Baltimore Orioles Spring Training: Six Bold Predictions

May 22, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Baltimore Orioles catcher

(45) prepares to throw down to first base in the eighth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. The Indians defeated the Orioles 8-7 in thirteen innings. Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports

Caleb Joseph and Steve Clevenger both go north with the O’s …

This particular prediction is predicated upon the assumption that Matt Wieters is not going to be quite ready for opening day. No, Wieters is not a pitcher, but Tommy John surgery is a big deal, especially as close to it as Wieters remains. And even though he is a mountain of a man with a canon for an arm, it is a very long throw to second base.

I believe the Orioles will exercise an abundance of caution for the early season and give Matt several more weeks of rehab assignment to get fully ready before joining the Birds. I can even tell you right now what Showalter is going to say when this announced … “Matt is worth waiting for.”

So, it will be Clevenger and Joseph in a sort of platooning situation.

Clearly the Orioles are pleased at this early juncture with the Clevenger that appeared at camp this season as compared to the fellow of a year ago. There is little reading between the lines that in 2014 he was not in the sort of condition they desired, especially defensively. Even so, he was a beast of a hitter last spring – one hit shy of .500 with a 17-for-36 effort and two home runs. He can hit, there is no doubt about that.

There was everything to like about Joseph’s effort defensively last year. It was simply great; and it was one of the key contributing storylines to a 96-win season. However, that batting average was not so good, a curiosity given his minor league hitting career. He could well improve a great deal.

So, whichever of the two is playing the best when Wieters returns gets to stay, while the other goes to catch in Norfolk.

Next: Two trades that will happen ...