Baltimore Orioles Roster – 10 Items for the Next 10 Days

Mar 4, 2014; Tampa, FL, USA; Baltimore Orioles left fielder

David Lough

(9) triples during the third inning against the New York Yankees at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Who will get the most starts in left field in 2014?

So what is the deal with Orioles left fielders having neck problems? This has been the story of Reimold’s life for longer than we would like to remember. And now David Lough has had problems with some odd and rather scary symptoms.

But presuming these difficulties will soon be in the mirror for Lough, we can expect him to be in left field for more games than anyone else this year. The former Royals player is going to become a fan favorite at the Yard because of his aggressive style of play. He may even bat at the top of the order, but in any event he will provide some speed not typically seen by Orioles players in recent years.

Against lefties, Reimold may get to play in left field. And though I’m as much of a Reimold supporter as can be found, I don’t believe he plays well on an occasional basis.

Along with the DH discussion, something has to give with the logjam that exists still in camp for LF, DH, and utility outfielders. It is not looking good for Delmon Young. The speed and utility of Quintin Berry would be great to have, but is there room? Steve Pearce is loved by many, though not by me; but he additionally can play first base. Francisco Peguero will open on the DL, while Xavier Paul was assigned yesterday. And Henry Urrutia is destined to lead the International League in hitting for the first half of the season at least.

With Lough in left field and Nelson Cruz as DH, along with regulars Markakis and Jones, certainly only two of the four – Young, Pearce, Reimold, Berry – can be kept. If up to me, I’d keep the latter two.