The Baltimore Orioles and ManagerBuck Showaltercontinue to discuss the need for a utility infielder on the Orioles’ roster, but that just doesn’t make sense.
The utility infielder is a key piece on some teams, but not for theBaltimore Orioles, at least right now. Often, teams in the National League, where double switches happen, a utility infielder is a useful commodity.
On a team where there isn’t as much flexibility in the infield, a utility infielder is useful. Say, for example, the Texas Rangers.Adrian Beltreisn’t playing second base or shortstop. Neither isJoey Gallo.Elvis Andrushas never played second base in the major leagues, andRougned Odorhas never played shortstop. They can use a utility infielder.
A team that has established players at every position can use a utility infielder. For example, ifBen Zobristis a utility infielder for the Chicago Cubs, it is because the team is established throughout their starting lineup.
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Anthony Rizzo,Javier Baez,Addison Russell,Kris Bryant,Kyle Schwarber,Albert AlmoraJr. andJason Heywardare the seven position players, not includingWillson Contrerasat catcher.
The Baltimore Orioles do not need a utility infielder. Yes,Ryan Flahertyhad a role on the Orioles’ roster. He was the backup at third base and second base, and ifJ.J. Hardygot hurt, would probably enter the game whenManny Machadoshifted to shortstop, or he would play shortstop himself. He also could play the outfield, including center field.
No, Flaherty was not a great hitter, but he was a very good hitter, and he did his job well, asDan Connolly of Baltimore Baseball wrote eloquently earlier today. But, he is in Philadelphia, which I believe is good for the Orioles. However, the talk of needing a utility infielder remain.
There are several flaws in this logic.
Flaw No. 1: The Orioles already have a utility infielder on their roster
His name isTim Beckham. Beckham can play second base (173 games), shortstop (77 games), and we will find out if he can play third base (9 games) in the near future.
Sure, he hasn’t played the outfield before. But, we will get to why that isn’t a big deal in a moment.
In addition, the Orioles’ shortstop, Manny Machado, can play third base in a pinch. I mean, he is a Gold Glove third baseman…
Jonathan Schoophas played a little bit of shortstop.
Flaw No. 2: The Orioles roster constraints
The Orioles need to keepAnthony Santanderon the roster for 44 days as a Rule 5 pick. After that, they can and nearly certainly will send him to the minor leagues.
That’s one roster spot on the bench. Another goes to the backup catcher, whoever that ends up being. That’s two.
A third will go to a reserve outfielder. That player could beAustin Hays, although one would think the Orioles may want him to get regular at-bats. It could beJoey Rickard. It could beCraig Gentry.
That leaves one bench spot left. Ideally, you would want someone who is a strong pinch-hitter, a luxury the Orioles have never had. They don’t have any options like this on the roster, or in the minor leagues. Maybe resigning someone likeChris JohnsonorPedro Alvarezcould fill this role.
Or, maybeChance Siscois your best pinch hitter. But, then you likely need a third catcher.
Flaw No. 3: The current Orioles competing as utility players
Ruben Tejada,Luis Sardinas,Erick Salcedo,Engelb VielmaandGarabez Rosa. These five are competing for the utility spot. Four are glove-first players. The other, Rosa, has been in the Orioles’ system for a long, long time.
The Orioles are a team that it appears are going to need to outhit opponents. So, the player that replaces Manny Machado or Jonathan Schoop in the lineup will need to be someone who has a bat. Now, this is looking at the current roster. If the Orioles signEduardo NunezorErick Aybar, then I would change my mind.
With the flexibility offered by the Orioles’ starting infield, a utility infielder is a player that just doesn’t seem necessary.
If an injury happened to one of these starters, the Orioles would be able to get through the game. They could moveChris Davisto third base, replace the injured player, putMark Trumboat first base, lose the DH and move on with life.
Yes, a roster move would then need to be made, but why hold a spot for a what-if?
One other option that could come to fruition if the Orioles did not hold a spot for a utility infielder would be the ability to carry 13 pitchers. This is an option, that quite frankly, the Orioles need.
Even ifLance Lynn,Alex Cobb,Collin McHughor another solid starter is on the roster, that still leaves two spots likely occupied by a Rule 5 pick and converted reliever. There likely will be hiccups.
Having the option to mix and match in the bullpen would help keep players likeBrad Brachfresh.
It would also be beneficial while the team does not have their All-Star closer to shutting down the ninth inning.
Maybe not carrying a utility infielder wouldn’t work for an entire season. However, there are enough rest days in the first month-plus that the Orioles could do it until Santander’s Rule 5 status is up.
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A lot of this can change with the amount of quality free agents available. MaybeMike Moustakasends up in Baltimore. Or one of the above-mentioned utility guys. Until that time, the Orioles should plan on moving forward with more roster flexibility. Just say no to a utility infielder.
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