Robert Andino could return as Orioles second baseman in 2013
Image Credit: Jim Rogash/Getty Images

Brian Roberts is optimistic about a return in 2013, but the Baltimore Orioles certainly can’t rely on a guy who has played just 115 games over the past three seasons. So, who plays second base for the O’s in 2013?

CBSBaltimore.com’s Rich Dubroff has a few suggestions for what he calls the Orioles first need this offseason.

  • Brian Roberts – Dubroff points out that B-Rob is now 35 years old and that Dan Duquette and the organization “will be happy if Roberts is able to play even some of the time.” The team spent all of last offseason preparing for life without their leadoff man/second baseman, they should probably be doing this same this winter.
  • Robert Andino – Bob has earned Buck Showalter’s trust but at $1.3 million “the Orioles may feel that Andino is now overpriced for his performance.” Andino hit .211/.283/.305 with 7 homers and 28 RBI in 127 games in 2012. Can the O’s at least keep him around to play the Red Sox?
  • Ryan Flaherty – At the end of the season and into the playoffs we saw Showalter use Flaherty against left handed pitching. Dubroff says Showalter may want Flaherty to have to earn to job at second, but acknowledges that his defense is “shaky” and he rarely walks (6 BB/43 K).
  • Omar Quintanilla – After a red hot start for the O’s (.333/.358/.476 with two home runs, 3 doubles, 8 RBI over his first 19 games with Baltimore), Quintanilla seemed to disappear. He finished the season with an 0-for-35 and will likely not return in 2012.
  • Free Agents – Kelly Johnson of the Blue Jays and Maicer Izturis of the Angels are guys that Dan Duquette may target during the offseason. They’re soft-hitting middle infielders who can provide solid defensive play for the O’s.


Dubroff says that Duquette may be willing to let go some of his pitching to acquire a second baseman though. Hopefully not too much, that was the O’s bread and butter in 2012.