http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/schmuck/
Peter Schmuck is projecting a roster that looks like this:
Starting rotation
1. Jeremy Guthrie 2. Braden Looper 3. Koji Uehara 4. Mark Hendrickson 5. David Pauley (right)
Bullpen
LH Closer — George Sherrill
RH Closer — Chris Ray
RH Setup — Jim Johnson
LH Setup — Jamie Walker
RH Middle — Dennis Sarfate
LH Middle — Wilfrido Perez
RH Long — Hayden Penn
Catchers
Gregg Zaun, Chad Moeller
Infielders
1B — Aubrey Huff
2B — Brian Roberts
SS — Cesar Izturis
3B — Melvin Mora
Utility — Ryan Freel
Utility — Chris Gomez
Outfielders
RF — Nick Markakis
CF — Adam Jones
LF — Felix Pie
LF/DH — Luke Scott
LF/DH — Lou Montanez
This is very close to the rosters I have previously posted:
http://baltimoresportsandlife.blogspot.com/2009/01/yahoo-sports-gordon-edes-previews.html
http://baltimoresportsandlife.blogspot.com/2009/01/rosenthal-reports-os-trade-olson-for.html
Schmuck is including Looper, believing the O’s will sign him…. and not including Rich Hill, believing his control issues would cost him a spot, even if he was obtained.
Schmuck also believes that Albers will be DL’d to start the year.
Schmuck has also understandably not included Wieters…. when I am doing rosters, I tend to include him – because even though he will not be on the roster for Opening Day, he will be the full-time catcher by the third-week of April.
Here is my currently projected 25 man Opening Day Roster:
You will note that I have included Hill and not Looper.. The latest news sounds as if Looper will not be signed. If Hill is obtained, there is zero chance he does not make the roster.
Albers was able to pitch a couple of innings in October, and has recently reported no soreness in his shoulder… I think he will be ready come April.
Frankly, this is not a bad 25 man roster… and there is a lot of internal depth for the pitching staff.
When Wieters comes up in late-April, he will give the lineup a large boost…
The O’s could surprise some people, this year.
Roberts 2nd
Jones CF
Markakis RF
Huff 1st
Mora 3rd
Scott DH
Zaun C
Pie LF
Izturis SS
Moeller, Montanez, Freel, Gomez
Guthrie, Uehara, Hill, Liz, Albers
Sherrill
Ray
Johnson
Hendrickson
Sarfate
Penn
Pauley
With Bergesen, Hernandez, Tillman, Mickolio, Hoey, McCrory, Patton, Arrieta, Matusz all arms that could help the staff at differing times during 2009.
*Baez traded or released before Opening Day
** Walker traded or released before Opening Day
*** Montanez a 4th OF, vs Reimold a legit prospect that needs everyday at-bats… if Scott is traded at some point, Reimold can take over DH.
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Chris Stoner founded Baltimore Sports and Life in 2009. He has appeared as a radio guest with 1090 WBAL, 105.7 The Fan, CBS 1300, Q1370, WOYK 1350, WKAV 1400, and WNST 1570. He has also been interviewed by The Baltimore Sun, Baltimore Business Journal, and PressBox (TV). As Owner, his responsibilities include serving as the Managing Editor, Publicist, & Sales Director.