Post by Jeremiah:OriolesGM on Oct 8, 2016 21:26:15 GMT -5
I didn't write a season outlook piece this year. Partially due to time, but I also didn't want to jinx the level of excitement I have for this year's Orioles team. Through the first month of the season the excitement seems like it's sustainable. Injuries have already done some damage to this team. As should probably have been expected Chris Sale has already registered his first trip the DL, albeit only a 2 week stint this time. Ron Townsend, who missed all of last year with post-concussion syndrome and then a torn muscle in his back has already been ruled out for this season after rupturing his MCL. Paul Jennings will also miss the season with a torn ACL. So with two outfielders down, depth will be a question mark this season.
Catcher Jay McFadden, Donovan Lucero
McFadden was everything I could have wanted and more last season, and should be expected to produce more of the same this year. His defense can't be understated so far. He has a +1 ZR, a 62.5% caught stealing rate, and a 3.74 catcher ERA. It's almost a shame that Lucero doesn't get to play more this season. Last year he played DH down the stretch and really impressed with his hitting. This year with the addition of Morales at first he's back to just being the backup catcher.
First Base/Designated Hitter Alfredo Diaz, Jose Morales
Both of these guys will be playing every day. Diaz appears to be a guaranteed nearly 30 homers a season. His biggest issue has been his defense. He finished with a +1.6 at first last season. Morales meanwhile has 5 home runs in the first 3 weeks with a +1.3 ZR at first.
Second Base Mark Pearce
Last season Pearce was moved to second base after struggling at short stop and third in 2025. While he's only about league average there defensively, it was more important to keep his bat in the lineup. He's one of the few consistent .290+ batting averages in the lineup.
Third Base Bryan Lewis
Your 2026 Gold Glove winner at 3B. He finished the season with a +10.4 in 118 games. I'm still a little upset that Lewis didn't win AL rookie of the year. It seems his power swing has come along a bit this year. Could be a huge season for Lewis.
Short Stop Gilbert Spencer, Armando Cruz
If Townsend in CF were healthy this would be the weakest position on the team. Neither of these guys should be starting for an SBL team, but here we are. Spencer is solid defensively, but he's never going to win a gold glove. Cruz is really only on the 25-man roster to serve as a pinch runner and his ability to play 3 infield positions.
Left Field Jose Rojas
This year's Oriole with the best chance to win rookie of the year. His power is off the charts. If there's a player on this team with a chance to hit over 40 homers, it's Rojas. Hopefully he manages to play decent enough defense to get by. So far he has a -1.2 ZR in left.
Center Field Domingo Castillo, Stanford Stone
Neither player can hit consistently, and both are above average defenders. Losing Townsend again has really hurt this spot.
Right Field Ralph Doolittle, Andrew Baker
Doolittle is this team's star. His only hurdle left is finding a way to stay healthy for the majority of a season. Baker was a rule 5 pick that appears to be a very nice backup outfielder.
Catcher Jay McFadden, Donovan Lucero
McFadden was everything I could have wanted and more last season, and should be expected to produce more of the same this year. His defense can't be understated so far. He has a +1 ZR, a 62.5% caught stealing rate, and a 3.74 catcher ERA. It's almost a shame that Lucero doesn't get to play more this season. Last year he played DH down the stretch and really impressed with his hitting. This year with the addition of Morales at first he's back to just being the backup catcher.
First Base/Designated Hitter Alfredo Diaz, Jose Morales
Both of these guys will be playing every day. Diaz appears to be a guaranteed nearly 30 homers a season. His biggest issue has been his defense. He finished with a +1.6 at first last season. Morales meanwhile has 5 home runs in the first 3 weeks with a +1.3 ZR at first.
Second Base Mark Pearce
Last season Pearce was moved to second base after struggling at short stop and third in 2025. While he's only about league average there defensively, it was more important to keep his bat in the lineup. He's one of the few consistent .290+ batting averages in the lineup.
Third Base Bryan Lewis
Your 2026 Gold Glove winner at 3B. He finished the season with a +10.4 in 118 games. I'm still a little upset that Lewis didn't win AL rookie of the year. It seems his power swing has come along a bit this year. Could be a huge season for Lewis.
Short Stop Gilbert Spencer, Armando Cruz
If Townsend in CF were healthy this would be the weakest position on the team. Neither of these guys should be starting for an SBL team, but here we are. Spencer is solid defensively, but he's never going to win a gold glove. Cruz is really only on the 25-man roster to serve as a pinch runner and his ability to play 3 infield positions.
Left Field Jose Rojas
This year's Oriole with the best chance to win rookie of the year. His power is off the charts. If there's a player on this team with a chance to hit over 40 homers, it's Rojas. Hopefully he manages to play decent enough defense to get by. So far he has a -1.2 ZR in left.
Center Field Domingo Castillo, Stanford Stone
Neither player can hit consistently, and both are above average defenders. Losing Townsend again has really hurt this spot.
Right Field Ralph Doolittle, Andrew Baker
Doolittle is this team's star. His only hurdle left is finding a way to stay healthy for the majority of a season. Baker was a rule 5 pick that appears to be a very nice backup outfielder.