Projecting the Baltimore Orioles 25-Man Playoff Roster
Reserves
Sep 12, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles teammates Kelly Johnson (14), Jonathan Schoop (6),
Ryan Flaherty(3) and
Alejandro De Aza(12) celebrate after game two of doubleheader against the New York Yankees at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The Orioles defeated the Yankees 5-0. Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports
Alejandro De Aza
Jimmy Peredes
Ryan Flaherty
Unfortunately, the Orioles see something in utility man Ryan Flaherty that many don’t. They might even decide to slot him into the starting lineup. But I just don’t get it. He has been atrocious this year, hitting into terribly-timed double plays and not really hitting at all. I’ll give him a spot on the bench though, just because he can play multiple positions on the field.
David Lough and De Aza will be the primary pinch-runners, and one of them might even get a start or two in the playoffs. De Aza has hit very well ever since coming over to Baltimore in a trade late August. In 17 games with the O’s this season, he has hit three home runs and nine RBIs with a .300 average while presenting impressive speed on the base-pads.
Jimmy Peredes and Caleb Joseph are both guys that came out of nowhere and have performed exceedingly well. Peredes has had 44 at-bats with Baltimore this year, hitting the ball in 15 of those, including getting the walk-off hit in a September game against the New York Yankees.
Caleb Joseph has arguably been the Orioles MVP this year. After Matt Wieters went down, Orioles fans didn’t know what was going to happen next and they thought this season might have been lost. Then came Caleb Joseph to save the day. His defensive prowess has been huge, as he holds a .993 fielding percentage and has done a nice job with multiple pitchers. Although he maintains a .213 average in 74 starts, he has hit some big home runs on the year, totaling to nine.
So what do you think? Am I wrong or am I right? I would love to hear your feedback.