Duquette Speaks and an Early Look at Orioles Roster

Jul 19, 2014; Oakland, CA, USA; Baltimore Orioles shortstop

J.J. Hardy

(2) congratulated by his team in the dugout after he hit a solo home run during the first inning against the Oakland Athletics at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports

Dan Duquette has been silent on the rumors regarding the Toronto Blue Jays for months, but Thursday night he finally broke his silence. Speaking to beat writers before the Aberdeen Ironbirds’ Hot Stove Banquet, Duquette discussed the Blue Jays’ ordeal with Roch Kubatko, saying…

"“You know, these things happen in baseball. This is rare, but sometimes trades are made for managers, sometimes trades are made for executives and that’s the way it goes. It’s a part of the business. If there’s trade discussions that I have as an executive, I really don’t talk about those publicly, because you never know what’s going to come to fruition and what’s not. But I’ve been focused on helping the Orioles all winter, focused on doing the job to put together a good team. So from that perspective it’s in effect business as usual.”"

Duquette goes on to say more, including whether he had to affirm his commitment to the Orioles’ front office, here.

Now that the Duquette saga has been completed, and the team has made a few moves, I want to take an early look at the 25-man roster. I am going to have a few asterisks included as well, with my thoughts on who plays first base for the last game of Chris Davis‘ suspension, and what happens if Manny Machado or Matt Wieters is not ready to to start the year.

POSITION PLAYERS (alphabetical order)

The Locks (5)

-Chris Davis*, J.J. Hardy, Adam Jones, Manny Machado**, Matt Wieters***

One of these guys has to miss the first game, and two of them may not be healthy. But these three players are the ones the O’s are relying on to help make up for the losses of Nick Markakis and Nelson Cruz, and as long as they are healthy, I believe they will. And that includes a big bounce-back year from Davis.

Roster Spot Solidified (4)

–Alejandro De Aza, Caleb Joseph, Steve Pearce, Delmon Young

De Aza will make the team, likely as a starter. Joseph could start if Wieters isn’t ready, but also is solidly entrenched as the O’s backup catcher. Pearce and Young helped the O’s win the pennant last year, and both will be asked to produce in 2015.

Looking Good (2)

–Ryan Flaherty, Jonathan Schoop

I think Schoop will be the starting second baseman, and will have a very good year. But, if he was to have an awful spring, I don’t think his position is exactly solidified like the guys mentioned above. Flaherty also has a spot on this team, as someone has to be the utility infielder.

Outfield Battle (2)

–David Lough, Travis Snider

I chronicled my thoughts on Snider here. I think he is the favorite for the fourth outfielder spot, but Lough certainly could beat him out. A lot will depend on how Lough is swinging the bat this spring.

The Asterisk Guys (2)

–J.P. Arencibia (for Wieters), Jimmy Paredes (for Machado)

Arencibia I believe is the default number 3 catcher. I think he is better defensively than Steve Clevenger, and better offensively than Ryan Lavarnway. However, Paredes is intriguing. This is a guy who has several tools, and can play several positions. Could he fill the utility role over Flaherty? Unlikely, because his defense is not as good. But, if he and Flaherty both make the roster, it could keep both Lough and Snider off the roster, with those two acting as the fourth outfielder.

PITCHERS (In order of likelihood of making the team)

Locks (8)

–Chris Tillman, Darren O’Day, Wei-Yin Chen, Zach Britton, Bud Norris, Miguel Gonzalez, Tommy Hunter, Wesley Wright

Four starters, four relievers. I think these four starters are set in stone, as they were last year. The relievers, two righties and two lefties, are also in great shape. It would take a disaster to keep any of these eight off the 25-man roster.

And the Rest

–Brad Brach, Ubaldo Jimenez, Kevin Gausman, Brian Matusz, Ryan Webb, T.J. McFarland

I think Brach is going to make the team. He is very comfortable pitching in Baltimore, and had a fabulous season last year. Jimenez and Matusz are both trade bait, but I can’t see the O’s getting anything for them, and if they can’t trade them, I think both end up on the roster as relievers.