Baltimore Orioles Lineup Possibilities Present Little Relief
Mar 16, 2014; Dunedin, FL, USA; Baltimore Orioles center fielder Adam Jones (10) is congratulated by second baseman Ryan Flaherty (3) after he scored a run during the fourth inning against the Toronto Blue Jays at Florida Auto Exchange Park. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
When thinking through and working up varied Baltimore Orioles lineup possibilities, it really does strike you that this is an expectantly very powerful batting order. There is not much relief in it, though again, the old adage that good pitching stops good hitting is an old adage because it is true. Though the Orioles are clearly going to be a team that frequently pummels the opposition with high-scoring outbreaks, there will conversely be other times where strong pitching will manage even this strong lineup.
But in the big picture of things, the excitement and anticipation of Orioles fans is well-placed and reasonable. The core six players will be back (when Manny Machado returns before long), and each looks to have a strong season on the horizon – particularly Nick Markakis, who appears to have a renewed level of fitness and preparation beyond the last several years.
And there is every reason to believe that the designated hitter slot will be especially improved, and that there will be offensive upgrades coming from left field and second base. These three slots in the 2013 order often gave pitchers some relief from the powerhouse that was the foundation of the batting order.
Lineup Ideas
So let’s put together some batting orders from what we know about the composition of the team at this point, what we remember from the way Showalter has done it in the past, and also from those few hints Buck has thrown out there this spring.
Obviously, Nelson Cruz is going to be the primary DH, and Buck has talked about him maybe playing LF against leftie pitching – in order to put another right-handed bat in the order. That could be Nolan Reimold or Steve Pearce. This is assuming they are retained over Delmon Young, though you could substitute Young’s name in Reimold’s place below. Frankly, I’d rather see Young than Pearce.
So I have assemble four lineups below. They are labeled AMR and PMR (meaning After Muchado’s return and Pre-Muchado’s joining the roster, and lineups versus both right-handed and left-handed pitching. Also note a list of assumptions in compiling these thoughts …
List of Assumptions
Manny Machado will join the Orioles mid to late April.
Jonathan Schoop to start with O’s, then be sent down when Machado returns.
Alex Gonzalez is kept as the utility infielder.
Nolan Reimold is retained as DH/LF with Nelson Cruz against lefties.
Assuming there are no trades that change the total field of names we know as of today – 3/22.
AMR vs. RHP
David Lough – LF
Manny Machado – 3B
Adam Jones – CF
Chris Davis – 1B
Nelson Cruz – DH
Nick Markakis – RF
J.J. Hardy – SS
Matt Wieters – C
Ryan Flaherty – 2B
AMR vs. LHP
Nick Markakis – RF
Manny Machado – 3B
Adam Jones – CF
Chris Davis – 1B
Nelson Cruz – LF/DH
J.J. Hardy – SS
Matt Wieters – C
Nolan Reimold – DH/LF
Alex Gonzalez – 2B
PMR vs. RHP
David Lough – LF
Nick Markakis – RF
Adam Jones – CF
Chris Davis – 1B
Nelson Cruz – DH
J.J. Hardy – SS
Matt Wieters – C
Jonathan Schoop – 2B
Ryan Flaherty – 3B
PMR vs. LHP
Nick Markakis – RF
J.J. Hardy – SS
Adam Jones – CF
Chris Davis – 1B
Nelson Cruz – DH/LF
Matt Wieters – C
Jonathan Schoop – 2B
Nolan Reimold – LF/DH
Alex Gonzalez – 3B