Comments on: Early Orioles Roster Predictions

By: sci

sci — Wed, 11 Feb 2009 14:29:48 +0000

Slightly off topic, but this is awesome…

http://www.billjamesonline.net/fieldingbible/jeter.asp

By: neal s

neal s — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 19:38:27 +0000

@sci – You’re definitely not being overly optimistic. The Plan is right where it should be right now, and we’re still on track to contend either next year or in 2011. A lot can happen, obviously, but so far, so good.

And as I noted in that email, this group of guys figures to be a fun one to watch this year. I’m not going to go so far as to predict a winning season, but at the very least I don’t think they’ll make us suffer.

By: dan the man

dan the man — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 17:06:48 +0000

Speaking of Baez, doesn’t it kind of seem like MacPhail is trying to purge the roster of The Overpaid Three? He sells Bradford, who promptly gets injured. Walker is a tentative roster spot at best, and he’s been injured. And Baez was injured and ineffective. Baez’s and Walker’s days are numbered, I think.

By: dan the man

dan the man — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 17:04:46 +0000

One x-factor to consider is the fact that MacPhail himself made mention of the fact that the club is going to get a look at Wigginton and Freel at shortstop in ST. It’s a long shot that they decide either of them are capable of playing the position (though why wouldn’t Freel be able to, considering his speed and arm strength), but if they do you have an extra pitching spot.

I agree with Andrew’s rotation, although I’m not completely convinced on Waters, seeing as he has options. But I do think Penn will be in the bullpen, Baez will be cut, and Parrish will be the first called up if one of Waters, Hendrickson, or Walker fail.

The guy of course that’s being left out for now is Matt Albers. He’s better than most of the guys we just named, but it seems everyone has the same idea that either his shoulder explodes or if not, he’ll get innings at AAA for awhile to see what’s up.

By: Andrew

Andrew — Tue, 10 Feb 2009 16:29:51 +0000

If I were in charge of the roster/lineup/rotation composition, I would try to keep Pauley around. I mean, no sense in just letting him go play for the Padres or whoever if we don’t give him at least a real, honest-to-goodness shot at pitching.

Anyway, my best guess at the final spots:

Guthrie-Uehara-Hill-Pauley-Waters

Although Pauley and Penn are interchangable, as are Hennessey and Waters, and I’m just praying that Hill doesn’t explode in Spring Training or something, otherwise we’ll have to switch him and Henrickson.

Hendrickson-Johnson-Walker-Penn-Sarfate-Ray-Sherrill

I can’t picture Parrish making the team, honestly. I assume he’ll be up soon enough, but out of Spring Training? I’m guessing no.

Roberts-Jones-Markakis-Huff-Scott/Wigginton-Mora-Pie-Zaun-Izturis.

Hopefully it’s Roberts-Jones-Markakis-Huff-Scott/Wigginton-Wieters-Mora-Pie-Izturis before June.

And that’s a damn good bench constructed there. Too bad benches don’t really set the tone for seasons.