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2016 AL East Rankings by Position: Designated Hitter

By Nate Wardle

Oct 17, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion (10) hits an RBI single during the sixth inning against the Kansas City Royals in game two of the ALCS at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Toronto Blue Jays designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion (10) hits an RBI single during the sixth inning against the Kansas City Royals in game two of the ALCS at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 9, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners first baseman Mark Trumbo (35) watches his two-run homer against the Texas Rangers during the third inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 9, 2015; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Mariners first baseman Mark Trumbo (35) watches his two-run homer against the Texas Rangers during the third inning at Safeco Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Baltimore Orioles – Mark Trumbo, Jimmy Paredes, Caleb Joseph

The Orioles are likely going to have Mark Trumbo at DH, although with the current status of RF, he may also be one of the options with Nolan Reimold or Joey Rickard. But, let’s say Reimold starts in RF, as I discussed here. Just ignore anything about Dexter Fowler, as he is dead to Oriole fans.

Any ways, Trumbo is expected to enjoy playing in the confines of Camden Yards, which is much different from Chase Field in Arizona or Safeco Field in Seattle. Between the Mariners and the Diamondbacks, Trumbo went .262/.310/.449 with 22 HRs, 23 2Bs, 64 RBIs, 52 runs, 36 walks. Trumbo is a guy who is going to strike out a lot. But, his power is expected to play really well in Camden Yards. The 30-year-old has never really become the power hitter many thought he would, but there is a lot of hope in Baltimore.

Other options include Paredes, Reimold when not playing RF, Caleb Joseph and Matt Wieters, depending on who is catching and Wieters’ health.

Trumbo has shown he is a decent fielder, while Paredes should have his glove hidden. The 27-year-old Paredes will be given every shot at being the DH, especially if Trumbo can show he can start in RF. Paredes hit .275/.310/.416 in 2015 with 10 HRs, 17 2Bs, 42 RBIs and 46 runs. But, Paredes hit .291/.339/.475 in the first half with all 10 of his HRs, 12 2Bs, 39 RBIs and 36 runs. His second half was terrible. If the O’s can get first-half Jimmy, it would be a great boost for an already powerful lineup.

Next: People forget the lousy second half of 2015...

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