masn-baseballs-orioles.jpgUnless something goes horribly wrong with my day, I intend to immerse myself in the NFL playoffs and a giant bowl of chili.

I’ll be sure to wear a snorkel.

It’s the third week in January, which is too soon to give an accurate projection of the 25-man roster on opening day. But why not?

Starters
Chris Tillman
Wei-Yin Chen
Miguel Gonzalez
Bud Norris

Relievers
Tommy Hunter
Darren O’Day
Ryan Webb
Alfredo Aceves
Brian Matusz

Outfielders
Adam Jones
Nick Markakis
David Lough
Nolan…Unless something goes horribly wrong with my day, I intend to immerse myself in the NFL playoffs and a giant bowl of chili.

I’ll be sure to wear a snorkel.

It’s the third week in January, which is too soon to give an accurate projection of the 25-man roster on opening day. But why not?

Starters
Chris Tillman
Wei-Yin Chen
Miguel Gonzalez
Bud Norris

Relievers
Tommy Hunter
Darren O’Day
Ryan Webb
Alfredo Aceves
Brian Matusz

Outfielders
Adam Jones
Nick Markakis
David Lough
Nolan Reimold

Infielders
Chris Davis
J.J. Hardy
Manny Machado
Ryan Flaherty
Alexi Casilla

Catchers
Matt Wieters
Steve Clevenger

Designated hitters
Delmon Young
Henry Urrutia

You’ll notice that the two designated hitters are technically outfielders. The Orioles seem intent on going with another platoon and maintaining flexibility.

Urrutia would benefit from playing left field every day at Triple-A Norfolk, but he could hit his way onto the roster. He made one heck of an impression on manager Buck Showalter at the mini-camp.

Francisco Peguero is out of options and will be given every chance to make the team, but a healthy Reimold and the addition of Young work against him.

You’ll notice that I haven’t included Rule 5 pick Michael Almanzar. I’m not sure how the Orioles can carry him with Young, Reimold and Casilla on my roster and Machado available on opening day. And I didn’t even mention Steve Pearce, another right-handed bat.

I’ve left room for one starter and two relievers. I’m still expecting executive vice president Dan Duquette to sign another veteran for the rotation. Troy Patton doesn’t make the list because of his 25-game suspension, so I could insert left-hander Zach Britton, who’s out of options.

Josh Stinson also is out of options and could serve as a swingman. Steve Johnson has an option, but he could win a job in spring training.

I’m still expecting Kevin Gausman and T.J. McFarland to begin the year in Norfolk’s rotation, but of course, they’ll compete for spots on the big league club.

Flaherty will have to beat out Jemile Weeks. I’ve got Casilla as the utility infielder because Weeks doesn’t bring the same versatility.

Clevenger is the leading in-house candidate to back up Wieters. The Orioles could sign another catcher, but I’ll go with Clevenger for now.

Go ahead and point out my glaring omissions. And pass the sour cream.