http://weblogs.baltimoresun.com/sports/schmuck/2009/01/orioles_jamie_walker_needs_sol.html
Interesting comments here from Schmuck about Walker not being a lock for the roster.
With the Olson trade basically forcing Hendrickson to the rotation, I believe Walker will be given every opportunity to make the roster. Like Schmuck I think he will be effective if he is healthy.
I do think Walker will be traded in July though, and at that point it would be interesting to see if he was replaced by Perez, or Waters, or even Patton.
Another reason I do not think the O’s will dump Walker’s contract, is because I anticipate them eating Baez’s contract. Would be a hard-pill for the team to swallow, if they were to eat both contracts.
Also, for at least the first-half, the Orioles are going to want to ease Ray back, and Sherrill will be closing. If Sherrill is closing, they will definitively want a 2nd lefty.
I am not seeing the O’s opening the season with Perez as the 2nd lefty over Walker.
To be fair to Schmuck, the O’s are infatuated with Perez, as he constantly comes up in the conversation. Jim Hunter mentioned on a MASN Hot-Stove earlier this winter, that Perez was one to watch.
I still see the bullpen as a 7man staff of Sherrill, Ray, Johnson, Walker, Sarfate, Penn, and Pauley.
Owner
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.