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
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