Thoughts on the Orioles Playoff Roster

The Baltimore Orioles have enjoyed the expanded roster of September to help the team through the final segment of the season – going 20-10 since 9/1 (not counting what will be the final game outcome). It was no surprise to any “BirdsWatcher” that Buck Showalter was able to orchestrate this plethora of resources into a tremendous finish to the season.

But now, going into the playoffs, what will be the roster? Assuming 13 position players and 12 pitchers, let’s think through it …

Position Players – 12

Starters – 9

October 2, 2012; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Baltimore Orioles designated hitter Chris Davis (19) is congratulated by teammates after he hit a solo home run in the fourth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-US PRESSWIRE

C – Matt Wieters

1B – Mark Reynolds

2B – Robert Andino

SS – J.J. Hardy

3B – Manny Machado

LF – Nate McLouth

CF – Adam Jones

RF – Chris Davis

DH – Jim Thome

Backup Catcher – 1

Taylor Teagarden

Bench Players – 3

Ryan Flaherty

Endy Chavez

Lew Ford

The starters/DH are no-brainers, as is the backup catcher. Only three other players can make the team. A left-handed hitting 2^nd baseman would be Flaherty – who has earned the role to be a platooned player with Andino. Chavez and Ford give an extra left/right choice off the bench, with Chavez also as a late-inning defensive replacement in right field.

Pitchers – 12

Starting Pitchers – 4

Wei-Yin Chen

Chris Tillman

Miguel Gonzalez

Joe Saunders

Long Relief / Additional Starters – 2

Steve Johnson

Jason Hammel

Relievers – 7

Jim Johnson

Darren O’Day

Luis Ayala

Pedro Strop

Brian Matusz

Troy Patton

Tommy Hunter

Not included are Dylan Bundy, Zach Britton, Jake Arrieta.  If Steve Johnson or Hammel are not physically able to be a part of it, it will be interesting to see who else is taken of these three. That is quite a prospect trio there!

Twitter:  @OSayOrioles

Email:  r.buchman@myactv.net