Baltimore Orioles Preview and Predictions for Position Players
Oct 11, 2014; Baltimore, MD, USA; Kansas City Royals center fielder
Lorenzo Cain(6) slides in to score in front of Baltimore Orioles catcher
Caleb Joseph(36) in the first inning in game two of the 2014 ALCS playoff at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: H. Darr Beiser-USA TODAY Sports
Catchers
Matt Wieters – I am still just sick that something like ligament reconstructive surgery had to happen to Wieters, just as he had finally figured out how to hit up to his potential and expectation. It always seemed this spring that he was being rushed back to the Orioles. By the time he rehabs, plays in the minors, returns to the Orioles and gets up to the speed of the game, half the season will be gone. I will be surprised if Wieters is able to play up to even the numbers that Caleb Joseph will produce this year. I think the Wieters era is Baltimore is largely over; but if he could come back and hit for the second half of the season like he did at the beginning of 2014, that could be a game changer for the O’s season.
Caleb Joseph – There is no doubt that Joseph can handle the pitchers and control the running game. That is half the battle or more, given the strength of the Orioles’ pitching staff. But can Joseph hit better? Given his minor league numbers, it is reasonable to believe that he can hit a lot better than .207, and I expect he will do so.
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Ryan Lavarnway – I have not seen him play enough to understand why he has not heretofore lived up to his potential. He appears to be a capable once a week sort of backup catcher. If he plays more than that, either good things have happened for him or very bad things for the Orioles.
Steve Clevenger and Others – I do not see a place where they can fit and contribute. But I would have said that about Joseph a year ago. Somewhere, somehow, someone not talked about today will play a role in the story of 2015 for the Baltimore Orioles. It happens every year.