Baltimore Orioles 2026 Season Preview
Jul 27, 2016 15:50:08 GMT -5
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Post by Jeremiah:OriolesGM on Jul 27, 2016 15:50:08 GMT -5
The Orioles continued their losing ways last season, even when playing against the other sad-sack franchises in the AL. An overhaul to the pitching staff and the trade that sent Machado, Vargo, and Montoya out of town may actually allow Baltimore fans to have some hope this season.
Catcher Jay McFadden
McFadden was acquired mid-season last year for top prospect Ronald Quinn. He had his fair share of struggles adapting to Baltimore, but the power is there for him to be a 30+ home run guy.
First Base Alfredo Diaz
Diaz figured out how to hit lefties last season, and his production spiked because of it. If he continues to improve you're looking at a 30+ HR 100+ RBI .380+ OBP at the core of this lineup.
Second Base Barton Ward
Ward was outstanding last season hitting .294/.344/.425. Can't ask for much more from a second baseman offensively.
Third Base Jonah Roberson
Acquired from the Brewers for Matt Smoral, Roberson wasn't expected to be starting. However with Bryan Lewis struggling in ST, the decision was made to send him down to Norfolk for a bit more seasoning. Roberson is excellent defensively, but his bat leaves quite a bit to be desired.
Shortstop Mark Pearce
Pearce was acquired in June from Philly for SP Jim Crawford. The move turned out alright, with him going on a tear offensively. He appears primed and ready to do it again. His defense leaves something to be desired however.
Left Field Ralph Doolittl
With Tippold moving up to New York, Doolittl takes over permanently in left. His production can't be questioned, with him hitting .300/.343/.493 last season, and having him out of center(where he posted a -15 ZR in 52 games) can only be a plus.
Center Field Giancarlo Stanton
This was going to be Ron Townsend's spot, but with him going through concussion protocol and landing on the 60-day DL Stanton will slide into this hole. The fans are very excited to have him back in Baltimore where he was once a member of the Orioles daunting 'Murderer's Row' with Miggy Cabrera, Vargo, and Machado.
Right Field Paul Jennings
Jennings will miss the first month with a sports hernia(OW), but when he returns he'll add another .300+ batting average to the lineup with plus defense.
Bench
C Armando Aguilar - Signed at the end of ST due to Lucero's awful play.
1B/LF Chris Nutall - A September call-up last season, he hit .350 in a small sample size. Solid play in ST kept him at the big league level.
3B/RF Antonio Pacheco - Back in Baltimore after a short stint in St. Louis, Pacheco will get some playing time against lefties in the infield and outfield.
SS Bill Arnold - The 22 year old hasn't played at the big league level before, but an impressive spring has him set as the utility infielder the squad desperately needed.
Starting Rotation
SP Brian Merrill - Jamie Moyer 2.0 if you will. He'll have an ERA around 3.7 and throw 30 games. His 85 MPH fastball should be thrown as little as possible.
SP Albert Sanchez - Acquired from Tampa in the off-season, the O's are hoping for 200+ innings and 200+ K's. Hopefully he can maintain an ERA around 3.50 after transitioning to Camden Yards.
SP Herman McCaa - The return for Tippold, McCaa is a 23 year old with a very bright future. The question is whether or not he's ready for the show at this point.
SP Julio Sanchez - Missing all but a few weeks of last season, Sanchez is a flier. He looked good in September upon return from injury.
SP Michael English - A September call-up last season, he dominated the entire month. We'll see if he can continue that success after a very rough spring.
Closer Raul Mendez
Brought in from Cincinnati, he has plenty of experience in a hitter's park. The Os would be ecstatic to see him return to his 2024 production, but would also be happy with last season's numbers.
Bullpen Bruce Wagner, Shane Range, Jose Mendez, Crespin Ramos, Walter Davis, Stephen Parks
Only Ramos was in the bullpen last year, and that's a good thing. The 2nd worst bullpen in the AL last year has been completely revamped. With luck there will be some improvement.
Prospects to Watch
2B/3B Carlos Amario - The 18 year old made it through 3 levels last season with his OBP never dropping below .350. With the hole at the big league level at third, he could find his way in Baltimore by season's end.
SP Bryce Cassidy - He'll start the season in High-A Frederick, but he also cleared 3 levels last season. At age 20, it wouldn't be a surprise to see him in the bullpen for a stretch run.
Predictions
The Orioles will add another SP through trade by the deadline.
The O's will win the Rod Carew division this season.
Giancarlo Stanton will have an OBP oveer .300, and play awful defense in CF.
Ralph Doolittl will win the Silver Slugger or whatever it's called for LF.
Catcher Jay McFadden
McFadden was acquired mid-season last year for top prospect Ronald Quinn. He had his fair share of struggles adapting to Baltimore, but the power is there for him to be a 30+ home run guy.
First Base Alfredo Diaz
Diaz figured out how to hit lefties last season, and his production spiked because of it. If he continues to improve you're looking at a 30+ HR 100+ RBI .380+ OBP at the core of this lineup.
Second Base Barton Ward
Ward was outstanding last season hitting .294/.344/.425. Can't ask for much more from a second baseman offensively.
Third Base Jonah Roberson
Acquired from the Brewers for Matt Smoral, Roberson wasn't expected to be starting. However with Bryan Lewis struggling in ST, the decision was made to send him down to Norfolk for a bit more seasoning. Roberson is excellent defensively, but his bat leaves quite a bit to be desired.
Shortstop Mark Pearce
Pearce was acquired in June from Philly for SP Jim Crawford. The move turned out alright, with him going on a tear offensively. He appears primed and ready to do it again. His defense leaves something to be desired however.
Left Field Ralph Doolittl
With Tippold moving up to New York, Doolittl takes over permanently in left. His production can't be questioned, with him hitting .300/.343/.493 last season, and having him out of center(where he posted a -15 ZR in 52 games) can only be a plus.
Center Field Giancarlo Stanton
This was going to be Ron Townsend's spot, but with him going through concussion protocol and landing on the 60-day DL Stanton will slide into this hole. The fans are very excited to have him back in Baltimore where he was once a member of the Orioles daunting 'Murderer's Row' with Miggy Cabrera, Vargo, and Machado.
Right Field Paul Jennings
Jennings will miss the first month with a sports hernia(OW), but when he returns he'll add another .300+ batting average to the lineup with plus defense.
Bench
C Armando Aguilar - Signed at the end of ST due to Lucero's awful play.
1B/LF Chris Nutall - A September call-up last season, he hit .350 in a small sample size. Solid play in ST kept him at the big league level.
3B/RF Antonio Pacheco - Back in Baltimore after a short stint in St. Louis, Pacheco will get some playing time against lefties in the infield and outfield.
SS Bill Arnold - The 22 year old hasn't played at the big league level before, but an impressive spring has him set as the utility infielder the squad desperately needed.
Starting Rotation
SP Brian Merrill - Jamie Moyer 2.0 if you will. He'll have an ERA around 3.7 and throw 30 games. His 85 MPH fastball should be thrown as little as possible.
SP Albert Sanchez - Acquired from Tampa in the off-season, the O's are hoping for 200+ innings and 200+ K's. Hopefully he can maintain an ERA around 3.50 after transitioning to Camden Yards.
SP Herman McCaa - The return for Tippold, McCaa is a 23 year old with a very bright future. The question is whether or not he's ready for the show at this point.
SP Julio Sanchez - Missing all but a few weeks of last season, Sanchez is a flier. He looked good in September upon return from injury.
SP Michael English - A September call-up last season, he dominated the entire month. We'll see if he can continue that success after a very rough spring.
Closer Raul Mendez
Brought in from Cincinnati, he has plenty of experience in a hitter's park. The Os would be ecstatic to see him return to his 2024 production, but would also be happy with last season's numbers.
Bullpen Bruce Wagner, Shane Range, Jose Mendez, Crespin Ramos, Walter Davis, Stephen Parks
Only Ramos was in the bullpen last year, and that's a good thing. The 2nd worst bullpen in the AL last year has been completely revamped. With luck there will be some improvement.
Prospects to Watch
2B/3B Carlos Amario - The 18 year old made it through 3 levels last season with his OBP never dropping below .350. With the hole at the big league level at third, he could find his way in Baltimore by season's end.
SP Bryce Cassidy - He'll start the season in High-A Frederick, but he also cleared 3 levels last season. At age 20, it wouldn't be a surprise to see him in the bullpen for a stretch run.
Predictions
The Orioles will add another SP through trade by the deadline.
The O's will win the Rod Carew division this season.
Giancarlo Stanton will have an OBP oveer .300, and play awful defense in CF.
Ralph Doolittl will win the Silver Slugger or whatever it's called for LF.