Orioles 25 Man Roster Projection

Back at the time when spring training was just beginning and players were reporting, I made a first round of predictions about who would make the team for the open of the 2012 season. There are several changes in my thinking, but I do continue to believe that the issue of players with/without options will factor heavily into the final decisions. This may not be fair to all parties, but it is nature of the business. And of course, a pending trade that Dan Duquette has not chosen to discuss with me may factor into these considerations.

The Orioles have the following 10 players who are “out of options” and would have to clear waivers if not kept on the roster:

Robert Andino

Chris Davis

Jim Johnson

Nolan Reimold

Taylor Teagarden

Alfredo Simon

Troy Patton

Pedro Strop

Dana Eveland

Jai Miller

Of those 10, the first four are “locks” to make the team, and Teagarden can be put on the DL (maybe Simon also?).  I am sure the Birds would like to keep all of the final four, but probably cannot. Patton must certainly be kept, and I’m high on Strop. Eveland starts a game tomorrow, and that is likely critical for his future. Though I love Jai Miller’s upside potential, I’m afraid he’ll have to be exposed to waivers.

So here is my projection:

Pitchers (12) …         

Jake Arrieta

Jason Hammel

Wei-Yin Chen

Tommy Hunter

Brian Matusz

– – – – – – –

Tsuyoshi Wada

Dana Eveland

Matt Lindstrom

Troy Patton

Pedro Strop

Luis Ayala

Jim Johnson

Regular Positional Starters (8)

Matt Wieters

Chris Davis

Robert Andino

J.J. Hardy

Mark Reynolds

Nolan Reimold

Adam Jones

Nick Markakis

Utility Players / DH / Bench (5)

Ronny Paulino (c)

Endy Chavez

Wilson Betemit

Ryan Flaherty

Nick Johnson

Notes

Kevin Gregg – traded hopefully or given away

Alfredo Simon – DL or sent through waivers

Tillman, Berken, Bergesen, O’Day, Philips, Drake, Nesheck, Willis go to AAA

Twitter @osayorioles