Baltimore Orioles: Playoff Roster Speculations

Sep 20, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles center fielder

(10) is congratulated by

(27) after hitting a two-run home run in the fifth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The Orioles defeated the Red Sox 7-2.Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports

The Baltimore Orioles are able to set a new 25-man roster at the beginning of each of the rounds of the playoffs – for the American League divisional round (ALDS), the championship round (ALCS), and the World Series.

Honestly, the bulk of names to be a part of the roster are not difficult to name easily. It only comes down to a final 2-3 names to complete the 25 slots beyond the obvious choices.

A big question will be if Buck Showalter chooses to keep 11 or 12 pitchers, affecting the number of position players to be retained. For most of the season, the Orioles have carried 12 pitchers. But I am going to assume for purposes of this discussion that it will be 11 who are on the playoffs roster.

These are shorter series, and I would think that Buck would want more matchup potential at the plate and on the bases to deal with what are likely to be very close games. But it would not be a giant surprise if the Orioles choose to carry 12 pitchers.

Pitching (11)

Starters (4) – There is only a need for four starters. The first two are quite obvious: Chris Tillman and Wei-Yin Chen. I would guess that the competitive Bud Norris would be third and will pick Miguel Gonzalez as fourth. This allows the upper 90s power arm of Kevin Gausman to come out of the bullpen, providing a specific option or length.

Relievers (7) – There are five obvious choices who have been with the team all along: Closer Zach Britton, set-up men Darren O’Day and Andrew Miller, and match-up relievers Tommy Hunter and Brian Matusz. Add Gausman and left-handed T.J. McFarland for length. If Showalter chooses to go with 12 pitchers, look for Brad Brach to be the extra arm beyond the names listed.

Position Players (14)

Catchers – (2) – Caleb Joseph and Nick Hundley – the two-man catching rotation continues.

Infielders – (6) – Steve Pearce and J.J. Hardy are immediate choices. Ryan Flaherty and Jonathan Schoop have been with the team all year and will continue. Jimmy Paredes will be needed for third base along with Kelly Johnson – a left-handed bat

Outfielders / DH – (6) – Obvious choices are Adam Jones, Nick Markakis, and Nelson Cruz. Clearly Alejandro De Aza will be there, as will be the pinch-hitting guru Delmon Young. With anticipated close games, the O’s will want to have some extra base-running speed, and I am calling for the playoffs-experienced Quentin Berry to be kept for this purpose.  

More from Baltimore Orioles

• What other Baltimore Orioles Offseason Storylines will you be interested in seeing?
• Baltimore Orioles to Face Numerous Playoff Contenders Down the Stretch
• Baltimore Orioles Showing Encouraging Signs During Recent Wins
• The Baltimore Orioles and the Expanded September Roster
• Orioles Josh Rogers Expectations in his Major League Debut

This scenario leaves out David Lough, who has been with the team all season. But somebody cannot be kept. He sadly becomes the odd man out with the acquisition of De Aza. Lough and others can be kept active for possible changes in successive rounds.

The question of Chris Davis joining the Baltimore Orioles for the World Series is one that, of course, needs the team to get that far. I would render the opinion that bringing him back cold at that point, after the difficulties and total picture of this season, would not be a good move. I suspect many would disagree with this view, probably including Showalter and Duquette. Some of this may be determined by how well Paredes and Johnson hit in the American League playoffs.