Written By: Daniel Clark of PenAndPaperSports.com
With Spring Training quickly approaching and the number of available free agents decreasing, I’ve taken a look at how the Orioles 25 man roster may look come Opening Day.
Like all Orioles fans, I remain hopeful that there will still be a few additions to the organization in the coming weeks, however as time goes on I can’t help but feel as though this is unlikely.
Starting Pitchers
1. Chris Tillman
2. Miguel Gonzalez
3. Wei-Yin Chen
4. Bud Norris
5. Kevin Gausman
Other candidates include Zach Britton and Liam Hendriks, but both would need strong Spring Training performances to squeeze himself ahead of one of those five.
Relief Pitchers
1. T.J. McFarland
2. Brian Matusz
3. Brad Brach
4. Ryan Webb
5. Darren O’Day
6. Tommy Hunter
At this stage I’ve left the closer role blank as I remain hopeful that Fernando Rodney will be signed. If he isn’t, then Hunter should close and Stinson will be added as the seventh relief pitcher on the back of a great finish to the 2013 season.
Catchers
1. Matt Wieters
2. Steve Clevenger
This appears to be pretty straight-forward, however Johnny Monell might have a chance if he has a much superior Spring Training than Clevenger.
Infielders
1. Chris Davis
2. Ryan Flaherty
3. J.J. Hardy
4. Manny Machado
5. Jonathan Schoop
6. Jemile Weeks
Assuming there’s no further signings and everyone stays healthy, then the first four are likely to be starting on Opening Day. Schoop and Weeks however will need to impress during Spring Training to ensure they make the active roster. Another who may be considered on the back of a good Spring Training performance would be Michael Almanzar.
Outfielders
1. Nick Markakis
2. Adam Jones
3. David Lough
4. Nolan Reimold
5. Steve Pearce
The outfield of Markakis, Jones and Lough appears to be the best choice at this stage, however Reimold will be in consideration with a good Spring Training. Pearce and Urrutia are likely to battle it out for the last spot on the roster.
I’d be really interested to hear your thoughts on this, so please leave a comment below.
Image Credit: Keith Allison
