 2015 opening day line-up:
Catcher: Former Gold Glove winner Matt Wieters makes this arguably one of the easiest positions to fill. He signed a one-year deal worth $8,275,000. Wieters is reportedly at full health following Tommy John surgery just 26 games into the 2014 season. He is currently able to throw 150 feet and expected to be back by opening day. He offered the following during a MASN interview:
“The rehab’s going well and going how it’s supposed to from all the talk I’ve gotten with Dr. (James) Andrews and my physical therapist down here and Richie (Bancells).”
2015 projected starter: Wieters.
Starting Pitcher – Chris Tillman finished the 2014 season 13-6, ERA 3.34. Tillman made $546,000 in 2014 and was signed to a 2015 contract at $4.315 million. This is Buck’s guy unless someone blows him off the mound during spring training.
2015 projected starter: Tillman.
1st Base – Chris Davis signed a one-year, $12 million contract this offseason – that’s before performance bonuses that could increase the deal by $500,000. Davis, who was suspended for Adderall use, missed 24 games including postseason 2014, and will not be available opening day.
2015 projected starter: Steve Pearce
2nd base – Jonathan Schoop had major struggles at the plate during the 2014 season, batting .209 during the regular season and .190 in the postseason.
2015 projected starter: Ryan Flaherty
3rd base – Flaherty started the season holding Manny Machado’s place at third. He was signed to a one-year $1,075,000 contract to avoid arbitration.
2015 projected starter: Manny Machado. Machado is well ahead of recovery schedule from his second knee surgery. He’s said to be looking forward to spring training having missed it in 2014.
Shortstop – Gold Glove winner J.J. Hardy signed a three-year extension during the postseason (with an option of year four) reportedly somewhere near $40 million. He finished third in the league in shortstop fielding percentage in 2014 with a gaudy .978.
2015 projected starter: Hardy.
Right field – Nick Markakis signed a four-year, $44 million contract with the Atlanta Braves in free agency. The Orioles countered his departure by trading for Travis Snider with the Pittsburgh Pirates. Snider has a large upside and is expected to benefit from the dimensions of OPACY.
Projected starter: Snider.
Centerfield – Adam Jones was married in the offseason to Audie Fugett, but has been professionally married to the Orioles since 2012 following a six-year $85.5 million contract signing.
2015 projected starter: Jones.
Left field – Nelson Cruz was signed by the Seattle Mariners with a four-year, $57 million deal.
2015 projected starter: Alejandro De Aza.
Designated Hitter – Delmon Young was quickly bumped from DH when Cruz developed nagging injuries. He had a brilliant stretch as pinch hitter. His current contract for the 2015 season is for $2.25 million.
2015 projected starter: Young.
The long wait is nearly over. Almost time to Buckle Up Birdland!
