Good morning, Orioles fans.
The Orioles are gearing up for the final stretch of spring training, and it's all systems go from here. With 13 games packed into the next 11 days, including split-squad matchups and a prospects-only Spring Breakout game, the team is ramping up for Opening Day. They'll wrap up their exhibition slate with games against the Nationals in Baltimore and D.C. on March 22 and 23.
As the season opener approaches, the big question is how the Orioles will trim their roster from 53 down to the final 26. Experts like MASN’s Roch Kubatko, MLB’s Jake Rill, and Baltimore Baseball’s Rich Dubroff have weighed in on the situation.
They all suggest that Zach Eflin might start the season on the injured list as he continues to recover from last year’s back surgery. Eflin has only pitched two innings this spring, and he's not slated to take the mound again this week.
The consensus among these analysts is clear on most roster spots, but the final bullpen and bench slots remain up for grabs. Kubatko and Rill are backing hard-throwing righty Jackson Kowar, while Dubroff favors Yaramil Hiraldo for the bullpen. Meanwhile, Grant Wolfram’s impressive spring performance (five scoreless innings, nine strikeouts) seems to have secured his spot, while Albert Suárez’s struggles (nine runs in 6.2 innings) may have cost him.
The utility infield position is another area of debate. It seems to be a showdown between Jeremiah Jackson and Luis Vázquez. With Coby Mayo as the starting third baseman, having a reliable defender like Vázquez could be crucial for late-game situations.
While the roster predictions seem solid, there's a sense that the Orioles might still have a move or two up their sleeve. The lineup has some redundancy, particularly with Ryan Mountcastle, who may not fit as seamlessly given Pete Alonso's presence. Trading Mountcastle for bullpen help could be a strategic move, especially with Andrew Kittredge injured and questions surrounding the bullpen's depth.
As we look ahead to Opening Day, what would your ideal roster look like, Orioles fans?
In other news, the debate continues over Chris Davis's place in the Orioles' Hall of Fame. Despite his career decline, his contributions to the team were significant, though some fans feel the timing might be a bit premature.
And a special shoutout to those celebrating today: happy birthday! Will “The Thrill” Clark, who left a mark with his impressive career, including his time with the Orioles, turns 62 today.
On this day in 1996, the Orioles traded Sherman Obando to the Expos for Tony Tarasco. Tarasco is perhaps best remembered for the infamous fan interference incident during the 1996 ALCS.
Here's to an exciting finish to spring training and a promising season ahead!