masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgWe’re still in the quiet period for non-playoff teams, except for the random low-level signing. The Orioles are still riding the momentum from the Jed Bradley waiver claim.
The lineup appears to be mostly set with Hyun Soo Kim in left field, Adam Jones in center, Manny Machado at third base, J.J. Hardy at shortstop, Jonathan Schoop at second base and Chris Davis at first. Mark Trumbo’s departure via free agency would leave an opening in right field, Matt Wieters’ departure would leave an…

We’re still in the quiet period for non-playoff teams, except for the random low-level signing. The Orioles are still riding the momentum from the Jed Bradley waiver claim.

The lineup appears to be mostly set with Hyun Soo Kim in left field, Adam Jones in center, Manny Machado at third base, J.J. Hardy at shortstop, Jonathan Schoop at second base and Chris Davis at first. Mark Trumbo’s departure via free agency would leave an opening in right field, Matt Wieters’ departure would leave an opening behind the plate and Pedro Alvarez’s departure would expand the need for a designated hitter.

Caleb Joseph still figures to handle part of the catching duties, the extent of his role to be determined. Joey Rickard, no longer carrying Rule 5 status, could at least fill a bench role. Ryan Flaherty has been a lock as a utility infielder, but the Orioles must decide whether to tender him a contract as his salary climbs. Trey Mancini made quite an impression in his five major league games, hitting three home runs, and belongs in any roster discussion.

The rotation currently has six starters with Chris Tillman, Kevin Gausman, Dylan Bundy, Yovani Gallardo, Ubaldo Jimenez and Wade Miley. Four bullpen spots appear to be set with Zach Britton, Darren O’Day, Brad Brach and Mychal Givens.

The Orioles could continue their search for a left-handed specialist, but Donnie Hart earned strong consideration for the job. Left-handers went 5-for-38 against him. He allowed one run in 18 1/3 innings and opponents batted .194.

He won’t be handed the job in spring training, but he deserves first crack at it.

Including Hart would leave the Orioles with two openings. They could try to re-sign Tommy Hunter, who made 12 appearances after signing on Aug. 28 and allowing three runs in 12 1/3 innings.

Worley-Throws-White-Sidebar.jpgVance Worley brought value as a multi-purpose reliever and spot starter, but he’s projected by MLBTradeRumors.com to make $3.3 million in arbitration and the Orioles may pass. If so, they’ll spend the winter searching for a pitcher who can do the same job at a lower cost while also considering Tyler Wilson and Mike Wright.

As I wrote previously, left-hander T.J .McFarland is out of options and may be non-tendered after a disappointing 2016 season that included a knee injury.

The Orioles used 27 pitchers this season if you include Flaherty, who was forced to work the ninth inning of an Aug. 20 game against the Astros and gave up two runs. Can you name them?

The Orioles used 26 pitchers in 2012 if you include Davis, 26 in 2013, only 20 in 2014 and 22 last year. The 2014 group included Josh Stinson, Preston Guilmet and Ramon Ramirez.

How soon we forget.

OK, here’s the 2016 list in order of number of appearances:

Brach
Britton
Givens
Bundy
Worley
O’Day
Gausman
Tillman
Jimenez
Wilson
Gallardo
Hart
Wright
Odrisamer Despaigne
McFarland
Oliver Drake
Brian Duensing
Hunter
Miley
Chaz Roe
Brian Matusz
Logan Ondrusek
Ashur Tolliver
Jayson Aquino
Parker Bridwell
Flaherty
Ariel Miranda

Yes, Miranda and Flaherty made the same number of appearances.

Miranda allowed three runs and four hits and struck out four batters in two relief innings on July 3 in Seattle, and he went 5-2 with a 3.54 ERA in 11 games (10 starts) with the Mariners after the trade that brought Miley to the Orioles.