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Baltimore Orioles Hot Stove: MLB News & Fantasy Baseball Analysis

Jeff Kahntroff prepares you for the 2014 fantasy baseball season covering the Baltimore Orioles offseason moves, MLB news and fantasy analysis during hot stove season.

 

Hello RotoBallers and welcome to the first installment of the RotoBaller Orioles blog, your home for Baltimore Orioles’ fantasy analysis. This entry addresses the Orioles’ offseason, and what it means for your 2014 fantasy season.

 

2014 Baltimore Orioles - Team Preview

J.J. Hardy Baltimore Orioles

The Orioles’ philosophy seems to have a couple of components which are useful to know for fantasy purposes. First, Dan Duquette, the Orioles general manager, preaches “deep depth.” As a result, he signs a number of players cheaply and plays the numbers game – some will turn out to help the major league team. What it means for fantasy purposes, however, is that more so than other teams, it is unclear who will man certain positions, and even whether there will be an everyday player or a platoon at the position.  That is especially apparent at LF, DH, 2B, and SP this year.

Additionally, the Orioles recently tend to let the market play out and sign players late in the offseason. That means that the Orioles offseason may not be complete just yet. The Orioles still have holes at DH, SP, and closer. While it appears that they may stand pat except for possibly adding a fifth starter, this analysis could very well change with a late offseason signing or trade.

With this context in mind, below is the Orioles offseason review. New acquisitions are bolded. (Departures are noted in parentheses). Possible acquisitions are noted in italics. Injuries are highlighted.

 

2014 Orioles Preview - Known Positions

CMatt Wieters

1BChris Davis

SSJ.J. Hardy

RFNick Markakis

CFAdam Jones

SPChris Tillman, Wei-Yin Chen ** Offseason Knee Surgery – Questionable **, Miguel Gonzalez, Bud Norris (Scott Feldman), (Jason Hammel)

 

2014 Orioles Preview - Unknown Positions

2BRyan Flaherty, Jemile Weeks, Alexi Casilla, (Brian Roberts)

Analysis: Ryan Flaherty is the favorite to win the position, although a platoon with Jemile Weeks is very possible.  Many, however, expect Flaherty to win the job and Casilla to be a backup and utility infielder.

3BManny Machado ** Offseason Knee Surgery **, Michael Almanzar

Analysis: Manny Machado is expected to be ready for opening day, but there is a realistic possibility that he is not.  If he is not, Michael Almanzar could play third base. Given that the Orioles place a high value on defense, it may be more likely that Ryan Flaherty would move to third base until he returned.

LFDavid Lough, Quintin Berry, Francisco Peguero, Nolan Reimold **Surgery last two seasons**, Steve Pearce, Delmon Young, Henry Urrutia (Nate McLouth)

Analysis: David Lough should receive the most playing time, although it is unclear whether he is set to be the everyday left fielder or only play versus RHP. Dan Duquette has said that he is going to replace Nate McLouth, who the Orioles preferred to platoon. However, Nate McLouth had much more exaggerated splits. A lot may depend on who else the Orioles keep in the outfield.

DHPossible Acquisition, Henry Urrutia, Steve Pearce, Nolan Reimold, Delmon Young, Michael Almanzar, (Danny Valencia)

Analysis: Buck Showalter likes to have flexibility at the DH position, and last year the Orioles tried a platoon. It appears that they may do so again.  The right hand DH position is wide open, but if Nolan Reimold is healthy he would likely be the favorite.  Second would likely be Delmon Young.  If Henry Urrutia makes the team, he will likely be the LH DH although it may be better for his development to the learn the outfield in AAA.

 

2014 Orioles Preview - Pitching

Jim Johnson Baltimore Orioles MLB News

Fifth StarterLikely Acquisition (Arroyo or Maholm-type), Zach Britton, Kevin Gausman, Brian Matusz, Steve Johnson, T.J. Macfarland

Analysis: Kevin Gausman has the most talent, but he also has options. With the Orioles having a number of LHP, some of whom do not have options (most importantly Britton), it is likely that one makes the rotation or is traded before or when Troy Patton returns from his 25 game suspension. Thus, Zach Britton may be the favorite unless he struggles in Spring Training, despite Kevin Gausman’s skill advantage. There have also been rumors that Bud Norris could be moved to closer, which could happen if the Orioles sign another starter and Norris struggles.

CloserTommy Hunter, Ryan Webb, Darren O’Day, Possible Acquisition, Steve Johnson, Kevin Gausman (Jim Johnson)

Analysis: The Orioles traded Jim Johnson and almost signed Grant Balfour. Apparently they are attempting to sign Fernando Rodney and still interested in bringing back Francisco Rodriguez, although interest in the former seems to have faded and interest in the latter seems to be more as a setup man.  If they do not sign anyone, Tommy Hunter is the favorite to be the closer (although his splits are exaggerated and he is prone to the home run). Darren O’Day is likely too valuable in his current role to be moved. Another possibility is that the Orioles move Bud Norris to closer, but that is a longshot.

 

The next two editions will feature a detailed breakdown of the Orioles’ lineup and pitching staff. Stay tuned and add @rotonails on Twitter for updates….




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REAL-TIME FANTASY NEWS

Aaron Judge

Unikely to Throw Normally Again This Year
Jalen McMillan

Could be Out Through Week 9 Bye
Indiana Pacers

Pacers Coach Rick Carlisle Agrees to a Multiyear Contract Extension on Tuesday
Washington Wizards

John Wall Retires After 11 NBA Seasons
Daniel Jones

Named as Colts Starting Quarterback
Jalen McMillan

Will Not Be Ready for Season Opener
Collin Sexton

Hornets Have High Hopes for Collin Sexton
Rui Hachimura

Likely to Start Season Without Contract Extension
Jaime Jaquez Jr.

Hopes to Bounce Back in 2025-26
Stephen Curry

Ready to Go for New Season
Orlando Magic

Lester Quinones Agrees to Deal With Magic
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Cleared to Play on Tuesday Night
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Pulled With Hamstring Tightness
MLB

Game 2 of Brewers-Cubs on Monday Postponed
Bryce Miller

to be Activated on Tuesday
Kyle Tucker

to Get Multiple Days Off
Shane Bieber

to Make Season Debut on Friday
Joe Mixon

Could Start Season on NFI List
Zack Wheeler

has Surgery to Remove Blood Clot
De'Von Achane

Unlikely to Practice This Week
Justin Jefferson

Returning to Practice
Chris Godwin

Bucs Chris Godwin Likely to Start Season on PUP List
Joe Flacco

Browns Name Joe Flacco as Their Week 1 Starter
Jalen McDaniels

Inks Deal With New Orleans
N'Faly Dante

Signs Deal With Hawks
Matthew Stafford

Practicing on Monday
Dru Smith

Agrees to Deal With Heat
Austin Dillon

Scores an Upset Victory at Richmond
William Byron

Clinches the Regular Season Championship Title at Richmond
Denny Hamlin

Pit-Road Struggles Impede Denny Hamlin's Chances of a Top Finish at Richmond
Joey Logano

Earns A Fourth-Place Finish at Richmond
Kyle Larson

Rallies to A Top-10 Finish at Richmond
Malik Nabers

Dealing With Back Injury
Khamzat Chimaev

Is The New UFC Middleweight Champion
Dricus Du Plessis

Gets Dominated At UFC 319
Aaron Pico

Suffers Knockout Loss In His UFC Debut
Lerone Murphy

Scores Stunning First-Round Knockout
Leodalis De Vries

Earns Promotion to Double-A
Nathaniel Lowe

Finalizing Deal with Boston
Geoff Neal

Suffers First-Round Knockout Loss
Ketel Marte

Arizona Could Trade Ketel Marte in the Offseason
Carlos Prates

Gets Back In The Win Column
Michael Page

Dominates At UFC 319
Jared Cannonier

Gets Outclassed
Tim Elliott

Gets Submission Win
Kai Asakura

Still Winless In The UFC
Austin Cindric

has Arguably his Best Run of the Season at Richmond
Ryan Blaney

Contends for First Richmond Win but Comes Up Short
Alex Bowman

Finishes Second but Loses Ground in Playoffs
NASCAR

Bubba Wallace Sets Personal Laps-Led Record at Richmond
Chris Buescher

Falls Out of Playoffs After Miserable Richmond Run
Coby White

Bulls Not Interested in Trading Coby White
Dereck Lively II

Expected to be Ready for Camp
Brian Robinson Jr.

Commanders "Shopping" Brian Robinson Jr.
John Metchie III

Texans Trade John Metchie III to Eagles
Victor Scott II

Placed on 10-Day Injured List
Trey Hendrickson

Bengals Listening to Trade Offers for Trey Hendrickson
Marcelo Mayer

to Have Season-Ending Wrist Surgery
Samuel Basallo

Called Up From Triple-A Norfolk
J.K. Dobbins

Expected to Win Starting RB Job?
Quentin Johnston

Suffers Concussion in Preseason Loss
Jaxson Dart

Plays Well on Saturday Night
Marcus Semien

Avoids Serious Injury
Kyle Stowers

Heads to Injured List With Left-Side Strain
Zack Wheeler

Placed on Injured List With Blood Clot in Shoulder
Terry McLaurin

Commanders Optimistic Terry McLaurin Deal Can Get Done Soon
De'Von Achane

De’Von Achane Dealing With Lower-Body Injury
Luka Dončić

Luka Doncic Likely Avoids Serious Injury
Josh Hader

Unlikely to Return During Regular Season
Denny Hamlin

the Heavy Favorite to Win at Richmond
Christopher Bell

Has Been Great at Richmond
Kyle Stowers

Out Saturday With Left-Side Tightness
Tyrese Haliburton

No Longer Using a Scooter, Crutches
Ryan Blaney

Can Ryan Blaney Finally Break Through at Richmond?
Joey Logano

Will Start Last at Richmond After Practice Trouble
Chase Elliott

Lack of Top-Line Speed Hurts his DFS Potential
Kyle Larson

Recent String of Crashes Make Him a Big Risk at Richmond
William Byron

Probably Slightly Too Inconsistent at Richmond to Start for DFS
Ryan Preece

on Pole at Richmond as Playoff Deadline Looms Closer
Brad Keselowski

Probably the Best RFK Racing DFS Option at Richmond
Chase Briscoe

Still Figuring Out Richmond
Chris Buescher

a Solid Choice for DFS Play, but Teammates Look Faster
Jhoan Duran

Feels "100%"
Marcus Semien

Out on Saturday, Going for X-Rays on his Wrist
George Springer

Activated and Starting on Saturday
Terry McLaurin

Commanders Activate Terry McLaurin From PUP List
Rashee Rice

NFL Could Reach Settlement Before Hearing
Joe Mixon

Not a Lock to be Ready For Week 1
Haywood Highsmith

Dealt to Brooklyn on Friday
Amir Coffey

Signs One-Year Deal With Bucks
Khamzat Chimaev

A Favorite At UFC 319
Dricus Du Plessis

Set For His Third Title Defense
Aaron Pico

Set For UFC Debut
Lerone Murphy

Looks To Remain Undefeated
Geoff Neal

Looks For His Second Win In A Row
Michael Page

Set For His Second Middleweight Bout
Jared Cannonier

Looks To Win Back-To-Back Fights
Kai Asakura

Looks For His First UFC Win
Tim Elliott

Set To Open Up UFC 309 Main Card
CBJ

Mikael Pyyhtia Re-Signs With Blue Jackets for One Year
UTA

Caleb Desnoyers Expected to Miss 12 Weeks After Wrist Procedure
Tyson Foerster

on Track to Be Healthy for Season Opener
NHL

Olivier Rodrigue Signs KHL Deal
NHL

Emil Bemstrom to Join Swiss Team
Payton Pritchard

Reportedly Moving Into Starting Lineup
Kevin Durant

Rockets Not Interested in Keeping Kevin Durant with Max Extension
NBA

Isaiah Mobley Joins Turkish Team
NBA

Cole Swider Links Up with EuroLeague Powerhouse

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP