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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

Corey Heim

Does Not Qualify for Cup Race at Chicago Street Course
LaJohntay Wester

Stands out on Special Teams
Clarke Schmidt

Likely to Undergo Tommy John Surgery
Nolan Arenado

Scratched from Saturday's Lineup
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Starting on Saturday
Corbin Carroll

Activated from 10-Day Injured List
Cincinnati Bengals

Shemar Stewart, Bengals Continue Contract Talks, No Progress Made
Giannis Antetokounmpo

Potential Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade may not Happen Until "August, September"
Ha-Seong Kim

Removed Early During Season Debut
ARI

Christian Fischer Retires From NHL at 28
NHL

Spencer Martin Moves to Russia
WAS

Anthony Beauvillier Re-Signs With Capitals for Two Years
Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Sitting Out With Foot Issue
Isaiah Neyor

Impresses at Minicamp
Houston Rockets

Jock Landale Waived by Rockets
Bo Bichette

Back in Blue Jays Lineup
Jonas Valančiūnas

Jonas Valanciunas Considering Returning to Europe
Miles Sanders

Works With Starters During Mandatory Minicamp
Jabari Walker

Signs Two-Way Deal With Sixers
Chimere Dike

Titans Could Move Chimere Dike Inside
Keandre Lambert-Smith

KeAndre Lambert-Smith not Guaranteed Roster Spot
Anthony Bradford

Working Hard to Win Back Starting Job
Byron Young

Still Improving?
Cody Simon

Jonathan Gannon has Been Impressed With Cody Simon
SirVocea Dennis

has Impressive Offseason
Trevor Penning

Could Still Have a Role in New Orleans
Jonathan Kuminga

Warriors Decline Recent Offer for Jonathan Kuminga
Orlando Magic

Moritz Wagner, Magic Agree to One-Year Deal
Clarke Schmidt

Placed on Injured List
José Soriano

Jose Soriano Throws Gem Against Braves
Robbie Ray

Earns Ninth Win in Complete Game
T.J. Watt

Likely to Reset the Edge-Rush Market
George Springer

Blasts Two Homers, Drives in Four
James Wood

Goes Yard in Five-Hit Night
Bradley Beal

Suns Discussing Potential Buyout
Los Angeles Lakers

Jaxson Hayes Staying with the Lakers
NBA

Damian Lillard "Open" to Signing With a Team This Offseason
Max Muncy

Out at Least Six Weeks
Clarke Schmidt

Leaves Start with Forearm Tightness
Colson Montgomery

Promoted to the Major Leagues
Pittsburgh Steelers

Omar Khan, Steelers Agree to Three-Year Contract
Max Muncy

Goes on Injured List With Knee Bruise
Max Muncy

Out of Thursday's Lineup
James Wood

Joining Home Run Derby
SJ

Sharks Claim Nick Leddy Off Waivers
Max Scherzer

Cleared to Start on Saturday
SJ

Sharks Sign Dmitry Orlov to Two-Year, $13 Million Contract
CAR

Nikolaj Ehlers Joins Hurricanes on Six-Year Contract
Kodai Senga

Could be "in Play" to Return Before All-Star Break
Ha-Seong Kim

Rays Reinstate Ha-Seong Kim From Injured List
Chau Smith-Wade

Having Stellar Offseason
Ace Bailey

Inks Rookie Contract With Jazz
Divine Deablo

Could be the Quarterback of the Defense
Isaiah Rodgers

a Likely Starter for the Vikings
Jacob Monk

Sees Plenty of Work With Starters
Avonte Maddox

has Impressed Dan Campbell
Boston Celtics

Josh Minott Inks Deal With Celtics
Chicago Bears

Ruben Hyppolite Shows Notable Improvement
Sandro Mamukelashvili

Heading to Toronto
Daron Payne

Commanders Coaches Impressed With Daron Payne
Danny Gray

Makes Impression During Offseason Workouts
Jared McCain

Not on 76ers Summer League Roster
Dylan Harper

Unavailable for California Classic
COL

Brent Burns Inks One-Year Deal with Avalanche
STL

Blues Land Pius Suter on Two-Year Deal
Morgan Frost

Agrees to Two-Year Extension with Flames
WPG

Gustav Nyquist Moves to Winnipeg
Cody Glass

Devils Re-Sign Cody Glass to Two-Year Deal
PIT

Anthony Mantha Joins Penguins
Cleveland Cavaliers

Larry Nance Jr. Headed Back to Cavaliers
Eric Gordon

Remaining with 76ers
Los Angeles Lakers

Deandre Ayton Joining Lakers
Emil Heineman

Signs Two-Year Deal with Islanders
Simon Holmstrom

Re-Signs with Islanders for Two Years
UTA

Nate Schmidt Signs Three-Year Deal with Mammoth
UTA

Brandon Tanev Moves to Utah on Three-Year Contract
NJ

Evgenii Dadonov Joins Devils on One-Year Deal
BUF

Sabres Snap Up Alex Lyon on Two-Year Contract
Dallas Mavericks

Dante Exum Returning to Dallas
Ryan McLeod

Inks Four-Year Extension with Sabres
NAS

Predators Bring in Nick Perbix on Two-Year Deal
Jaren Jackson Jr.

Has Surgery to Repair a Turf Toe Injury
LA

Cody Ceci Moves to Los Angeles
Charlotte Hornets

Spencer Dinwiddie Lands With Charlotte
Bud Cauley

in Great Form Ahead of John Deere Classic
Christiaan Bezuidenhout

a Player to Avoid at John Deere Classic
Jake Knapp

Riding Momentum Ahead of John Deere Classic
PGA

Sungjae Im Looking for Consistency at John Deere Classic
Ryan Gerard

a Solid Option at John Deere Classic
Rickie Fowler

Looking to Rebound at John Deere Classic
Cameron Champ

a Volatile Option at John Deere Classic
Jackson Suber

Staying Below 70 is Key to Success for Jackson Suber
Kevin Roy

Playing Better Heading into John Deere Classic
Justin Lower

Hoping for Something Positive in Illinois
Ben Kohles

a Long Shot at John Deere Classic
Stephan Jaeger

Attempts to Stop Roller-Coaster Ride
Beau Hossler

Needs a Challenge in Illinois
Harry Higgs

Has Potential at John Deere Classic
Nick Dunlap

Keeps Plugging Through Tough 2025 Season
Milwaukee Bucks

Taurean Prince Staying in Milwaukee
Kevin Yu

a Near Must-Play at TPC Deere Run
PGA

J.T. Poston Returns to John Deere Classic Looking for Another High Finish
Thriston Lawrence

a Decent Fit For John Deere Classic
Tom Kim

Not Finding Much to be Happy About Ahead of John Deere Classic
Si Woo Kim

is a Prohibitive Fade at John Deere Classic
Ben Griffin

is the Appropriate Favorite at TPC Deere Run
Daniel Suarez

and Trackhouse Racing Parting Ways After 2025 Season
Ilia Topuria

Becomes The New Lightweight Champion
Charles Oliveira

Knocked Out At UFC 317
Kai Kara-France

Alexandre Pantoja Submits Kai Kara-France
Kai Kara-France

Submitted At UFC 317
Joshua Van

Extends His Win Streak
Brandon Royval

Drops Decision
Renato Moicano

Loses Back-To-Back Fights
Beneil Dariush

Gets Back In The Win Column
Felipe Lima

Suffers His First UFC Loss
Payton Talbott

Bounces Back
Alex Bowman

Competitive Run Ends With Third-Place Finish at Atlanta
Erik Jones

Secures A Top-Five Finish After Adversity In Atlanta
Tyler Reddick

Collects A New Career-Best Finish At Atlanta
RANKINGS
C
1B
2B
3B
SS
OF
SP
RP

RANKINGS

QB
RB
WR
TE
K
DEF